Sen. Melinda Bush

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan shall provide coverage for epinephrine injectors for persons 18 years of age or under. Makes conforming changes in the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Specifies that the required coverage for epinephrine injectors for persons under the age of 18 years of age is limited to medically necessary epinephrine injectors.

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 5 ILCS 140/1.1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2805/38 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Creates the Veterans' Service-Related Ailments Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall review and make recommendations regarding veterans' service-related ailments that are not recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including exploring why certain service-related ailments are not recognized and determining what may be done to have them recognized. Provides who shall serve on the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall meet at least once every 2 months beginning July 1, 2019. Provides that the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall prepare a report that summarizes its work and makes recommendations resulting from its study and shall submit the report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2019. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved on December 31, 2020. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 5 ILCS 140/1.1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2805/38 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: Requires the Task Force to assess ways the State can improve the rate at which disability compensation claims are approved by the federal government and correct the disparity between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' approval of disability compensation for Illinois veterans and that which is approved for veterans in other states. Provides that 4 members of different Illinois counties' Veterans Assistance Commissions, Veteran Service Officers, and VITAS officials shall be appointed to serve on the Task Force by the chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives and the chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Senate. Requires the report to be submitted by December 31, 2020 (rather than 2019) and the Task Force to dissolve and the amendatory Act's provisions to be repealed on December 31, 2021 (rather than 2020). Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 In provisions establishing the membership of the Veterans' Service-Related Ailments Task Force, provides that a total of 4 members shall be appointed, one each by the chair and the minority spokesperson of the Veterans' Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (instead of the chair) and one each by the chair and the minority spokesperson of the Veterans Affairs Committee of the Senate (instead of the chair).

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that no rail carrier shall operate a train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight unless it has an operating crew consisting of at least 2 individuals. Provides that the minimum freight train crew size shall remain in effect until a federal law or rule encompassing the subject matter has been adopted. Grants the Illinois Commerce Commission the power to conduct evidentiary hearings, make findings, and issue and enforce orders, including sanctions, with respect to freight train crew member size. Provides that "train or light engine" does not include trains operated by a hostler service or utility employees. Fiscal Note (Illinois Commerce Commission) The Commision does not anticipate needing additional resources to fulfill the requirements of this bill.

Amends the School Code. With regard to the textbook block grant program, provides that the textbooks authorized to be purchased must include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act and must be non-discriminatory as to any of the characteristics under the Act. Provides that textbooks purchased with grant funds must be non-discriminatory. Provides that in public schools only, the teaching of history of the United States shall include a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State. Effective July 1, 2020. Balanced Budget Note (Office of Management and Budget) Please be advised that the Balanced Budget Note Act does not apply to House Bill 246, as it is not a supplemental appropriation that increases or decreases appropriations. Under the Act, a balanced budget note must be prepared only for bills that change a general funds appropriation for the fiscal year in which the new bill is enacted. Correctional Note (Dept of Corrections) There is no fiscal or population impact on the Department of Corrections. Land Conveyance Appraisal Note (Dept. of Transportation) No land conveyances are included in House Bill 246; therefore, there are no appraisals to be filed. State Debt Impact Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) This bill would not change the amount of authorization for any type of State-issued or State-supported bond, and, therefore, would not affect the level of State indebtedness. Judicial Note (Admin Office of the Illinois Courts) This bill would neither increase nor decrease the number of judges needed in the State of Illinois. Pension Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) This bill does not impact any public pension fund or retirement system in Illinois. Housing Affordability Impact Note (Housing Development Authority) This bill will have no effect on the cost of constructing, purchasing, owning, or selling a single-family residence. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not create a State mandate. Home Rule Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not pre-empt home rule authority. Fiscal Note (IL State Board of Education) This bill will not have a fiscal impact on the State Board of Education.

