January 1st Brings 253 New Laws for 2019

Over the two years of the historic 100th General Assembly, Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) sponsored or co-sponsored sixty-eight bills that have become law. The most recent legislative session in 2018 has 253 new laws that take effect on January 1st. In addition to the hunting safety legislation that adds blaze pink to the blaze orange as a clothing color option so other hunters see you during hunting season, Rep. Severin was the chief co-sponsor of the law establishing November 4th each year as “G.I. Bill of Rights Day” in Illinois. That is the date when former Illinois Governor John Stelle of McLeansboro met with seven other Legion members from around the state to put down their ideas on dinner napkins on how to help returning veterans from World War II. Stelle took those ideas to Washington was instrumental in the drafting and passage of that legislation.

The other new laws taking effect on January 1, 2019 are listed below. If you’d like additional information on them, please refer to the General Assembly web site at www.ilga.gov.

(Public Act 100-649, House Bill 66)

In preparation of celebrating the 100th birthday of historic Route 66, House Bill 66 creates the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission charged with planning the Mother Road’s centennial celebrations throughout the state. The Commission will consist of 20 members, three of whom will be appointed by the Governor and two from each of the legislative leaders. Additional members will represent various groups or state agencies, including the Executive Director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.

(Public Act 100-898, House Bill 489)

December 3 of each year is now designated as Illinois Statehood Day, to commemorate December 3, 1818, the day Illinois became the 21st state to join the Union. Within 10 days before Illinois Statehood Day each year, the Governor shall issue a proclamation announcing the recognition of Statehood Day, and designate the official events that will be held in honor of Illinois obtaining statehood.

(Public Act 100-1072, House Bill 1010)

Gender-specific titles in the Election Code are replaced with gender neutral titles, such as ‘Chairperson’ under this new law.

(Public Act-100-847, House Bill 1190)

Sanitary districts are permitted to combine their waterworks system and their sewage system into one utility and to combine their billing for cost and efficiency purposes.

(Public Act 100-612, House Bill 1338)

Under the Safe Pharmaceutical Disposal Act, the definition of “unused medication” is broadened to include liquid and suspension medication. The new law allows for the disposal of intraperitoneal solutions into a public wastewater collection system or septic system.

(Public Act 100-630, House Bill 1464)

Creates a bail provision specifically for a pregnant pre-trial detainee. If the court believes that a pregnant pre-trial detainee will give birth while in custody, the court shall release the detainee on electronic monitoring or other conditions unless there is a real and danger threat to the victim, any person or persons or the general public.

(Public Act 100-666, House Bill 1671)

The new Police Service Dog Protection Act requires law enforcement agencies to provide for an annual medical examination by a licensed veterinarian. It further requires police dogs to be vaccinated against rabies and for vehicles transporting police dogs to be equipped with a heat sensor monitoring device to monitor the internal temperature of the vehicle.

(Public Act 100-667, House Bill 2040)

Whereas previous statutes only allowed this special accredited school for autistic children to transport students in grades 9-12 to off-site locations for learning, this new law allows the facility to also transport its K-8 students off-site for learning opportunities.

(Public Act 100-1037, House Bill 2063)

Changes provisions of the Crime Victims Compensation Act to allow for applicants or victims of human trafficking to have an easier time meeting the notification and cooperation with law enforcement requirements for eligibility. The bill increases the time frame for reporting for victims of human trafficking.

(Public Act 100-607, House Bill 2354)

The Firearm Restraining Order Act allows for family member or law enforcement to petition the court for an order prohibiting possession of firearms by an individual if they poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to themselves or other by possessing a firearm. The order may be issued on an emergency ex parte basis or for 6-months. The Court is required to make specific findings before issuing the order.

(Public Act 100-1102, House Bill 2617)

This Act requires Illinois insurance providers to cover fertility preservation for cancer patients or any other patient who undergoes a necessary medical treatment that directly or indirectly causes iatrogenic infertility.

(Public Act 100-1038, House Bill 2723)

The Timeshare Lien and Security Interest Act reinstates the industry standard non-judicial foreclosure language in statute.

(Public Act 100-615, House Bill 3185)

This law removes outdated provisions, and references to the abolished State Community College of East St. Louis, and makes changes to Merit Board operations including allowing it to authorize the creation and use of pilot programs to further the goals of the Act. In addition, the law expands nondiscrimination protections.

(Public Act 100-1133, House Bill 3418)

This new law allows the corporate authorities of a municipality to establish an urban agricultural area (UAA).

(Public Act 100-669, House Bill 3648)

A State’s Attorney may appoint qualified attorneys from outside their office to assist as Special Assistant State’s Attorneys when the public interest so requires.

(Public Act 100-1004, House Bill 3920)

Lowers penalties from a Class A misdemeanor to a traffic citation for individuals driving with a suspended license due to unpaid parking fines, automated camera enforcement, or unpaid child support.

(Public Act 100-1051, House Bill 4100)

This new law responds to a 2017 incident involving an inmate from the Kane County Jail, who took two nurses captive while receiving treatment at a hospital. The legislation seeks to help protect health care professionals by requiring all hospitals and health care facilities to institute workplace violence prevention programs that align with OSHA guidelines for preventing workplace violence for health care workers. The law also sets forth requirements for the custodial escort of inmates and requires that hospitals and medical facilities to establish protocols for the receipt of incarcerated persons. It also requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Juvenile Justice to provide two guards to each inmate who is delivered for medical treatment, with some exceptions.

(Public Act 100-631, House Bill 4212)

This Act changes the definition of “high-risk missing person” to include a person who is a veteran or active duty member of the U.S. armed forces, the National Guard or any reserve component of the armed forces believed to have a physical or mental health condition that is related to his or her service.

(Public Act 100-651, House Bill 4213)

Under existing law, state-owned vehicles must have their oil changed every 3,000 miles, even though most modern automobiles are designed to go ,5000 or even 10,000 – 15,000 miles between oil changes. This legislation changes state law to require the Department of Central Management Services to eliminate wasteful spending on unnecessary vehicle maintenance by using the vehicle manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule.

(Public Act 100-747, House Bill 4226)

This new law provides for a uniform set of rules for the accommodation of a student who sustained a concussion during an interscholastic athletic activity. The law also requires the IDPH to, subject to appropriation, develop, publish and disseminate a brochure to educate the public on the warning signs and effects of a concussion.

(Public Act 100-949 House Bill 4231)

The Wildlife Code will now allow certain hunters to wear solid blaze pink colored clothing in addition to the blaze orange colored clothing used currently.

(Public Act 100-670, House Bill 4268)

This new law amends the Home Repair and Remodeling Act to add new transparency language to the home repair consumer rights pamphlet. In the section dealing with lien waivers, it adds language advising clients of their rights under the law.

(Public Act 100-658, House Bill 4275)

The prohibition on contracts for basic physical fitness services in excess of $2,500 per year, per person is removed. The law also requires that such contracts need to be in writing. The new law removes the prohibition on financing of a contract for physical fitness services over a period in excess of three years, including other changes to the law.

(Public Act 100-826, House Bill 4288)

Individuals who served in the National Guard, regardless of their home state, will now qualify for a state employment preference. Individuals who served in the Illinois National Guard will be given preference over out of state candidates.

(Public Act 100-850, House Bill 4309)

Under the new Frail Individual Family Visitation Protection Act, if a caregiver unreasonably prevents a family member from visiting a frail elderly individual, the law allows the court to order the caregiver to permit visitation between the frail elderly individual and the family member if the court finds that the visitation is in the frail elderly individual’s best interests. This law will create a potential pathway for family members to secure visits in cases where they are being unreasonably blocked from seeing Mom or Dad by another close relative.

(Public Act 100-811, House Bill 4332)

This new law expands the list of eligible documents to receive “Veteran” designation on driver’s license to include an identification card issued under the federal Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015. It provides that if a document cannot be stamped, the Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) shall provide a certificate to the veteran to provide to the Secretary of State.

(Public Act 100-671, House Bill 4340)

The bill amends the Human Trafficking Resource Center Notice Act by adding to the list of entities required to post information about the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. It defines “massage establishment” and sets fines for non-compliance with the Act. School districts are not subject to the penalties. It further provides that the governmental entity regulating a business or establishment or local a law enforcement agency has jurisdiction to monitor and enforce compliance with the Act. Violations of the Act can be prosecuted by the Attorney General or the State’s Attorney.

(Public Act 100-900, House Bill 4345)

Designates the third Friday in May as First Responder Mental Health Awareness Day.

(Public Act 100-634, House Bill 4346)

Every public institution of higher education and community college is now required to offer a course studying the events of black history. Public institutions of higher education and community colleges are allowed to meet the requirement by offering an online course.

(Public Act 100-901, House Bill 4348)

The Missing Persons Identification Act is amended to require investigative agencies of an identified persons or human remains case to provide the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) with information that could be used for identification.

(Public Act 100-672, House Bill 4377)

Children under age two must be secured in an approved rear-facing child seat (instead of a forward-facing car seat) while riding in a vehicle.

(Public Act 100-749 House Bill 4392)

This new law requires women to be informed by their doctor or mammogram provider if they have dense breast tissue, which raises a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. It also requires mammogram providers to inform them of additional tests that may be needed for a proper diagnosis of breast cancer.

(Public Act 100-1041, House Bill 4395)

This legislation modernizes and simplifies the Governmental Ethics Act by allowing individuals to file statements of economic interest electronically rather than on paper and in person. However, it requires candidates for Constitutional offices and the General Assembly to still file in a written or printed form.

(Public Act 100-618, House Bill 4428)

The Department of Public Health (IDPH) is required to provide a dairy farm with a paper copy of the farm’s inspection report at the time of inspection.

(Public Act 100-1042, House Bill 4440)

Intended to educate a vulnerable population on the benefits of getting vaccinated, including the shingles vaccine, this new law requires IDPH to provide facilities licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act with educational information on all vaccines recommended by the CDC, including the shingles vaccine. Facilities shall distribute the immunization information to residents who request it and to newly admitted residents. The facility may distribute the information electronically.

