Sen. Mike Simmons-Gessesse

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Expands medical assistance coverage to certain categories of lawfully present noncitizens. Sets income guidelines for qualifying persons age 19 through 64 and income guidelines for persons 65 years of age or older. Removes a provision permitting medical assistance coverage for up to 24 continuous months from the initial eligibility date, if otherwise eligible.

Creates the Office of Genealogical Affairs Study Committee Act. Provides that the Office of Genealogical Affairs Study Committee shall have the following duties: (1) to examine the feasibility, scope, and structure of a permanent Office of Genealogical Affairs within the State government; (2) to examine how an Office of Genealogical Affairs could operationalize reparative genealogical services; (3) to examine how an Office of Genealogical Affairs could support forensic and historical accountability efforts; and (4) to examine how an Office of Genealogical Affairs could support administrative genealogical determinations. Provides that the Office of Genealogical Affairs Study Committee shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than 18 months after the effective date of the Act. Effective immediately.

Creates the Protect the Great Lakes Act. Provides that, at the start of each month, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago shall test for the presence of microplastics and PFAS in Lake Michigan and the Environmental Protection Agency shall test for the presence of microplastics and PFAS in the Illinois drinking water system. Provides that, at the end of each month, the District shall submit a report to the Environmental Protection Agency containing the test results taken at the start of the month. Provides that, after one year of testing and reporting, the District and Environmental Protection Agency shall submit a report to the General Assembly. Provides that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Public Health shall establish an intergovernmental working group. Provides that the group shall meet at the beginning of every month to (i) address the effects of microplastic and PFAS water pollution on public health and (ii) find ways to eliminate microplastic and PFAS water pollution. Provides that, every 6 months, the group shall submit a report to the General Assembly containing recommendations to eliminate microplastic and PFAS water pollution. Effective January 1, 2027.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Extends the period of eligibility within which a hospital, that would have qualified for the rate year beginning October 1, 2011 or October 1, 2012, shall be a Safety-Net Hospital. Effective immediately.

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that notwithstanding any other law and subject to federal approval, if required, the Department of Human Services shall not collect or initiate any debt collection action to recoup any overpayment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that was made to a SNAP recipient as a result of agency error. Requires the Department to apply for any federal waivers or approvals necessary to implement the amendatory Act.

Appropriates $780,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant to the Cook County Forest Preserve District for the administration and operation of Greencorps Chicago and the Forest Preserve Experience Program. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish a Small Business Grant Program to provide grants to eligible small businesses.

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of transportation shall develop a statewide bicycle grid network of State bicycle routes to include greenspace and protected bicycle routes connecting major cities, suburbs, and townships across the State. Allows the Department to adopt rules on how best to accomplish the development of a bicycle grid network and the necessary steps to develop a bicycle grid network.

Amends the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish the Mental Health Council. Establishes the student membership of the Council. Provides that the Council shall make recommendations to the Board regarding youth mental health. Requires the Council to meet at least 4 times annually.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to authorize coverage for screening by low-dose mammography for the presence of occult breast cancer for individuals 25 (rather than 35) years of age or older who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance. Requires the Department to convene 2 separate expert panels to review quality standards for mammography and establish quality standards for breast cancer treatment. Provides that subject to Department approval, rate methodology for screening and diagnostic mammography shall be based on the quality standards established by the expert panels and State qualified ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Centers (formerly known as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence). Requires the expert panels to establish a comprehensive and clinical methodology to inform women who are age-appropriate for screening mammography, but who have not received a mammogram within the previous 18 months, of the importance and benefits of screening mammography. Provides that within 2 years after the completion of a pilot program providing case-managing or patient navigation services for women diagnosed with breast cancer, the Department shall establish as a permanent initiative the Patient Assistance for Beneficiaries Diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Requires the Department to submit annual reports to the General Assembly detailing program outcomes, financial expenditures, and any recommendations for adjustments to maintain or enhance the program's effectiveness. Requires the Department to establish or facilitate training and continuing education opportunities specific to breast health and mammography for radiologists. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.