Public Act 0234 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB2547 Enrolled LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b

Public Act 104-0234

AN ACT concerning the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The State Employee Indemnification Act is amended by changing Sections 1 and 2 as follows:

(5 ILCS 350/1) (from Ch. 127, par. 1301)

Sec. 1. Definitions. For the purpose of this Act:

(a) The term "State" means the State of Illinois, the General Assembly, the court, or any State office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or committee, the governing boards of the public institutions of higher education created by the State, the Illinois National Guard, the Illinois State Guard, the Comprehensive Health Insurance Board, any poison control center designated under the Poison Control System Act that receives State funding, or any other agency or instrumentality of the State. It does not mean any local public entity as that term is defined in Section 1-206 of the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act or a pension fund.

(b) The term "employee" means: any present or former elected or appointed officer, trustee or employee of the State, or of a pension fund; any present or former commissioner or employee of the Executive Ethics Commission or of the Legislative Ethics Commission; any present or former Executive, Legislative, or Auditor General's Inspector General; any present or former employee of an Office of an Executive, Legislative, or Auditor General's Inspector General; any present or former member of the Illinois National Guard while on active duty; any present or former member of the Illinois State Guard while on State active duty; individuals or organizations who contract with the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Comprehensive Health Insurance Board, or the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs to provide services; individuals or organizations who contract with the Department of Human Services (as successor to the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities) to provide services including but not limited to treatment and other services for sexually violent persons; individuals or organizations who contract with the Department of Military Affairs for youth programs; individuals or organizations who contract to perform carnival and amusement ride safety inspections for the Department of Labor; individuals who contract with the Office of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor to provide legal services, but only when performing duties within the scope of the Office's prosecutorial activities; individual representatives of or designated organizations authorized to represent the Office of State Long-Term Ombudsman for the Department on Aging; individual representatives of or organizations designated by the Department on Aging in the performance of their duties as adult protective services agencies or regional administrative agencies under the Adult Protective Services Act; individuals or organizations appointed as members of a review team or the Advisory Council under the Adult Protective Services Act; individuals or organizations who perform volunteer services for the State where such volunteer relationship is reduced to writing; individuals who serve on any public entity (whether created by law or administrative action) described in paragraph (a) of this Section; individuals or not for profit organizations who, either as volunteers, where such volunteer relationship is reduced to writing, or pursuant to contract, furnish professional advice or consultation to any agency or instrumentality of the State; individuals who serve as foster parents for the Department of Children and Family Services when caring for youth in care as defined in Section 4d of the Children and Family Services Act; individuals who serve as members of an independent team of experts under the Developmental Disability and Mental Health Safety Act (also known as Brian's Law); and individuals who serve as arbitrators pursuant to Part 10A of Article II of the Code of Civil Procedure and the rules of the Supreme Court implementing Part 10A, each as now or hereafter amended; the members of the Certification Review Panel under the Illinois Police Training Act; the term "employee" does not mean an independent contractor except as provided in this Section. The term includes an individual appointed as an inspector by the Director of the Illinois State Police when performing duties within the scope of the activities of a Metropolitan Enforcement Group or a law enforcement organization established under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. An individual who renders professional advice and consultation to the State through an organization which qualifies as an "employee" under the Act is also an employee. The term includes the estate or personal representative of an employee.

(c) The term "pension fund" means a retirement system or pension fund created under the Illinois Pension Code.

(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 101-652, eff. 1-1-22; 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(5 ILCS 350/2) (from Ch. 127, par. 1302)

Sec. 2. Representation and indemnification of State employees.

(a) In the event that any civil proceeding is commenced against any State employee arising out of any act or omission occurring within the scope of the employee's State employment, the Attorney General shall, upon timely and appropriate notice to him by such employee, appear on behalf of such employee and defend the action. In the event that any civil proceeding is commenced against any physician who is an employee of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Human Services (in a position relating to the Department's mental health and developmental disabilities functions) alleging death or bodily injury or other injury to the person of the complainant resulting from and arising out of any act or omission occurring on or after December 3, 1977 within the scope of the employee's State employment, or against any physician who is an employee of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs alleging death or bodily injury or other injury to the person of the complainant resulting from and arising out of any act or omission occurring on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1988 within the scope of the employee's State employment, or in the event that any civil proceeding is commenced against any attorney who is an employee of the State Appellate Defender alleging legal malpractice or for other damages resulting from and arising out of any legal act or omission occurring on or after December 3, 1977, within the scope of the employee's State employment, or in the event that any civil proceeding is commenced against any individual or organization who contracts with the Department of Labor to provide services as a carnival and amusement ride safety inspector alleging malpractice, death or bodily injury or other injury to the person arising out of any act or omission occurring on or after May 1, 1985, within the scope of that employee's State employment, the Attorney General shall, upon timely and appropriate notice to him by such employee, appear on behalf of such employee and defend the action. Any such notice shall be in writing, shall be mailed within 15 days after the date of receipt by the employee of service of process, and shall authorize the Attorney General to represent and defend the employee in the proceeding. The giving of this notice to the Attorney General shall constitute an agreement by the State employee to cooperate with the Attorney General in his defense of the action and a consent that the Attorney General shall conduct the defense as he deems advisable and in the best interests of the employee, including settlement in the Attorney General's discretion. In any such proceeding, the State shall pay the court costs and litigation expenses of defending such action, to the extent approved by the Attorney General as reasonable, as they are incurred.

(b) In the event that the Attorney General determines that so appearing and defending an employee either (1) involves an actual or potential conflict of interest, or (2) that the act or omission which gave rise to the claim was not within the scope of the employee's State employment or was intentional, wilful or wanton misconduct, the Attorney General shall decline in writing to appear or defend or shall promptly take appropriate action to withdraw as attorney for such employee. Upon receipt of such declination or upon such withdrawal by the Attorney General on the basis of an actual or potential conflict of interest, the State employee may employ his own attorney to appear and defend, in which event the State shall pay the employee's court costs, litigation expenses and attorneys' fees to the extent approved by the Attorney General as reasonable, as they are incurred. In the event that the Attorney General declines to appear or withdraws on the grounds that the act or omission was not within the scope of employment, or was intentional, wilful or wanton misconduct, and a court or jury finds that the act or omission of the State employee was within the scope of employment and was not intentional, wilful or wanton misconduct, the State shall indemnify the State employee for any damages awarded and court costs and attorneys' fees assessed as part of any final and unreversed judgment. In such event the State shall also pay the employee's court costs, litigation expenses and attorneys' fees to the extent approved by the Attorney General as reasonable.

In the event that the defendant in the proceeding is an elected State official, including members of the General Assembly, the elected State official may retain his or her attorney, provided that said attorney shall be reasonably acceptable to the Attorney General. In such case the State shall pay the elected State official's court costs, litigation expenses, and attorneys' fees, to the extent approved by the Attorney General as reasonable, as they are incurred.