(Public Act 100-828, House Bill 4472)

All drivers will now be required to insure their vehicles. This closes a loophole that allowed drivers of vehicles registered out of state to not carry insurance. The operator of the vehicle shall carry within the vehicle evidence of the current insurance policy.

(Public Act 100-674, House Bill 4476)

Any person cited for a petty offense will no longer be required to sign the citation. The State Police stated that not requiring an officer to get the violator’s signature would result in an increase in officer safety. This legislation will provide a financial savings as the State Police pay ten cents per sheet of paper required for a violator’s signature. In 2016, the State Police issued 151,379 paper citations.

(Public Act 100-1136, House Bill 4514)

Under this new law, only persons licensed and endorsed as a school counselor under the School Code may use the title “school counselor.”

(Public Act 100-1137, House Bill 4515)

IDPH is required to establish the Lyme Disease Prevention, Detection, and Outreach Program and the Lyme Disease Task Force. The bill also states that IDFPR shall not take disciplinary or non-disciplinary actions against a physician for the experimental treatment for Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases, including, but not limited to, the prescription of or treatment with long-term antibiotics.

(Public Act 100-1053, House Bill 4554)

This new law makes it an aggravating factor in sentencing for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, intoxicating compounds or any combination thereof if the individual was driving his or her vehicle the wrong direction on a one-way street.

(Public Act 100-636, House Bill 4568)

The Healthy Local Food Incentives Program, which would have expired on June 30, 2019, is extended by this new law. The program was established to double the purchasing power of Illinois residents with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. While DHS was to adopt rules to implement the Healthy Local Food Incentives Program by December 31, 2017, rules have not been adopted, funds have not been appropriated, and the Program has not been implemented. This law will allow the program to stay on the books so it may yet be funded and implemented in the future.

(Public Act 100-753, House Bill 4578)

This Act reduces the penalty associated with curing a default. The default shall be cured before the first day of the second month after the anniversary month of the company (instead of 60 days after the due date of the action). Reduces the penalty to $100 (from $300) plus $100 for each year or fraction thereof beginning with the second year of delinquency.

(Public Act 100-903, House Bill 4658)

At least once every two years, a school board shall require in-service training of licensed school personnel and administrators who work with pupils in kindergarten through grade 12 to identify the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth.

(Public Act 100-756, House Bill 4686)

A court shall not appoint as a guardian an employee of an agency that is directly providing residential services to the person in question. This act safeguards wards of the state by eliminating a possible conflict of interest for appointed guardians.

(Public Act 100-1054, House Bill 4687)

This new law expands the list of family members of a person who is a ward of the state who may petition for visitation privileges. The list now includes adult children, spouses, adult grandchildren, parents, adult siblings or other interested persons. “Other interested person” is defined as any person who has a significant, ongoing relationship based on or productive of strong affection. Court shall not allow visits if it finds that the ward has capacity to evaluate and communicate decisions regarding visitation and expresses desire not to have visits with the petitioner.

(Public Act 100-676, House Bill 4689)

This act makes technical changes to modify the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) to match federal statute.

(Public Act 100-1044, House Bill 4702)

This legislation creates the Uniform Powers of Appointment Act for family estate planning and commercial transactions.

(Public Act 100-1006, House Bill 4724)

First purchasers shall not be required to obtain exemption certificates from the producer until the first high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing permit has been approved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

(Public Act 100-990, House Bill 4736)

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) shall not require that children who receive in-home shift nursing or children made eligible for services under a 1915 (c) waiver for MFTD children be auto enrolled in an MCO. Any child in the two categories listed whom are currently in an MCO shall be given the option to dis-enroll.

(Public Act 100-677, House Bill 4741)

Under this new law, each committed person will be entitled to seven visits per month. Every committed person may submit to the DOC a list of at least 30 persons who are authorized to visit.

(Public Act 100-1140, House Bill 4743)

Under this new law no employer may discriminate between employees by paying wages to an African-American employee at a rate less than the rate at which the employer pays wages to another employee who is not African-American for the same or sustainably similar work unless the payment is made under: (i) a seniority system, (ii) a merit system, (iii) a system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production, or (iv) a differential based on any other factor than race or unlawful discrimination under the Human Rights Act.

(Public Act 100-896, House Bill 4746)

The Oil and Gas Act is amended to require an operator of a natural gas storage field that lies above an aquifer providing the primary source of drinking water for an area, known as a sole source aquifer, to verbally notify residents and businesses within five miles of a natural gas incident. If verbal notification cannot be established, a physical notice must be posted. The notices shall include the location of the incident, when the incident was discovered, the contact information for the operator of the natural gas field, and any applicable safety information. It also requires DNR to conduct annual inspections at all gas storage fields lying above a sole source aquifer to ensure that there are no infrastructure issues or failures that could pose a risk to the public.

(Public Act 100-758 House Bill 4748)

This new law expands stormwater management provisions to include counties in the state that need additional tools to address urban flooding resulting from stormwater or snowmelt runoff which can overwhelm the existing drainage infrastructure. Counties affected include those served by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning as well as Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Kankakee, Grundy, LaSalle, DeKalb, Kendall and Boone. Another section authorizes stormwater management in Peoria and DuPage counties. These counties can adopt this management if approved by a referendum.

(Public Act 100-1034, House Bill 4765)

Counties with a population of greater than 1,000,000 shall adopt and implement a predictable fee schedule for standard documents that eliminates surcharges or fees based upon the individual attributes of documents to be recorded with the county recorder. Cook County was left out in previous legislation, and in transitioning to a predictable fee schedule, the Cook County Recorder’s Office will become more efficient and in line with the rest of the state.

(Public Act 100-1055, House Bill 4768)

This legislation adds components to the oath of office sworn by school board members when taking office to demonstrate the board’s role in defining outcomes and ensuring a quality education for each student in the school district.

(Public Act 100-638, House Bill 4783)

Youth hunting and trapping licenses are combined under this new law. It provides that a Youth Hunting and Trapping License entitles the licensee to hunt or trap while supervised by an adult who is 21 years of age or older and has a valid Illinois hunting or trapping license.

(Public Act 100-951, House Bill 4790)

Any state agency that undertakes a construction project can incorporate compost soil if it is appropriate. If there are any Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)-permitted compost facilities within 20 miles, the agency shall request a separate bid for compost-amended soil for that project. In the 2019 calendar year, the Department of Transportation (IDOT) will conduct two pilot road construction demonstrations using compost-amended soil and report the results within one year to the General Assembly stating the immediate cost of construction, long term operational cost savings, and advantages and disadvantages of using compost-amended soil.

(Public Act 100-759, House Bill 4795)

This law updates technical terms used to describe drug and alcohol addiction and streamlines licensure categories, clarifies responsibilities, and summarizes services for clients of state provided behavioral health support.

(Public Act 100-639, House Bill 4796)

Foster parents, legally appointed guardians, adoptive parents and prospective adoptive parents are added as persons protected under the Domestic Violence Act and the Protective Orders Article in cases involving domestic violence.

(Public Act 100-1057, House Bill 4821)

The Insurance Code is amended to allow cancer patients to receive the treatment they require for stage 4 advanced metastatic cancer without having to try other treatments first to satisfy an insurer.

(Public Act 100-856, House Bill 4822)

The Local Government Electronic Notification Act permits units of local government to establish a process to allow people to select electronic notifications through an electronic notification delivery system for governmental mailings normally sent by U.S. mail. For security purposes, these electronic notices regarding property or residence are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Local governments may also enter into intergovernmental agreements to provide the electronic notifications and to share data for that purpose.

(Public Act 100-857, House Bill 4843)

It is now unlawful for any person to import, sell, offer for sale, purchase, barter or possess with intent to sell, any ivory, rhinoceros horn, or products. The new law establishes penalties for violation. This ensures that Illinois does not contribute to the decline of elephants in the wild.

(Public Act 100-641, House Bill 4847)

This legislation allows Adult Protective Services to investigate instances of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of adults living within programs and facilities operated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) when the alleged abuse happens outside of the facility, or the alleged financial exploitation is perpetrated by an individual who is not an employee of the facility where the adult resides.

(Public Act 100-814, House Bill 4848)

A homeless veteran or authorized legal representative of said veteran is now allowed to obtain a copy of the patient’s medical record free of charge if the records are being used for supporting a claim for federal vets disability benefits. Medical records often serve to support homeless veterans’ federal disability claims.

(Public Act 100-906, House Bill 4855)

This bill clarifies the definition of “patient” in the FOID Card Act so hospitals and mental health facilities have a better idea as to what should be reported to DHS and the State Police. It also allows the State Police to suspend a FOID card rather than having to permanently revoke the FOID card as long as the disqualifying factor is not permanent grounds for revocation like felony conviction, domestic violence, etc. It also provides that renewal applications will be processed in 60 days.

(Public Act 100-679, House Bill 4858)

Local school districts and community colleges will be allowed to apply for and receive grants for the acquisition of land, construction of facilities, and purchase of equipment, dedicated solely to the instruction of occupations in manufacturing. This law will help community colleges obtain the infrastructure necessary to educate future generations in manufacturing trades and technical skills.

(Public Act 100-659, House Bill 4867)

This law amends the Guardians for Adults With Disabilities Article of the Probate Act of 1975 by improving transparency and monitoring caseloads. The legislation provides that the court may not appoint an individual the guardian of the person or estate of an adult with disabilities before the individual has disclosed to the court the number of adults with disabilities over whom he or she is currently appointed as guardian. The law also states that if the court determines that an individual is appointed guardian over more than five adults with disabilities, then the court shall issue an order directing the circuit court clerk to notify the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission of the caseload within seven days.

(Public Act 100-952, House Bill 4879)

A representative of the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, rather than just the Office itself, may handle powers of attorney who are delinquent in their duties to provide record of all receipts, disbursements, and significant actions. The new law gives POA’s a 21-day range to provide requested documentation.

(Public Act 100-642, House Bill 4883)

An applicant for licensure as a barber, cosmetologist, esthetician or nail technician can now take their state licensure examination after completing 80% of their educational studies.

