Sen. Paul Schimpf

Proposes to amend the Legislature and Revenue Articles of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that the General Assembly may increase the rate of an existing tax or impose a new tax only by a law approved by the vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house. Provides that the General Assembly may override the veto of the Governor of a bill to increase the rate of an existing tax or impose a new tax only by a record vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning coverage for telehealth services, provides that certain health benefit policies or plans may not exclude from coverage a medically necessary health care service or procedure delivered by certain providers solely because the health care service or procedure is provided through telehealth (rather than requiring certain policies to meet specified criteria if they provide coverage for telehealth services). Provides the requirements of coverage for telehealth services. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance that provides coverage for telehealth services delivered by contracted licensed dietitian nutritionists and contracted certified diabetes educators must also provide coverage for in-home services for senior diabetes patients (rather than requiring an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance that provides coverage for telehealth services to provide coverage for licensed dietitian nutritionists and certified diabetes educators who counsel senior diabetes patients in the patients' homes). Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides payment, reimbursement, and service requirements for telehealth services provided under the State's fee-for-service or managed care medical assistance programs. Provides that "telehealth" includes telepsychiatry. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall implement the new provisions 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Repeals a provision requiring the Department to reimburse psychiatrists and federally qualified health centers for mental health services provided by psychiatrists to medical assistance recipients through telepsychiatry. Makes other changes.

Creates the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. Provides that neither the State nor any of its subdivisions may authorize the use of, appropriate, or expend funds to pay for an abortion or to cover any part of the costs of a health plan that includes coverage of abortion or to provide or refer for an abortion, unless a woman who suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death if an abortion is not performed. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Excludes from the programs of health benefits and services authorized under those Acts coverage for elective abortions as provided in the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. Amends the Problem Pregnancy Health Services and Care Act. Permits the Department of Human Services to make grants to nonprofit agencies and organizations that do not use those grants to refer or counsel for, or perform, abortions. Contains provisions regarding applicability and preempts home rule. Effective June 1, 2019.

Amends the Civil Practice Law of the Code of Civil Procedure to add a Part concerning asbestos trust claims. Includes a statement of legislative findings and purpose. Defines terms. Provides that within 30 days after an asbestos action is filed, the plaintiff shall: (1) provide all parties with a sworn statement indicating that an investigation has been conducted and that all asbestos trust claims that can be made by the plaintiff have been filed; and (2) provide all parties with all trust claim materials from all law firms connected to the plaintiff in relation to exposure to asbestos. Provides that a plaintiff has a continuing duty to supplement the information and materials within 30 days after the plaintiff supplements an asbestos trust claim, receives additional information or materials related to an asbestos trust claim, or files an additional trust claim. Provides that, not less than 60 days before trial, if a defendant believes the plaintiff has not filed all asbestos trust claims, the defendant may move and the court may enter an order to require the plaintiff to file additional trust claims. Provides that trust claim materials and trust governance documents are presumed to be relevant and authentic, and are admissible in evidence in an asbestos action. Provides that a claim of privilege does not apply to trust claim materials or trust governance documents and that a defendant may seek discovery from an asbestos trust. Provides that a defendant is entitled to a setoff in the amount the plaintiff has received or will receive from an asbestos trust.

Amends the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act. Provides that a permit for incidental taking under the Act shall not be required if a federal conservation agreement, including, but not limited to, a candidate conservation agreement, habitat conservation plan, or safe harbor agreement that includes conservation practices conducted in the State in effect and approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Provides that incidental taking of species that are listed as endangered or threatened by the State only and not listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall follow the provisions under the Act. Provides that of the remaining appointed members, one member shall be a landowner representing the State's largest general farm organization. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that notwithstanding whether the laws of the state or territory where the non-resident resides related to firearm ownership, possession, and carrying are substantially similar to the requirements to obtain a license under this Act, the Department of State Police shall allow for a non-resident license application if the applicant is employed by the United States Military permanently assigned in Illinois on Permanent Change of Station or Permanent Change of Assignment orders and who is not a resident of Illinois but maintains an address in Illinois. Provides that a non-resident applicant shall submit with his or her application a photocopy of Permanent Change of Station or Permanent Change of Assignment orders to an assignment in this State and an affirmation that the applicant possesses a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card with the Firearm Owner's Identification Card number or notice that the applicant is applying for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card in conjunction with the license application. Provides that a non-resident licensee a shall notify the Department of State Police within 30 days of moving to an address outside of this State, a Permanent Change of Station or Permanent Change of Assignment to a duty station outside this State, or a separation or retirement from the United States Military in addition to the notification requirements of the Act. Makes other changes.

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district may offer a firearm safety training course to students in grades 9 through 12, which may include instruction on hunting safety. Provides that if a school district offers the course, a student may not be required to take the course. Provides that if a school board intends to offer a firearm safety training course, it must develop a policy to implement the course and must publish that policy on the district's website.

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Allows a member to establish optional credit for up to 2 years of service as a teacher or administrator employed by a private school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, provided that the teacher (i) was certified under the law governing the certification of teachers at the time the service was rendered, (ii) applies in writing on or before June 30, 2022, (iii) supplies satisfactory evidence of the employment, (iv) completes at least 10 years of contributing service as a teacher, and (v) pays the required contribution. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the prohibition by a licensee under the Act from carrying a firearm into any building, parking area, or portion of a building under the control of an officer of the executive or legislative branch of government does not apply to any rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation or to buildings located in rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act. Provides that the Act does not apply to any person, firm, corporation, or other entity who has been given, and is currently in possession of, a valid Federal Firearms License, during all State approved activities held at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act and the Criminal Code of 2012 to make technical changes. Effective immediately.