Sen. Mike Simmons-Gessesse

Creates the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women Act. Creates the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women. Provides for the composition of the Task Force and its appointment and meetings. Provides that the Task Force must examine and report on the following: (1) the systemic causes behind violence that Chicago women and girls experience, including patterns and underlying factors that explain why disproportionately high levels of violence occur against Chicago women and girls, including underlying historical, social, economic, institutional, and cultural factors that may contribute to the violence; (2) appropriate methods for tracking and collecting data on violence against Chicago women and girls, including data on missing and murdered Chicago women and girls; (3) policies and institutions such as policing, child welfare, medical examiner practices, and other governmental practices that impact violence against Chicago women and girls and the investigation and prosecution of crimes of gender-related violence against Chicago residents; (4) measures necessary to address and reduce violence against Chicago women and girls; and (5) measures to help victims, victims' families, and victims' communities prevent and heal from violence that occurs against Chicago women and girls. Provides that the Task Force shall report annually to the General Assembly and the Governor on the work of the Task Force. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that the Executive Director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority or the Executive Director's designee, in consultation with the Director of the Illinois State Police and Chicago Police Superintendent, shall appoint the non-legislative members to the Task Force. Provides that the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (rather than the Illinois State Police) shall provide meeting space and assistance as necessary for the Task Force to conduct its work. Provides that the chair of the Task Force may call electronic meetings of the Task Force. Provides that a member of the Task Force participating electronically shall be deemed present for purposes of establishing a quorum and voting. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Changes from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2024 the date by which the Task Force must initially report its work to the Governor and General Assembly.

Creates the Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program Act. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of Children and Family Services shall establish a 3-year Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program no later than July 1, 2023 for the purpose of promoting unbiased decision-making in the child removal process with the goal of decreasing the overrepresentation of BIPOC children in out-of-home placements. Requires the Department to choose a county that, based on a county-based analysis, indicates the highest rates of racial disproportionality. Requires the identified county to utilize a bias-free child removal strategy when deciding whether a child should be removed from his or her parents' home. Requires the Department to identify a public university to develop an evaluation design which identifies a control group (a county that does not utilize a bias-free child removal strategy) and compare those results with the intervention group (a county that utilizes a bias-child removal strategy). Provides that no later than January 1, 2023, the Department shall establish a Bias-Free Child Removal Review Committee consisting of an interdisciplinary, diverse group of 9 child welfare professionals and advocates for the purpose of creating the pilot program and the pre-implementation plan for the pilot program. Requires the Department to establish other procedures and protocols concerning (i) which diverse group of professions should be represented on the Committee, including required degrees, credentials, and experience, (ii) the frequency of bias-free child removal meetings, and (iii) decision-making protocols concerning removal. Contains provisions concerning certain demographic information that must be redacted from a child's case notes report prior to a determination on removal; the Department's evaluation reports to the General Assembly; and other matters. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to: (1) require the Department of Children and Family Services to establish a 3-year, Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program for the purpose of promoting unbiased decision making in the child removal process, while maintaining the safety of children and reducing risk, with the goal of decreasing the overrepresentation of BIPOC children in out-of-home placements; (2) establish a pre-implementation steering committee to: (i) develop and implement the Bias-Free Removal Pilot Program by January 1, 2024; (ii) recruit members for the Bias-Free Case Review Team; and (iii) recruit members for the Bias-Free Child Removal Advisory Board; (3) establish a Bias-Free Case Review Team consisting of a child protection supervisor, an area administrator, and a regional administrator from an area other than the pilot area to: (i) review removal decisions absent specific demographic information; and (ii) determine whether removal of the child is necessary to avoid imminent risk to his or her safety, health, and well-being; and (4) establish a Bias-Free Child Removal Advisory Board to monitor and oversee the Bias-Free Case Review Team and ensure that the Bias-Free Case Review Team executes bias-free removals in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Contains provisions on the 3-year Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program and its implementation in field offices located in Cook County, Champaign County, and St. Clair County; Department reports to the General Assembly that detail the pilot program's implementation and that provide an analysis of the pilot program's effect and impact on the removal rates of BIPOC children; establishment of a steering committee by January 1, 2023; the steering committee's composition and duties, including the development of a written plan and requirements for the pilot program; the composition and duties of the Bias-Free Case Review Team; the requirement that certain demographic and identifiable information concerning children and parents be redacted from intake summaries, case notes, and investigations; the Department's development of a tool or rubric for the Review Team to fully document the decision-making process and what led to the final decision; the composition and duties of a Bias-Free Child Removal Advisory Board; the criteria that must be met to justify statewide expansion of the pilot program; and other matters. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules, policies, and procedures necessary to implement the Act with the assistance of the steering committee. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to: (1) require the Department of Children and Family Services to establish a 3-year, Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program for the purpose of promoting unbiased decision making in the child removal process, while maintaining the safety of children and reducing risk, with the goal of decreasing the overrepresentation of BIPOC children in out-of-home placements; (2) establish a steering committee to: (i) develop and implement the Bias-Free Removal Pilot Program by January 1, 2024; (ii) appoint members for the Bias-Free Case Review Team; and (iii) appoint members for the Bias-Free Child Removal Advisory Board; (3) establish a Bias-Free Case Review Team consisting of a child protection supervisor, an area administrator, and a regional administrator from an area other than the pilot area to: (i) review removal decisions absent specific demographic information; and (ii) determine whether removal of the child is necessary to avoid imminent risk to the child's safety, health, and well-being; and (4) establish a Bias-Free Child Removal Advisory Board to monitor and oversee the Bias-Free Case Review Team and ensure that the Bias-Free Case Review Team executes bias-free removals in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Contains provisions on the 3-year Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program and its implementation in field offices located in DuPage County, Champaign County, and Williamson County; Department reports to the General Assembly that detail the pilot program's implementation and that provide an analysis of the pilot program's effect and impact on the removal rates of BIPOC children; establishment of a steering committee by January 1, 2023; the steering committee's composition and duties, including the development of a written plan and requirements for the pilot program; the composition and duties of the Bias-Free Case Review Team; the requirement that certain demographic and identifiable information concerning children and parents be redacted from intake summaries, case notes, and investigations; the Department's development of a tool or rubric for the Review Team to fully document the decision-making process and what led to the final decision; the composition and duties of a Bias-Free Child Removal Advisory Board; the criteria that must be met to justify statewide expansion of the pilot program; and other matters. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules, policies, and procedures necessary to implement the Act with the assistance of the steering committee. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 4 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of Senate Amendment No. 2 with the following changes: Provides that the steering committee shall include 5 staff members from the Department of Children and Family Services (rather than 3 staff members from the Department) which shall include a child protection investigator and a child protection supervisor. Requires the steering committee to include in the development of the Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program (i) a decision regarding a timeline for convening the Bias-Free Case Review Team and (ii) how and when the child protection investigator or child protection supervisor shall present an investigation to the Bias-Free Case Review Team. Provides that the pilot program shall not prevent a child protection investigator or supervisor from performing routine assignments required under Department policy after taking protective custody of a child. Provides that the redaction of case file information or the preparation of case files for the Review Team shall not be completed by the child protection investigator or the child protection supervisor. In a provision requiring the Review Team to make a final decision on whether a child's removal should be upheld, removes language requiring the Review Team to make that final decision as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours prior to a shelter care hearing. Effective immediately.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a point of contact person must promptly and efficiently review and monitor suggestions, complaints, or other requests made by visitors to Department of Corrections institutions or facilities and by other members of the public. Provides that the point of contact person shall maintain information about parties to the complaint, subject matter of the complaint, and summary of the results of the review or investigation, including any resolution or recommendations made as a result of the complaint. Provides that a point of contact person shall provide an annual written report to the General Assembly and the Governor, with the first report due no later than January 1, 2023. Provides that the Department must publish both reports on its website within 48 hours of transmitting the reports to the Governor and the General Assembly. Provides that at every Department of Corrections visiting waiting area, a sign containing at minimum, the following information in bold block type must be posted in a conspicuous place: (1) a short statement notifying visitors of the point of contact person to receive suggestions, complaints, or other requests; and (2) information on how to submit suggestions, complaints, or other requests to a point of contact person. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 730 ILCS 5/3-2-2 Adds reference to: 730 ILCS 5/3-7-2 from Ch. 38, par. 1003-7-2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Directs the point of contact person appointed by the Department of Corrections to promptly and efficiently review suggestions, complaints, and other requests. Specifies information that must be maintained by the point of contact person. Directs the Department to provide an annual report to the General Assembly and the Governor. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Adds a provision that any parent who is deaf, or does not normally communicate using spoken English, who participates in a meeting with a representative of a local educational agency for the purposes of developing an individualized educational program, or attends a multidisciplinary conference, a 504 mediation session, or a due process hearing (instead of just a meeting with a representative of a local educational agency for the purposes of developing an individualized educational program) shall be entitled to the services of an interpreter. Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement the provisions. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces references to a 504 mediation session with references to a 504 meeting and a mediation session for when a parent is entitled to the services of an interpreter. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/14-6.01 from Ch. 122, par. 14-6.01 105 ILCS 5/14-8.02a Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: In provisions concerning notification of services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, provides that the notice shall also state that any parent who is deaf or does not typically communicate using spoken English and who participates in a Section 504 meeting with a representative of a local educational agency shall be entitled to the services of an interpreter. Removes the amendatory language that provides that those who attend a 504 meeting, a mediation session, or a due process hearing shall be entitled to the services of an interpreter. Provides that at all stages of an impartial due process hearing or mediation, the hearing officer or mediator shall require that interpreters licensed pursuant to the Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 be made available by the school district for persons who are deaf or qualified interpreters be made available by the school district for persons whose normally spoken language is other than English (rather than providing that at all stages of an impartial due process hearing, the hearing officer shall require that interpreters be made available by the school district for persons who are deaf or for persons whose normally spoken language is other than English). Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning cancer screenings, provides that a group policy of accident and health insurance that provides coverage for hospital or medical treatment or services for illness on an expense-incurred basis and is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall provide coverage without imposing a deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the benefits. Provides for coverage for an annual prostate cancer screening for male insureds. Defines "prostate cancer screening" as medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, including a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work, and provides that the term includes subsequent follow-up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to, urinary analysis, serum biomarkers, and medical imaging. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that a group policy of accident and health insurance that provides coverage for hospital or medical treatment or services for illness on an expense-incurred basis and is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after January 1, 2024 (rather than the effective date of the amendatory Act) shall provide coverage, without imposing a deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement, for specified methods of cancer testing. Specifies that the provisions do not apply to coverage of prostate cancer screenings to the extent such coverage would disqualify a high-deductible health plan from eligibility for a health savings account under the Internal Revenue Code. Defines "prostate cancer screening" to include medically necessary subsequent follow-up testing as directed by a health care provider (rather than subsequent follow-up testing as directed by a health care provider).

Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that any active fireman who has completed 7 or more years of service and is unable to perform his or her duties in the Fire Department by reason of a contagious staph infection, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), resulting from his or her service as a fireman, shall be entitled to receive an occupational disease disability benefit during any period of such disability for which he or she does not have a right to receive salary. Provides that any fireman who enters service shall be examined by one or more practicing physicians appointed by the Board, and if that examination discloses the existence of a contagious staph infection, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), then the fireman shall not be entitled to receive an occupational disease disability benefit unless and until a subsequent examination reveals no such contagious staph infection, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that the definition of "practice of pharmacy" includes the initiation, dispensing, or administration of drugs, laboratory tests, assessments, referrals, and consultations for human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis and human immunodeficiency virus post-exposure prophylaxis. Provides that as applicable to the State's Medicaid program and other payers, patient care services ordered and administered by a pharmacist shall be covered and reimbursed at no less than 85% of the rate that the services are covered and reimbursed when ordered or administered by physicians. Provides that a pharmacist shall provide patient care services for human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis and human immunodeficiency virus post-exposure prophylaxis to a patient after satisfying specified requirements. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that specified provisions concerning coverage of patient care services provided by a pharmacist shall apply to all patient care services provided by a pharmacist (rather than patient care services for hormonal contraceptives assessment and consultation only). Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 225 ILCS 85/43 Adds reference to: 210 ILCS 25/7-101 from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 627-101 210 ILCS 25/7-102 from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 627-102 215 ILCS 5/356z.1a new 225 ILCS 85/9 from Ch. 111, par. 4129 225 ILCS 85/43.5 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that in accordance with a standing order by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches or the medical director of a county or local health department, a pharmacist may provide patients with prophylaxis drugs for human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure prophylaxis. Provides that a pharmacist may provide initial assessment and dispensing of prophylaxis drugs for human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure prophylaxis. Contains requirements for the standing order. Provides that a pharmacist must communicate the services provided under the provisions to the patient and the patient's primary health care provider or other health care professional or clinic, if known. Provides that if there is no primary health care provider provided by the patient, then the pharmacist must give a list of primary health care providers or clinics in the area. Provides that a pharmacist shall complete an educational training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education or Department of Financial and Professional Regulation related to human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis and human immunodeficiency virus post-exposure prophylaxis. Makes conforming and other changes. Makes corresponding changes in the Illinois Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank Act. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an insurance carrier or third-party payor shall reimburse a pharmacist or other health care professional for dispensing HIV prophylaxis medications and providing other services to a covered person in accordance with the current version of the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Provides that reimbursement shall provide an adequate consultation fee or, if medical billing is not available, an enhanced dispensing fee that is equivalent to 85% of the fees for services provided by an advanced practice registered nurse or physician. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that services provided by the pharmacist under the provisions concerning HIV prophylaxis in the Pharmacy Practice Act shall be covered and reimbursed at no less than 85% of the rate that the services are reimbursed when provided by a physician. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2023. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 215 ILCS 5/356z.1a new Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/356z.45 Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2023 shall provide coverage for health care or patient care services provided by a pharmacist if the pharmacist meets the requirements and scope of practice as set forth in provisions concerning HIV prophylaxis of the Pharmacy Practice Act (instead of a provision providing that an insurance carrier or third-party payor shall reimburse a pharmacist or other health care professional for dispensing HIV prophylaxis drugs and providing services under provisions concerning HIV prophylaxis of the Pharmacy Practice Act to a covered person in accordance with the current version of the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Preventive Services Task Force).

