Sen. Christopher Belt

Amends the Telehealth Act. Provides that the Act applies to all health insurance coverage offered by health insurance issuers regulated by the Department of Insurance or the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the medical assistance program authorized under the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that any policy, contract, or certificate of health insurance coverage that does not distinguish between in-network and out-of-network providers shall be subject to the Act as though all providers were in-network. Provides that health insurance issuers shall cover all telehealth services rendered by a health care professional to deliver any clinically appropriate, medically necessary covered services. Restricts health insurance issuers from engaging in specified activities. Provides that health care professionals and facilities shall determine the appropriateness of specific sites, technology platforms, and technology vendors for a telehealth service, as long as delivered services adhere to privacy laws. Changes the term "telehealth" to "telehealth services". Makes corresponding changes. Defines terms. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning coverage for telehealth services, makes changes to definitions. Provides that coverage and reimbursement for telehealth services delivered by health care professionals and facilities shall comply with the Telehealth Act. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department and managed care organizations shall comply with the Telehealth Act and removes provisions concerning behavioral health and medical services via telehealth. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to provide for emergency rulemaking. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 5 ILCS 100/5-45.10 new 225 ILCS 150/20 new 225 ILCS 150/25 new 225 ILCS 150/30 new 225 ILCS 150/35 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall cover all telehealth services rendered by a health care professional to deliver any clinically appropriate, medically necessary covered services, and shall not engage in specified activities. Provides that any policy, contract, or certificate of health insurance coverage that does not distinguish between in-network and out-of-network providers shall be subject to the Act as though all providers were in-network. Provides that health care professionals and facilities shall determine the appropriateness of specific sites, technology platforms, and technology vendors for a telehealth service, as long as delivered services adhere to privacy laws. Provides that there shall be no restrictions on originating site requirements for telehealth coverage or reimbursement to the distant site. Defines terms. Amends the Telehealth Act. Changes the term "telehealth" to "telehealth services". Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and managed care organizations shall comply with specified provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code and removes provisions concerning behavioral health and medical services via telehealth. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to provide for emergency rulemaking. In provisions concerning coverage for telehealth services, removes language that provides that coverage and reimbursement for telehealth services delivered by health care professionals and facilities shall comply with the Telehealth Act. Removes changes to the Telehealth Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 In provisions in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act concerning emergency rulemaking, provides that provisions allowing the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adopt emergency rules are repealed on January 1, 2022 (rather than January 1, 2026). In provisions concerning coverage for telehealth services, provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall not require that in-person contact occur between a health care professional and a patient (rather than in-person contact shall not occur between a health care professional and a patient, except before an initial e-visit or virtual check-in in order to establish a patient relationship).

Amends the Corporate Fiduciary Act to create the Special Purpose Trust Company Authority and Organization Article. Provides that a corporation that has been or shall be incorporated under the general corporation laws of the State for the special purpose of providing fiduciary custodial services or providing other like or related services as specified by rule may be appointed to act as a fiduciary with respect to such services and shall be designated a special purpose trust company. Provides that it shall not be lawful for any person to engage in the activity of a special purpose trust company without first filing an application for and procuring a certificate of authority from the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules for the administration of the Article, and that specified Articles of the Corporate Fiduciary Act shall apply to a special purpose trust company as if the special purpose trust company were a trust company. Amends the Illinois Banking Act. In provisions concerning conversion and merger with trust companies, provides that a special purpose trust company may merge with a State bank or convert to a State bank as if the special purpose trust company were a trust company. Defines "special purpose trust company". Amends the Blockchain Business Development Act to provide that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall have authority to adopt rules, opinions, or interpretive letters regarding the custody of digital assets, including digital consumer assets, digital securities, and virtual currency. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall have the authority to adopt rules, opinions, or interpretive letters regarding the provision of custodial services for digital assets by banks chartered under the Illinois Banking Act, savings banks chartered under the Savings Bank Act, and corporate fiduciaries authorized under the Certificate Of Authority And Organization Article or Special Purpose Trust Company Authority And Organization Article of the Corporate Fiduciary Act. Defines "digital asset". Removes language that provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall have authority to adopt rules, opinions, or interpretive letters regarding the custody of digital assets, including digital consumer assets, digital securities, and virtual currency.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, provides that the child support collected on behalf of a family shall be passed through to the family and disregarded in determining the amount of the assistance grant provided to the family under the program (rather than the first $100 of child support collected on behalf of a family in a month for one child and the first $200 of child support collected on behalf of a family in a month for 2 or more children shall be passed through to the family and disregarded in determining the amount of the assistance grant provided to the family under the program). Provides that beginning October 1, 2022 (rather than October 1, 2018) the Department of Human Services shall increase TANF grant amounts in effect on September 30, 2022 (rather than September 30, 2018) to at least 50% (rather than 30%) of the most recent United States Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines for each family size. Provides that beginning October 1, 2023 (rather than October 1, 2019), and each October 1 thereafter, the maximum benefit levels shall be annually adjusted to remain equal to at least 50% (rather than 30%) of the most recent poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for each family size. Effective October 1, 2022.

