Over 300 New Laws Took Effect On January 1, 2022- Part 1
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a multipart series summarizing many of the new laws taking effect in Illinois January 1, 2022. For full text of a law, go to www.ilga.gov and typing in the bill number in the left column.
School Employee Family Leave Extension (Public Act 102-335, House Bill 12): An employee of a school district, public university or community college district who has been employed for at least 12 months and who has worked at least 1,000 hours in the previous 12-month period shall be eligible for family and medical leave under the same terms and conditions as leave provided to eligible employees under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
Convictions And Licensing (Public Act 102-105, House Bill 14): IDFPR must explain to applicants seeking a license, registration or certificate, who were denied on the basis of a criminal conviction, how the conviction directly relates to and would prevent them from effectively engaging in the position they are seeking. IDFPR must include the types of criminal convictions that contributed to the denial of a license, certificate or registration, and must post on its website a list of all state licensing restrictions that would prohibit an applicant from working in a position for which a license is sought.
Informal Teacher Observation Plans (Public Act 102-252, House Bill 18): Districts may perform teacher evaluations every three years, rather than every two years, if the teacher previously received a rating of ‘excellent’ or ‘proficient’. For those teachers, a school district must develop an informal observation plan to ensure those teachers are informally reviewed every two years. This new law also extends the Performance Evaluation Advisory Council to June 30, 2024.
Direct Child Welfare Service Employee License Board (Public Act 102-45, House Bill 19): This new law amends the composition of the Direct Child Welfare Service Employee License Board to include licensed professionals from the field of human services with a human service related degree. It requires that calls to the toll-free number maintained by DCFS to respond to requests from the public about its post-placement and post-adoption support services shall be answered no more than one business day after (rather than 24 hours from) receipt of the request.
Gold Star License Plate Registration Fee Waived (Public Act 102-106, House Bill 20): The registration fee for a Gold Star license plate requested by a surviving widow, widower, or parent of a deceased member of the Armed Forces is removed if that member lost his or her life while in service in wartime.
Life Insurance Guarantees For Those In Substance Abuse Treatment (Public Act 102-107, House Bill 33): Life insurance companies in Illinois cannot cancel, terminate, refuse to renew, add on charges or alter an individual’s life insurance policy because of that individual’s participation in a substance use disorder treatment or recovery support program no less than 5 years before application.
Amendments To Enterprise Zone Eligibility (Public Act 102-108, House Bill 34): This act modifies the Illinois Enterprise Zone program to make the process easier for applicants and it redefines what constitutes a Disproportionately Impacted Area (DIA) map.
Artificial Intelligence Employee Application Bias (Public Act 102-47, House Bill 53): Employers who rely solely upon artificial intelligence to determine whether an applicant will qualify for an in-person interview must gather and report demographic information to DCEO. DCEO will analyze and report such data with regards to racial bias by July 1 of every year.
Developmental Disability TESTING (Public Act 102-109, House Bill 55): This new law streamlines the process for psychological testing to allow psychologists to test for determination of developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Unlawful Covenant Modification (Public Act 102-110, House Bill 58): This act creates a process to permit property owners and home associations to file restrictive covenant modifications to potentially unlawful restrictive covenants (covenants that contain bigoted/racist language) on their property deeds.
Trampoline Park Safety Regulations (Public Act 102-255, House Bill 60): Trampoline parks’ dry slides, alpine slides, and toboggan slides must follow the rules and regulations outlined for “amusement rides” in the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act.
Female Hospital COVID Deaths (Public Act 102-256, House Bill 68): Hospitals must include in their quarterly reports the number of female patients admitted to the hospital who died and the number of female patients admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 and at least one underlying condition.
Tinted Window Exemption (Public Act 102-111, House Bill 96): This new law adds light sensitivity as a result of a traumatic brain injury to the list of medical conditions for which a person is exempt from certain restrictions concerning window tinting and is eligible for a Tinted Windows License Plate.
Public Business Data Transparency (Public Act 102-49, House Bill 115): The public may now freely access the data maintained by the Secretary of State on Corporations, LLCs, and non-profits. Previously a charge was applied to access such data.
