Sen. Christopher Belt

Amends the Suicide Prevention, Education, and Treatment Act. Makes changes concerning the findings of the General Assembly. Creates the Office of Suicide Prevention within the Department of Public Health for the purpose of implementing the Act. Requires the Office of Suicide Prevention, in consultation with the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance, to submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on the effectiveness of the activities and programs undertaken under the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan that includes any recommendations for modification to Illinois law to enhance the effectiveness of the Plan (instead of an annual report by the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance). Changes what shall be contained in the Plan. Provides that the Office of Suicide Prevention (in addition to the Department) shall provide technical assistance to the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance and implement a general awareness and screening program. Provides that the program shall include an annual statewide suicide prevention conference. Removes provisions requiring the Department to establish 5 suicide prevention pilot programs relating to youth, elderly, special populations, high-risk populations, and professional caregivers. Provides that the Office of Suicide Prevention shall establish programs that are consistent with the Plan. Effective July 1, 2019. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2310/2310-455 new Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Office of Suicide Prevention within the Department of Public Health. Provides that the duties of the Office of Suicide Prevention shall include, but shall not be limited to: (1) coordinating suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention programs, services, and efforts statewide; (2) developing and submitting proposals for funding from federal agencies or other sources of funding to promote suicide prevention and coordinate activities; (3) with input from the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance, preparing the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan and coordinating the activities necessary to implement the recommendations in that Plan; (4) with input from the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance, providing an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly; and (5) providing technical support for the activities of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance. Corrects a typographical error. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 410 ILCS 53/10 410 ILCS 53/11 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1 with the following changes: Provides that the Department of Public Health shall (rather than may) implement specified activities associated with the Suicide Prevention, Education, and Treatment Act. Removes language creating the Office of Suicide Prevention and instead, where applicable, replaces references to the Office with references to the Department. Makes a technical change to the legislative findings. Provides that the bill is effective immediately (rather than on July 1, 2019).

Amends the School Code. With regard to the in-service training program on the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth, provides that the program must utilize evidence-based training that educates the participants on (i) recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use disorders, including common psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major clinical depression, and anxiety disorders and common substance use disorders such as opioids and alcohol, (ii) providing referrals to mental health or substance use disorder services or other support to individuals in the early stages of developing a mental illness or substance use disorder, recommending resources available in the community for individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder, and recommending any other relevant resources, and (iii) ensuring the safe de-escalation of crisis situations involving individuals with a mental illness. Provides that a school district may utilize the Mental Health First Aid training program to provide the training. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. With regard to the in-service training program on the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth, provides that a school district may utilize the Illinois Mental Health First Aid training program, established under the Illinois Mental Health First Aid Training Act and administered by certified instructors trained by a national association recognized as an authority in behavioral health, to provide the training. Provides that if licensed school personnel or an administrator obtains mental health first aid training outside of an in-service training program, he or she may present a certificate of successful completion of the training to the school district to satisfy the training requirements.

Amends the Cemetery Oversight Act. Provides that no cemetery authority shall charge a consumer an amount exceeding $500 for the placement of a headstone or memorial marker that is provided for a United States Veteran by the United States Government. Defines "placement". Makes related changes to provide that a cemetery authority claiming a partial exemption under the Act shall be required to comply with this requirement. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 225 ILCS 411/5-20 225 ILCS 411/20-13 new Adds reference to: 330 ILCS 110/1.1 from Ch. 21, par. 59a1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Veterans Burial Places Act. Provides that the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall pay an amount not to exceed $125 (rather than $100) to the next of kin or $100 to the cemetery official responsible for the cost of transporting and erecting a headstone or memorial. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Provides that the amount that may be paid to the cemetery official is $125 (rather than $100). House Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that the payment by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to the next of kin or cemetery official is subject to appropriation.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Requires that the Agency define "microplastics" and examine the role of microplastics in public drinking water. Requires the Agency to publicly disclose the results of its testing and reporting. Provides that the Agency, if appropriate, is to consider issuing a notification level to aid consumer interpretations. Requires the Agency to accredit qualified laboratories in Illinois to analyze microplastics. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/14.8 new Adds reference to: 110 ILCS 425/22 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the University of Illinois Scientific Surveys Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Prairie Research Institute shall conduct a detailed review of the available scientific literature and federal and State laws, regulations, and rules to identify the threat of microplastics to human health and the environment. Provides that no later than 3 months after completion of the review, the Prairie Research Institute shall submit to the General Assembly a report of its findings that must include any recommendations for legislative or regulatory actions that the State can take to protect human health and the environment from microplastics. Provides that the amendatory Act's provisions are repealed on July 1, 2021.