(b-5) The Attorney General may file a counterclaim on behalf of a State employee, provided:

(1) the Attorney General determines that the State employee is entitled to representation in a civil action under this Section;

(2) the counterclaim arises out of any act or omission occurring within the scope of the employee's State employment that is the subject of the civil action; and

(3) the employee agrees in writing that if judgment is entered in favor of the employee, the amount of the judgment shall be applied to offset any judgment that may be entered in favor of the plaintiff, and then to reimburse the State treasury for court costs and litigation expenses required to pursue the counterclaim. The balance of the collected judgment shall be paid to the State employee.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, representation and indemnification of a judge under this Act shall also be provided in any case where the plaintiff seeks damages or any equitable relief as a result of any decision, ruling or order of a judge made in the course of his or her judicial or administrative duties, without regard to the theory of recovery employed by the plaintiff. Indemnification shall be for all damages awarded and all court costs, attorney fees and litigation expenses assessed against the judge. When a judge has been convicted of a crime as a result of his or her intentional judicial misconduct in a trial, that judge shall not be entitled to indemnification and representation under this subsection in any case maintained by a party who seeks damages or other equitable relief as a direct result of the judge's intentional judicial misconduct.

(d) In any such proceeding where notice in accordance with this Section has been given to the Attorney General, unless the court or jury finds that the conduct or inaction which gave rise to the claim or cause of action was intentional, wilful or wanton misconduct and was not intended to serve or benefit interests of the State, the State shall indemnify the State employee for any damages awarded and court costs and attorneys' fees assessed as part of any final and unreversed judgment, or shall pay such judgment. Unless the Attorney General determines that the conduct or inaction which gave rise to the claim or cause of action was intentional, wilful or wanton misconduct and was not intended to serve or benefit interests of the State, the case may be settled, in the Attorney General's discretion and with the employee's consent, and the State shall indemnify the employee for any damages, court costs and attorneys' fees agreed to as part of the settlement, or shall pay such settlement. Where the employee is represented by private counsel, any settlement must be so approved by the Attorney General and the court having jurisdiction, which shall obligate the State to indemnify the employee.

(e) (i) Court costs and litigation expenses and other costs of providing a defense or counterclaim, including attorneys' fees obligated under this Section, shall be paid from the State Treasury on the warrant of the Comptroller out of appropriations made to the Department of Central Management Services specifically designed for the payment of costs, fees and expenses covered by this Section.

(ii) Upon entry of a final judgment against the employee, or upon the settlement of the claim, the employee shall cause to be served a copy of such judgment or settlement, personally or by certified or registered mail within thirty days of the date of entry or settlement, upon the chief administrative officer of the department, office or agency in which he is employed. If not inconsistent with the provisions of this Section, such judgment or settlement shall be certified for payment by such chief administrative officer and by the Attorney General. The judgment or settlement shall be paid from the State Treasury on the warrant of the Comptroller out of appropriations made to the Department of Central Management Services specifically designed for the payment of claims covered by this Section.

(f) Nothing contained or implied in this Section shall operate, or be construed or applied, to deprive the State, or any employee thereof, of any defense heretofore available.

(g) This Section shall apply regardless of whether the employee is sued in his or her individual or official capacity.

(h) This Section shall not apply to claims for bodily injury or damage to property arising from motor vehicle crashes.

(i) This Section shall apply to all proceedings filed on or after its effective date, and to any proceeding pending on its effective date, if the State employee gives notice to the Attorney General as provided in this Section within 30 days of the Act's effective date.

(j) The amendatory changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of 1986 shall apply to all proceedings filed on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1986 and to any proceeding pending on its effective date, if the State employee gives notice to the Attorney General as provided in this Section within 30 days of the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1986.

(k) This Act applies to all State officials who are serving as trustees, or their appointing authorities, of a clean energy community trust or as members of a not-for-profit foundation or corporation established pursuant to Section 16-111.1 of the Public Utilities Act.

(l) The State shall not provide representation for, nor shall it indemnify, any State employee in (i) any criminal proceeding in which the employee is a defendant or (ii) any criminal investigation in which the employee is the target. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the State from providing representation to a State employee who is a witness in a criminal matter arising out of that employee's State employment.

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)

Section 10. The State Services Assurance Act for FY2008 is amended by changing Section 3-15 as follows:

(5 ILCS 382/3-15)

Sec. 3-15. Staffing standards. On or before July 1, 2008 each named agency shall increase and maintain the number of bilingual on-board frontline staff over the levels that it maintained on June 30, 2007 as follows:

(1) The Department of Corrections shall have at least 40 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(2) Mental health and developmental centers operated by the Department of Human Services shall have at least 20 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(3) Family and Community Resource Centers operated by the Department of Human Services shall have at least 100 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(4) The Department of Children and Family Services shall have at least 40 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(5) The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall have at least 5 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(6) The Environmental Protection Agency shall have at least 5 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(7) The Department of Employment Security shall have at least 10 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(8) The Department of Natural Resources shall have at least 5 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(9) The Department of Public Health shall have at least 5 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(10) The Illinois State Police shall have at least 5 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(11) The Department of Juvenile Justice shall have at least 25 additional bilingual on-board frontline staff.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

Section 15. The Flag Display Act is amended by changing Section 10 as follows:

(5 ILCS 465/10)

Sec. 10. Death of resident military member, law enforcement officer, firefighter, or members of EMS crews.

(a) The Governor shall issue an official notice to fly the following flags at half-staff upon the death of a resident of this State killed (i) by hostile fire as a member of the United States armed forces, (ii) in the line of duty as a law enforcement officer, (iii) in the line of duty as a firefighter, (iv) in the line of duty as a member of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew, or (v) during on duty training for active military duty: the United States national flag, the State flag of Illinois, and, in the case of the death of the member of the United States armed forces, the appropriate military flag as defined in subsection (b) of Section 18.6 of the Condominium Property Act and the Honor and Remember Flag designated under Section 16 of this Act. Upon the Governor's notice, each person or entity required by this Act to ensure the display of the United States national flag on a flagstaff shall ensure that the flags described in the notice are displayed at half-staff on the day designated for the resident's funeral and the 2 days preceding that day.

(b) The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall notify the Governor of the death by hostile fire of an Illinois resident member of the United States armed forces. In lieu of notice being provided by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, any other State or Federal entity, agency, or person holding such information may notify the Governor of the death by hostile fire of an Illinois resident member of the United States armed forces. If such notice is provided to the Governor by an entity, agency, or person other than the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, then the obligation to notify the Governor of an Illinois resident soldier's death under this subsection (b) shall be considered fulfilled. The Illinois State Police shall notify the Governor of the death in the line of duty of an Illinois resident law enforcement officer. The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall notify the Governor of the death in the line of duty of an Illinois resident firefighter. The Department of Public Health shall notify the Governor of the death in the line of duty of an Illinois resident member of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew. Notice to the Governor shall include at least the resident's name and Illinois address, the date designated for the funeral, and the circumstances of the death.

(c) For the purpose of this Section, the United States armed forces includes: (i) the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard; (ii) any reserve component of each of the forces listed in item (i); and (iii) the National Guard.

(d) Nothing in this Section requires the removal or relocation of any existing flags currently displayed in the State. This Section does not apply to a State facility if the requirements of this Section cannot be satisfied without a physical modification to that facility.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 103-409, eff. 1-1-24; 103-746, eff. 1-1-25.)

