Sen. Dale Fowler

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2023 registration year, the Secretary of State, at the option of the applicant, shall issue permanent registration plates for a one-time fee of $118 to the owner of a trailer having a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less. Provides that a person who has been issued a permanent trailer plate is not required to pay the annual flat weight tax and registration fee. Lowers the annual flat weight tax and registration fee for trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less from $118 to $18.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a prisoner serving a sentence for bringing contraband into a penal institution committed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall receive no more than 4.5 days of sentence credit for each month of his or her sentence of imprisonment. Provides that on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, a prisoner serving a sentence for bringing contraband into a penal institution shall receive no additional sentence credit under the Code. Provides that a prisoner serving a sentence for aggravated battery in which the victim was a peace officer committed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall receive no more than 4.5 days of sentence credit for each month of his or her sentence of imprisonment.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that midwifery services shall be covered under the medical assistance program, subject to appropriation, for persons who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance under the Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to consult with midwives on formulating rules concerning reimbursement rates for midwifery services. Provides that reimbursement rates for certain related services shall be increased by 6% for dates of service on and after January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.

Honors the memory of all U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan, including the thirteen who died on August 26, 2021. Extends gratitude to all men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan. Urges the federal government to secure the safety and evacuation of any U.S. citizens still remaining in Afghanistan. Further urges the federal government to work with international, state, and local governments to assist displaced Afghan allies to resettle in safe communities. Further urges the federal government to somberly evaluate the failures of U.S. leadership that led to this grim denouement of Operation Enduring Freedom, to stand boldly against totalitarian regimes emboldened by this perceived American weakness, and to once again take up America's historic position as the leader of the free world and as a beacon of liberty across the globe.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that if a veteran has a service connected disability of 100%, the taxpayer who has been granted a homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities shall no longer be required to reapply for the exemption on an annual basis, and the exemption shall be in effect for as long as the exemption would otherwise be permitted. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Provides that the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority shall not charge a toll for a vehicle of the first division pulling a trailer with no more than 2 axles at a rate higher than an amount calculated by multiplying the toll charged to passenger vehicles using an I-PASS device by the total number of axles on the trailer. Provides that the toll rate applies to drivers who use an I-PASS device or use cash to pay a toll. Effective immediately.

Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois. Requires each governing board to ensure that an academic advisor or counselor acts with a duty of care or fiduciary duty to provide academic guidance and advice that is strictly in the best interest of the student whom he or she advises or counsels.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Reverts provisions regarding greenhouse gases to the language existing before changes made by amendment under P.A. 102-662. Repeals a provision defining "clean energy". Effective immediately.

Creates the Rebuild Illinois Mental Health Workforce Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to preserve and expand access to Medicaid community mental health care in Illinois to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and avoid the criminalization of mental health conditions. Establishes add-on payments for the following community mental health services to be paid beginning with State Fiscal Year 2023 and continuing for each State fiscal year thereafter: individual therapy services; community support-individual services; case management services; and assertive community treatment services. Requires monthly directed payments to community mental health providers of community support team services or assertive community treatment services. Provides that such directed payments shall be based on the number of Medicaid users, as defined, who receive services from the provider in the base year. Provides that the add-on payments established under the Act shall apply to Medicaid services provided by a contracted managed care organization or entity and services paid for directly by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Provides that no base Medicaid rate or Medicaid rate add-on payment or any other payment for the provision of Medicaid community mental health services in place on July 1, 2021 shall be diminished or changed to make the reimbursement changes required under the Act. Requires the Department to apply for federal approval to implement the Act. Provides that implementation of the add-on payments is conditioned on the receipt of federal financial participation for such payments. Effective immediately.

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code. Provides that the current fees for a fishing license, sportsmen's combination license, and hunting license are annual fees. Allows a resident to obtain a 3-year fishing license (for a fee of $45), sportsmen's combination license (for a fee of $78.75), or hunting license (for a fee of $37.50). Provides that there is no fee for an annual or 3-year fishing license, sportsmen's combination license, or hunting license for a resident Gold Star Family member. Effective immediately.