Creates the Apprenticeship Study Act. Creates the Apprenticeship Study. Requires the Department of Labor to conduct a study on the potential expansion of apprenticeship programs in this State and produce a report on its findings. Provides for the contents of the report. Requires the Department of Labor to submit its report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before June 1, 2020. Defines "Illinois Apprenticeship Plus Framework". Provides findings and purpose provisions. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2022. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (currently, the Department of Labor) to conduct a study on the potential expansion of apprenticeship programs in this State and produce a report on its findings. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (currently, the Department of Labor) to submit its report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before June 1, 2020.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that a person is a qualified applicant if, despite not meeting other residency requirements, the applicant is a resident of Illinois at the time of application and at some point after leaving federal active duty service was a resident of Illinois for 15 consecutive years. Effective July 1, 2019. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 110 ILCS 947/40 Adds reference to: 110 ILCS 305/9 from Ch. 144, par. 30 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the University of Illinois Act. With regard to scholarships for children of veterans, provides that, subject to eligibility requirements, the child of a person who served in the armed forces of the United States during Operation Just Cause between December 20, 1989 and January 31, 1990 is entitled to a scholarship in the University. Effective July 1, 2019. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 110 ILCS 305/9 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/30-14.2 from Ch. 122, par. 30-14.2 110 ILCS 947/40 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Scholarships Article of the School Code. With regard to the MIA/POW Scholarship, provides that the definition of "eligible veteran or serviceperson" includes, among other requirements, a veteran or serviceperson who is a resident of Illinois at the time of application for the Scholarship and, at some point after leaving service, was a resident of Illinois for at least 15 consecutive years. Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. With regard to the Illinois Veteran grant program, provides that a person is a qualified applicant if, despite not meeting other requirements, he or she is a resident of Illinois at the time of application to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and, at some point after leaving federal active duty service, was a resident of Illinois for at least 15 consecutive years. Effective July 1, 2019. Fiscal Note (Illinois Student Assistance Commission) SB 1467 would extend eligibility for the IVG and MIA/POW programs to veterans who have, at some point after separation from service, lived in Illinois for 15 continuous years. ISAC does not have adequate information to provide a reliable estimate of the size of this newly-eligible population, nor the likelihood that newly-eligible individuals would take advantage of the program if SB 1467 becomes law. In FY18, 4,116 Illinoisans received IVG grants averaging $4,545, and for FY17 (most recent available),1,211 Illinoisans received MIA/POW grants averaging $2,487 (administered by IDVA). A 1% increase in the number of participants would be expected to increase IVG waivers by about $187,000 and MIA/POW waivers by about $30,000, for a total increase of $217,000 per percentage point increase in the number of eligible applicants. If the number of eligible applicants increased by 5%, the amount waived would be expected to increase by approximately $1.1 million above current levels. Notably, the affected programs require public universities and community colleges to waive tuition and fees for eligible applicants, whether or not the institution receives reimbursement from the state for providing the waiver. If not reimbursed through state appropriations, institutions must absorb or offset any costs incurred due to the programs (for example, through additional fees or tuition increases paid by other students). Pension Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) SB 1467, as engrossed, amends the Scholarship Article of the School Code and the Higher Education Student Assistance Act in a way that does not impact any pension system. State Debt Impact Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) SB 1467, as engrossed, 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. Judicial Note (Admin Office of the Illinois Courts) This bill would neither increase nor decrease the number of judges needed in the State of Illinois. Correctional Note (Dept of Corrections) There is no fiscal or population impact on the Department of Corrections. 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) The Balanced Budget Note Act does not apply to this bill. As engrossed, 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. 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. Land Conveyance Appraisal Note (Dept. of Transportation) No land conveyances are included in Senate Bill 1467; therefore, there are no appraisals to be filed.