Section 20. The Executive Order 1 (2012) Implementation Act is amended by changing Sections 15, 25, 30, 35, 55, and 65 as follows:

(15 ILCS 16/15)

Sec. 15. Transfer back of State healthcare purchasing functions transferred by Executive Order 3 (2005).

(a) On the date 6 months after the effective date of this Act or as soon thereafter as practical, all of the powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities related to State healthcare purchasing that were transferred from the Department of Central Management Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services by Executive Order 3 (2005) are transferred back to the Departments from which those powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities were transferred; however, powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities related to State healthcare purchasing that were exercised by the Department of Corrections before the effective date of Executive Order 3 (2005) but that pertain to individuals resident in facilities operated by the Department of Juvenile Justice are transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(b) The functions associated with State healthcare purchasing that are transferred from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services under this Section include, without limitation, the following:

(1) Rate development and negotiation with hospitals, physicians, and managed care providers.

(2) Health care procurement development.

(3) Contract implementation and fiscal monitoring.

(4) Contract amendments.

(5) Payment processing.

(6) Purchasing aspects of health care plans administered by the State on behalf of the following:

(A) State employees. These healthcare purchasing functions include the following health care plans: quality care health plan; managed care health plan; vision plan; pharmacy benefits plan; dental plan; behavioral health plan; employee assistance plan; utilization management plan; and SHIPs and various subrogation agreements. These healthcare purchasing functions also include the purchasing and administration of flu shots, hepatitis B vaccinations, and tuberculosis tests.

(B) Persons other than State employees. These healthcare purchasing functions include the following health care plans: the retired teachers' health insurance plan under the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971; the local government health insurance plan under the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971; the community colleges health insurance plan under the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971; the active teacher prescription program; and the Illinois Prescription Drug Discount Program.

(C) Residents of State-operated facilities, including (i) correctional and youth facilities operated by the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice, (ii) mental health centers and developmental centers operated by the Department of Human Services, and (iii) veterans homes operated by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs).

(c) The powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities vested in or associated with State healthcare purchasing are not affected by this Act, except that all management and staff support or other resources necessary to the operation of a State healthcare purchasing function shall be provided by the Department to which that function is transferred under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-488, eff. 8-16-13.)

(15 ILCS 16/25)

Sec. 25. Personnel transferred.

(a) Personnel and positions within the Department of Healthcare and Family Services that are engaged in the performance of State healthcare purchasing functions transferred back to the Department of Central Management Services are transferred to and shall continue their service within the Department of Central Management Services. The status and rights of those employees under the Personnel Code are not affected by this Act.

(b) Personnel and positions of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) were not in fact transferred under Executive Order 3 (2005) and are not affected by this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-488, eff. 8-16-13.)

(15 ILCS 16/30)

Sec. 30. Books and records transferred. All books, records, papers, documents, property (real and personal), contracts, and pending business pertaining to the powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities related to any of the State healthcare purchasing functions transferred under this Act from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to the Department of Central Management Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs), including, but not limited to, material in electronic or magnetic format and necessary computer hardware and software, shall be delivered to the Department to which that State healthcare purchasing function is transferred under this Act, provided that the delivery of that information may not violate any applicable confidentiality constraints. The access by personnel of the Department of Central Management Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) to databases and electronic health information that are currently maintained by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and that contain data and information necessary to the performance of the State healthcare purchasing functions shall continue in the same manner and level of access as before the effective date of Executive Order 1 (2012). Staff of the Department of Central Management Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) may work with staff of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to add new information relevant to State healthcare purchasing functions.

(Source: P.A. 98-488, eff. 8-16-13.)

(15 ILCS 16/35)

Sec. 35. Unexpended moneys transferred.

(a) With respect to the State healthcare purchasing functions transferred under this Act, the Department of Central Management Services is the successor agency to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services under the Successor Agency Act and Section 9b of the State Finance Act. All unexpended appropriations and balances and other moneys available for use in connection with any of the State healthcare purchasing functions transferred from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to the Department of Central Management Services are transferred for use by the Department of Central Management Services for the exercise of those functions pursuant to the direction of the Governor. Unexpended balances so transferred shall be expended only for the purpose for which the appropriations were originally made.

(b) Appropriations of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) were not in fact transferred under Executive Order 3 (2005) and are not affected by this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-488, eff. 8-16-13.)

(15 ILCS 16/55)

Sec. 55. Agency officers; penalties. Every officer of the Department of Central Management Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) is, for any offense, subject to the same penalty or penalties, civil or criminal, as are prescribed by existing law for the same offense by any officer whose powers or duties are transferred under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-488, eff. 8-16-13.)

(15 ILCS 16/65)

Sec. 65. Interagency agreements. To the extent necessary or prudent to fully implement the intent of this Act, the Department of Central Management Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs), and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may enter into one or more interagency agreements to ensure the full and appropriate transfer of all State healthcare purchasing functions transferred from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-488, eff. 8-16-13.)

Section 30. The Illinois Identification Card Act is amended by changing Sections 5 and 11 as follows:

(15 ILCS 335/5)

Sec. 5. Applications.

(a) Any natural person who is a resident of the State of Illinois may file an application for an identification card, or for the renewal thereof, in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. Each original application shall be completed by the applicant in full and shall set forth the legal name, residence address and zip code, social security number, if the person has a social security number, birth date, sex and a brief description of the applicant. The applicant shall be photographed, unless the Secretary of State has provided by rule for the issuance of identification cards without photographs and the applicant is deemed eligible for an identification card without a photograph under the terms and conditions imposed by the Secretary of State, and he or she shall also submit any other information as the Secretary may deem necessary or such documentation as the Secretary may require to determine the identity of the applicant. In addition to the residence address, the Secretary may allow the applicant to provide a mailing address. If the applicant is an employee of the Department of Children and Family Services with a job title of "Child Protection Specialist Trainee", "Child Protection Specialist", "Child Protection Advanced Specialist", "Child Welfare Specialist Trainee", "Child Welfare Specialist", or "Child Welfare Advanced Specialist" or a judicial officer as defined in Section 1-10 of the Judicial Privacy Act or a peace officer, the applicant may elect to have his or her office or work address in lieu of the applicant's residence or mailing address. An applicant for an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card must also submit with each original or renewal application, on forms prescribed by the Secretary, such documentation as the Secretary may require, establishing that the applicant is a "person with a disability" as defined in Section 4A of this Act, and setting forth the applicant's type and class of disability as set forth in Section 4A of this Act. For the purposes of this subsection (a), "peace officer" means any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for a violation of any penal statute of this State, whether that duty extends to all violations or is limited to specific violations.

(a-5) Upon the first issuance of a request for proposals for a digital driver's license and identification card issuance and facial recognition system issued after January 1, 2020 (the effective date of Public Act 101-513), and upon implementation of a new or revised system procured pursuant to that request for proposals, the Secretary shall permit applicants to choose between "male", "female", or "non-binary" when designating the applicant's sex on the identification card application form. The sex designated by the applicant shall be displayed on the identification card issued to the applicant.

