Sen. Mike Simmons-Gessesse

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the organization of the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 730 ILCS 5/3-2-5 Adds reference to: 410 ILCS 305/9 from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 7309 410 ILCS 325/5.5 from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 7405.5 625 ILCS 5/6-106.1 from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 6-106.1 625 ILCS 5/6-508 from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 6-508 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 from Ch. 38, par. 11-9.1 730 ILCS 5/5-5-3 720 ILCS 5/12-5.01 rep. Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Repeals the statute creating the offense of criminal transmission of HIV. Makes conforming changes in the AIDS Confidentiality Act, the Illinois Sexually Transmissible Disease Control Act, the Illinois Vehicle Code, the Criminal Code of 2012, and the Unified Code of Corrections. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a company authorized to transact life insurance in this State may not: (1) cancel, terminate, or refuse to renew an individual's life insurance policy because of that individual's participation in a substance use disorder treatment or recovery support program; (2) charge an individual a different rate for life insurance coverage because of that individual's participation in a substance use disorder treatment or recovery support program; (3) deny a claim by a beneficiary because of an individual's participation in a substance use disorder treatment or recovery support program; or (4) ask an insured whether he or she is participating or has participated in a substance use disorder treatment or recovery support program. Contains provisions regarding confidentiality. Provides that the new provisions do not prohibit a company authorized to transact life insurance in this State from: (1) refusing to insure, refusing to continue to insure, limiting the amount, extent, or kind of coverage available to an individual, or charging a different rate for the same coverage on the basis of that individual's physical or mental condition regardless of the underlying cause of such condition; or (2) inquiring about a physical or mental condition, even if that condition was caused by or is related in any manner to a substance use disorder. Contains provisions regarding liability. Provides that the new provisions do not require a company authorized to transact life insurance to issue a life insurance policy to an applicant. Provides that the new provisions do not apply to a life insurance policy issued to an individual who is abusing drugs, is not seeking any form of treatment, and is not taking part in a substance use disorder treatment or recovery support program. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 215 ILCS 5/155.22c Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/155.47 new 215 ILCS 5/155.48 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a company authorized to transact life insurance in the State may not, based solely on whether an individual has participated in a substance use treatment or recovery support program no less than 5 years before application or whether an individual has been prescribed or has obtained through a standing order an opioid antagonist, deny coverage to an individual; limit the amount, extent, or kind of coverage available to the individual; or charge the individual or a group to which the individual belongs a rate that is different from the rate charged to other individuals or groups for the same coverage unless the charge is based on sound underwriting or actuarial principles reasonably related to actual or anticipated loss experience for a particular risk.