(Public Act 100-680, House Bill 4887)

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) can assist youth in care in identifying and obtaining documents necessary to function as an independent adult. These documents include a state identification card, driver’s license, social security card, medical records, educational records and more.

(Public Act 100-907, House Bill 4888)

Under this change to the Unified Code of Corrections, the DOC will better collect and report data which can be used by policymakers to reduce violence in state prisons and help ensure that current DOC violence prevention programs are working.

(Public Act 100-829, House Bill 4908)

All children in kindergarten and the second, sixth, and ninth grades of any public, private or parochial school shall have a dental examination. This adds one last required dental exam to check for gum disease, eating disorders and issues carried over from having braces during their adolescent years, among other health issues that can be identified and prevented with proper oral health.

(Public Act 100-619, House Bill 4909)

Specified fees for birth record searches or certified copies of birth records shall be waived for all requests made by a youth in care until the age of 27 so that they can have easy access to their birth records, which they may need for application to schools, applying for a passport, applying for government benefits, joining the military and other purposes.

(Public Act 100-653 House Bill 4911)

Ambulatory surgical treatment facilities can file health care liens for the health care services they provide.

(Public Act 100-761, House Bill 4920)

This law provides clarifying language to an existing law which adjusted how receipts from oil and gas interests are accounted for by making technical corrections to legal definitions that caused confusion. The goal of the original bill was to reduce the accounting and tax reporting burdens on those who own legal life estates and remainder interests in oil and gas.

(Public Act 100-682, House Bill 4927)

The Chicago Public Schools system is now required to provide all copies of teacher evaluations to the Chicago Teachers’ Union within seven days after issuing the evaluations. The law applies only to Chicago schools.

(Public Act 100-908, House Bill 4936)

HFS will now be required to seek federal approval of an amendment to the Illinois Title XIX State Plan for the purpose of allowing a person who has completed a psychiatric training certification program from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and who has at least one year of experience in a mental health setting to be recognized as a mental health professional.

(Public Act 100-683, House Bill 4944)

Truck tractors, semitrailers and carrier vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds to 26,001 pounds will now be subject to a safety test every 12 months, rather than every six months.

(Public Act 100-1058, House Bill 4949)

Amends the Consumer Fraud & Deceptive Practice Act to prohibit the practice of engaging in false and or misleading advertising or promotion that misrepresents the need to seek mental health disorder or substance abuse treatment in a state other than Illinois. The law will protect consumers of mental health disorder or substance use disorder treatment and impose penalties upon facilities or programs that deceive consumers.

(Public Act 100-762, House Bill 4953)

Professions licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) that have continuing education requirements will now be required to include at least one hour of sexual harassment prevention training. The newly required training takes effect for license renewals beginning in 2020. This does not however increase the overall number of hours a licensee must complete. IDFPR already requires training on other issues including domestic violence.

(Public Act 100-817, House Bill 4954)

November 4 of each year is designated as “G.I. Bill of Rights Day,” to be observed in recognition of the day in 1943 on which eight American Legion members met in Salem, Illinois, and wrote down on dinner napkins their ideas of how to help returning veterans readjust to civilian life. Their proposal became the federal legislation known as the G.I. Bill, which has helped millions of veterans over the last 75 years.

(Public Act 100-764, House Bill 5027)

The User Advisory Committee, the technical arm of the Illinois Geographic Information Council, no longer meets. This legislation simply eliminates the inactive committee.

(Public Act 100-842, House Bill 5029)

This law will define a person who sells, offers to sell, exchanges, or offers for adoption with or without charge cats that he or she has produced and raised, except for a person who owns, has possession of, or harbors five or less females capable of reproduction, as a cat breeder (rather than a kennel operator). The law also defines a person who sells, offers to sell, exchanges, or offers for adoption with or without charge dogs that he or she has produced and raised, except for a person who owns, has possession of, or harbors five or less females capable of reproduction, is a dog breeder (rather than a kennel operator). Previous law had lumped all of these categories together and treated them the same.

(Public Act 100-956, House Bill 5056)

This Act makes several changes to the Vehicle Code including defining the term “road machine” and setting new weight limits on roads for certain licensed vehicles. It also addresses fees related to transferring vehicle titles for schools, community colleges and medical facilities.

(Public Act 100-830, House Bill 5057)

State Police employees who are not state troopers will now be allowed to issue oversize/overweight permits for certain vehicles. The law no longer requires that only state troopers issue permits and thereby allows them to focus on other law enforcement responsibilities. This legislation also provides for penalties for persons violating the oversize/overweight permit that result in a motor vehicle accident of damage to property, injury or death to a person.

(Public Act 100-644, House Bill 5070)

Registered nurses, dentists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physical therapists, clinical social workers, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and hearing instrument dispensers authorized to provide medical services under will now be added to the definition of “health care professional”. Broadening the definition of “health care professional” will allow more licensed clinicians provide telehealth services.

(Public Act 100-862, House Bill 5109)

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is allowed to provide loan repayment assistance, subject to appropriation, to eligible mental health and substance use professionals practicing in a community mental health center in an underserved or rural federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Area.

(Public Act 100-766, House Bill 5110)

An individual applying for clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, or clinical professional counselor licenses that have already been licensed for 10 consecutive years without discipline is not required to submit proof of completion of specified requirements. However, if their work history is questioned by regulating agencies, documentation can be required. The law seeks to address a current shortage of behavioral health practitioners in Illinois.

(Public Act 100-1045, House Bill 5122)

Youth in foster care will be provided tuition and fee waivers at any community college, university, or college maintained by the state. The most commonly cited barrier preventing them from continuing education is the inability to pay for school. As a result, youth in care fall behind in income level, employment rate and stability. Applicants must be under the age of 26 years old to qualify, and the waiver shall only last for 5 years.

(Public Act 100-628, House Bill 5123)

A county board in a county in which there is no city, village, or incorporated town with a board of election commissioners that has established a county board of election commissioners may, by ordinance or resolution, dissolve the county board of election commissioners and transfer its functions to the county clerk. A county that has established a board of election commissioners can vote to dissolve the board of commissioners, but a petition to do so must be first signed by at least 10% of the registered voters in the county.

(Public Act 100-768, House Bill 5136)

A joint committee shall meet no less than once annually to assess and review the effectiveness of the district’s evaluation plan for the purposes of continuous improvement of instruction and evaluation practices. Having the joint committee meet annually represents a best practice so that school management and the school’s unions continually meet to discuss student growth as it relates to teacher evaluations. Under the current law, school districts are having a difficult time having strategy sessions and actual negotiating sessions if more than three board members want to attend the meetings. If more than three members attend, the Open Meetings Act is triggered, which was not the intent of the law as originally crafted.

(Public Act 100-770, House Bill 5143)

The Dutch Reach method is defined as checking the rear-view and side-view mirrors and then opening a vehicle door with the right hand, to avoid opening a door in the path of an oncoming cyclist or vehicle. The Secretary of State will now be required to include information on the “Dutch Reach” method in their Rules of the Road publication and also include questions in the written portion of the driver’s license exam about safe driving in the presence of bicycles.

(Public Act 100-1060, House Bill 5155)

This bill codifies into law several best practices in the adoption process. Consent is valid even if only first names are used for the specified person or persons. Email addresses, cell phone and landline phone numbers are added to ways the person signing the consent can be provided with notice if the specified person does not adopt the child. The law also increases the time to declare consent voidable after receiving notice from 10 to 15 business days, by proof of affidavit, and after that parental rights shall be terminated. It rewords the effect of consent if the persons granted consent are granted a dissolution of marriage or civil union or one of the persons granted consent dies. It further codifies the common practice of using only first names of the adopting parents. The law also clarifies what occurs in the event of death or divorce of the adopting parents prior to the adoption being finalized in foster care adoptions.

(Public Act 100-959, House Bill 5157)

Oftentimes, children in the care of temporary guardians do not have anyone to make critical medical decisions for them. This new law is a much-needed closure of the gap by allowing a surrogate decision-maker as a last resort. After the court has placed a minor in the care of a temporary custodian, any party may apply, and the court may grant the temporary custodian authority to serve as surrogate decision maker for purposes of whether to forgo life-sustaining treatment, if by clear and convincing evidence it is in the best interests of the minor to grant the temporary custodian that authority.

(Public Act 100-1061, House Bill 5201)

Invalid and expired mechanics liens on residential property, which cloud title to property, are a rapidly growing problem throughout the state. In order to address the increase in invalid and expired mechanics liens this pilot program allows a recorder to establish a process to demand and refer mechanics liens that have been recorded but not litigated or released in accordance with the Mechanics Lien Act to an administrative law judge for resolution or demand that the lienholder commence suit or forfeit the lien.

(Public Act 100-910, House Bill 5203)

All probationary, full-time, and part-time law enforcement officers will now be required to receive victim sensitivity training concerning the investigation of incidents of sexual assault and sexual abuse, including the interviewing of victims, when the victim of the sexual assault or sexual abuse is under 13 years of age. The law mandated training for police and 9-1-1 services. All law enforcement officers must receive evidence-based, trauma-informed, victim-centered training on responding to sexual assault and sexual abuse cases by January 1, 2020.

(Public Act 100-773, House Bill 5206)

IDOT is now allowed to lease locomotives, passenger railcars, and other rolling stock equipment or accessions to any state or state agency, public or private entity, or quasi-public entity. Under previous law, IDOT was limited to selling such assets to neighboring states only.

(Public Act 100-831, House Bill 5210)

In an attempt to reduce the burdensome licensing requirements placed on realtors, this new law reduces the number of licenses a real estate broker must have with the State. Real estate brokers will now only need one license for their principal pace of business, but must only notify IDFPR of the other places of businesses they operate. Prior to this change, brokers who had more than one office were forced to apply for a separate license for each branch and pay a fee for each branch they operate.