Amends the Illinois Drainage Code. Provides that if one or more municipalities account for at least 50% of a drainage district's territory, the drainage district may be dissolved if each municipality that has territory within the drainage district and the county in which the drainage district lies adopt a resolution or ordinance dissolving the district. Provides that the resolution or ordinance must state: that there are no outstanding debts of the district that have been filed with the county clerk; that federal or State permits or grants will not be impaired by dissolution of the district; and the date of dissolution of the district. Provides for transfer of powers and real property of the former drainage district to the municipalities and county. Provides that if the former district had levied a tax that is still effective on the date of dissolution, then the county in which the drainage district lies has the authority to continue to collect, receive, and expend the proceeds of the tax within the boundaries of the former drainage district and the proceeds shall be expended or disposed of by the county in the same manner as the proceeds may have been expended or disposed by the former drainage district. Provides that the county board shall, by ordinance or resolution, reduce or eliminate the tax levy under specified conditions. Provides that the county shall notify the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency of the dissolution of the district no later than 60 days after the date of dissolution of the district. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 70 ILCS 605/10-7.3 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Provides that, upon adoption of the required resolutions or ordinances to dissolve a drainage district where one or more municipalities that accounts for at least 75% (rather than 50%) of the drainage district's territory, the county shall file a petition in the circuit court for dissolution and the court shall provide notice, hearing, and decision on the dissolution. Requires specified reports to be filed with the circuit court. Provides for conditions for the transfer of a levy by a former drainage district located in a county with a county stormwater committee. Changes references of "tax" to "assessment". Limits the provisions of the bill to drainage districts wholly or partially contained within the Lake Michigan Watershed, Chicago/Calumet Watershed, Des Plaines River Watershed, or Fox River Watershed. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Limits the provisions to drainage districts: (1) wholly or partially contained within the Lake Michigan Watershed, Chicago/Calumet Watershed, Des Plaines River Watershed, or Fox River Watershed; and (2) wholly contained within a county with a stormwater management planning committee (rather than only to those districts wholly or partially contained within the specified watersheds). House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill, as amended by House Amendment No. 1, with the following changes: Provides that the county and municipality (rather than only the county) in which the drainage district lies has the authority to continue to collect, receive, and expend the proceeds of the assessment within the boundaries of the former drainage district in a proportionate share to the area of the dissolved drainage district contained within the county or municipality. Makes conforming changes.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that a child shall continue to be eligible for an Individual Care Grant if the child is placed in the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 because the child requires care in a residential treatment facility and an application for the Family Support Program was pending with the Department Healthcare and Family Services or an active application was being reviewed by the Department when the guardianship order was entered. Provides that any minor who is placed in the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services under the Act while an application for the Family Support Program was pending with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or an active application was being reviewed by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall continue to be considered eligible for services if all other eligibility criteria are met. Provides that the court shall conduct a hearing within 14 days upon notification to all parties that an application for the Family Support Program services has been approved and services are available. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 1705/7.1 705 ILCS 405/5-711 new Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 505/7.8 new 325 ILCS 5/7.01 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that whenever a child is placed in the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services or a child is returned to the custody of a parent or guardian and the court retains jurisdiction of the case, the Department must ensure that the child is up to date on his or her well-child visits, including age-appropriate immunizations, or that there is a documented religious or medical reason the child did not receive the immunizations. Provides that whenever a child has been placed in foster or substitute care by court order and the court later determines that the child can return to the custody of his or her parent or guardian, the Department must complete, prior to the child's discharge from foster or substitute care, a home safety checklist to ensure that the conditions of the child's home are sufficient to ensure the child's safety and well-being, as defined in Department rules and procedures. Provides that at a minimum, the home safety checklist shall be completed within 24 hours prior to the child's return home and completed again or recertified in the absence of any environmental barriers or hazards within 5 working days after a child is returned home and every month thereafter until the child's case is closed pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that when a court determines that a child should return to the custody or guardianship of a parent or guardian, any aftercare services provided to the child and the child's family by the Department or a purchase of service agency shall commence on the date upon which the child is returned to the custody or guardianship of his or her parent or guardian. If multiple children are returned at different times to the custody or guardianship of the parent or guardian, requires aftercare services to commence on the date upon which the last child returns home. Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that when a report is made by a mandated reporter to the statewide toll-free telephone number established under the Act and there is a prior indicated report of abuse or neglect and a prior open service case involving any member of the household, the Department must, at a minimum, accept the report as a child welfare services referral. Requires a child protective services investigation if the family refuses to cooperate or refuses access to the home or children and if the facts otherwise meet the criteria to accept a report. Provides that beginning one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Auditor General shall conduct a performance and compliance audit of the Department of Children and Family Services to determine whether the Department is meeting the requirements under the amendatory Act. Provides that upon completion of each audit, the Auditor General shall report its findings to the General Assembly. Requires the Auditor General's report to include any issues or deficiencies and recommendations. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Requires the Auditor General to commence a performance audit (rather than conduct a performance and compliance audit) of the Department of Children and Family Services one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act (rather than one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act and every 2 years thereafter) to determine whether the Department is meeting the requirements set forth in the amendatory Act. Provides that within 2 years after the audit's release, the Auditor General shall commence a follow-up performance audit to determine whether the Department has implemented the recommendations contained in the initial performance audit. Provides that upon completion of each audit, the Auditor General shall report its findings to the General Assembly and the Auditor General's reports shall include any issues or deficiencies and recommendations. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Further amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that if children are returned to the custody of a parent at different times, the Department of Children and Family Services or the purchase of service agency shall provide a minimum of 6 months of aftercare services to each child commencing on the date each individual child is returned home (rather than if multiple children are returned at different times to the custody or guardianship of the parent or guardian, aftercare services shall commence on the date upon which the last child returns home). Further amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that when a report is made by a mandated reporter to the statewide toll-free telephone number established under the Act and there is a prior indicated report of abuse or neglect, or there is a prior open service case involving any member of the household (rather than there is a prior indicated report of abuse or neglect and a prior open service case involving any member of the household), the Department of Children and Family Services must, at a minimum, accept the report as a child welfare services referral.