Amends the Raffles and Poker Runs Act. Allows raffle licenses to be issued to fire protection agencies and associations that represent fire protection officials. Defines "fire protection agency" to mean a State, local government, or intergovernmental agency vested with the duty and authority to provide public fire suppression, rescue, or emergency medical services or an organization that provides support or assistance to such an agency. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 1605/20 from Ch. 120, par. 1170 30 ILCS 105/6z-77 230 ILCS 5/19.5 230 ILCS 5/21 from Ch. 8, par. 37-21 230 ILCS 5/31 from Ch. 8, par. 37-31 230 ILCS 10/4 from Ch. 120, par. 2404 230 ILCS 10/6 from Ch. 120, par. 2406 230 ILCS 10/7 from Ch. 120, par. 2407 230 ILCS 10/7.16 new 230 ILCS 10/8 from Ch. 120, par. 2408 230 ILCS 10/8.1 new 230 ILCS 10/13 from Ch. 120, par. 2413 230 ILCS 40/5 230 ILCS 40/25 230 ILCS 40/27 230 ILCS 40/30 230 ILCS 40/45 230 ILCS 40/65 230 ILCS 40/90 new 230 ILCS 45/25-10 230 ILCS 45/25-15 230 ILCS 45/25-25 230 ILCS 45/25-50 230 ILCS 45/25-90 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides the application process for the issuance of an organization license for the standardbred racetrack in Cook County. Changes the bond requirement for an applicant for an organization license. Makes changes to the qualifications for stallions for the Illinois Standardbred Breeders Fund. Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Requires applicants for an owners license to provide evidence of a labor peace agreement or intention to enter into a labor peace agreement that meets certain requirements with a bona fide labor organization. Provides that an applicant for a suppliers license under the Act that already holds a specified license issued by the Illinois Gaming Board is entitled to licensure as a supplier under the Act without additional Board investigation or approval, except by a vote of the Board. Provides that an initial suppliers license shall be issued for 4 years and may be renewed for additional 4-year periods. Provides that if a holder of a specified license issued by the Board is granted an additional license issued by the Board, the initial period of the new license shall expire at the earliest expiration date of any other specified licenses held by the licensee. Amends the Raffles and Poker Runs Act. Allows raffle licenses to be issued to fire protection agencies and associations that represent fire protection officials. Defines "fire protection agency" to mean a State, local government, or intergovernmental agency vested with the duty and authority to provide public fire suppression, rescue, or emergency medical services or an organization that provides support or assistance to such an agency. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Creates a sales agent and broker license to solicit or receive business from current or potential establishments licensed under the Act. Allows a qualified fraternal organization and a qualified veterans organization that derive their charters from a national organization to apply for a license allowing video gaming if the proposed establishment is located in a municipality having a population of not more than 1,000,000 that has enacted an ordinance prohibiting video gaming within the corporate limits or a county having a population of not more than 1,000,000 that has enacted an ordinance prohibiting video gaming within the unincorporated area of the county. Allows a qualified fraternal organization and a qualified veterans organization that derive their charters from a national organization to apply for a license allowing video gaming without a license under the Liquor Control Act of 1934 if the proposed establishment is located in a municipality having a population of not more than 1,000,000 or a county having a population of not more than 1,000,000. Provides that a non-home rule unit of government may not impose any fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in excess of $250 (rather than $25). Removes language prohibiting the City of Rockford from imposing such a fee in excess of $250. Provides that a home rule municipality may not impose such a fee. Provides that the cost of any fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal shall be shared equally between the terminal operator and the applicable establishment authorized to conduct video gaming under the Act. Provides that the licensure, registration, regulation of