(b) Beginning on or before July 1, 2015, for each original or renewal identification card application under this Act, the Secretary shall inquire as to whether the applicant is a veteran for purposes of issuing an identification card with a veteran designation under subsection (c-5) of Section 4 of this Act. The acceptable forms of proof shall include, but are not limited to, Department of Defense form DD-214, Department of Defense form DD-256 for applicants who did not receive a form DD-214 upon the completion of initial basic training, Department of Defense form DD-2 (Retired), an identification card issued under the federal Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, or a United States Department of Veterans Affairs summary of benefits letter. If the document cannot be stamped, the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall provide a certificate to the veteran to provide to the Secretary of State. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall advise the Secretary as to what other forms of proof of a person's status as a veteran are acceptable.

For each applicant who is issued an identification card with a veteran designation, the Secretary shall provide the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs with the applicant's name, address, date of birth, gender, and such other demographic information as agreed to by the Secretary and the Department. The Department may take steps necessary to confirm the applicant is a veteran. If after due diligence, including writing to the applicant at the address provided by the Secretary, the Department is unable to verify the applicant's veteran status, the Department shall inform the Secretary, who shall notify the applicant that he or she must confirm status as a veteran, or the identification card will be canceled cancelled.

For purposes of this subsection (b):

"Armed forces" means any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including a member of any reserve component or National Guard unit.

"Veteran" means a person who has served in the armed forces and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.

(b-1) An applicant who is eligible for Gold Star license plates under Section 3-664 of the Illinois Vehicle Code may apply for an identification card with space for a designation as a Gold Star Family. The Secretary may waive any fee for this application. If the Secretary does not waive the fee, any fee charged to the applicant must be deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. The Secretary is authorized to issue rules to implement this subsection.

(c) All applicants for REAL ID compliant standard Illinois Identification Cards and Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards shall provide proof of lawful status in the United States as defined in 6 CFR 37.3, as amended. Applicants who are unable to provide the Secretary with proof of lawful status are ineligible for REAL ID compliant identification cards under this Act.

(d) The Secretary of State may accept, as proof of date of birth and written signature for any applicant for a standard identification card who does not have a social security number or documentation issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security authorizing the applicant's presence in this country, any passport validly issued to the applicant from the applicant's country of citizenship or a consular identification document validly issued to the applicant by a consulate of that country as defined in Section 5 of the Consular Identification Document Act. Any such documents must be either unexpired or presented by an applicant within 2 years of its expiration date.

(Source: P.A. 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 103-210, eff. 7-1-24; 103-888, eff. 8-9-24; 103-933, eff. 1-1-25; revised 12-1-24.)

(15 ILCS 335/11) (from Ch. 124, par. 31)

Sec. 11. Records.

(a) The Secretary may make a search of his records and furnish information as to whether a person has a current Standard Illinois Identification Card or an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card then on file, upon receipt of a written application therefor accompanied with the prescribed fee. However, the Secretary may not disclose medical information concerning an individual to any person, public agency, private agency, corporation or governmental body unless the individual has submitted a written request for the information or unless the individual has given prior written consent for the release of the information to a specific person or entity. This exception shall not apply to: (1) offices and employees of the Secretary who have a need to know the medical information in performance of their official duties, or (2) orders of a court of competent jurisdiction. When medical information is disclosed by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this Section, no liability shall rest with the Office of the Secretary of State as the information is released for informational purposes only.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the Secretary may release personally identifying information only to:

(1) officers and employees of the Secretary who have a need to know that information for issuance of driver's licenses, permits, or identification cards and investigation of fraud or misconduct;

(2) other governmental agencies for use in their official governmental functions;

(3) law enforcement agencies for a criminal or civil investigation, except as restricted by subsections (g) and (h);

(3-5) the State Board of Elections as may be required by an agreement the State Board of Elections has entered into with a multi-state voter registration list maintenance system; or

(4) any entity that the Secretary has authorized, by rule.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the Secretary may release highly restricted personal information only to:

(1) officers and employees of the Secretary who have a need to access the information for the issuance of driver's licenses, permits, or identification cards and investigation of fraud or misconduct;

(2) law enforcement officials for a criminal or civil law enforcement investigation, except as restricted by subsections (g) and (h);

(3) the State Board of Elections for the purpose of providing the signature for completion of voter registration; or

(4) any other entity the Secretary has authorized by rule.

(d) Documents required to be submitted with an application for an identification card to prove the applicant's identity (name and date of birth), social security number or lack of a social security number, written signature, residency, and, as applicable, citizenship and immigration status and country of citizenship shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except to the following persons:

(1) the individual to whom the identification card was issued, upon written request;

(2) officers and employees of the Secretary of State who have a need to have access to the stored images for purposes of issuing and controlling driver's licenses, permits, or identification cards and investigation of fraud or misconduct;

(3) law enforcement officials for a civil or criminal law enforcement investigation, except as restricted by subsections (g) and (h);

(4) other entities that the Secretary may authorize by rule.

(e) The Secretary may not disclose an individual's social security number or any associated information obtained from the Social Security Administration without the written request or consent of the individual except: (i) to officers and employees of the Secretary who have a need to know the social security number in the performance of their official duties; (ii) except as restricted by subsections (g) and (h) to law enforcement officials for a civil or criminal law enforcement investigation if an officer of the law enforcement agency has made a written request to the Secretary specifying the law enforcement investigation for which the social security number is being sought; (iii) under a lawful court order signed by a judge; (iv) to the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs for the purpose of confirming veteran status to agencies in other states responsible for the issuance of state identification cards for participation in State-to-State verification service; or (v) the last 4 digits to the Illinois State Board of Elections for purposes of voter registration and as may be required pursuant to an agreement for a multi-state voter registration list maintenance system. The Secretary retains the right to require additional verification regarding the validity of a request from law enforcement. If social security information is disclosed by the Secretary in accordance with this Section, no liability shall rest with the Office of the Secretary of State or any of its officers or employees, as the information is released for official purposes only.

(f) The Secretary of State shall not provide facial recognition search services or photographs obtained in the process of issuing an identification card to any federal, State, or local law enforcement agency or other governmental entity for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws. This subsection shall not apply to requests from federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies or other governmental entities for facial recognition search services or photographs obtained in the process of issuing a driver's license or permit when the purpose of the request relates to criminal activity other than violations of immigration laws.

(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not release highly restricted personal information or personally identifying information or disclose documents described in subsection (d) to any immigration agent, as defined in Section 10 of the Illinois TRUST Act, unless necessary to comply with the following, to the extent that production of such information or documents is specifically required:

(1) a lawful court order;

(2) a judicial warrant signed by a judge appointed pursuant to Article III of the Constitution of the United States; or

(3) a subpoena for individual records issued by a federal or State court.

When responding to such a court order, warrant, or subpoena, the Secretary shall disclose only those documents or information specifically requested. Within 3 business days of receiving such a court order, warrant, or subpoena, the Secretary shall send a notification to the individual about whom such information was requested that a court order, warrant, or subpoena was received and the identity of the entity that presented the court order, warrant, or subpoena.

(h) The Secretary shall not enter into or maintain any agreement regarding the sharing of any highly restricted personal information or personally identifying information or documents described in subsection (d) unless all other parties to such agreement certify that the information obtained will not be used for civil immigration purposes or knowingly disseminated to any third party for any purpose related to civil immigration enforcement.

