Sen. Christopher Belt

Creates the Maternal Mental Health Conditions Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act. Provides that a general acute care hospital or special hospital that has a perinatal unit, in collaboration with medical staff, shall by January 1, 2021 develop and implement a program to provide education and information to appropriate health care professionals and patients about maternal mental health conditions. Provides that the educational program shall include: (i) education and information for postpartum women and families about maternal mental health conditions, post-hospital treatment options, and community resources; (ii) education and information for hospital employees regularly assigned to work in the perinatal unit, including, as appropriate, registered nurses and social workers, about maternal mental health conditions; and (iii) any other service the hospital determines should be included in the program to provide optimal patient care. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Maternal Mental Health Conditions Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall develop educational materials for health care professionals and patients about maternal mental health conditions. Provides that a birthing hospital shall, on or before January 1, 2021, distribute these materials to employees regularly assigned to work with pregnant or postpartum women and incorporate these materials in any employee training that is related to patient care of pregnant or postpartum women. Requires a birthing hospital to supplement the materials provided by the Department to include relevant resources to the region or community in which the birthing hospital is located. Requires the educational materials to include specified information. Contains definitions and findings.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning coverage for anesthetics provided in conjunction with dental care to an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, removes the requirement that anesthetics be provided by a dentist licensed under the Illinois Dental Practice Act and changes the age of the individual that treatment shall be covered to under age 26 (rather than under age 19). Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning coverage for anesthetics provided in conjunction with dental care to an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, requires coverage for anesthetics provided by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 and changes the age of the individual for which treatment shall be covered to under age 26 (rather than under age 19). House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning coverage for anesthetics provided in conjunction with dental care to an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, changes the age of the individual that treatment shall be covered to under age 26 (rather than under age 19).

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to identify and flag college students who are potentially eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Provides that the factors to be used to determine potential SNAP eligibility shall be prescribed by ISAC in consultation with the Department of Human Services, but at a minimum shall include income information reported on a college student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Requires ISAC, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to develop a notice that ISAC shall make available electronically to institutions of higher education that includes, at a minimum, college student SNAP eligibility criteria, the Application for Benefits Eligibility's website address, and the Illinois Hunger Coalition's Hunger Hotline. Requires Illinois institutions of higher education that participate in the Monetary Award Program to provide the notice in writing to all students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment and are identified by ISAC as potentially SNAP eligible. Requires ISAC to adopt rules. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 305 ILCS 5/12-4.13b Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill, but with the following changes and additions: Provides that the Department of Human Services shall consult with the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (rather than with the Illinois Workforce Investment Board) to establish a protocol to identify and verify all potential exemptions to certain federal eligibility rules under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Provides that a career and technical educational program approved by the Illinois Community College Board that could be a component of a SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program, as identified by the Department of Human Services, shall be considered an employment and training program under a specified provision of the Code of Federal Regulations, unless prohibited by federal law. In provisions requiring the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to adopt rules concerning SNAP eligibility notifications to college students, requires ISAC to adopt the rules on or before October 1, 2020 (rather than on or before October 1, 2019). Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to annually include information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the language that schools are required to provide to students eligible for the Monetary Award Program grant (rather than requiring ISAC to identify and flag college students who are potentially eligible to receive SNAP benefits). Provides that the language shall, at a minimum, direct students to information about college student eligibility criteria for SNAP, and direct students to the Department of Human Services and to the Illinois Hunger Coalition's Hunger Hotline for additional information. Requires Illinois institutions of higher education that participate in the Monetary Award Program (MAP) to provide the notice to all students who are enrolled, or who are accepted for enrollment and intending to enroll, and who have been identified by ISAC as MAP-eligible at the institution (rather than requiring ISAC to develop, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, an electronic notice for institutions of higher education that includes, at a minimum, college student SNAP eligibility criteria, the Application for Benefits Eligibility's website address, and the Illinois Hunger Coalition's Hunger Hotline).

Amends the Evidence Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that evidence of a person's immigration status is not admissible in any civil proceeding unless: it is essential to prove an element of a claim or an affirmative defense; or a person or his or her attorney voluntarily reveals his or her immigration status to the court. Provides that a party intending to offer evidence regarding a person's immigration status shall file a written motion at least 14 days before trial. Provides that the court shall conduct an in camera hearing to review the probative value of the person's immigration status. Provides that if the court finds that the probative value of the person's immigration status outweighs its prejudicial nature, the court shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law regarding the permitted use of the evidence. Provides that the motion, related papers, and the record of the hearing shall be sealed and remain under seal unless the court orders otherwise. Provides that a party who communicates to a person or witness any threat to or actually disclose a person's or witness's immigration status to any entity or immigration or law enforcement agency with the intent to deter the person from testifying commits a Class C misdemeanor. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill and makes the following changes: Provides that evidence is also admissible if it is offered to prove an interest or bias of a witness, if it does not cause confusion of the issues or mislead the trier of fact, and the probative value of the evidence outweighs its prejudicial nature. Provides that a party intending to offer evidence related to a person's immigration status shall file a written motion that also explains why it is essential to a claim or affirmative defense or is probative of an interest or bias of a witness, it does not cause confusion of the issues or mislead the trier of fact, and the probative value of the evidence outweighs its prejudicial nature. Makes a corresponding change regarding findings of fact and conclusions of law the court must make regarding the permitted use of the evidence. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes language providing that a written motion shall explain why it is essential to a claim or affirmative defense or is probative of an interest or bias of a witness.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that at the initial bail hearing or any subsequent hearing, the defendant shall be released on recognizance if the judge finds that the defendant's pre-trial detention will harm any infant or child in the defendant's custody at the time of arrest, unless the harm is outweighed by a clear and serious risk of harm to a victim or the community. Provides circumstances that the court shall consider in favor of release. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the defendant is the parent of a child or infant whose well-being will be affected by the parent's absence shall be accorded weight in favor of withholding or minimizing a sentence of imprisonment. Provides circumstances to be considered in assessing this factor in mitigation. Makes other changes. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 725 ILCS 5/110-5.3 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. Deletes language providing that at the initial bail hearing or any subsequent hearing, the defendant shall be released on recognizance if the judge finds that the defendant's pre-trial detention will harm any infant or child in the defendant's custody at the time of arrest, unless the harm is outweighed by a clear and serious risk of harm to a victim or the community. Provides circumstances that the court shall consider in favor of release. Removes a factor in mitigation. Makes other changes.