Secure Choice Savings Program Act (Public Act 102-179, House Bill 117): This new law changes the Secure Choice Savings Program Act to provide that the Act applies to employers with at least five employees (currently, small employers that employ fewer than 25 employees are not required to participate in the Secure Choice Savings Program).
Drug Reuse Opportunity Program Act (Public Act 102-389, House Bill 119): The Drug Reuse Opportunity Program Act allows donors to donate drugs to certain recipients and recipients may dispense drugs to eligible patients. The Act establishes when a recipient may dispense or administer a drug and when a recipient can accept a drug.
Eliminates Termination Fees Paid By Dead Customer (Public Act 102-112, House Bill 122): 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.
Hormonal Contraceptive Coverage (Public Act 102-103, House Bill 135): A group or individual policy must provide coverage for health care provided by a pharmacist for the dispensation of hormonal contraceptives.
SNAP Benefits For Diapers And Menstrual Hygiene Products (Public Act 102-248, House Bill 155): If the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service creates and makes available to the states a waiver permitting recipients of benefits provided under the SNAP or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children to use their benefits to purchase diapers or menstrual hygiene products, then DHS shall apply for the waiver.
Driver’s License Suspension Statutes Of Limitations (Public Act 102-52, House Bill 161): Allows the Secretary of State to terminate a driver’s license suspension following an accident when the statute of limitations has expired and no action has been filed against the driver during the statute of limitations period. The Secretary of State may return security deposits made by the at-fault driver upon the expiration of the relevant statute of limitations or two years from the date of default in an installment agreement, whichever is later.
Protecting Animals From Dangerous Owners (Public Act 102-114, House Bill 168): In addition to any other penalty, the court may order that a person and persons dwelling in the same household may not own, harbor or have custody or control of any other animal if the person has been convicted of two or more of the following offenses: (1) a violation of aggravated cruelty; (2) a violation of animals for entertainment; or (3) a violation of dog fighting.
Firefighter Training History Of Labor Movement (Public Act 102-115, House Bill 202): Chicago firefighters will now be required to receive training in the history of fire service labor movement.
Allowing APRNs To Sign Death Certificats (Public Act 102-257, House Bill 214): Allows death certificates and medical certifications to be completed and signed by a physician or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, instead of solely by the physician. APRNs are many times, and especially in rural areas, the primary caregivers for patients and are most familiar with the cause of death. Some areas of the state have a shortage of physicians, and only allowing physicians to sign death certificates can create a delay in the receipt of the death certificates and undue stress on the deceased’s family.
Test Optional Policy For Public Colleges & University Admissions (Public Act 102-54, House Bill 226): The Higher Education Fair Admissions Act requires that all Illinois public colleges and universities must adopt a test-optional policy as part of their undergraduate admissions process. Under the test-optional policy, an institution may not require Illinois applicants to submit standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. Submission of standardized test scores shall be at the option of the applicant. This test-optional policy only applies to Illinois residents.
Bird Safe State Buildings (Public Act 102-119, House Bill 247): Each state building constructed, acquired or of which more than 50% of the façade is substantially altered shall meet specified standards concerning bird safety. Some buildings on the National Register of Historic Places are exempted from the Act.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Paths (Public Act 102-660, House Bill 270): In or within a municipality with a population of over 1,000 people, IDOT shall establish and solely fund bicycle and pedestrian ways in conjunction with the construction, reconstruction, or other change of any State transportation facility. Provides an exemption in cases in which the municipality passes a resolution stating that a bicycle or pedestrian way does not fit within its development plan. Provides that if programmed funds identified as supplemental funding for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) are not expended for five years, IDOT has the option to use those funds to pay the cost of bicycle and pedestrian ways in roadway projects.
Gluten Labeling Requirement (Public Act 102-121, House Bill 279): An oral drug is misbranded if gluten is included as an inactive ingredient and is not so listed on its label. The provisions do not apply to pharmacies or pharmacists.
Feminine Hygiene Products At Homeless Shelters (Public Act 102-249, House Bill 310): The Feminine Hygiene Products for the Homeless Act is created to provide that feminine products including, but not limited to, sanitary napkins, tampons and panty liners shall be available free of charge at all homeless shelters that provide temporary housing assistance to women or youth; however, each homeless shelter will absorb associated costs subject to the availability of funds.