(Source: P.A. 102-354, eff. 8-13-21; 103-210, eff. 7-1-24.)

Section 45. The Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by changing Sections 5-15, 5-20, 5-190, and 5-420 as follows:

(20 ILCS 5/5-15) (was 20 ILCS 5/3)

Sec. 5-15. Departments of State government. The Departments of State government are created as follows:

The Department on Aging.

The Department of Agriculture.

The Department of Central Management Services.

The Department of Children and Family Services.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The Department of Corrections.

The Department of Early Childhood.

The Department of Employment Security.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

The Department of Human Rights.

The Department of Human Services.

The Department of Innovation and Technology.

The Department of Insurance.

The Department of Juvenile Justice.

The Department of Labor.

The Department of the Lottery.

The Department of Natural Resources.

The Department of Public Health.

The Department of Revenue.

The Illinois State Police.

The Department of Transportation.

The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 103-594, eff. 6-25-24.)

(20 ILCS 5/5-20) (was 20 ILCS 5/4)

Sec. 5-20. Heads of departments. Each department shall have an officer as its head who shall be known as director or secretary and who shall, subject to the provisions of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, execute the powers and discharge the duties vested by law in his or her respective department.

The following officers are hereby created:

Director of Aging, for the Department on Aging.

Director of Agriculture, for the Department of Agriculture.

Director of Central Management Services, for the Department of Central Management Services.

Director of Children and Family Services, for the Department of Children and Family Services.

Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Director of Corrections, for the Department of Corrections.

Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

Secretary of Early Childhood, for the Department of Early Childhood.

Director of Employment Security, for the Department of Employment Security.

Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation, for the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Director of Healthcare and Family Services, for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Director of Human Rights, for the Department of Human Rights.

Secretary of Human Services, for the Department of Human Services.

Secretary of Innovation and Technology, for the Department of Innovation and Technology.

Director of Insurance, for the Department of Insurance.

Director of Juvenile Justice, for the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Director of Labor, for the Department of Labor.

Director of the Lottery, for the Department of the Lottery.

Director of Natural Resources, for the Department of Natural Resources.

Director of Public Health, for the Department of Public Health.

Director of Revenue, for the Department of Revenue.

Director of the Illinois State Police, for the Illinois State Police.

Secretary of Transportation, for the Department of Transportation.

Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, for the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 103-594, eff. 6-25-24.)

(20 ILCS 5/5-190) (was 20 ILCS 5/5.01a)

Sec. 5-190. In the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. Assistant Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 5/5-420) (was 20 ILCS 5/9.22)

Sec. 5-420. In the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. For terms beginning on or after January 16, 2023, the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall receive an annual salary of $200,000 or as set by the Governor, whichever is higher. On July 1, 2023, and on each July 1 thereafter, the Director shall receive an increase in salary based on a cost of living adjustment as authorized by Senate Joint Resolution 192 of the 86th General Assembly.

For terms beginning on or after January 16, 2023, the Assistant Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall receive an annual salary of $170,000 or as set by the Governor, whichever is higher. On July 1, 2023, and on each July 1 thereafter, the Assistant Director shall receive an increase in salary based on a cost of living adjustment as authorized by Senate Joint Resolution 192 of the 86th General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-1115, eff. 1-9-23.)

Section 50. The Illinois Act on the Aging is amended by changing Sections 4.04a and 8.10 as follows:

(20 ILCS 105/4.04a)

Sec. 4.04a. Illinois Long-Term Care Council.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to ensure that consumers over the age of 60 residing in facilities licensed or regulated under the Nursing Home Care Act, Skilled Nursing and Intermediate Care Facilities Code, Sheltered Care Facilities Code, and the Illinois Veterans' Homes Code receive high quality long-term care through an effective Illinois Long-Term Care Council.

(b) Maintenance and operation of the Illinois Long-Term Care Council.

(1) The Department shall develop a fair and impartial process for recruiting and receiving nominations for members for the Illinois Long-Term Care Council from the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the area agencies on aging, regional ombudsman programs, provider agencies, and other public agencies, using a nomination form provided by the Department.

(2) The Department shall appoint members to the Illinois Long-Term Care Council in a timely manner.

(3) The Department shall consider and act in good faith regarding the Illinois Long-Term Care Council's annual report and its recommendations.

(4) The Director shall appoint to the Illinois Long-Term Care Council at least 18 but not more than 25 members.

(c) Responsibilities of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, area agencies on aging, regional long-term care ombudsman programs, and provider agencies. The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and each area agency on aging, regional long-term care ombudsman program, and provider agency shall solicit names and recommend members to the Department for appointment to the Illinois Long-Term Care Council.

(d) Powers and duties. The Illinois Long-Term Care Council shall do the following:

(1) Make recommendations and comment on issues pertaining to long-term care and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to the Department.

(2) Advise the Department on matters pertaining to the quality of life and quality of care in the continuum of long-term care.

(3) Evaluate, comment on reports regarding, and make recommendations on, the quality of life and quality of care in long-term care facilities and on the duties and responsibilities of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

(4) Prepare and circulate an annual report to the Governor, the General Assembly, and other interested parties concerning the duties and accomplishments of the Illinois Long-Term Care Council and all other related matters pertaining to long-term care and the protection of residents' rights.

(5) Provide an opportunity for public input at each scheduled meeting.

(6) Make recommendations to the Director, upon his or her request, as to individuals who are capable of serving as the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and who should make appropriate application for that position should it become vacant.

(e) Composition and operation. The Illinois Long-Term Care Council shall be composed of at least 18 but not more than 25 members concerned about the quality of life in long-term care facilities and protecting the rights of residents, including members from long-term care facilities. The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman shall be a permanent member of the Long-Term Care Council. Members shall be appointed for a 4-year term with initial appointments staggered with 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year terms. A lottery will determine the terms of office for the members of the first term. Members may be reappointed to a term but no member may be reappointed to more than 2 consecutive terms. The Illinois Long-Term Care Council shall meet a minimum of 3 times per calendar year.

(f) Member requirements. All members shall be individuals who have demonstrated concern about the quality of life in long-term care facilities. A minimum of 3 members must be current or former residents of long-term care facilities or the family member of a current or former resident of a long-term care facility. A minimum of 2 members shall represent current or former long-term care facility resident councils or family councils. A minimum of 4 members shall be selected from recommendations by organizations whose members consist of long-term care facilities. A representative of long-term care facility employees must also be included as a member. A minimum of 2 members shall be selected from recommendations of membership-based senior advocacy groups or consumer organizations that engage solely in legal representation on behalf of residents and immediate families. There shall be non-voting State agency members on the Long-Term Care Council from the following agencies: (i) the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs; (ii) the Department of Human Services; (iii) the Department of Public Health; (iv) the Department on Aging; (v) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services; (vi) the Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; and (vii) others as appropriate.

(Source: P.A. 103-145, eff. 10-1-23.)

(20 ILCS 105/8.10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on May 16, 2026)

Sec. 8.10. The Illinois Commission on LGBTQ Aging.

