Sen. Dave Koehler

Amends the School Code. In provisions requiring a criminal history records check to be performed with regard to applicants for employment with a school district or non-public school and whether those applicants may be employed, makes changes concerning the types of convictions checked for and when those convictions occurred. In provisions concerning the conviction of certain offenses as grounds for revocation of an educator license, changes the definitions of "narcotics offense" and "sex offense". Effective immediately.

Amends the Urban Weatherization Initiative Act. Provides that the efforts of the Urban Weatherization Initiative shall be coordinated with federal weatherization programs. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to administer the Initiative so as to qualify for federal grant or matching programs. Provides the salary of employees hired under the Initiative in accordance with the hourly wages associated with the federal prevailing wage rates for weatherization workers. Provides that the maximum per unit expenditure is limited to $10,000 (currently $6,500) and that a grant recipient may not be awarded grants totaling more than $2,000,000 (currently $500,000) per fiscal year. Provides that 2 voting members of the Weatherization Initiative Board must have experience in residential weatherization or energy efficiency and that one voting member must have experience in workforce development. Requires the Board's annual report to be filed by May 31 (instead of December 31).

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2016, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall implement a pilot project requiring that every new or refilled prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance containing hydrocodone shall only be dispensed in a non-reusable medicine locking closure package. Defines "medicine locking closure package" and "Schedule II controlled substance". Provides that the medicine locking closure package must be dispensed by the pharmacy with instructions for patient use. Provides that the manufacturer of the medicine locking closure package must make available assistance online or through a toll-free number for patient use. Provides that prescriptions reimbursed via Medicare Part D and Medicaid and prescriptions for individuals residing in facilities licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act are exempt from the requirements of the pilot project. Repeals the provisions creating the pilot project on January 1, 2017. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board shall require that each school building in the district be equipped with approved carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the rules of the State Fire Marshal. Sets forth how the alarms are to be powered. Provides that the State Fire Marshal shall, by rule, (i) determine the number of alarms a public school building must have and where those alarms must be located, (ii) require that the alarms be in operating condition and be inspected annually, (iii) exempt school buildings from the alarm requirement if they do not have or are not close to any sources of carbon monoxide, and (iv) require plans, protocols, and procedures in response to the activation of a carbon monoxide alarm. Effective immediately.

Creates the Fair Practices in Contracting Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall address the disparity in State procurement awards to African-American-owned businesses. Provides for the composition and administrative support of the Task Force. Provides a schedule of meetings that the Task Force shall follow. Provides that the Task Force shall submit its final report to the General Assembly and the Governor by December 31, 2017. Repeals this Act on January 2, 2019.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code and the Illinois Public Aid Code. With regard to the respective requirements concerning coverage and payment for screening by low-dose mammography for all women 35 years of age or older for the presence of occult breast cancer, includes a screening MRI when medically necessary, as determined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, and if the American Cancer Society's guidelines for appropriate use for women at high risk for breast cancer are met. Further amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that on and after January 1, 2016, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall ensure that all networks of care for adult clients of the Department include access to at least one breast imaging Center of Imaging Excellence as certified by the American College of Radiology. Provides that on and after January 1, 2017, providers participating in a breast cancer treatment quality improvement program approved by the Department shall be reimbursed for breast cancer treatment at a rate that is no lower than 95% of the Medicare program's rates for the data elements included in the breast cancer treatment quality program. Makes changes concerning the case-managing and patient navigation pilot program. Sets forth provisions concerning departmental requirements for networks of care. Provides that on and after January 1, 2016, the Department shall ensure that provider and hospital reimbursement for certain required post-mastectomy care benefits are no lower than the Medicare reimbursement rate. Provides that on and after January 1, 2016 and subject to funding availability, the Department shall administer a grant program to build the public infrastructure for breast cancer imaging and diagnostic services across the State. Effective immediately.

Amends the College Student Immunization Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning immunization reports.

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that an otherwise qualified bidder or offeror who will fulfill the contract through the use of products made of recycled supplies shall (currently, may) be given a preference over bidders or offerors unable to do so, provided that the cost included in the bid of supplies is equal or less than other bids or offers. Effective immediately.

Creates the Youth Mental Health Protection Act. Defines "mental health provider" and "sexual orientation change efforts" or "conversion therapy". Provides that no mental health provider shall engage in sexual orientation change efforts with a person under the age of 18. Provides that a mental health provider shall not refer a client or patient to any individual for the purpose of sexual orientation change efforts. Further provides that any sexual orientation change effort attempted on a person under the age of 18 or any referral made by a mental health provider shall be considered unprofessional conduct and shall be subject to discipline by the licensing entity or disciplinary review board with competent jurisdiction.

Amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003. Provides that the Act applies to all employers rather than only those with more than 3 employees. Increases the maximum civil penalty for all violations of the Act or a rule from $2,500 to $5,000.