More Time To Submit Medicaid Documents (Public Act 102-123, House Bill 357): Long-term care facilities will now have up to 120 calendar days; rather than 45; to submit Medicaid admission documents.
DUI Memorial Markers: (Public Act 102-60, House Bill 365): On and after July 1, 2021, a DUI memorial marker shall bear the message “Don’t Drive Under the Influence” (rather than “Please Don’t Drink and Drive.”) A fatal accident memorial marker shall consist of a white on blue panel bearing the message “Reckless Driving Costs Lives” if the victim or victims died as a proximate result of a crash caused by a driver who committed an act of reckless homicide. All other fatal accident memorial markers shall consist of a white on blue panel bearing the message “Drive With Care”. This legislation is in response to the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis.
Affordable Housing For Community Colleges (Public Act 102-62, House Bill 374): Community colleges and housing authorities may develop affordable housing for community college students. The new law permits non-exempt local governments to develop affordable housing for community college students in coordination with nonprofit affordable housing developers and housing authorities.
Class Enrollment Notification For Adjunct Professor (Public Act 102-260, House Bill 375): At least 30 days before the beginning of a semester or term and again at 14 days before the beginning of the semester or term, a community college must notify an adjunct professor about the status of class enrollment of the class the adjunct professor was assigned to teach.
Asian American History In School Curriculum (Public Act 102-44, House Bill 376): Asian American history will be taught in public elementary and high schools across Illinois.
Animal Parts And Products Ban Act (Public Act 102-64, House Bill 395): An initiative of the Humane Society, this new law amends the Ivory Ban Act to protect imperiled animals and ensure that Illinois residents do not unwittingly contribute to the illegal wildlife trade. It makes it unlawful to import with the intent to sell any animal part or product—not just ivory and rhinoceros’ horns. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to permit the transfer of covered animal parts or products to or from a museum. Makes changes concerning exemptions for certain antiques. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to permit the transfer of covered animal parts or products to or from a museum. Makes changes concerning exemptions for certain antiques.
FOID Modernization Act (Public Act 102-237, House Bill 562): This new law adds that each applicant for the issuance of a FOID Card may include a full set of his or her fingerprints in electronic format to ISP. Provides that a FOID Card of a licensee under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act shall not expire during the term of the licensee’s concealed carry license. Provides that a FOID Card of a licensee under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act shall not expire during the term of the licensee’s concealed carry license. Provides that if a person who possesses a combined FOID Card and CCL becomes subject to suspension or revocation under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, but is otherwise eligible for a valid FOID Card, ISP shall ensure the person’s FOID Card status is not interrupted. Requires the State Police to establish a portal for law enforcement agencies to capture a report of persons whose FOID cards have been revoked or suspended. In addition, any person within the state who receives any firearm, stun gun, or taser from a person who is not a federally-licensed firearm dealer shall provide a record within 10 days of the transfer to a federally-licensed firearm dealer.
Puppy Mill Prevention (Public Act 102-128, House Bill 572): In an effort to prevent puppy mills, a sales finance agency shall not finance, enter into a retail installment contract, or make a loan for the purchase of a canine or feline.
Dispute Resolution Fee Increase (Public Act 102-139, House Bill 574): The Not-For-Profit Dispute Resolution Center Act is amended to increase the dispute resolution fund fee charged and collected by the clerks of the circuit court to $2 (rather than $1).
Mental Health Days In School (Public Act 102-266, House Bill 576): The Compulsory Attendance Article of the School Code is amended to allow students to take up to five absences for mental or behavioral health; after the second mental health day used, they may be referred to the appropriate school support personnel.
Human Trafficking Notice (Public Act 102-131, House Bill 588): Certain businesses and establishments may post the notice required by the Human Trafficking Resource Center Notice Act in all restrooms open to the public.
Sarcoidosis Awareness Month (Public Act 102-132, House Bill 590): To promote the awareness of Sarcoidosis disease and treatment, the month of April will be designated as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month.
Vegetable Garden Protection (Public Act 102-180, House Bill 633): This new law protects the sustainable cultivation of fresh produce at all levels of production, including on residential property for personal consumption or non-commercial sharing. Home rule exemption for garden houses in residential areas.