(a) Commission purpose. The Commission is created to investigate, analyze, and study the health, housing, financial, psychosocial, home-and-community-based services, assisted living, and long-term care needs of LGBTQ older adults and their caregivers. The Commission shall make recommendations to improve access to benefits, services, and supports for LGBTQ older adults and their caregivers. The Commission, in formulating its recommendations, shall take into account the best policies and practices in other states and jurisdictions. Specifically, the Commission shall:

(1) Examine the impact of State and local laws, policies, and regulations on LGBTQ older adults and make recommendations to ensure equitable access, treatment, care and benefits, and overall quality of life.

(2) Examine best practices for increasing access, reducing isolation, preventing abuse and exploitation, promoting independence and self-determination, strengthening caregiving, eliminating disparities, and improving overall quality of life for LGBTQ older adults.

(3) Examine the impact of race, ethnicity, sex assigned at birth, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other characteristics on access to services for LGBTQ older adults and make recommendations to ensure equitable access, treatment, care, and benefits and overall quality of life.

(4) Examine the experiences and needs of LGBTQ older adults living with HIV/AIDS and make recommendations to ensure equitable access, treatment, care, benefits, and overall quality of life.

(5) Examine strategies to increase provider awareness of the needs of LGBTQ older adults and their caregivers and to improve the competence of and access to treatment, services, and ongoing care, including preventive care.

(6) Examine the feasibility of developing statewide training curricula to improve provider competency in the delivery of culturally responsive health, housing, and long-term support services to LGBTQ older adults and their caregivers.

(7) Assess the funding and programming needed to enhance services to the growing population of LGBTQ older adults.

(8) Examine whether certain policies and practices, or the absence thereof, promote the premature admission of LGBTQ older adults to institutional care, and examine whether potential cost-savings exist for LGBTQ older adults as a result of providing lower cost and culturally responsive home and community-based alternatives to institutional care.

(9) Examine outreach protocols to reduce apprehension among LGBTQ older adults and caregivers of utilizing mainstream providers.

(10) Evaluate the implementation status of Public Act 101-325.

(11) Evaluate the implementation status of Public Act 102-543, examine statewide strategies for the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data and the impact of these strategies on the provision of services to LGBTQ older adults, and conduct a statewide survey designed to approximate the number of LGBTQ older adults in the State and collect demographic information (if resources allow for the implementation of a survey instrument).

(b) Commission members.

(1) The Commission shall include at least all of the following persons who must be appointed by the Governor within 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly:

(A) one member from a statewide organization that advocates for older adults;

(B) one member from a national organization that advocates for LGBTQ older adults;

(C) one member from a community-based, multi-site healthcare organization founded to serve LGBTQ people;

(D) the director of senior services from a community center serving LGBTQ people, or the director's designee;

(E) one member from an HIV/AIDS service organization;

(F) one member from an organization that is a project incubator and think tank that is focused on action that leads to improved outcomes and opportunities for LGBTQ communities;

(G) one member from a labor organization that provides care and services for older adults in long-term care facilities;

(H) one member from a statewide association representing long-term care facilities;

(I) 5 members from organizations that serve Black, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, or Latinx LGBTQ people;

(J) one member from a statewide organization for people with disabilities; and

(K) 10 LGBTQ older adults, including at least:

(i) 3 members who are transgender or gender-expansive individuals;

(ii) 2 members who are older adults living with HIV;

(iii) one member who is Two-Spirit;

(iv) one member who is an African-American or Black individual;

(v) one member who is a Latinx individual;

(vi) one member who is an Asian-American or Pacific Islander individual; and

(vii) one member who is an ethnically diverse individual.

(2) The following State agencies shall each designate one representative to serve as an ex officio member of the Commission: the Department, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(3) Appointing authorities shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the Commission is diverse with respect to race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and geography.

(4) Members of the Commission shall serve until this Section is repealed. Members shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority. Any vacancy occurring other than by the dissolution of the Commission shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.

(c) Commission organization. The Commission shall provide for its organization and procedure, including selection of the chairperson and vice-chairperson. A majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Administrative and other support for the Commission shall be provided by the Department. Any State agency under the jurisdiction of the Governor shall provide testimony and information as directed by the Commission.

(d) Meetings and reports. The Commission shall:

(1) Hold at least one public meeting per quarter. Public meetings may be virtually conducted.

(2) Prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor, the Illinois General Assembly, the Director, and the Illinois Council on Aging that details the progress made toward achieving the Commission's stated objectives and that contains findings and recommendations, including any recommended legislation. The annual report shall be made available to the public on the Department's publicly accessible website.

(3) Submit, by no later than March 30, 2026, a final report in the same manner as an annual report, detailing the work the Commission has done since its inception and providing the findings and recommendations, including any recommended legislation. The final report shall be made available to the public on the Department's publicly accessible website.

The Department and Commission may collaborate with an institution of higher education in Illinois to compile the reports required under this Section.

(e) This Section is repealed May 16, 2026.

(Source: P.A. 102-885, eff. 5-16-22; 103-1059, eff. 12-20-24.)

Section 65. The Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by changing Section 805-305 as follows:

(20 ILCS 805/805-305) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a23)

Sec. 805-305. Campsites and housing facilities.

(a) The Department has the power to provide facilities for overnight tent and trailer campsites and to provide suitable housing facilities for student and juvenile overnight camping groups. The Department of Natural Resources may regulate, by administrative order, the fees to be charged for tent and trailer camping units at individual park areas based upon the facilities available.

(b) However, for campsites with access to showers or electricity, any Illinois resident who is age 62 or older or has a Class 2 disability as defined in Section 4A of the Illinois Identification Card Act shall be charged only one-half of the camping fee charged to the general public during the period Monday through Thursday of any week and shall be charged the same camping fee as the general public on all other days. For campsites without access to showers or electricity, no camping fee authorized by this Section shall be charged to any resident of Illinois who has a Class 2 disability as defined in Section 4A of the Illinois Identification Card Act. For campsites without access to showers or electricity, no camping fee authorized by this Section shall be charged to any resident of Illinois who is age 62 or older for the use of a campsite unit during the period Monday through Thursday of any week. No camping fee authorized by this Section shall be charged to any resident of Illinois who is a veteran with a disability or a former prisoner of war, as defined in Section 5 of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs Act. No camping fee authorized by this Section shall be charged to any resident of Illinois after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces for the amount of time that the active duty member spent in service abroad or mobilized if the person applies for a pass with the Department within 2 years after returning and provides acceptable verification of service or mobilization to the Department. Any portion of a year that the active duty member spent in service abroad or mobilized shall count as a full year. The procedure by which a person may provide to the Department verification of service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States shall be set by administrative rule. Nonresidents shall be charged the same fees as are authorized for the general public regardless of age. The Department shall provide by regulation for suitable proof of age, or either a valid driver's license or a "Golden Age Passport" issued by the federal government shall be acceptable as proof of age. The Department shall further provide by regulation that notice of these reduced admission fees be posted in a conspicuous place and manner.

Reduced fees authorized in this Section shall not apply to any charge for utility service.