Amends the Invest in Kids Act. Makes a formatting change to create a first priority group for eligible students who received a scholarship from a scholarship granting organization during the previous school year. Provides that qualified schools may establish a maximum scholarship amount, which may not exceed the necessary costs and fees for attendance at the qualified school. Provides that the qualified school shall notify the scholarship granting organization of its necessary costs and fees as well as any maximum scholarship amount set by the school. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Specifies that the maximum scholarship amount set by a qualified school is subject to the limitations provided under existing law.

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Public Health to develop and implement a comprehensive 2-year statewide safe gun storage public awareness campaign. Provides that the campaign shall include sustained and focused messaging over the course of the 2-year campaign period, messages paired with information about enforcement or incentives for safe gun storage, and geographic and cultural considerations. Provides that the campaign shall be divided into 3 phases with specified requirements for each phase. Repeals the provisions on January 1, 2026. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that the statewide safe gun storage public awareness campaign shall be developed by the Department of Public Health subject to appropriation.

Creates the Illinois Support Through Loss Act. Requires an employer to grant to each employee 24 hours of paid leave time on the employee's first workday of each calendar year. Provides that the employee shall use the paid leave time as needed during that calendar year for either (i) an absence resulting from a pregnancy loss; an unsuccessful round of intrauterine insemination or of an assisted reproductive technology procedure; a failed adoption match or an adoption that is not finalized because it is contested by another party; a failed surrogacy arrangement; or a diagnosis or event that impacts pregnancy or fertility; or (ii) an absence to care for a spouse or domestic partner who experiences a circumstance described in item (i). Requires paid leave time to be provided upon the oral or written request of an employee. Provides that any paid leave time granted shall not carry over from one calendar year to the next. Provides that any employer with a paid leave policy that is sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act shall not be required to grant an employee additional paid leave time in accordance with the Act. Prohibits an employer from requiring the employee to find a replacement employee to cover the hours during which the employee is using paid leave time. Provides that an employer is not required to provide an employee with reimbursement for granted paid leave time that has not been used. Prohibits an employer from retaliating against an employee who uses paid leave time or files a complaint alleging a violation of the Act. Exempts from the requirements of the Act an employer who is subject to the Railway Labor Act, the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, the Federal Employers' Liability Act, or other comparable federal law. Provides that the Director of Labor shall administer and enforce the Act. Grants an employee the right to bring an action to recover damages. Grants the Department of Labor rulemaking authority. Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: New Act Adds reference to: 820 ILCS 154/1 820 ILCS 154/5 820 ILCS 154/10 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Child Bereavement Leave Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Family Bereavement Leave Act. Provides that all employees shall be entitled to use a maximum of 2 weeks (10 work days) of unpaid bereavement leave to be absent from work due to (i) a miscarriage; (ii) an unsuccessful round of intrauterine insemination or of an assisted reproductive technology procedure; (iii) a failed adoption match or an adoption that is not finalized because it is contested by another party; (iv) a failed surrogacy agreement; (v) a diagnosis that negatively impacts pregnancy or fertility; or (vi) a stillbirth. Provides that the employer may not require that the employee identify which category of event the leave pertains to as a condition of exercising rights under the Act. Changes references from "child" to "covered family members". Defines terms.