Financial Assistance For Rental Housing (Public Act 102-270, House Bill 648): Once a tenant has received assistance under the Rental Housing Support Program, the tenant shall remain eligible for assistance under the Program until the tenant reaches an income level of 35% of area median family income; thereafter they will begin the transition out of the Program. It also makes inclusion of multi-bedroom units in program grants permissive rather than mandatory.
Groundwater Monitoring (Public Act 102-271, House Bill 653): Groundwater monitoring will be required at all clean construction or demolition debris fill operations and all uncontaminated soil fill operations, to prevent any undiscovered contaminants from leaching into the public water supply.
Keeping Motorcycle Passengers Safe (Public Act 102-344, House Bill 656): This new law requires the passenger of a motorcycle to be capable of resting a foot on the footrest while the motorcycle is in motion.
Entrepreneur Assistance Center (Public Act 102-272, House Bill 665): DCEO will establish and support entrepreneurship assistance centers at career education agencies and not-for-profit corporations.
Ambulance Services (Public Act 102-661, House Bill 684): Ground ambulance services are exempt from the State’s managed care medical assistance program.
Dental Practice Regulation (Public Act 102-582, House Bill 690): IDFPR may issue a temporary permit authorizing the practice of dentistry under certain circumstances, with a collaborative agreement with an Illinois licensed dentist. This change will allow Aspen Dental to establish an oral care training center on Chicago’s Near West Side that would treat veterans, many of whom don’t receive dental care under current VA plans.
Public Information Campaign For Immigrant Rights (Public Act 102-408, House Bill 709): DHS will conduct a public information campaign to educate immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers and other noncitizens residing in Illinois of their rights under the U.S. Constitution and Illinois laws that apply regardless of immigration status—the campaign will include resources and contact information for organizations that can aid residents in protecting and enforcing these rights.
Prior Authorization For Health Insurance (Public Act 102-409, House Bill 711): The Prior Authorization Reform Act will require health insurance issuers to disclose and review prior authorization requirements, denial of claims or coverage by a utilization review organization, and the implementation of prior authorization requirements or restrictions. The Act requires an insurer to make prior authorization determinations within a certain time period and requires that adverse determination be made by a physician.
Eliminating The Cost Of Health Care Records (Public Act 102-183, House Bill 714): In an effort to defray costs for those in need, health care facilities or health care practitioners are required to provide one complete copy of a patient’s records–without charge–if the patient is an indigent homeless veteran applying for: federal veterans’ disability benefits, or federal Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, or both, under any title of the Social Security Act.
Ensuring Victims Of Sex Crimes Are Protected Through No Contact Orders (Public Act 102-184, House Bill 734): Protective orders end either after two years in a civil no contact or when the case is done in a criminal proceeding, which forces victims to have to go back to court and obtain another order against their perpetrators, thereby seeing them in court again, re-traumatizing the victim. This provided certain No Contact orders be permanent at the victim’s request.
Allows Examination-free Treatment Of Trichomoniasis For Sexual Partners Of Patient (Public Act 102-185, House Bill 739): A health care professional who makes a clinical diagnosis of trichomoniasis may prescribe antibiotic drugs to the infected person’s sexual partner or partners for the treatment of the sexually transmissible disease without physical examination of the partner or partners, if in the judgment of the health care professional the partner is unlikely or unable to present for comprehensive healthcare, including evaluation, testing and treatment for sexually transmissible diseases.
U Of I-Community College Student Transfer Admissions Pilot Program (Public Act 102-187, House Bill 796): The U of I will create a four-year uniform admission system pilot program, guaranteeing qualified community college students admission to one of the U of I system universities. In order to qualify, a student must meet the following requirements: graduate from an Illinois high school, earn at least 36 transferable credits at an Illinois community college, maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average for all transferable coursework, and satisfy the university system’s English language proficiency requirement.
Professional Licensure Sunset Extensions Omnibus Bill (Public Act 102-20, House Bill 806): This legislation extended sunset dates until 2027 for the Boxing and Full-contact Martial Arts Act, Cemetery Oversight Act, Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act, Home Inspector License Act, Massage Licensing Act, Medical Practice Act of 1987, Petroleum Equipment Contractors Licensing Act, Radiation Protection Act of 1990, Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act of 2002, Detection of Deception Examiners Act and The Registered Interior Designers Act. It extended until 2023 the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act. The legislation also amended the Massage Licensing Act to exempt members of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia until January 1, 2024.