(Public Act 100-686, House Bill 5214)

This legislation clarified that certain angel investments that an applicant that is a part of, but also investing in, a new business venture or is related to a member that is investing in the new business, is not able to receive the tax credit. The legislation clarifies that any portion of the unused allocated amount of credits are to be rolled into the total allocated amount of credits for the next calendar quarter.

(Public Act 100-1143, House Bill 5221)

This new law adds full-time paramedics and firefighters employed as paramedics to the definition of the firefighters covered under the Illinois Labor Relations Act and the Public Safety Employee Benefit Act (PESBA).

(Public Act 100-688, House Bill 5253)

The legislation modifies provisions requiring state agencies to issue an economic impact analysis when proposing new rules or amendments to rules that affect small businesses. The economic impact analyses shall now be filed with the proposed rule and publicized in the Illinois Register. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) shall place notification of all proposed rules affecting small businesses on its website.

(Public Act 100-689, House Bill 5257)

DCFS is now required to provide a minor’s guardian ad litem or appointed attorney with a copy of each significant event report involving the minor no later than three days after DCFS learns of an event. By definition, these reports are events significant enough to warrant a quick response. Imposing a three-day time limit ensures that the guardian ad litem is timely advised of the situation involving the minor.

(Public Act 100-690, House Bill 5267)

This new law makes several updates to the Crime Victims Compensation Act. These include adding the crimes of posting identifying information on a pornographic site and non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images to the definition of “crime of violence.” It requires law enforcement to provide a full report of the investigation of the crime to the Attorney General’s office within 15 days of a request for the report. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement agencies may agree to the redaction of information in the report or to the provision of necessary information in another format.

(Public Act 100-1062, House Bill 5288)

DHS is now required to develop and maintain an online registry of recovery residences that operate in Illinois to serve as a resource for individuals seeking continued recovery assistance. This will connect providers and individuals looking for drug and alcohol-free housing options with residents who are committed to drug and alcohol-free living.

(Public Act 100-1009, House Bill 5351)

HFS is allowed to assist public aid recipients with diabetes education and treatment by licensed dietitian nutritionists and certified diabetes educators in the home of the patient to help alleviate issues with transportation to health care facilities. The new law also requires telehealth insurance policies to include coverage for licensed dietitian nutritionists and certified diabetes educators.

(Public Act 100-691, House Bill 5440)

The fees for a youth resident and non-resident archery deer permit shall be the same, and a resident or non-resident youth under age 18 may apply to DNR for a Youth Hunting License and Youth Trapping License, rather than only resident youth.

(Public Act 100-1111, House Bill 5463)

The Health Risk Screening Tool is a risk assessment tool for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to use to help determine the services and supports they need including medical services and behavioral supports. Currently, a paper-based version of the tool is required for all CILA participants. The state will move to the online tool for ease of use, better transferability and for better tracking of each individual’s health outcomes.

(Public Act 100-832, House Bill 5502)

Associate real estate trainee appraisers who don’t wish to advance to become real estate appraisers will be able to continue limited appraisal duties without actually becoming full-fledged appraisers. Many trainees wish to continue conducting research on properties, dealing with customers, and writing appraisal reports, but do not want to perform the actual appraisals and do not need to have the full license.

(Public Act 100-914, House Bill 5547)

The Auditor General is now required to conduct a performance audit of state agencies’ cybersecurity programs and practices. This law was put into place to ensure that the state is doing everything it can to improve and maintain its cybersecurity.

(Public Act 100-915, House Bill 5558)

Mental health and developmental disability facilities will be required to publicly post a summary of the rights relevant to the services delivered by that facility. The law also adds a requirement that contact information for the Guardianship and Advocacy Council and the Governor’s designated agency for the protection and advocacy for persons with disabilities be included on the public posting.

(Public Act 100-961, House Bill 5573)

This new law will ensure that victims’ voices are heard during plea agreements, in juvenile cases or when the defendant is found not guilty due to insanity. It gives victims and prosecutors notice of status hearings where information is provided to the court.

(Public Act 100-962, House Bill 5632)

An ambulance or rescue vehicle shall only operate a siren and lamp when it is reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of their approach while responding to an emergency call or transporting a patient who presents a combination of circumstances resulting in a need for immediate medical intervention that is beyond the capabilities of the emergency responders.

(Public Act 100-694, House Bill 5636)

The designated agency (currently Equip for Equality) that protects and advocates for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities will be required to submit an annual, public report to DHS detailing how many visits the designated agency made, which facilities were visited, and the nature of the visit. The law also adds CILAs to the facilities to which the designated agency has access.

(Public Act 100-608, House Bill 5683)

The Sycamore nursing facility is now an official part of the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy. Renovations are already underway on the Sycamore unit and are expected to be complete by the end of the year. Securing this unit will ensure continuity of care and temporary housing for veterans while construction on the new facility at the existing campus is ongoing.

(Public Act 100-963, House Bill 5690)

This new law dispenses with the archaic duty of a state agency leasing land on behalf of the Drainage District. The legislation transfers $230,000 from the fund and 80-acres to the Kaskaskia Island Drainage and Levee District.

(Public Act 100-696, House Bill 5745)

This new law provides that any nursing mother can be excused from jury service upon request.

(Public Act 100-1090, House Bill 5749)

After several years in which the Governor had to issue an emergency declaration raising highway weight limits for farmers at harvest time, this new law allows haulers to seek and obtain annual permits from IDOT and local authorities to exceed gross axle and gross vehicle weight limits by no more than 10 percent.

(Public Act 100-833, House Bill 5752)

Under this law, the state will have a Broadband Advisory Council to explore ways to expand broadband access throughout the state, including unserved areas.

(Public Act 100-780, House Bill 5754)

Holders of a Professional Educator License can add a principal endorsement for DOC school experience. In addition to other requirements in the law, the individual will need at least four total years of teaching or four total years of working in the capacity of school support personnel in a DOC school (or in combination with other permitted schools).

(Public Act 100-1113, House Bill 5777)

This act reduces the amount of time given for an audit of a government body or agency looking at dissolution to 30 days, or as soon as is practical once the audit is requested by the county executive. It also reduces the period to 60 days, instead of 150, for a county board to dissolve a government body once someone is appointed to oversee the disbanding of that body.

(Public Act 100-739, House Bill 5856)

Mass transit vehicles will now be allowed to use any toll highway without paying a toll while in service.

(Public Act 100-1065, House Bill 5868)

This new law amends the Insurance Code to provide an insurance policy may provide coverage for residential extended care services and supports for person suffering from alcoholism and other drug addiction so long as certain conditions are met. It also amends to the Public Aim Code to permit the fee-for-service and managed care medical assistance programs established under the Code to provide coverage for residential extended care services and supports for any person suffering from alcoholism or other drug addiction who is at risk of a drug or alcohol relapse following discharge from a health care clinic or any other specified entity.

(Public Act 100-1115, Senate Bill 34)

The Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors (VOICES) Act provides that no provision in the Act limits the manner in which a certifying officer or certifying agency may describe whether the person has cooperated or been helpful to the agency or provide any additional information the certifying officer or certifying agency believes might be relevant to a federal immigration officer’s adjudication of a U or T visa application.

(Public Act 100-697, Senate Bill 293)

DCFS will be required to maintain all unfounded reports of child abuse and neglect for a minimum of five years. Currently, DCFS keeps unfounded reports involving death, sexual abuse, or serious physical abuse for 3 years, and all other unfounded reports for 12 months.

(Public Act 100-698, Senate Bill 405)

Those bidding on state contracts will now be required to submit their sexual harassment policy as part of the bidding process.

(Public Act 100-966, Senate Bill 574)

A court may now issue an order preventing notice and publication of a change of name when the court believes that notice would put the person at risk of physical harm or discrimination. The law requires that the person requesting the name change must provide evidence to support the claim.

(Public Act 100-1070, Senate Bill 585)

This new law provides that each tax purchaser shall pay to the county collector an automation fee set by the county collector of not more than $10 for each item purchased. It further provides that the indemnity fee in counties outside of Cook shall be not more than $20.

(Public Act 100-782, Senate Bill 650)

This new law amended the School Code to allow for certain notices concerning requests for mandate waivers to be made electronically.

(Public Act 100-1023, Senate Bill 682)

This new act will serve as a key component to address Illinois’ opioid crisis by providing people in need immediate access to outpatient treatment. Currently, individuals experiencing an opioid overdose or reaction must wait for their treatment to be approved by their insurance plan before entering a facility. The legislation removes prior authorization barriers so people do not have to wait for treatment. In the event the insurance company denies treatment, SB 682 requires the insurance plan to cover outpatient treatment for 72 hours while the patient challenges the denial.

(Public Act 100-922, Senate Bill 1246)

Money held in educational expense accounts and similar types of educational savings accounts; such as funds invested in an ABLE account as defined by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, have been added to the list of personal property that is exempt from judgment, attachment or distress for rent under the Code of Civil Procedure.

(Public Act 100-1024, Senate Bill 1707)

This legislation expands certain insurance coverage requirements for mental, emotional, nervous or substance use disorders or conditions. It extends the coverage requirements to policies offered through the health insurance marketplace and provides for state enforcement of certain federal laws dealing with mental health parity. The law specifies which agencies shall have enforcement authority and how any fines and penalties shall be collected and distributed.

(Public Act 100-1119, Senate Bill 1830)

In various homicide, manslaughter, sexual assault and aggravated arson cases where the prosecution seeks to introduce evidence of incriminating statements made by the accused while detained or incarcerated, or overheard by an informant, the prosecution shall make the disclosure at least 30 days prior to any relevant evidentiary hearing or trial (rather than timely disclosure in discovery). The Court may permit less than 30 days notice if the informant was not known and could not have been discovered with due diligence prior, among other changes.

(Public Act 100-622, Senate Bill 2254)

May 17 of each year is designated as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Awareness Day to be observed as a day to encourage the people of Illinois to help increase public awareness of this particularly aggressive form of cancer affecting children.

