Sen. Kimberly Lightford

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, February 08, 2024, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 20, 2024, or to the call of the Speaker; and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 20, 2024, or to the call of the President.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that the provision of the Post-Conviction Hearing Article of the Code that a prisoner shows cause by identifying an objective factor that impeded his or her ability to raise a specific claim during his or her initial post-conviction proceedings shall bar a claim under the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution brought in a successive post-conviction petition by any person who was convicted of a felony offense committed when that person was under 18 years of age.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Repeals the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984 on January 1, 2029 (rather than January 1, 2024). Amends the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984. Provides that all applicants and registrants shall: (1) provide a valid address and email address to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which shall serve as the address of record and email address of record, respectively, at the time of application for registration or renewal of a registration; and (2) inform the Department of any change of address of record or email address of record within 14 days after such change either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department's licensure maintenance unit. Provides that every application for an original licensee under this Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number. Provides that the report of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations of the Board shall be the basis for the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation's (rather than the Department's) action regarding a certificate. Provides that within 20 days after service of a notice of report of refusal to issue or renew, the respondent may present to the Secretary (rather than to the Department) a motion in writing for a rehearing. Removes a provision providing that exhibits shall be certified without cost. Repeals a provision concerning a roster. Makes corresponding and other changes. Provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

Creates the Access to Affordable Insulin Act. Sets forth provisions concerning an insulin urgent-need program. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall establish procedures and applications for the insulin urgent-need program. Sets forth provisions concerning insulin urgent-need program exceptions, eligibility, forms, applications, claims and reimbursement, copayments, information sheets, and navigators. Defines terms. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning cost sharing in prescription insulin drugs, provides that an insurer that provides coverage for prescription insulin drugs under the terms of a health coverage plan the insurer offers shall limit the total amount that an insured is required to pay for a 30-day supply of covered prescription insulin drugs at an amount not to exceed $35 (rather than $100). Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the awarding of contracts by school boards, increases the contract value subject to competitive bid provisions to $35,000 (instead of $25,000). Provides that the value excepted for a single project is $70,000 (instead of $50,000). Makes related changes.

Urges the United States Congress to take immediate action to clarify and amend the U.S. tax code to prevent the misuse of Puerto Rican tax incentives. Urges any amendments to the tax code to preserve the original intent of promoting economic growth in Puerto Rico while preventing potential misuse and addressing the negative economic impacts on the local population. Encourages collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as with Puerto Rican authorities, to ensure that tax policies are fair, transparent, and effective. Recommends the implementation of educational campaigns to inform the public about the proper use of tax incentives and the potential consequences of misuse in Puerto Rico.

Mourns the death of Pastor John E. McNair.

Mourns the passing of Bishop Eddie Lee Hightower.

Creates the Second Chance Public Health and Safety Act and amends the Freedom of Information Act, the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, and the Unified Code of Corrections. Contains declarations and findings. Creates the Department of Returning Resident Affairs and sets forth its powers in relation to returning residents (residents who have been detained, are defendants in criminal prosecutions, are incarcerated, or have been incarcerated) and other matters. Provides that the Department shall develop and administer the Second Chance State Program for returning residents and provides for the establishment of hub sites to provide specified services to eligible individuals and other elements of the Program. Provides for the appointment of a Director of Returning Resident Affairs who has experience working with or for a community-based organization and was incarcerated in an Illinois Department of Corrections facility for not less than one year, as well as an Assistant Director and a General Counsel. Contains provisions regarding other matters. Provides that the provisions of the Act are severable. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides for the election (rather than appointment) of the board of trustees of the City Colleges of Chicago beginning with the 2025 consolidated election. Provides that the City of Chicago shall be subdivided into 20 trustee districts by the General Assembly for seats on the board of trustees, in addition to one at-large trustee. Makes related changes. Effective immediately.