Firefighter Hiring Outreach Program Permissive And Not Mandatory (Public Act 102-188, House Bill 809): The Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act was amended in 2011 to establish a Joint Labor Management Committee to operate the community outreach program or with a register of eligible for full-time firefighter placement, or to contract with a testing agency to establish these programs. Because of logistical concerns, they have been unable to establish this program since that time. This legislation clarified that creation of the program is permissive and not mandatory.
Inheritance Funds For Minors/College Savings Plan (Public Act 102-189, House Bill 814): This initiative amends the Probate Act to give courts the option in cases when the estate of a ward consists only of money, that the judge may order, among other dispositions, that the money be deposited in a qualified tuition program. This change in state law was necessary to allow estate funds inherited by minors to be invested in a 529 college savings plan.
Lawyers Assistance Funds To No Longer Be Allocated Through State Treasury (Public Act 102-190, House Bill 835): The Supreme Court wished to streamline the process of collecting funds for the lawyers’ assistance programs (LAP). This allows the ARDC to allocate Lawyers Assistance Program funds it collects directly to LAP providers via Supreme Court Rule rather than going through the State Treasurer, extending consistency with how funds for the Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism and the Lawyers Trust Fund operate. Upon completion of the transfers, the Lawyers’ Assistance Program Fund is dissolved and provides that the Lawyers’ Assistance Program Act be repealed on July 1, 2022.
Guardian Ad Litem Fees At Discretion Of Court (Public Act 102-191, House Bill 842): Instead of the court ordering a petitioner to pay all fees or amounts of the guardian ad litem or appointed counsel if the respondent or their estate is unable to pay, the allocation of guardian ad litem fees and costs is within the discretion of the court. No costs, in addition to legal fees or appointed counsel fees, shall be assessed against the Office of the State Guardian, public guardian, adult protective services agency, DCFS, or agency designated by the Governor under the Protection & Advocacy for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act.
Unvested Equity Or Deferred Comp May Be Discussed For Employment Purposes (Public Act 102-277, House Bill 1207): This legislation amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003 in relation to an employer seeking an applicant’s salary history. It provides that information concerning unvested equity or deferred compensation may be discussed. This change addresses a current limitation employers have with regards to the inability to verify the amount of unvested equity or deferred compensation that a job applicant would lose if they left their job in the event the applicant asks the prospective employer to match the lost incentives.
Changing “Honorable” Discharge Definitions To Include Lgbt (Public Act 102-382, House Bill 1290): For the purposes of determining eligibility for any veterans benefit available from the State, the words “honorable discharge” and “honorably discharged” will include a discharge under other than honorable conditions or general discharge under honorable conditions due to a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity but does not include a bad conduct discharge or a dishonorable discharge.
Expanding Civil No Contact Order Act For Sexual Assault (Public Act 102-198, House Bill 1742): Any family or household member of a victim of non-consensual sexual conduct or non-consensual sexual penetration may file a petition for a civil no contact order. The petition must include a statement that the victim has consented to the family or household member filing the petition.
Expanding Funding To Special Districts And The Kaskaskia Region Port District (Public Act 102-347, House Bill 1755): This act allows DCEO to evaluate special districts to judge eligibility for state and federal programs, grants and subsidies based on eligibility requirements set forth in their statutory charters. The act further allows the Kaskaskia Port District to apply for and accept grants, loans, or appropriations from the federal government, the state government or any agency that may be used for any of the purposes of the District. Also allows the District to enter into agreements with the federal and state government in relation to such grants, loans or appropriations.
Biomarker Testing Covered By Insurance (Public Act 102-203, House Bill 1779): This act states that any group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2022, shall include coverage for biomarker testing for the purposes of diagnosis, treatment, appropriate management or ongoing monitoring of an enrollee’s disease or condition when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidence.
Anti-Discrimination Protections Expanded To Those Who Associate With A Person With A Disability (Public Act 102-419, House Bill 1838): This initiative expands the definition of discrimination based on disability to include unlawful discrimination against an individual because of their association with a person with a disability.