(Public Act 100-662, Senate Bill 2265)

To help law enforcement and human service entities be better prepared to locate missing individuals with developmental disabilities, the State Police will compile and maintain a data repository for missing persons with disabilities. The State Police must coordinate with DHS to develop and implement a community outreach program to the Endangered Missing Person Advisory with applicable entities. The new law also provides that a missing person with disabilities be considered a “high-risk missing person.”

(Public Act 100-740, Senate Bill 2270)

The bill amends the Humane Care for Animals Act so that law enforcement has the ability to temporarily take custody of a dog or cat that is exposed to a life-threatening situation for a prolonged period of time in extreme heat or cold conditions that may result in injury or death of the animal or may result in hypothermia, hyperthermia, frostbite or similar condition.

(Public Act 100-1010, Senate Bill 2271)

This new law extends the statute of limitations in sexual assault cases in which the victim was unaware of the assault at the time due to being drugged. It allows prosecution to be commenced one year after discovery of the offense by the victim when corroborating physical evidence is available.

(Public Act 100-834, Senate Bill 2274)

A transfer between spouses does not disqualify wooded acreage from the provisions for the assessment of untransferred wooded acreage.

(Public Act 100-835, Senate Bill 2278)

This Act changes the definition of “high-risk missing person” to include a person who is a veteran or active duty member of the U.S. armed forces, National Guard or any reserve component of the armed forces believed to have a physical or mental health condition that is related to his or her service.

(Public Act 100-702, Senate Bill 2285)

In response to the displaced persons affected by the hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Texas, this legislation allows the Secretary of State to issue a one-time decal or device (valid for up to 6 months) to any non-resident person with disabilities who is displaced due to a national disaster and temporarily residing in Illinois.

(Public Act 100-923, Senate Bill 2289)

Under Illinois’ current maintenance (spousal support) formula in 750 ILCS 5/504, a payor can deduct maintenance payments from his or her income taxes and a recipient is taxed on payments received. For maintenance orders entered on or after Jan. 1, 2019, the new federal tax code establishes that maintenance payments will no longer be tax deductible to the payor or taxable to the recipient. To minimize the financial impact of this shifting tax burden, this new law will reduce maintenance payments made by a paying spouse to a recipient spouse.

(Public Act 100-867, Senate Bill 2291)

This new law requires the Toll Highway Authority to post to its website all meeting agendas at least two business days in advance of any meeting. The Authority must also specifically outline the details of any contracts of over $100,000 in those agendas.

(Public Act 100-1120, Senate Bill 2297)

The Rescue Squad Districts Act is amended to allow Rescue Squads through referendum to enact a 0.40% special levy for ambulance services.

(Public Act 100-868, Senate Bill 2299)

A person elected or appointed to fill a vacancy in an elected township position, including, but not limited to, a trustee, a supervisor, a highway commissioner, a clerk, an assessor, or a collector, cannot already be employed by the township.

(Public Act 100-786, Senate Bill 2309)

The trusts and Trustees Act is updated to make it easier for real property to be transferred to a trust, by removing the requirements that a conveyance of real property to a trust include evidence of acceptance by the trustee and that if the transferor is a trustee of the trust, the instrument of conveyance is recorded in the office of the recorder of the county in which the property is located.

Public hearing requirement QBS adjustment (Public Act 100-962, Senate Bill 2328)

The Local Government Professional Services Selection Act is amended to provide that a political subdivision may waive the public hearing, evaluation procedure and selection procedure for the selection of architectural, engineering or land surveying services under the Qualified Based Selection (QBS) in an emergency situation for a project that is expected to cost less than $40,000, up from $25,000.

(Public Act 100-788, Senate Bill 2330)

Victims of domestic violence are now allowed to waive the publication requirement when filing a name change petition in order to keep victims’ addresses private from abusers. Previously, petitioners were required to publish notice of the name change, allowing abusers the opportunity to learn a victim’s new name.

(Public Act 100-789, Senate Bill 2341)

The existing list of specified synthetic cathinones that are Schedule I controlled substances is now expanded to include any synthetic cathinone which is not approved by the FDA or, if approved, is not dispensed or possessed in accordance with state or federal law. Synthetic cannabinoids and piperazines are Schedule I controlled substances when not approved by the FDA or, if approved, are not dispensed or possessed in accordance with state or federal law.

(Public Act 100-1121, Senate Bill 2345)

A school report card shall include the most current data possessed by ISBE relating to whether or not a school has participated in the Illinois Youth Survey.

(Public Act 100-871, Senate Bill 2437)

Under current law, if divorced people remarry but have forgotten to take their previous spouse off of the life insurance policy, there is often a court battle between the current and previous spouses to decide who gets the money. This legislation will help ensure that life insurance policies for owners who pass away after divorce, but before they are able to re-designated their insurance policy, that their process go to their intended beneficiary. This new law will reduce legal fees and the length of court battles by creating a new process to determine who the beneficiary of the policy should be in these cases. This will also help ensure that benefits go to the person whom the policy holder intended.

(Public Act 100-996, Senate Bill 2350)

This bill amends the School Safety Drill Act to require that; no later than 90 days after the first day of each school year; schools must conduct at least one safety drill that addresses an active threat or an active shooter within a school building. It requires all drills to be conducted on days and times when students are normally present in the school building and that the local law enforcement agency shall observe the administration of the drill.

(Public Act 100-1047, Senate Bill 2362)

This new law makes an exception to the 10-year lease provision for the University of Illinois at Chicago to allow them to enter into a lease for up to 30 years for an ambulatory surgical center. The lease requires the lessor to make capital improvements in excess of $100,000 and the Board of Trustees for the University of Illinois to determine that a lease term of more than 10 years is necessary and is in the best interest of the public institution of higher education.

(Public Act 100-970, Senate Bill 2378)

Every law enforcement agency will be required to adopt a written policy for the internal review of officer-involved shootings. The written policy must include that each officer must immediately report any officer-involved shooting to the appropriate supervising officer; and that each law enforcement agency conduct a thorough review of the circumstances. The policy will be available for copying and inspection under the Freedom of Information Act.

(Public Act 100-870, Senate Bill 2380)

License renewal applications must be made to the Department of Agriculture in a manner prescribed by the Department and must include a report concerning intake and outcome statistics from the previous calendar year at the shelter. Any funds in the county animal population control fund can only be used to spay, neuter or vaccinate certain dogs and cats. In addition, if a dog or cat has been microchipped and the primary contact listed by the chip manufacturer cannot be located or will not reclaim the animal, an attempt shall be made to contact any secondary contacts listed by the chip manufacturer or the purchaser of the microchip prior to adoption, transfer or euthanization.

(Public Act 100-664, Senate Bill 2385)

Banks and credit unions may furnish the financial records of customers to DHS and HFS to aid the Departments’ determination of the customer’s eligibility for Medicaid and Medicaid long-term care benefits, with written consent of the customer. This law is aimed at addressing the backlog of Medicaid long-term care applications pending final determination.

(Public Act 100-971, Senate Bill 2386)

This new law sets penalties for those found to be reckless dog owners and allows courts to confiscate dogs from those owners for periods ranging from 12-36 months for the first violation. A person who refuses to forfeit a dog is subject to a $500 fine for each animal. Each day a person fails to comply with forfeiture or prohibition order constitutes a separate violation. The law offers specific definitions of “reckless dog owner.”

(Public Act 100-874, Senate Bill 2459)

This law allows Lake County to dissolve the Seavey Drainage District and the Lakes Region Sanitary District. The responsibilities of the Seavey Drainage District shall be assumed by the local municipalities and Lake County. The responsibilities of the Lakes Region Sanitary District shall be assumed by Lake County.

(Public Act 100-705, Senate Bill 2461)

To ensure that youth in DCFS care who are victims of sex trafficking receive appropriate treatment regardless of their living placement, this law requires DCFS to develop or enter into contracts with agencies to provide specialized placements. These specialized placements may include, but not be limited to, licensed foster homes, group homes, residential facilities and secure residential facilities that specialize in providing treatment to children who are victims of sex trafficking.

(Public Act 100-972, Senate Bill 2469)

The Director of the Department on Aging will be required to submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly detailing the progress of respite care services. The report must include an estimate of the demand for respite care services over the next 10 years. Reporting the demand for respite services is the first step in providing the General Assembly with accurate data that can help impact future policy decisions on senior care.

(Public Act 100-791, Senate Bill 2482)

This new law allows school buses to use school crossing arms and stop signs when transporting minors under age 18 for youth camp and other child care activities. This law is in response to a 2017 accident involving a child struck by the side mirror of a vehicle while crossing the street to go home after exiting a camp bus. The incident could have been avoided if the camp bus was permitted to use the same public safety mechanisms that are required of school bus operators.

(Public Act 100-706, Senate Bill 2498)

This change to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act makes changes to the process for petitions for visitation. It clarifies that if the petitioner for visitation is a grandparent or great-grandparent, the parent-child relationship needs only to be legally established

with respect to the parent of the grandchild or great-grandchild who is related to the grandparent or great-grandparent. It makes a similar clarification regarding step-parents.

(Public Act 100-707, Senate Bill 2511)

Under this new law, a back-up lamp on a motor vehicle shall emit a white or amber light without glare. Previous law did not specify the color of back up lamps. Law Enforcement have noted that motorists modifying their cars have installed many different colors and so requested the standardization be written into statute.

(Public Act 100-877, Senate Bill 2514)

This legislation adds DNR and the State Police to the list of agencies that shall enforce the Smoke Free Illinois Act. It also changes references of “fines” to “civil penalties” and provides for the deposit of related civil penalty monies into DNR and ISP funds. Currently only local law enforcement can enforce the provisions of the Smoke Free Illinois Act.

(Public Act 100-1071, Senate Bill 2516)

Mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect are required to sign a statement affirming that they understand and acknowledge all mandated reporter requirements. This new law adds language to that statement informing each mandated reporter that there is mandated reporter training available to them through DCFS.