video gaming, and the imposition of fees and other charges under the Act in connection with licensure, registration, and regulation, are exclusive powers and functions of the State. Provides that no home rule municipality or non-home rule unit may license, register, or otherwise regulate, or impose any type of fee or any other charge upon, a manufacturer, distributor, terminal operator, licensed technician, licensed terminal handler, licensed establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed large truck stop establishment, or licensed fraternal establishment. Prohibits a home rule municipality or non-home rule unit from imposing any type of tax upon licensees, occupations, and other activities authorized under the Act. Provides that any home rule municipality that has adopted an ordinance imposing an amusement tax on persons who participate in the playing of video gaming terminals on or before June 1, 2021 may continue to impose such amusement tax pursuant to such ordinance but shall not increase, expand, or extend the tax or tax rate on such persons participating in playing video gaming terminals in excess of that tax or rate set forth in such ordinance and shall not otherwise impose any other tax upon any entity or person. Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Changes the renewal period for a supplier license from one year to 4 years. Provides that beginning 4 years after issuance of the initial supplier license, a holder of a supplier license shall pay a $150,000 annual license fee. Until July 1, 2023, allows tier 1 sports wagers that are not related to an individual athlete's performance and are made in person on Illinois collegiate teams. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: 230 ILCS 10/4 from Ch. 120, par. 2404 230 ILCS 10/6 from Ch. 120, par. 2406 230 ILCS 10/7 from Ch. 120, par. 2407 230 ILCS 10/7.16 new Adds reference to: 230 ILCS 40/50 Removes provisions amending the Illinois Gambling Act that require applicants for an owners license to provide evidence of a labor peace agreement or intention to enter into a labor peace agreement that meets certain requirements with a bona fide labor organization. Adds provisions in the Video Gaming Act relating to distribution of license fees and fees on the operation of a video gaming terminal. Removes language in the Video Gaming Act that allows certain qualified fraternal organization and qualified veterans organizations to be eligible for a license as a licensed fraternal establishment or licensed veterans established without a license under the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Makes changes to provisions concerning fees imposed by non-home rule units of government. Makes changes to provisions concerning the State having exclusive regulation of video gaming. House Floor Amendment No. 4 In provisions amending the Video Gaming Act concerning regulation of video gaming by the State, adds language providing that restrictions on a home rule municipality or non-home rule unit imposing a tax on licensees and certain activities is a denial and limitation on home rule powers and functions under certain provisions of the Illinois Constitution.

Creates the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund Act. Establishes the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund in the State treasury. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be used by the Department of Human Services for the purposes of creating and maintaining a statewide 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis system pursuant to the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, the Federal Communication Commission's rules adopted on July 16, 2020, and national guidelines for crisis care. Provides that the Fund shall consist of: (1) appropriations by the General Assembly; (2) grants and gifts intended for deposit in the Fund; (3) interest, premiums, gains, or other earnings on the Fund; and (4) moneys from any other source that are deposited in or transferred to the Fund. Provides that moneys in the fund (1) do not revert at the end of any State fiscal year but remains available for the purposes of the Fund in subsequent State fiscal years; and (2) are not subject to transfer to any other fund or to transfer, assignment, or reassignment for any other use or purpose outside of those specified in the Act. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund is a special fund in the State treasury.