Aftercare Plan For Those Discharged From Mental Health Facilities (Public Act 102-420, House Bill 1854): When a recipient of services from a DHS facility is being discharged, the patient and their legally authorized representative must be provided a written aftercare plan prior to the patient’s discharge from the facility.
Penicillium Rubens Named As State Microbe, Recognizing Peoria’s Role In Bio-Tech (Public Act 102-402, House Bill 1879): Penicillium Rubens NRRL 1951 is designated the official state microbe of the State of Illinois. Peoria is credited as the place where penicillin was developed into a medicine in the 1940s.
Vehicle Code-Fold Of Honor Plates (Public Act 102-383, House Bill 1915): This new law allows the issuance of Fold of Honor special license plate decals by IDVA. Money in the Folds of Honor Foundation Fund shall be paid as grants to the Folds of Honor Foundation to aid in providing educational scholarships to military families.
Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitariums (Public Act 102-587, House Bill 1926): This act eliminates an obsolete state mandate requiring municipalities to operate tuberculosis sanitariums and contagious disease hospitals.
Autism Acceptance Week (Public Act 102-588, House Bill 1954): This act denotes that each year the first full week of April is designated as Autism Acceptance Week.
Cal’s Law (Public Act 102-289, House Bill 2109): Coverage is required for comprehensive cancer testing and testing of blood or constitutional tissues for cancer predisposition to ensure that children diagnosed with cancer can be approved for comprehensive testing.
Secretary Of State Duties – Service Of Process Requests (Public Act 102-591, House Bill 2401): An initiative to clarify duties of the Secretary of State, this act confirms it is the Secretary of State’s duty to only accept service of process requests in the specifically mandated areas of the law and as determined by the General Assembly. The Secretary is not the default agent for service of process in the State of Illinois
Fire And Smoke Damper Inspection Act (Public Act 102-426, House Bill 2408): A new act, this initiative mandates inspections and testing of HVAC fire dampers and smoke dampers by individuals certified by the International Certification Board and accredited by the American National Standards Institute or another national accreditation board. Inspectors under this act shall certify that all fire and smoke dampers inspected meet the standards established in the applicable code or codes adopted by any authority having jurisdiction. This act exempts nuclear facilities.
Notice By Publication For Minority Communities (Public Act 102-592, House Bill 2412): Concerning any notice that is required to be published in a newspaper: if a city, town or county consists of more than 45% of a single minority group, the notice must also be published in a local newspaper of that minority group in the official language of the minority group’s country of origin.
Vehicle Manufacturer Clarification (Public Act 102-433, House Bill 2435): Provides that a manufacturer may not require a motor vehicle dealer to make available any secondary product or prohibit a motor vehicle dealer from offering a secondary product. Defines “secondary product” to mean all products that are not new motor vehicles or original equipment manufacturer parts.
Junk Vehicle Notification (Public Act 102-436, House Bill 2529): An automotive parts recycler, in addition to a scrap processor, may submit a Junk Vehicle Notification to the Secretary of State.
Protecting Household Privacy Act (Public Act 102-597, House Bill 2553): Law enforcement agencies may not obtain household electronic data or direct the acquisition of household electronic data from a private third party. Exemptions include data that was obtained due to a warrant, obtained to respond to a call for emergency services, during certain emergency situations, or with the consent of the device owner. Household electronic data must be destroyed within 60 days if no charges are filed unless it contains evidence of criminal activity or there is an ongoing investigation.
Limiting Public Employee Insurance Plans (Public Act 102-439, House Bill 2568): This act states that the insurance plans of public employees who are full-time law enforcement, correctional or correctional probation officers, or firefighters must be limited to the insurance plan options codified in the employee collective bargaining agreement or bargained upon with an authorized agent and subject to the grievance process.
Providing An E-Learning Option For Seniors Taking Driver Safety Courses (Public Act 102-397, House Bill 2570): Illinois drivers 55 and older may take certified driver safety training courses remotely via eLearning, rather than in a classroom setting. Through eLearning, senior drivers can safely and comfortably access the instruction they need not only to stay safe on the roadways but also to reduce their vehicle insurance premiums. Accident prevention courses approved by the Secretary of State will include at least 8 hours of classroom or eLearning equivalent instruction.