(Public Act 100-878, Senate Bill 2522)

In cases where a car rental company fails to offer a customer use of a transponder, this law limits the amount the company can charge a renter in excess of the toll violations to more than $2 per day. The company is also prohibited from charging the renter a daily fee on any day the renter does not drive through an electronic toll, or only drives through an electronic toll collection system for which no alternative payment option exists. Car rental companies frequently bill consumers for using I-Pass and E-Z Pass accounts in amounts that are in excess of the tolls charged. The charges are often listed as convenience charges. This new law limits the amount that car rental companies charge consumers.

(Public Act 100-925, Senate Bill 2524)

This law creates a task force to inform Illinoisans of the methods and benefits of proper disposal of expired and excess pharmaceuticals and the risks associated with improper and non-disposal of those products.

(Public Act 100-792, Senate Bill 2527)

Qualified high school students will now be allowed to enroll in an unlimited amount of dual credit courses and earn an unlimited amount of academic credits from dual credit courses if the courses are taught by an Illinois instructor under the Dual Credit Quality Act.

(Public Act 100-793, Senate Bill 2543)

This new Act simplifies and expedites consolidation procedures for mosquito abatement districts. It allows mosquito abatement district boards, by a majority vote, to consolidate the abatement district into a municipality, township or county with agreement by the entity that would assume the mosquito abatement responsibilities.

(Public Act 100-926, Senate Bill 2559)

To help students attending an Illinois public university or community college understand financial literacy as they incur student debt, as well as understand the long-term implications of a student debt, this law creates the Education Loan Information Pilot Program (beginning with the 2019-2020 academic year). The institution is required to annually provide the student with: 1) an estimate of the total amount of education loans taken out; 2 ) an estimate of (i) the potential total payoff amount of the incurred education loans or a range of the total payoff amount and (ii) monthly repayment amounts that a similarly situated borrower may incur for the amount of loans taken out, including principal and interest amounts; 3) the percentage of the borrowing limit the student has reached; and 4) any financial resources available to the student or their parent or guardian.

(Public Act 100-927, Senate Bill 2560)

This new law provides that law enforcement may not make mugshots available to the public, or share on social media for civil, petty or business offenses; or Class B or C misdemeanors except to assist in search of a missing person, fugitive, person of interest or individual wanted in relation to a crime other than in relation to the above crimes. Anyone who publishes an individual’s criminal history in an electronic medium must correct any errors within five business days. Failure is considered unlawful practice. Any person whose criminal history is published may demand removal or correction and may petition to seek damages no more than $100 per day the publisher fails to correct the information.

(Public Act 100-929, Senate Bill 2579)

Add additional offenses to the “Category A offenses” in the Bail Reform Act. Unlawful use or possession of weapons by felons or persons in the custody of the Department of Corrections facilities, certain circumstances of the offense of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a person 18 years of age or older, and a Class 3 felony violation of a non-eligible or revoked Firearm Owner’s Identification Card are now considered Category A offenses instead of Category B offenses. A defendant subject to bail on a Category B offense shall have $30 deducted from his or her 10% cash bond amount (rather than the monetary bail amount) every day the defendant is incarcerated. Once the defendant’s 10% cash bond amount is reduced to $0, the defendant shall be released upon his or her own recognizance.

(Public Act 100-930, Senate Bill 2587)

The new law adds dentists to the list of healthcare professionals who can provide services by phone under the Telehealth Act.

(Public Act 100-1072, Senate Bill 2598)

This new law allows home rule municipalities to petition to disconnect fire protection district territory from the district if: the municipality’s fire department services at least 80% of the municipality; the disconnection will not cause the territory of the district to be noncontiguous; and the loss of assessed valuation will not impair the ability of the district to render adequate fire protection service. The law requires an economic impact analysis before a municipal disconnection of fire district territory. The analysis would include statements on growth projections of the territory, for a 10, 20 and 30-year period.

(Public Act 100-1126, Senate Bill 2619)

The Municipal and Fire Protection District Codes are amended to update minimum qualifications for fire chiefs and apply the qualifications to home rule municipalities.

(Public Act 100-976, Senate Bill 2631)

This law will enable more Dental Assistants to achieve ‘Expanded Function Dental Assistant’ status. Requirements include 4,000 hours of direct clinical patient care experience and successful completion of a structured training program provided by either an educational institution accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (such as a dental school or dental hygiene or dental assistant program), or a statewide dental association approved to provide continuing education that has developed and conducted training programs for expanded functions for dental assistants or hygienists.

(Public Act 100-880, Senate Bill 2644)

This new law will provide that parties to a contested case may be served by email, and be notified by email of any decision or order in that case. This new law will reduce administrative court costs. Prior to this change, all court notices were served (delivered) by personal service, by certified or registered mail.

(Public Act 100-977, Senate Bill 2654)

This new law requires school boards and districts to provide influenza and meningococcal vaccination information to students and parents.

(Public Act 100-881, Senate Bill 2675)

This new law provides that each chief procurement officer will be required to establish rules, in consultation with the procuring agency, related to the eligibility of qualified HUBZone small businesses to recognize the certification. The law verifies the accuracy submitted by a qualified HUBZone small business concern concerning a contract awarded under the new law. The law does not apply to construction-related services or procurements.

(Public Act 100-1073, Senate Bill 2707)

This new law provides that the Civil Service Commission will be allowed an additional 60 days to render an employee personnel judgment if the Commission needs more evidence or additional information to render a decision. The 60-day window only occurs if the matter is referred back to the investigating officer or board.

(Public Act 100-798, Senate Bill 2713)

This new law codifies an existing Greenways and Trails Advisory Council into state law. The body will serve as an advisory group for developing conservation policy under the Recreational Trails Program. It will also act as a forum for coordinating agencies and organizations active in maintaining a statewide network of recreational trails, developing public-private partnerships, supporting volunteerism and advising the DNR on trail programs.

(Public Act 100-980, Senate Bill 2773)

A financial institution or bank, if deputized by the municipality, will now be allowed to co-sign assessment contracts in place of municipalities within PACE areas. The Illinois Finance Authority may sell bonds to provide capital for a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) project.

(Public Act 100-1106, Senate Bill 2777)

This new law provides that prescribers must complete three hours of continuing education on safe opioid prescribing practices. Prescribers include physicians, APRNs, dentists, physician assistants, veterinarians, clinical phycologists and podiatrists. Currently, each of these professions are required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours for licensure renewal.

(Public Act 100-1074, Senate Bill 2808)

This act removes Alzheimer’s disease training requirements for employees direct care staff working at certain health care facilities throughout the state. These include life care facilities, specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities and end stage renal disease facilities. This is a trailer bill to P.A. 99-822 of the 99th General Assembly, which created the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Services Act.

(Public Act 100-714, Senate Bill 2826)

When the Illinois Human Rights Act was enacted there was only one type of order of protection, but now there are three: Stalking No Contact Order, Civil No Contact Order, and Protective Orders under the Code Criminal Procedure. This new law updates the language within the Act to reflect these changes.

(Public Act 100-1049, Senate Bill 2838)

Amends the Dual Credit Quality Act to make several changes to enact a framework for a dual credit partnership agreement between high schools and colleges to follow. It requires community colleges to enter into a dual credit agreement if a high school district within their boundaries requests it, and it establishes the parameters those partnership agreements. It also prohibits new out-of-state dual credit contracts unless the local community college is asked first, and it does not affect those currently in effect.

(Public Act 100-1013, Senate Bill 2851)

To remedy billing confusion that often exists between different types of dental insurance plans, this law requires dental insurance cards to now include specific information that identifies whether the coverage is subject to regulation by the Illinois Department of Insurance. Previously, in cases where a dental plan is subject to the Department’s regulations, certain coverage and offerings are mandated and billing and benefits are spelled out and regulated by the Department. If a plan is only an administrator plan and not subject to the Department, then the provider’s only recourse for a dispute is to contact the employer directly. By requiring a dental benefit card to display whether a plan is subject to regulation by the Department, the dental provider will be fully informed as to what type of plan he or she is accepting prior to taking on the patient, and patients will have a better understanding of what their out-of-pocket or up-front costs will be.

(Public Act 100-741, Senate Bill 2866)

IDPH must now provide all students entering sixth grade and parents/guardians written information about the link between HPV and specified cancers. DPH must also provide information about the availability of a HPV vaccine.

(Public Act 100-1014, Senate Bill 2868)

This new law creates an income tax checkoff for contributions to the Hunger Relief Fund.

(Public Act 100-934, Senate Bill 2877)

Barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, hair braiders and nail technicians are allowed to take the state licensure examination after completing 80% of their required education studies. The new law does not change the required hours of study to become licensed.

(Public Act 100-935, Senate Bill 2884)

Provides that additional ballot options, including internet or phone balloting, in addition to U.S. mail are now permitted for Employee and Annuitant Trustee elections.

(Public Act 100-799, Senate Bill 2889)

This law amends the School Code and the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Act to allow school children to use newer, less expensive epinephrine delivery technology. Specifically, the new law provides for the use of newer forms of auto-injector pens and also pre-filled syringes that were recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

(Public Act 100-998, Senate Bill 2891)

This new law increases the statute of limitations from three years to five years for a prosecution for vendor fraud, kickbacks or managed health care fraud in which the total amount of money involved is at least $5,000, matching the federal statute of limitations for Medicaid fraud. By increasing the statute of limitations to five years, it will decrease dependence on the federal government for prosecution of these cases.

(Public Act 100-800, Senate Bill 2900)

School districts occasionally have difficulty finding qualified residents willing to serve on the local Board of Education. Now, with this new law, if a school board is forced to fill a vacancy due to a lack of available candidates, the board could, by resolution, submit a referendum question to voters at the next general election that would allow for the at-large election of a board member from within the boundaries of the school district.

(Public Act 100-605, Senate Bill 2904)

Increases the “5-to-1 ratio” in which a physician assistant (PA) may collaborate with a physician to 7-to-1. Provides that a physician may exceed this ratio when the services are provided in a federal primary care health professional shortage area with a Health Professional Shortage Area score greater than or equal to 12. Provides that entering into an excessive number of written collaborative agreements resulting in an inability to adequately collaborate and repeated failure to adequately collaborate shall constitute grounds for disciplinary actions for both the physician and PA.