Amends the Pawnbroker Regulation Act. Clarifies that it shall be unlawful for any pawnbroker to charge or collect a greater benefit or percentage upon money advanced, and for the use and forbearance thereof, than permitted under the Predatory Loan Prevention Act. Amends the Predatory Loan Prevention Act. Provides that the definition of "loan" includes transactions subject to the Pawnbroker Regulation Act. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for any person or entity to solicit, broker, or otherwise engage in any other activity intended to facilitate or result in, or that in fact facilitates or results in, the origination of a loan that violates the Act. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for any person or entity to advertise or cause to be advertised a loan that violates the Act. Provides that a violation of the Act by a person or entity licensed under the Pawnbroker Regulation Act shall subject the person or entity to discipline in accordance with that Act. Makes other changes. Effective June 1, 2023.

Mourns the death of Zachary Edward "Zach" Causey of Smithton, formerly of New Athens.

Creates the Ensuring a More Qualified, Competent, and Diverse Community Behavioral Health Workforce Act. Requires the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health, to award grants or contracts to licensed community mental health centers or behavioral health clinics to establish or enhance training and supervision of interns and behavioral health providers-in-training pursuing licensure as a licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical professional counselor, and licensed marriage and family therapist. Creates the Mental Health Assessment Reform Act to remove barriers to care in the Medicaid mental health assessment and treatment planning process. Creates the Recovery and Mental Health Tax Credit Act. Requires the Department to establish and administer a recovery tax credit program to provide tax incentives to qualified employers who employ eligible individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental illness in part-time and full-time positions. Creates an Advisory Council to advise the Department regarding employment of persons with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in minority communities. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Amends the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to take all necessary action to ensure that proposed modifications, additions, deletions, or amendments to the healthcare and behavioral healthcare (mental health and substance use disorder) provisions of the Illinois Public Aid Code are announced, shared, disseminated, and explained prior to the Department undertaking such proposed modifications, if legally possible and subject to federal law. Amends the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act. Provides that an individual applying for licensure as a clinical social worker who has been licensed at the independent level in another jurisdiction for 5 (rather than 10) consecutive years without discipline is not required to submit proof of completion of education and supervised clinical professional experience. Makes similar changes to the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act and to the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 225 ILCS 15/13 from Ch. 111, par. 5363 225 ILCS 20/11 from Ch. 111, par. 6361 225 ILCS 107/50 Reinserts the provisions creating the Recovery and Mental Health Tax Credit Act with the following changes: Requires the Department of Human Services to maintain an electronic listing of the tax credit certificates it issues under the recovery tax credit program so that the Department of Revenue may confirm the eligibility of qualified employers for the tax credit. Provides that the tax credit authorized under the Act may not be carried forward. Contains provisions concerning tax credits for partners, shareholders of S corporations, and owners of limited liability companies. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that a taxpayer who has been awarded a credit under the Recovery and Mental Health Tax Credit Act is entitled to a credit against the tax imposed under specified provisions of the Illinois Income Tax Act. Amends the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, and the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of law certain requirements set forth in those Acts to restore an inactive or expired license of 5 years or less are suspended for specified licensed clinicians who have had no disciplinary action taken against their licenses in this State or in any other jurisdiction during the entire period of licensure. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 5 ILCS 100/5-45.21 new Removes provisions creating the Mental Health Assessment Reform Act. Removes amendatory changes made to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act permitting the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adopt emergency rules to implement the Mental Health Assessment Reform Act. Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Reinserts the provisions creating the Recovery and Mental Health Tax Credit Act with the following changes: Requires the Department of Human Services to maintain an electronic listing of the certificates of tax credit issued by which the Department of Revenue may verify tax credit certificates issued to qualifying employers. Provides that the tax credit authorized under the Act may not be carried forward. Provides that a taxpayer who is a qualified employer who has received a certificate of tax credit from the Department shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed equal to the amount shown on such certificate of tax credit. Provides that if the taxpayer is a partnership or Subchapter S corporation the credit shall be allowed to the partners or shareholders in accordance with the determination of income and distributive share of income as provided under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, a taxpayer who has been awarded a credit under the Recovery and Mental Health Tax Credit Act is entitled to a credit against the tax imposed under specified provisions of the Illinois Income Tax Act. Senate Floor Amendment No. 5 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 2205/2205-40 new Removes the amendatory changes made to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Law requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to take all necessary action to ensure that proposed modifications, additions, deletions, or amendments to the healthcare and behavioral healthcare (mental health and substance use disorder) provisions of the Illinois Public Aid Code are announced, shared, disseminated, and explained prior to the Department undertaking such proposed modifications, if legally possible. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Further amends the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act. In a provision suspending the requirements under the Act for restoration of an inactive or expired clinical psychologist license, provides that an individual may not restore his or her license more than once. Further amends the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act. In a provision suspending the requirements under the Act for restoration of an inactive or expired clinical social worker license, provides that an individual may not restore his or her license more than once. Removes a provision exempting individuals applying for a clinical social worker license who are licensed in another jurisdiction from submitting proof of passage of the examination for the practice of clinical social work as authorized by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Further amends the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. In a provision suspending the requirements under the Act for restoration of an inactive or expired clinical professional counselor license, provides that an individual may not restore his or her license more than once. Makes other changes. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Adds reference to: 210 ILCS 49/1-102 Further amends the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013. Defines the term "APRN". Provides that, for purposes of the Act, any required psychiatric visit to a consumer may be conducted by an APRN or by a physician.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that when an insured receives emergency services or covered ancillary services from a nonparticipating provider or a nonparticipating facility, the health insurance issuer shall ensure that cost-sharing requirements are applied as though the services had been received from a participating provider or facility, and that the insured or any group policyholder or plan sponsor shall not be liable to or billed by the health insurance issuer, the nonparticipating provider, or the facility beyond the cost-sharing amount. Contains provisions concerning a notice and consent process for out-of-network coverage; billing for reasonable administrative fees; assignment of benefits to nonparticipating providers; and cost-sharing amounts and deductibles. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code and the Health Maintenance Organization Act to make a change in provisions concerning disclosure of nonparticipating provider benefits. Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. Provides that a beneficiary who receives care at a participating health care facility shall not be required to search for participating providers under certain circumstances. Amends the Managed Care Reform and Patient Rights Act. Provides that prior authorization or approval by the plan shall not be required for post-stabilization services that constitute emergency services. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act to provide that health maintenance organizations and voluntary health services plans are subject to provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code concerning billing and cost sharing. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2022, except that certain changes take effect January 1, 2023. House Floor Amendment No. 1 In provisions concerning cost sharing for emergency services and cost sharing for non-emergency services, provides that if the cost sharing for the same item or service furnished by a participating provider would have been a flat-dollar copayment, that amount shall be the cost-sharing amount unless the provider has billed a lesser total amount. Provides that upon receipt of the provider's bill or facility's bill, the health insurance issuer shall provide the nonparticipating provider or the facility with a written explanation of benefits (rather than the health insurance issuer shall provide the nonparticipating provider or the facility with a written explanation of benefits). Provides that the arbitrator shall not establish a rebuttable presumption that the qualifying payment amount should be the total amount owed to the provider or facility by the combination of the issuer and the insured, beneficiary, or enrollee. Defines "qualifying payment amount". Makes other changes.

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Act. Provides that "race", as used in the Employment Article, includes traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 775 ILCS 5/5-102.2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Act. Provides that "race" includes traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. Provides that, with respect to certain places of public accommodation, the Department of Human Rights has jurisdiction over the denial or refusal of the full and equal enjoyment of (rather than the denial of access to) facilities, goods, or services.