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that, subject to federal law and regulation, no provider of telephone, cellular telephone, television, Internet, energy, medical alert system, or water services shall impose a fee for termination or early cancellation of a service contract if the customer dies before the end of the contract. Provides that every violation is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Includes the delivery of covered health care services by way of telephone usage in the definition of "telehealth services". Provides that health care services that are covered under an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance must be covered when delivered via telehealth services when clinically appropriate, subject to specified conditions (rather than requiring an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance to comply with specified conditions if it provides coverage for telehealth services). Provides that patient cost-sharing may be no more than if the health care service were delivered in person. Provides that no excepted benefit policy may deny or reduce any benefit to a patient based on the use of clinically appropriate telehealth services in the course of satisfying the policy's benefit criteria. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. In provisions concerning health care services that are covered under an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance that must be covered when delivered via telehealth services when clinically appropriate, provides that reimbursement to a health care provider for telehealth services for behavioral health services provided through an interactive telecommunications system shall be made on the same basis, in the same manner, and at the same rate as would be applied for the same services if they had been delivered in-person and shall include reasonable compensation to a facility that serves as the originating site at the time a telehealth service is rendered. Provides that with respect to telehealth benefits provided in an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance, insurers may not (rather than an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance may not) require patients to use a separate panel of health care providers to receive telehealth service coverage and reimbursement; create geographic or facility restrictions or requirements for telehealth services; require patients or health care providers to prove a hardship or access barrier before the approval of telehealth services for coverage or reimbursement; negotiate different contract rates for telehealth services and in-person services for behavioral health services; or impose upon telehealth services utilization review requirements that are unnecessary, duplicative, or unwarranted or impose any treatment limitations, prior authorization, documentation, or recordkeeping requirements that are more stringent than the requirements applicable to the same health care service when rendered in-person. Provides that health care providers 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. Defines terms. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/356z.43 new 225 ILCS 150/5 225 ILCS 150/15 325 ILCS 20/3 from Ch. 23, par. 4153 325 ILCS 20/3b new 325 ILCS 20/11 from Ch. 23, par. 4161 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that a health insurer shall reimburse a network provider for behavioral health services delivered through telehealth on at least the same basis and at the same rate as if delivered in-person. Provides that a health insurer may establish reasonable requirements and parameters for telehealth services. Further amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Creates the Telehealth Payment Parity Task Force to review and study the use of telehealth services in the State with respect to payment and reimbursement parity for health care providers providing such services. Sets forth provisions concerning election of a chairperson, compensation, and appointments of members of the Telehealth Payment Parity Task Force. Provides that the task force shall submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2021. Provides that the task force is dissolved on January 1, 2023. Amends the Telehealth Act. In provisions concerning use of telehealth, provides that services provided by telehealth shall be consistent with all federal and State privacy, security, and confidentiality laws. Provides that health care professionals shall determine the appropriateness of specific sites, technology platforms, and technology vendors for a telehealth service, as long as delivered services adhere to specified privacy laws. Provides that health care professionals shall maintain documentation and recordkeeping in accordance with specified provisions of the Illinois Administrative Code. Amends the Early Intervention Services System Act. Permits an early intervention provider to deliver via telehealth any type of early intervention services authorized under the Act to the extent of his or her scope of practice as established in his or her respective licensing Act consistent with the standards of care for in-person services. Requires parents to be informed of the availability of early intervention services provided through telehealth. Provides that parents shall make the final decision as to whether accepted early intervention services are delivered in person or via telehealth. Defines terms. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 215 ILCS 5/356z.43 new Adds reference to: 5 ILCS 100/5-45.8 new 225 ILCS 150/10 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall cover telehealth services, e-visits, and virtual check-ins rendered by a health care professional when clinically appropriate and medically necessary to insureds, enrollees, and members in the same manner as any other benefits covered under the policy. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance may provide reimbursement to a facility that serves as the originating site at the time a telehealth service is rendered. Sets forth provisions with which coverage for telehealth services shall comply. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance shall notify health care professionals and facilities of any instructions necessary to facilitate billing for telehealth services, e-visits, and virtual check-ins. Provides that the Department of Insurance and the Department of Public Health shall commission a report to the General Assembly and shall submit the report by December 31, 2026. Provides that the Department of Insurance may adopt rules to implement the provisions. Provides that specified provisions are inoperative on and after January 1, 2028. Removes provisions concerning the Telehealth Payment Parity Task Force. Defines terms. Further amends the Telehealth Act. Changes a reference to "telehealth" to "telehealth services." Removes language that provides that health care professionals shall maintain documentation and recordkeeping in accordance with specified provisions of the Illinois Administrative Code. Defines terms. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to provide for emergency rulemaking. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to ensure that every youth in care who is entering his or her final year of high school has completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, if applicable, or an application for State financial aid on or after October 1, but no later than November 1, of the youth's final year of high school. Requires the Department to assist a youth in care in identifying and obtaining all documents necessary to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, if applicable, or an application for State financial aid.