For the purposes of this Section, "acceptable verification of service or mobilization" means official documentation from the Department of Defense or the appropriate Major Command showing mobilization dates or service abroad dates, including: (i) a DD-214, (ii) a letter from the Illinois Department of Military Affairs for members of the Illinois National Guard, (iii) a letter from the Regional Reserve Command for members of the Armed Forces Reserve, (iv) a letter from the Major Command covering Illinois for active duty members, (v) personnel records for mobilized State employees, and (vi) any other documentation that the Department, by administrative rule, deems acceptable to establish dates of mobilization or service abroad.

For the purposes of this Section, the term "service abroad" means active duty service outside of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and includes all active duty service in territories and possessions of the United States.

(c) To promote State campground use and Illinois State Fair attendance, the Department shall waive the camping fees for up to 2 nights of camping at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Sangchris Lake State Park, or Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site during the period from August 11, 2024 to August 15, 2024 for a camper who:

(1) is 18 years of age or older;

(2) provides proof of having purchased, between June 26, 2024 and July 3, 2024, a season admission ticket booklet from the Department of Agriculture for entry into the 2024 Illinois State Fair in Springfield; and

(3) requests the camping fee waiver in person at the time of permit issuance at the State campground.

The waivers under this subsection (c) shall be granted on a first-come, first-served basis for a maximum of 40 sites at each of the 3 identified State campgrounds. Fees for utility service are not subject to waiver. Waivers under this subsection (c) are limited to one per camper.

(Source: P.A. 102-780, eff. 5-13-22; 103-588, eff. 6-5-24.)

Section 70. The Department of Human Services Act is amended by changing Section 1-80 as follows:

(20 ILCS 1305/1-80)

Sec. 1-80. Homeless services and supportive housing; veterans data. The Department's Bureau of Homeless Services and Supportive Housing within the Office of Family Support Services shall annually review and collect data on the number of military veterans receiving services or benefits under the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program, the Emergency Food Program, the Homeless Prevention Program, the Supporting Housing Program, and the Prince Home at Manteno administered by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. The Bureau may request and receive the cooperation of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs and any other State agency that is relevant to the collection of the data required under this Section. The Bureau shall annually submit to the General Assembly a written report that details the number of military veterans served under each program no later than December 31, 2023 and every December 31 thereafter.

(Source: P.A. 102-961, eff. 1-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)

Section 75. The Illinois Lottery Law is amended by changing Section 21.6 as follows:

(20 ILCS 1605/21.6)

Sec. 21.6. Scratch-off for Illinois veterans.

(a) The Department shall offer a special instant scratch-off game for the benefit of Illinois veterans. The game shall commence on January 1, 2006 or as soon thereafter, at the discretion of the Director, as is reasonably practical. The operation of the game shall be governed by this Act and any rules adopted by the Department.

(b) The Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. The net revenue from the Illinois veterans scratch-off game shall be deposited into the Fund for appropriation by the General Assembly solely to the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs for making grants, funding additional services, or conducting additional research projects relating to each of the following:

(i) veterans' behavioral health services;

(ii) veterans' homelessness;

(iii) the health insurance costs of veterans;

(iv) veterans' disability benefits, including but not limited to, disability benefits provided by veterans service organizations and veterans assistance commissions or centers;

(v) the long-term care of veterans; provided that, beginning with moneys appropriated for fiscal year 2008, no more than 20% of such moneys shall be used for health insurance costs;

(vi) veteran employment and employment training; and

(vii) veterans' emergency financial assistance, including, but not limited to, past due utilities, housing, and transportation costs.

In order to expend moneys from this special fund, beginning with moneys appropriated for fiscal year 2008, the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall appoint a 3-member funding authorization committee. The Director shall designate one of the members as chairperson. The committee shall meet on a quarterly basis, at a minimum, and shall authorize expenditure of moneys from the special fund by a two-thirds vote. Decisions of the committee shall not take effect unless and until approved by the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. Each member of the committee shall serve until a replacement is named by the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. One member of the committee shall be a member of the Veterans' Advisory Council.

Moneys collected from the special instant scratch-off game shall be used only as a supplemental financial resource and shall not supplant existing moneys that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may currently expend for the purposes set forth in items (i) through (v).

Moneys received for the purposes of this Section, including, without limitation, net revenue from the special instant scratch-off game and from gifts, grants, and awards from any public or private entity, must be deposited into the Fund. Any interest earned on moneys in the Fund must be deposited into the Fund.

As used in this subsection, "net revenue" means the total amount for which tickets have been sold less the sum of the amount paid out in the prizes and to retailers, and direct and estimated administrative expenses of the Department solely related to the scratch-off game under this Section.

(c) During the time that tickets are sold for the Illinois veterans scratch-off game, the Department shall not unreasonably diminish the efforts devoted to marketing any other instant scratch-off lottery game.

(d) The Department may adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the provisions of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-948, eff. 1-1-23; 103-381, eff. 7-28-23.)

Section 80. The Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by changing Section 2310-376 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2310/2310-376)

Sec. 2310-376. Hepatitis education and outreach.

(a) The Illinois General Assembly finds and declares the following:

(1) The World Health Organization characterizes hepatitis as a disease of primary concern to humanity.

(2) Hepatitis is considered a silent killer; no recognizable signs or symptoms occur until severe liver damage has occurred.

(3) Studies indicate that nearly 4 million Americans (1.8 percent of the population) carry the virus HCV that causes the disease.

(4) 30,000 acute new infections occur each year in the United States, and only 25 to 30 percent are diagnosed.

(5) 8,000 to 10,000 Americans die from the disease each year.

(6) 200,000 Illinois residents may be carriers and could develop the debilitating and potentially deadly liver disease.

(7) Inmates of correctional facilities have a higher incidence of hepatitis and, upon their release, present a significant health risk to the general population.

(8) Illinois members of the armed services are subject to an increased risk of contracting hepatitis due to their possible receipt of contaminated blood during a transfusion occurring for the treatment of wounds and due to their service in areas of the World where the disease is more prevalent and healthcare is less capable of detecting and treating the disease. Many of these service members are unaware of the danger of hepatitis and their increased risk of contracting the disease.

(b) Subject to appropriation, the Department shall conduct an education and outreach campaign, in addition to its overall effort to prevent infectious disease in Illinois, in order to raise awareness about and promote prevention of hepatitis.

(c) Subject to appropriation, in addition to the education and outreach campaign provided in subsection (b), the Department shall develop and make available to physicians, other health care providers, members of the armed services, and other persons subject to an increased risk of contracting hepatitis, educational materials, in written and electronic forms, on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease. These materials shall include the recommendations of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and any other persons or entities determined by the Department to have particular expertise on hepatitis, including the American Liver Foundation. These materials shall be written in terms that are understandable by members of the general public.

(d) The Department shall establish an Advisory Council on Hepatitis to develop a hepatitis prevention plan. The Department shall specify the membership, members' terms, provisions for removal of members, chairmen, and purpose of the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council shall consist of one representative from each of the following State agencies or offices, appointed by the head of each agency or office:

(1) The Department of Public Health.

(2) The Department of Public Aid.

(3) The Department of Corrections.

(4) The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(5) The Department on Aging.

(6) The Department of Human Services.

(7) The Illinois State Police.

(8) The office of the State Fire Marshal.