Amends the Consent by Minors to Health Care Services Act. Provides that a minor of 12 years or older who may have come into contact with any sexually transmitted disease or may be determined to be an intoxicated person or a person with a substance use disorder, or who may have a family member who abuses drugs or alcohol, may give consent to the furnishing of health care services or counseling related to the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment, rather than just the diagnosis or treatment, of the disease.

Amends the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Act. Provides that the Program Board created to administer the grant program authorized by the Act shall be comprised of 11 (rather than 21) members. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 110 ILCS 930/3 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/22-85 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, in addition to any other requirements under the Code, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, the parent or guardian of each student or, if a student is at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, the student must (i) file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid with the United States Department of Education or, if applicable, an application for State financial aid or (ii) on a form created by the State Board of Education, file a waiver with the student's school district indicating that the parent or guardian or, if applicable, the student understands what the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and application for State financial aid are and has chosen not to file an application. Provides that a school district must require each high school student to comply with the requirements and must provide to each student and, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian any support or assistance necessary for compliance. Provides that a school district must award a high school diploma to a student who is unable to meet the requirements due to extenuating circumstances, as determined by the school district, if (i) the student has met all other graduation requirements under the Code and (ii) the principal attests that the school district has made a good faith effort to assist the student or, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian in filing an application or a waiver. Allows the State Board to adopt rules.

