Amends the Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall conduct an access to nutritious food program to establish and operate projects and strategies within food deserts that focus on: (1) distribution of fresh and nutritious food; and (2) education in food preparation and nutrition. Provides that the Department shall promote the sharing of information concerning best practices and programs, including specified projects, that have proven to be effective in improving distribution of fresh and nutritious food and education in food preparation and nutrition. Provides that the Department shall convene an annual meeting of nonprofit organizations and other interested parties to share best practices and information on programs, including specified projects, that have proven to be effective in improving distribution of fresh and nutritious food and education in food preparation and nutrition. Defines "food desert" and "program".
Sponsored bills
Amends the Department of Insurance Law. Provides that the Department of Insurance shall establish the Office of the Healthcare Advocate. Provides that the Office shall be administered by the Chief Health Care Advocate, who shall report to the Director of Insurance. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code and the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Provides that all individual and small group accident and health policies written subject to certain federal standards must file rates with the Department for approval. Provides that unreasonable rate increases or inadequate rates shall be modified or disapproved. Provides that when an insurer files a schedule or table of premium rates for individual or small group health benefit plans, the insurer shall post notice of the premium rate filings and a filing summary in plain language on the insurer's website. Provides that the Department shall post all insurers' rate filings and summaries on the Department's website. Provides that the Department shall open a 30-day public comment period on the date that a rate filing is posted on the website. Provides that the Department shall hold a public hearing during the 30-day comment period. Provides that the Director shall adopt affordability standards that must be considered in any decision to approve, disapprove, or modify rate filings. Provides that after the close of the public comment period, the Department shall issue a decision to approve, disapprove, or modify a rate filing, and post the decision on the Department's website. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules implementing specified procedures. Defines "inadequate rate", "plain language", and "unreasonable rate increase".
Mourns the death of Michael John Gerace, formerly of Downers Grove.
Appropriates $5,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the State Board of Education for a grant to the YouthBuild Illinois Coalition. Effective July 1, 2023.
Amends the Criminal Identification Act. Provides that a petitioner may file a petition to vacate and expunge certain felony possession violations under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the States Attorney's office of each county shall report annually to the Sentencing Policy Advisory Council certain information regarding each person whose case was disposed under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, the Cannabis Control Act, and the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that notwithstanding any provision of the statute prohibiting the knowing manufacture, delivery, or intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance to the contrary, this provision does not apply to possession with intent to deliver an amount of a controlled or counterfeit substances or controlled substance analogs for which possession is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Reduces the penalties for the knowing manufacture or delivery, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, or possession of certain specified controlled substances. Reduces the penalties for the knowing possession of certain specified controlled substances. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections and the Code of Civil Procedure to make conforming changes.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction.
Creates the Literary and Justice for All Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement evidence-based, culturally inclusive core reading instruction programs, a template to develop literacy plans, and guidance on evidence-based practices. Requires the State Board to develop training opportunities in teaching reading and a comprehensive literacy plan for this State. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, the requirements to receive a Professional Educator License, taking a test in reading foundations for certain licensure, and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective immediately.
Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that a person who has been convicted of a felony is qualified to act as an executor if: (i) the testator names that person as an executor and expressly acknowledges in the will that the testator is aware that the person has been convicted of a felony; and (ii) the person is otherwise qualified to act as an executor.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Makes a technical change in the short title Section.
Sets forth certain protections that must be provided to any subject of an abuse or neglect investigation whenever the Department of Children and Family Services consults with and relies upon the opinion of a medically trained professional as to whether there is evidence of abuse or neglect. Provides that no child or family member of a child who is the subject of an investigation shall be required to submit to additional medical tests, for investigation purposes only, during the investigation. Requires a consulting medical professional who is employed or under contract with the Department to identify himself or herself as a forensic consultant, rather than as a member of the child's treatment team, whenever the individual has direct contact with the child or the family of the child. Provides that the subject of a report shall have the opportunity to submit a second medical opinion as to whether there is evidence of abuse or neglect. Requires the Department to annually prepare and make available on the Department's Reports and Statistics webpage a report on the number of children referred to a consulting medical professional for forensic opinion. Provides that the first report must be posted by March 31, 2024. Sets forth certain data and information that must be contained in the annual report.