Sen. Scott M. Bennett

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.

Creates the Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated Women Act. Creates within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity the Task Force on Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated Women. Provides for the composition of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall strategize and design a plan for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to partner and outsource with State and local governmental agencies, companies, and organizations that aid in helping formerly incarcerated women and their families become successful productive citizens. Provides that the Task Force shall focus on specific targeted areas of assistance and outsourcing. Provides that the Task Force shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly on its activities, and shall make recommendations for legislation or rulemaking to facilitate its work in the targeted areas of assistance and outsourcing.

Mourns the death of Janice Sylvia Fienberg Rothbaum of Urbana.

Mourns the death of Lorene Hull.

Mourns the death of Stanley L. Lambert of Urbana.

Mourns the death of Dr. Timothy Brumleve.

Mourns the death of Dr. Robert L. Wolf of Urbana.

Mourns the death of Carolyn Hope McMahon of Champaign.

Creates the Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program Act. Provides that the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall establish and administer a Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program to issue a Veterans' and Military Discount Card to eligible active duty service members and veterans in the State for use at participating merchants who agree to honor the Veterans' and Military Discount Card by providing cardholders with a discount on goods and services, or another appropriate money-saving promotion of a merchant's choice. Provides that the Department shall use DD-214 military discharge records in conjunction with photo identification such as a driver's license, State ID card, federal military or Veterans Affairs ID, or passport to issue the Veterans' and Military Discount Card to eligible veterans; and that in the case of active duty service members, a valid military ID or other official government identification that denotes active duty service, and photo ID if needed, shall be used to determine eligibility. Requires the Department to develop and implement an outreach program to ensure that active duty service members and veterans in the State are made aware of the Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program and permits the Secretary of State to also assist in promoting and disseminating information on the Program. Grants the Department of Veterans' Affairs rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.