(Public Act 100-884, Senate Bill 2905)

After a detailed review of the Public Community College Act, changes were made to the Act where language was identified as being outdated, which removed programs that were no longer operational or performed, and clarified ambiguous language. The changes will also increase agency and local community college efficiency through the elimination of unnecessary mandates and streamlining of statutory language.

(Public Act 100-718, Senate Bill 2907)

Under this new law, the State Police are authorized to administer the federal Rap Back Service, the “Record of Arrest and Prosecution (Rap) –Background (Back).” Rap Back enables agencies to receive ongoing status of criminal history for persons whose fingerprints are already registered. Current background checks for screening employees provide only a one-time snapshot of past criminal history, whereas Rap Back will enable updates for any future criminal activity that could occur anywhere in the country.

(Public Act 100-983, Senate Bill 2923)

This new law provides that when a township supervisor issues a payout from the township treasury, the township clerk shall certify all moneys paid out. The road district clerk shall certify all moneys paid out of the road district treasury or township treasury.

(Public Act 100-984, Senate Bill 2925)

With this new law, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board (ILETSB) must develop or approve a course for school resource officers within one year with the consultation of organizations expert in youth development, education administration and other related fields. Law enforcement agencies which provide resource officers must provide the school district a certificate of completion or a waiver issued by the ILETSB.

(Public Act 100-937, Senate Bill 2939)

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy will now be permitted to admit Illinois and non-Illinois residents who have completed the academic equivalent to 8th grade. Non-Illinois residents may only compose of 25% of the student body.

(Public Act 100-839, Senate Bill 2940)

Township electors will now be permitted to delegate power to purchase, sell, or lease property to the township board for up to 12 months and the township board may specify properties being considered.

(Public Act 100-723, Senate Bill 2996)

IDPH shall amend Administrative Rules to update the definition of “elevated blood lead level” to be in accordance with the most recent childhood blood lead level reference value from the CDC, which is five micrograms per deciliter. In Illinois, the current definition of elevated blood level is 10 micrograms per deciliter. The updated definition will protect more children against the harmful effects of lead poisoning.

(Public Act 100-1094, Senate Bill 2999)

An employer must reimburse an employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee directly related to services performed for the employer. It specifies, however, that an employer is not responsible for losses due to employee negligence, wear and tear or theft. Employer exempt if written reimbursements policy already exists.

(Public Act 100-1726, Senate Bill 3015)

In Illinois, more than 330,000 children have been reported as having asthma; and asthma accounts for 313,710 missed school days. This new law provides that a school district, public school, charter school or nonpublic school may authorize trained personnel to administer or provide undesignated asthma medication to a student per the student’s Individual Health Care Action Plan or asthma

action plan, or to any person that the school nurse or trained personnel believes in good faith is having respiratory distress during school or a school sponsored event.

(Public Act 100-1025, Senate Bill 3023)

This new law authorizes and encourages local law enforcement leaders to create collaborative local programs to “deflect” individuals who have overdosed or have substance use problems away from the criminal justice system and into addiction treatment programs. Deflection programs connect people with community-based substance use services that address their underlying substance use problems. The law is modeled off the Safe-Passages Program that is currently active in Dixon. Through the program, 215 people have been placed directly into treatment. In 2016, Dixon saw a 39% reduction in arrests for misdemeanor and felony drug crimes, and a 31% reduction in prosecutions of misdemeanor and felony drug crimes.

(Public Act 100-728, Senate Bill 3028)

The Vehicle Code is amended to repeal the special registration of vehicles by IDOT for special permits for excess size and weight.

(Public Act 100-1129, Senate Bill 3041)

The County Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act and the Property Tax Code are amended to expand the County Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act to municipalities and townships. Municipalities and townships will now have the option to levy a 0.1% property tax to pay for this care, among other changes.

(Public Act 100-1018, Senate Bill 3048)

HFS and Managed Care Organizations under contract with HFS are now authorized to use refurbished durable medical equipment except for prosthetic and orthotic devices, as well as customized equipment. The purpose of the change is to promote environmental responsibility and achieve cost savings while meeting the needs of the recipient.

(Public Act 100-1019, Senate Bill 3049)

HFS will be required to reimburse psychiatrists, federally qualified health centers, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, advanced practice registered nurses certified in psychiatric and mental health nursing, and mental health professionals and clinicians authorized by Illinois law to provide mental health services to recipients via telehealth. Improved telehealth coverage will strengthen access to provider networks, contribute to timely care in the most appropriate setting, and help facilitate the integration of physical and behavioral healthcare into hospital and primary settings.

(Public Act 100-1020, Senate Bill 3062)

Because information about bone marrow donation and registration, such as “Be the Match,” is important to encourage donations, this new law directs IDPH to develop and disseminate information regarding a bone marrow registry. “Be the Match” is a program operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping patients get life-saving bone marrow transplants. Seventy percent of all patients who need a transplant do not have a fully matched donor in their family. This law will help educate the public on bone marrow donations, including information on how to join a bone marrow registry, the need for donations, and patient populations that would benefit from bone marrow donations.

(Public Act 100-845, Senate Bill 3072)

The State Fair Board of Trustees performs a vital service to help guide the Springfield and DuQuoin State Fairs. But, like many boards and commissions in the state, it is difficult to fill all positions on the board that are required by law. This new law will trim the State Fair Board of Trustees membership requirement from 20 down to 15.

(Public Act 100-1020, Senate Bill 3075)

DCFS, DHS (for state operated developmental disability and mental health facilities), DJJ, and DOC shall submit quarterly reports to the General Assembly on the number of reported assaults on employees at each facility; regarding instances of workplace violence against agency employees. The reports shall include information such as the number of reported incidents of resident sexual aggression towards employees at each facility including sexual assault, residents exposing themselves, sexual touching and sexually offensive language; and the number of employee injuries resulting from resident violence at each facility including descriptions of the nature of the injuries, the number of injuries requiring medical treatment at the facility, the number of injuries requiring outside medical treatment, incidents of sexual aggression, and the number of days off work per injury. The law also requires each department to establish a reasonable procedure for employees to report work-related assaults and injuries, and prohibits an agency from disciplining or discriminating against an employee who reports a work-related injury or assault.

(Public Act 100-1021, Senate Bill 3081)

Upon request by an applicant for a Housing Authority’s public housing, or other housing owned or operated by a Housing Authority for which the Housing Authority manages a waiting list, the Authority shall provide the applicant with information on the applicant’s position on the waiting list within 10 business days.

(Public Act 100-1095, Senate Bill 3085)

This new law provides that county collectors shall no longer publish notice of delinquent or forfeited property taxes for certain undeveloped but platted and subdivided property or for any other exempt property.

(Public Act 100-1077, Senate Bill 3093)

The general homestead exemption under the property tax code is amended for life care facilities. Under this new law, life-care facilities will be eligible for the homestead exemption.

(Public Act 100-730, Senate Bill 3134)

A Flood Control Commission chaired by the Director of DNR or a designee and which includes 32 other members will study methods to mitigate storm water management and flooding issues near the Fox River and develop an integrated floodplain management coalition of the affected communities so they can jointly leverage community resources to collaborate on flood preparedness, protection, response, recovery, damage reduction, and floodplain management education. They will also seek ways to help prevent future property damage and threats to public health from flooding.

Public Act 100-1109, Senate Bill 3143)

The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is now required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly regarding installment purchases or lease purchases of buildings, land or facilities. The report shall contain an analysis of all leases that contain a purchase option clause and the third full year of the lease has been completed. It shall also include a recommendation of whether it is in the state’s best interest to exercise the purchase option or to seek to renew the lease without exercising the clause. The new reporting requirements were sought by CMS in response to “Lease-gate,” when it was uncovered that CMS was paying more to lease properties than it would cost to purchase them.

(Public Act 100-803, Senate Bill 3148)

The renewal cycle for restricted driving permits is extended from one year to two. According to the Secretary of State, this is intended to make the administration of the program easier for the Secretary of State and also those who are subject to this permit. The fee for the permit will remain at $8 and will be charged on an annual basis until expiration of the permit.

(Public Act 100-804, Senate Bill 3170)

This new law extends the period in which a prescription medication refill can be made from 12 months to 15 months. In cases in which patients schedule appointments one year in advance and then need to reschedule that appointment for a month past that date, this bill allows those individuals to receive their necessary medications in the lapse period.

(Public Act 100-889, Senate Bill 3191)

This new law allows IDVA to make expenditures from a member benefits fund to be used solely for recognition and appreciation programs for volunteers who assist Illinois Veterans’ Homes. Recognition of volunteers is expected to help motivate and encourage continued and new volunteers to support veterans in the homes.

(Public Act 100-942, Senate Bill 3193)

This new law clarifies language in the law that allows non-veteran spouses to live in an Illinois Veterans Home. If the veteran and his or her spouse are admitted at the same time, they will be able to live together at the Veterans Homes in either Quincy or Anna.

(Public Act 100-805, Senate Bill 3195)

This act abolishes the Farmers’ Market Task Force, which has not met in over two years.

(Public Act 100-731, Senate Bill 3212)

This legislation clarifies that the information that county and municipal officials receive from homeowners seeking the natural disaster credit can be disclosed.

(Public Act 100-890, Senate Bill 3215)

Property sales in cases where improvements upon the property sold have been substantially destroyed, rendered uninhabitable or unfit for occupancy, the court may order the holder of the certificate of purchase to assign the certificate to the county collector, upon request of the county collector. The county collector may further assign the certificate to the county, acting as trustee for taxing districts, or to a taxing district having an interest in the taxes sold. If the certificate of purchase is assigned to the county delinquent tax agent because the improvements have been substantially destroyed or rendered uninhabitable or otherwise unfit for occupancy, then the county delinquent tax agent shall extend the redemption period by not more than 36 months.