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that, subject to the provisions of the Public Contract Fraud Act, the State Treasurer is authorized during fiscal years 2019 and 2020 to purchase real property located in the City of Springfield, Illinois which the State Treasurer deems necessary to properly carry out the powers and duties vested in him or her. Provides that, subject to provisions of the Treasurer's Procurement Rules, the State Treasurer may enter into contracts relating to construction, reconstruction, or renovation projects for any such buildings or lands acquired under this Act, and the State Treasurer may equip, lease, operate, and maintain those grounds, buildings, and facilities as may be appropriate to carry out the State Treasurer's statutory purposes and duties. Provides that the State Treasurer may enter into agreements with any person with respect to the use and occupancy of the grounds, buildings, and facilities of the State Treasurer, including concession, license, and lease agreements on terms and conditions as the State Treasurer determines and in accordance with the procurement processes for the Office of the State Treasurer, which shall be substantially in accordance with the requirements of Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that exercise of the authority vested by this Act is subject to the appropriation of the necessary funds. Amends the State Finance Act. Expands the use of moneys in the State Pension Fund to include the acquisition of land and buildings in State fiscal year 2019 and 2020 for use by the Office of the State Treasurer, as well as construction, reconstruction, improvement, repair, and maintenance, in accordance with the provisions of laws relating thereto, of such lands and buildings beginning in State fiscal year 2019 and thereafter. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the State Treasurer is authorized to acquire (currently, purchase) real property located in Springfield, Illinois. Provides that real property acquired by the State Treasurer under specified provisions may be acquired subject to any third party interests in the property that do not prevent the State Treasurer from exercising the intended beneficial use of such property. Removes provisions concerning the form in which property may be acquired by the State Treasurer. Removes provisions concerning a leaseback of property. Modifies the term "operational expenses of the Office of the State Treasurer". House Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 15 ILCS 505/35 new 30 ILCS 105/8.12 Adds reference to: 15 ILCS 505/1 from Ch. 130, par. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the State Treasurer Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning bond. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 15 ILCS 505/1 from Ch. 130, par. 1 Adds reference to: 35 ILCS 200/24-36 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the Property Tax Relief Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall identify the causes of increasingly burdensome property taxes across Illinois, review best practices in public policy strategies that create short-term and long-term property tax relief for homeowners, and make recommendations to assist in the development of short-term and long-term administrative, electoral, and legislative changes needed to create short-term and long-term property tax relief for homeowners. Provides for the membership of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall submit its initial report to the Governor and the General Assembly within 90 days of the effective date of this amendatory Act, and provides that the Task Force shall submit its final report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2019. Repeals these provisions December 31, 2020. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: 15 ILCS 505/1 from Ch. 130, par. 1 Adds reference to: 35 ILCS 200/24-36 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the Property Tax Relief Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall identify the causes of increasingly burdensome property taxes across Illinois, review best practices in public policy strategies that create short-term and long-term property tax relief for homeowners, and make recommendations to assist in the development of short-term and long-term administrative, electoral, and legislative changes needed to create short-term and long-term property tax relief for homeowners. Provides for the membership of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall submit its initial report to the Governor and the General Assembly within 90 days of the effective date of this amendatory Act, and provides that the Task Force shall submit its final report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2019. Repeals these provisions December 31, 2020. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 4 Deletes reference to: 15 ILCS 505/1 from Ch. 130, par. 1 Adds reference to: 35 ILCS 200/24-36 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the Property Tax Relief Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall identify the causes of increasingly burdensome property taxes across Illinois, review best practices in public policy strategies that create short-term and long-term property tax relief for homeowners, and make recommendations to assist in the development of short-term and long-term administrative, electoral, and legislative changes needed to create short-term and long-term property tax relief for homeowners. Provides for the membership of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall submit its initial report to the Governor and the General Assembly within 90 days of the effective date of this amendatory Act, and provides that the Task Force shall submit its final report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2019. Repeals these provisions December 31, 2020. Effective immediately.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that if a county finds that an imminent hazard to the public health or safety exists arising from an unfit condition which requires immediate action to protect the public health or safety, it may bring an action, without bond, for immediate injunctive relief, including causing the removal of unhealthy or unsafe accumulations or concentrations of the following: garbage; organic materials in an active state of decomposition, including, but not limited to, carcasses, food waste, or other spoiled or rotting materials; human or animal waste; debris; or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials from a structure or property. Provides that a county may file a notice of lien for the cost and expense of actions taken. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Limits the provisions to residential property of 1 acre or less. Adds provisions requiring the county to file with the circuit court a petition for an order authorizing the abatement of the condition that is causing the threat to health or safety, including provisions concerning notice and hearing regarding the petition. Makes other changes.