Creates the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program Act. Creates the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health. Provides that the Program shall provide bridge rental subsidies for individuals at high risk of unnecessary institutionalization and individuals at high risk of overdose for purposes of stabilizing their mental illness or substance abuse disorder. Provides criteria for the award, computation, and payment of bridge rental subsidies. Sets forth the responsibilities of persons receiving bridge rental subsidies. Provides for the identification and referral to the Program of persons eligible to receive bridge rental subsidies prior to their discharge from a hospital or release from a correctional facility. Provides standards for housing service providers, long-term housing, and temporary rental units. Provides that the Department will contract with an independent outside research organization to evaluate the Program's effectiveness, and shall report the results of the evaluation to the General Assembly after 5 years. Provides rulemaking authority. Defines terms. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the Housing is Recovery pilot program is established subject to appropriation. Changes the definition of "serious mental illness". Defines "serious mental illness" as meeting both the diagnostic and functioning criteria consistent with the definition of Serious Mental Illness in the most current edition of the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health Community Mental Health Provider Manual.

Amends the Public Community College Act and the Housing Authorities Act. Permits community colleges and housing authorities to develop affordable housing for community college students. Amends the Illinois Affordable Housing Act. Permits non-exempt local governments to develop affordable housing for community college students in coordination with nonprofit affordable housing developers and housing authorities.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that targeted dental services that are provided to adults and children under the Medical Assistance Program shall be established and paid at no less than the rates established under the State of Illinois Dental Benefit Schedule and shall include specified dental procedures. Sets forth the reimbursement rates for certain anesthesia services. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall administer and regulate a school-based dental program that allows for the out-of-office delivery of preventative dental services in a school setting to children under 19 years of age. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover charges incurred, and anesthetics provided, in conjunction with dental care that is provided in a hospital or an ambulatory surgical treatment center if the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance and the individual (1) has a medical condition that requires hospitalization or general anesthesia for dental care or (2) is a person with a disability. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover charges incurred, and anesthetics provided by a dentist, in conjunction with dental care that is provided in a dental office or other specified setting if the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance and has been diagnosed with (i) an autism spectrum disorder or (ii) a developmental disability. Requires the Department to reimburse providers at no less than the rates established under the State of Illinois Dental Benefit Schedule used for State employees. Effective January 1, 2022. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 305 ILCS 5/5-5.28 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall administer and regulate a school-based dental program that allows for the out-of-office delivery of preventative dental services in a school setting to children under 19 years of age. Provides that the Department shall establish, by rule, guidelines for participation by providers and set requirements for follow-up referral care based on the requirements established in the Dental Office Reference Manual published by the Department that establishes the requirements for dentists participating in the All Kids Dental School Program. Provides that every effort shall be made by the Department when developing the program requirements to consider the different geographic differences of both urban and rural areas of the State for initial treatment and necessary follow-up care. Provides that no provider shall be charged a fee by any unit of local government to participate in the school-based dental program administered by the Department. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to limit or preempt a home rule unit's or school district's authority to establish, change, or administer a school-based dental program in addition to, or independent of, the school-based dental program administered by the Department. Effective January 1, 2022.

Creates the Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act. Requires an institution of higher education (including a business, technical, or vocational school) to designate at least one employee who works within the financial aid department, campus housing services, or any other appropriate office or department, as may be determined by the institution, to serve as a liaison between the institution and a homeless student or student in care who is enrolled at the institution. Sets forth the responsibilities of the liaison, the Board of Higher Education, and the institution. Effective August 1, 2022. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill with the following changes. Adds the Illinois Community College Board as a governing body with responsibilities under the Act. Requires an institution to create a position to carry out the responsibilities of a liaison if the number of students experiencing homelessness or students in care exceeds 2% (rather than 1%) of the student body. Effective August 1, 2022.

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires every public elementary school and high school to include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American history; contains provisions governing this instruction. Provides that the teaching of history of the United States shall include the study of the wrongful incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the heroic service of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army during World War II. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/27-21 Removes the provisions relating to the history of the United States.