(Public Act 100-891, Senate Bill 3222)

Two representatives of community-based organizations that provide or support competitive, integrated employment for individuals with disabilities will now be appointed to the Workforce Innovation Board. These two representatives shall be individuals who self-identify as

persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and who are engaged in advocacy for the rights of individuals with disabilities. If these persons require support in the form of reasonable accommodations in order to participate, such support shall be provided.

(Public Act 100-733 Senate Bill 3223)

DCFS shall establish a Child Death Investigation Task Force to operate in the southern region of the state and in other regions at the discretion of the Director. The task force will develop and implement a plan for the investigation of sudden, unexpected or unexplained fatalities or near fatalities of children under 18 years of age within that region. The task force’s plan will include provisions for local or state law enforcement agencies and other specified entities to promptly notify the task force of such fatalities or near fatalities, and for the task force to review and investigate the notification.

(Public Act 100-806, Senate Bill 3232)

This new law creates a program within DHS to provide an intensive workforce training program and a multi-generational healthy family initiative. The programs rely solely on private funding through not-for-profit organizations. Key to the programs’ success is a provision that allows newly-gained income to be disregarded for purposes of program eligibility, so that participants can make real, sustained progress toward self-sufficiency without fear of having to leave their program too soon.

(Public Act 100-943, Senate Bill 3237)

In findings made by DHS’ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) concerning abuse allegations involving Department employees and clients, the facility or agency that was the subject of the investigation, the victim or guardian, or the subject employee may request that the OIG clarify the finding or findings for which clarification is sought. The same persons and entities may also request that the OIG reconsider the finding or findings or the recommendations. A request for reconsideration shall be subject to a multi-layer review and shall include at least one reviewer who did not participate in the investigation or approval of the original investigative report; and that after the multi-layer review process has been completed, the OIG shall make the final determination on the reconsideration request.

(Public Act 100-944, Senate Bill 3240)

This new law amends the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act to makes changes concerning the penalty for those who own or operate a carnival, amusement enterprise, or fair that employs a carnival or amusement enterprise worker convicted of specified offenses or that fails to conduct a criminal history records check or a sex offender registry check for a carnival or amusement enterprise worker that it employs. The civil penalty is now raised to an amount not to exceed $5,000 for a first offense and not to exceed $10,000 for a second offense. A subsequent offense shall result in the revocation of a permit to operate in accordance with specified provisions.

(Public Act 100-734, Senate Bill 3241)

The owner of a second division vehicle in the 8000 pounds and less flat weight plate category who has been issued a special registration plate shall pay a $10 surcharge to identify the vehicle as a covered farm vehicle. The $10 surcharge shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. A designation as a covered farm vehicle shall not alter a vehicle’s registration in the 8000 pounds or less flat weight category.

(Public Act 100-606, Senate Bill 3256)

This new law extends the current 24-hour waiting period to 72 hours for purchasing firearms in Illinois. A violation will be a Class 4 felony. The new law also eliminates the exemption from the waiting period requirements for the sale of a firearm to a nonresident of Illinois while at a firearm showing or display recognized by the State Police.

(Public Act 100-1083 Senate Bill 3261)

Proceedings to remove an abandoned mobile home may be maintained by the mobile home park owner or operator in the county court in which the home is situated. The law outlines the proof an owner or operator needs to show, the filing of a complaint, removal or alternative disposition of the home, and the storage of and liability for household goods or personal property. A municipality may remove and dispose of any abandoned mobile home; and may enter upon any land to do so; if an owner or operator of the mobile home park where an abandoned home is located has not initiated proceedings to remove the home within 45 days after receiving written notice stating that the municipality intends to take action under the Act.

(Public Act 100-808, Senate Bill 3263)

Under this new law, the Director of State Police shall not appoint auxiliary state police officers. It moves responsibility for administrative support of the Commission on Police Professionalism to the Department of State Police instead of the Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.

(Public Act 100-1084, Senate Bill 3285)

The Illinois Home Grown Business Opportunity Act directs DCEO to develop an economic plan to assist businesses and municipalities located geographically close to bordering states. The plan shall take into account relevant economic data, including input from local economic development officials, and identify and develop specific strategies for utilizing the assets of those regions of the state located geographically close to bordering states, so that those regions may compete economically with bordering states. The plan must include certain economic assessments, recommendations, and resources relevant to assisting businesses and municipalities located near bordering states. It further requires that the information and resources collected and established under the plan shall be available to the public and posted on the Department’s website.

(Public Act 100-1085, Senate Bill 3290)

HFS shall provide each nursing home enrolled in one or more Medicaid managed care networks with corresponding patient credit files at the same time the Department provides the files to the managed care organization.

(Public Act 100-1086, Senate Bill 3295)

Especially for individuals who choose to represent themselves in court, this new law simplifies the legal process by providing that a sworn pleading or other document may be used in court without having the stamp and signature from a notary public. It should save time and make the court process less complicated.

(Public Act 100-600, Senate Bill 3304)

The State Fire Marshal will now be required to reimburse local governmental agencies or individuals participating in the training program in an amount equaling one-half of the total sum paid per calendar year, rather than per fiscal year, for tuition at training schools, salary of trainees while in school, necessary travel expenses and room and board for each trainee.

(Public Act 100-1099, Senate Bill 3309)

Allows DNR to set aside 30 percent of each year’s available abandoned mine reclamation funds in a special fund that would be used only to restore land and water resources that have been damaged or degraded by acid mine drainage that resulted from past coal mining activities.

(Public Act 100-999, Senate Bill 3388)

An offender who is charged with or convicted of a probation-eligible offense may participate in the Adult Redeploy Illinois program. Previous law limited eligibility for the program only to non-violent offenders.

(Public Act 100-1087, Senate Bill 3404)

A student will have amnesty from prosecution of possession or use of alcohol, cannabis, or a controlled substance, who reports, in good faith, an alleged violation of the higher education institution’s comprehensive sexual assault prevention policy to a responsible employee. The law also requires that every hospital providing emergency services and forensic services to sexual assault survivors shall provide; after a medical evidentiary or physical examination; access to a shower at no cost, unless showering facilities are unavailable. The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall provide a free copy of the police report concerning the incident. A victim shall have 10 years (instead of the current five) from the completion of a State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, or 10 years from the age of 18, whichever is longer, to sign a written consent to release the sexual assault evidence to law enforcement for testing.

(Public Act 100-1000, Senate Bill 3411)

To broaden access for those who may petition the court for protection, this law expands who may seek a stalking no contact order to include an authorized agent of a workplace, an authorized agent of a place of worship and an authorized agent of a school. It also provides that stalking behavior includes sending unwanted messages via social media.

(Public Act 100-809, Senate Bill 3443)

This legislation makes changes to the appointment and commission process for notary publics. It authorizes the Secretary of State to conduct a criminal background check of an applicant, and specifies that the performance of a notarial act while the commission of a notary is suspended or revoked is prohibited.

(Public Act 100-810, Senate Bill 3466)

This new law makes changes regarding the treatment of students and their caregivers in cases of student truancy. It will require school officials to provide resources to homeless students and students with demonstrable disabilities to address issues that negatively impact regular student attendance. School districts will no longer be able to refer truant students to local authorities, but will be able to refer guardians of truants to local authorities provided that all efforts to remedy the student’s truancy have been made and demonstrated to have been made by the school district.

(Public Act 100-1088, Senate Bill 3488)

Under the Act, the state is banned from creating a registry of individuals based on race, color, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, and military status, order of protection status, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service.

(Public Act 100-946, Senate Bill 3489)

Any person who is required to register for violent or heinous crimes against youths, may now file a Request for Review with the office of the state’s attorney of the county in which he or she was convicted, and request that the office review the registration information. The state’s attorney shall review the information provided by the offender, and if they determine that the information relied upon for registration is inaccurate, the error shall be corrected before reporting the offender’s personal information to the State Police. This law addresses concerns regarding inaccurate conviction information being sent by state’s attorneys to the State Police.

(Public Act 100-947, Senate Bill 3503)

This law requires every facility that houses a circuit courtroom, to include at least one lactation room or area for members of the public to express breast milk in private that is outside the confines of a restroom.

(Public Act 100-948, Senate Bill 3504)

This law clarifies that no repossession agency employee may be issued a recovery permit if the person has been convicted of specified crimes. It also makes changes concerning which crimes the Illinois Commerce Commission may require a repossession agency licensee, a recovery manager licensee, or a recovery permit holder to disclose, and which crimes the Commission may use in denying or disciplining a licensee or permit holder.

(Public Act 100-1001, Senate Bill 3509)

When municipalities are prohibited from requiring police officers to issue a specific number of citations within a designated period of time, the exclusion for municipalities with their own independent inspector general and law enforcement review authority is removed.

(Public Act 100-629, Senate Bill 3527)

The River’s Edge Historic Tax Credit program is revised to create a new state-wide Historic Preservation Tax Credit. The law creates new reporting requirements regarding assessment of the economic impact and success of rehabilitation projects in Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin, Peoria and Rockford. The new law will also place management of the program under DNR rather than DCEO.

(Public Act 100-822, Senate Bill 3536)

This new law makes changes to the alternative educator licensure program to allow individuals seeking the alternative provisional educator endorsement the opportunity to be reviewed, evaluated and recommended to continue seeking the endorsement by a principal or qualified equivalent. The law seeks to address the early childhood teacher shortage by allowing multiple avenues to achieve full early childhood educator licensure.

(Public Act 100-1101, Senate Bill 3547)

The Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act consolidates all Illinois laws providing employment protections to Illinois service-members into a new Act, with changes to training, compensation, probationary periods, and leave for both active and inactive military personnel.

(Public Act 100-736, Senate Bill 3561)

Sunset dates are extended for five years in regard to public building projects being required to use the design-build method of construction. Design-build is an often utilized building option that will continue to be available for public construction and maintenance projects until June 1, 2023 under the Act.

(Public Act 100-895, Senate Bill 3604)

When public employees are relieved of their duties the public must now be notified within 48 hours if a severance package will be provided to an officer, agent, employee or contractor. In regard to severance pay, the new Act will limit cash compensation to 20 weeks of compensation, rather than up to one year as was the previous law.