School Bus Safety Equipment (Public Act 102-441, House Bill 2584): This legislation allows IDOT to establish a pilot program to permit the testing and use of certain new safety equipment for school buses such as an extended flashing arm attached to a bus stop sign, known as a S.A.F.E. Gate, to reduce motorists ignoring bus stop signs.
Opioid Overdose Prevention (Public Act 102-598, House Bill 2589): The Substance Use Disorder Act is amended to include opioid overdose prevention activities as eligible grant activities. Health care professionals or persons acting under the direction of a health care professional can obtain, store and dispense an opioid antagonist to a patient in certain health care settings. Additionally, the Public Aid Code is amended to include hospital fees related to opioid antagonist distribution under provided coverage. Lastly, HFS is required to develop and seek federal approval for a SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment) benefit for which providers will be reimbursed.
Authorization Of Delinquent Tax Repayment Loan Fund For Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program (Public Act 102-599, House Bill 2614): If authorized by either a referendum approved by a majority of the voters or an approved resolution of the governing commission by two-thirds of the commissioners, the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program may establish a Delinquent Tax Repayment Loan Fund to provide low-interest emergency loans to eligible applicants.
Prohibiting Cost-Sharing For Medically Necessary Follow-Up Colonoscopy Exams (Public Act 102-443, House Bill 2653): This new law requires certain group policies of accident or health insurance to provide coverage for colonoscopies that are follow-up exams from an initial screen where the procedure was determined to be medically necessary. Applicable policies may not impose a cost-sharing requirement on the coverage provided, not applying if the coverage would disqualify a high-deductible health plan from eligibility for a health savings account pursuant to Section 223 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Expedition Of Professional Licensure For Service Members And Spouses (Public Act 102-384, House Bill 2776): Review and determination of an application for a professional license to a service member or service member’s spouse is expedited by the department processing it within 30 days after the date the department receives all the necessary documentation, from 60 days. Instead of a requirement that the service member’s or spouse’s licensure in another state be substantially equivalent to the standards for licensure of Illinois, an application must include proof the applicant meets the requirements and standards for licensure through endorsement or reciprocity for the profession where he or she is applying.
Community Emergency Services And Support Act (Public Act 102-580, House Bill 2784): A new statewide advisory committee will review and make recommendations for the coordination of the 9-1-1 system and the 9-8-8 mobile mental health response system. The committee must recommend a system for gathering data related to these systems to make improvements. The legislation sets membership of the committee and outlines responsibilities. Responsibilities include establishing local protocols to allow its region’s 9-1-1 call center and emergency responders to coordinate with the 9-8-8 number, setting maximum times for the 9-8-8 number to provide service, and more.
Illinois Constitution Day (Public Act 102-447, House Bill 2834): The Commemorative Dates Act is amended to provide that August 26 of each year is designated as Illinois Constitution Day, to be observed throughout the state as a day to commemorate August 26, 1818 as the day Illinois ratified its first state Constitution.
Expands Use Of Sirens And Plates For Deputy And Assistant Fire Chiefs (Public Act 102-448, House Bill 2860): Vehicles of deputy fire chiefs and assistant fire chiefs may be equipped with a siren, whistle or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet. Deputy fire chiefs and assistant fire chiefs are eligible for fire chief license plates. Any fire chief, deputy fire chief or assistant fire chief operating warning devices upon a vehicle not owned by a municipality or fire protection district shall display fire chief license plates.
Basis Of Denial For Construction Required From County Superintendent Of Highways (Public Act 102-449, House Bill 2863): In the case of township roads, the county superintendent of highways may either grant consent for construction or deny the application. The county superintendent of highways shall provide written confirmation, citing the basis of the decision, to both the highway commissioner and the applicant.
Allows Nurses, APNs, And Physician Assistants To Volunteer As EMTs In Rural Areas (Public Act 102-450, House Bill 2864): In a rural population of 7500 or fewer inhabitants, each EMS system medical director shall create an exception to the credentialing process to allow registered nurses, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses to apply to serve as volunteers who perform the same work as EMTs. Provisions are included to ensure proper licensure, documentation of observed riding time, and other specified requirements.