Amends the School Code. Provides that every public elementary school shall include in its 6th, 7th, or 8th grade curriculum, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, at least one semester of civics education; specifies course content requirements and requires the education to be in accordance with Illinois Learning Standards for social science. Allows school districts to consult with civics education stakeholders, as deemed appropriate by the State Board of Education. Allows school districts to utilize private funding available for the purposes of offering civics education. Effective July 1, 2019. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year (rather than the 2019-2020 school year), every public elementary school shall include in its 6th, 7th, or 8th grade curriculum at least one semester of civics education. Changes the effective date of the Act to July 1, 2020 (rather than July 1, 2019).

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that no rail carrier shall operate a train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight unless it has an operating crew consisting of at least 2 individuals. Provides that the minimum freight train crew size shall remain in effect until a federal law or rule encompassing the subject matter has been adopted. Grants the Illinois Commerce Commission the power to conduct evidentiary hearings, make findings, and issue and enforce orders, including sanctions, with respect to freight train crew member size. Provides that "train or light engine" does not include trains operated by a hostler service or utility employees. Fiscal Note (Illinois Commerce Commission) The Commision does not anticipate needing additional resources to fulfill the requirements of this bill.

Amends the School Code. With regard to the textbook block grant program, provides that the textbooks authorized to be purchased must include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act and must be non-discriminatory as to any of the characteristics under the Act. Provides that textbooks purchased with grant funds must be non-discriminatory. Provides that in public schools only, the teaching of history of the United States shall include a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State. Effective July 1, 2020. Balanced Budget Note (Office of Management and Budget) Please be advised that the Balanced Budget Note Act does not apply to House Bill 246, 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. Correctional Note (Dept of Corrections) There is no fiscal or population impact on the Department of Corrections. Land Conveyance Appraisal Note (Dept. of Transportation) No land conveyances are included in House Bill 246; therefore, there are no appraisals to be filed. 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. Judicial Note (Admin Office of the Illinois Courts) This bill would neither increase nor decrease the number of judges needed in the State of Illinois. Pension Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) This bill does not impact any public pension fund or retirement system in Illinois. 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. Fiscal Note (IL State Board of Education) This bill will not have a fiscal impact on the State Board of Education.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish and administer an adult vocational community college scholarship program. Provides that beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year, the Commission shall, each year, receive and consider applications for scholarships to community colleges for people over the age of 30 who have been unemployed and are actively searching for employment and who can identify the specific training certificate, credential, or associate degree that he or she is seeking to obtain. Allows applicants to re-apply for the scholarship if they can demonstrate continual progress toward the desired certificate, credential, or degree. Provides that scholarships shall not exceed $2,000 per recipient per academic year. Allows the Commission to establish appropriate applications and forms. Requires the Commission to adopt all necessary and proper rules to implement the program. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 820 ILCS 405/1900 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following change. Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act to require the Director of Employment Security to make information available, upon request, to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the purpose of determining eligibility for the adult vocational community college scholarship program under the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Provides that if funds appropriated for the adult vocational community college scholarship program are insufficient to provide grants to each eligible applicant, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission may prioritize the distribution of grants based on factors that include an applicant's financial need, duration of unemployment, prior level of educational attainment, or date of application.