Amends the Cannabis Control Act. Provides that the enhanced penalties for delivering cannabis in a school or on school property apply only to an offense committed in or on the grounds of an active and operational school when school is in session, children are present, or a school related activity occurs. Provides that the enhanced penalties do not apply to an enrolled student. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Cannabis Control Act. Provides that the enhanced penalties for delivering cannabis in a school or on school property do not apply to a violation in or on the grounds of a building that is designated as a school but is no longer operational or active as a school, including a building that is temporarily or permanently closed by a unit of local government. Effective immediately.

Creates the Re-Entering Citizens Civics Education Act. Provides that the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice shall provide a nonpartisan peer-led civics program throughout the correctional institutions of the State to teach civics to soon-to-be released citizens who will be re-entering society. Provides for the curriculum and eligibility for the program. Provides that the program shall be taught by peer educators who are citizens incarcerated in the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice facilities and specially trained by experienced peer educators and established nonpartisan civic organizations. Provides that the nonpartisan civic organizations shall provide adequate training to peer educators on matters including, but not limited to, voting rights, governmental institutions, current affairs, and simulations of voter registration, election, and democratic processes, and shall provide periodic updates to program content and to peer educators. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall adopt rules to carry out the Act within 6 months after the effective date of the Act. Provides that the funding for the voting rights and registration peer education program shall be subject to appropriation by the General Assembly. Contains provisions regarding funding for the program. Effective January 1, 2020. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Provides that the civic education program must be offered by the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice to prisoners scheduled to be discharged within 12 months (rather than 6 months). Provides that established nonpartisan civic organizations may be assisted by area political science or civics educators at colleges, universities, and high schools and by nonpartisan organizations providing re-entry services. Provides that the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice should aim to include the peer reeducation workshop in conjunction with other pre-release procedures and movements. Adds references to "or superintendents" wherever "wardens" appear in the engrossed bill.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that each election authority shall collaborate with the county jail within the jurisdiction of the election authority to facilitate voting by mail for voters eligible to vote in the county who are confined or detained in the county jail. Provides that in a county with a population of 3,000,000 or more, the election authority in the county shall establish a temporary branch polling place in the county jail. Provides that a refusal by an eligible voter to participate in the voting process must be documented by the voter or witnessed by a pollwatcher. Provides that individuals who facilitate a vote by mail process must receive training on the process, responsibilities, and requirements of implementing a vote by mail program. Contains additional provisions concerning the temporary branch polling place in the county jail. Prohibits certain individuals from from being election judges in a temporary branch polling place in a county jail. Amends the Counties Code. Provides that each election authority shall collaborate with the county jail within the jurisdiction of the election authority to facilitate voter registration for voters eligible to vote in that county who are confined or detained in the county jail. Provides that a county jail shall provide a voter registration application to any person in custody at the jail who requests an application and is eligible to vote. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that upon release of a person who is eligible to vote, the Department of Corrections shall provide the person with a specified form that informs him or her that his or her voting rights have been restored. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections and Counties Code. Provides that upon discharge from a county jail or release from the Department of Corrections, a person shall be provided with a voter registration form. Provides that the Department, each county jail, and each county probation office shall provide an individual in its custody with specified information on voting rights. Makes other changes. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the introduced bill with the following changes: In provisions amending the Election Code, removes language that requires a refusal by an eligible voter to participate in the voting process to be documented by the voter or witnessed by a pollwatcher. Removes language that prohibits active law enforcement officers, employees of the Department of Corrections, or employees of the head sheriff of the facility where voting occurs from being election judges in a temporary branch polling place in a county jail.

Amends the Department of Innovation and Technology Act and the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Director of Corrections and the Secretary of Innovation and Technology shall jointly adopt a rule or best practices protocol that permits each committed person in a Department of Corrections institution or facility to access specific and approved job search and career building websites within a specified period before the person's release from the Department of Corrections institution or facility and to access only those job search and career building websites.

Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Provides that the term "student" within the definition of "educational employee" or "employee" as used in the Act excludes (rather than includes) graduate students who are research assistants primarily performing duties that involve research, graduate assistants primarily performing duties that are pre-professional, graduate students who are teaching assistants primarily performing duties that involve the delivery and support of instruction, or any other graduate assistants. Effective immediately. Correctional Note (Dept of Corrections) There is no fiscal or population impact on the department. Judicial Note (Admin Office of the Illinois Courts) This legislation would neither increase nor decrease the number of judges needed in the State of Illinois. Pension Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) HB 253 amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act in a way that does not affect any pension system. 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. Fiscal Note (Dept of Labor) This legislation has no fiscal impact on the Department of Labor. Land Conveyance Appraisal Note (Dept. of Transportation) No land conveyances are included in this bill; therefore, there are no appraisals to be filed. 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. Balanced Budget Note (Office of Management and Budget) Please be advised that the Balanced Budget Note Act does not apply to this bill, 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. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Changes the effective date of the Act to January 1, 2020 (rather than effective immediately).