The Director shall appoint representatives of organizations and advocates in the State of Illinois, including, but not limited to, the American Liver Foundation. The Director shall also appoint interested members of the public, including consumers and providers of health services and representatives of local public health agencies, to provide recommendations and information to the members of the Advisory Council. Members of the Advisory Council shall serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis and are not entitled to reimbursement for mileage or other costs they incur in connection with performing their duties.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

Section 85. The Department of Veterans' Affairs Act is amended by changing the title of the Act and Sections 0.01, 1, 1.5, 2.01c, 2.04, 2.10, 5, 15, 37, and 39 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2805/Act title)

An Act creating the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (formerly the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs).

(20 ILCS 2805/0.01) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 65.9)

Sec. 0.01. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Department of Veterans Affairs Act (formerly the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act).

(Source: P.A. 100-143, eff. 1-1-18.)

(20 ILCS 2805/1) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 66)

Sec. 1. There is created the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (formerly the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs). The Department is the successor agency to the Illinois Veterans' Commission.

(Source: P.A. 89-324, eff. 8-13-95.)

(20 ILCS 2805/1.5)

Sec. 1.5. Definitions. In this Act:

"Department" means the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

"Veterans Home", unless the context indicates otherwise, means any or all of the Illinois Veterans Homes operated and maintained by the Department. "Veterans Home" includes a facility operated and maintained by the Department in the City of Quincy that provides housing to residents of the Veterans Home at Quincy.

(Source: P.A. 100-608, eff. 1-1-19.)

(20 ILCS 2805/2.01c)

Sec. 2.01c. Veterans Home; notice of infectious disease.

(a) As used in this Section, "infectious disease" means any disease caused by a living organism or other pathogen, including a fungus, bacteria, parasite, protozoan, prion, or virus, that has a history of or potential for a significant mortality rate among elderly or vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, strains of influenza, Legionnaires' disease, and pneumonia.

(b) If a Veterans Home administrator or a member of the administrative staff is notified that, within one month or less, 2 or more persons residing within the Veterans Home are diagnosed with an infectious disease by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches; a hospital licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act or organized under the University of Illinois Hospital Act; a long-term care facility licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act; a freestanding emergency center licensed under the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act; a local health department; or any other State agency or government entity, then, within 24 hours after the facility is notified of the second diagnosis, the Veterans Home must:

(1) provide a written notification of the incidence of the infectious disease to each resident of the facility and the resident's emergency contact or next of kin;

(2) post a notification of the incidence of the infectious disease in a conspicuous place near the main entrance to the Veterans Home; and

(3) provide a written notification to the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Public Health of the incidence of the infectious disease and of compliance with the written notification requirements of paragraph (1). In addition to the initial written notifications, the Veterans Home must provide written notifications of any updates on the incidence of the infectious disease and any options that are available to the residents.

The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Public Health must post the notification of the incidence of the infectious disease, any updates, and any options that are available to the residents on their websites as soon as practicable after receiving the notification, but in no event shall the notice be posted later than the end of the next business day.

(Source: P.A. 100-632, eff. 7-27-18.)

(20 ILCS 2805/2.04) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 67.04)

Sec. 2.04. There shall be established in the State Treasury special funds known as (i) the LaSalle Veterans Home Fund, (ii) the Anna Veterans Home Fund, (iii) the Manteno Veterans Home Fund, and (iv) the Quincy Veterans Home Fund. All moneys received by an Illinois Veterans Home from Medicare and from maintenance charges to veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses residing at that Home shall be paid into that Home's Fund. All moneys received from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for patient care shall be transmitted to the Treasurer of the State for deposit in the Veterans Home Fund for the Home in which the veteran resides. Appropriations shall be made from a Fund only for the needs of the Home, including capital improvements, building rehabilitation, and repairs. The Illinois Veterans' Homes Fund shall be the Veterans Home Fund for the Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago.

The administrator of each Veterans Home shall establish a locally held member's benefits fund. The Director may authorize the Veterans Home to conduct limited fundraising in accordance with applicable laws and regulations for which the sole purpose is to benefit the Veterans Home's member's benefits fund. Revenues accruing to an Illinois Veterans Home, including any donations, grants for the operation of the Home, profits from commissary stores, and funds received from any individual or other source, including limited fundraising, shall be deposited into that Home's benefits fund. Expenditures from the benefits funds shall be solely for the special comfort, pleasure, and amusement of residents. Contributors of unsolicited private donations may specify the purpose for which the private donations are to be used.

Upon request of the Department, the State's Attorney of the county in which a resident or living former resident of an Illinois Veterans Home who is liable under this Act for payment of sums representing maintenance charges resides shall file an action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any such person who fails or refuses to pay such sums. The court may order the payment of sums due to maintenance charges for such period or periods of time as the circumstances require.

Upon the death of a person who is or has been a resident of an Illinois Veterans Home who is liable for maintenance charges and who is possessed of property, the Department may present a claim for such sum or for the balance due in case less than the rate prescribed under this Act has been paid. The claim shall be allowed and paid as other lawful claims against the estate.

The administrator of each Veterans Home shall establish a locally held trust fund to maintain moneys held for residents. Whenever the Department finds it necessary to preserve order, preserve health, or enforce discipline, the resident shall deposit in a trust account at the Home such monies from any source of income as may be determined necessary, and disbursement of these funds to the resident shall be made only by direction of the administrator.

If a resident of an Illinois Veterans Home has a dependent child, spouse, or parent the administrator may require that all monies received be deposited in a trust account with dependency contributions being made at the direction of the administrator. The balance retained in the trust account shall be disbursed to the resident at the time of discharge from the Home or to his or her heirs or legal representative at the time of the resident's death, subject to Department regulations or order of the court.

The Director of Central Management Services, with the consent of the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, is authorized and empowered to lease or let any real property held by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs for an Illinois Veterans Home to entities or persons upon terms and conditions which are considered to be in the best interest of that Home. The real property must not be needed for any direct or immediate purpose of the Home. In any leasing or letting, primary consideration shall be given to the use of real property for agricultural purposes, and all moneys received shall be transmitted to the Treasurer of the State for deposit in the appropriate Veterans Home Fund.

Each administrator of an Illinois Veterans Home who has an established locally held member's benefits fund shall prepare and submit to the Department a monthly report of all donations received, including donations of a nonmonetary nature. The report shall include the end of month balance of the locally held member's benefits fund.

(Source: P.A. 102-549, eff. 1-1-22; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(20 ILCS 2805/2.10)

Sec. 2.10. Conflicts with the Nursing Home Care Act. If there is a conflict between the provisions of this Act and the provisions of the Nursing Home Care Act concerning an Illinois Veterans Home not operated by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, then the provisions of the Nursing Home Care Act shall apply. If there is a conflict between the provisions of this Act and the provisions of the Nursing Home Care Act concerning an Illinois Veterans Home operated by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, then the provisions of this Act shall apply.

(Source: P.A. 96-703, eff. 8-25-09.)

(20 ILCS 2805/5) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 70)

Sec. 5. (a) Every veteran with a disability who is a resident of Illinois shall be exempt from all camping and admission fees in parks under the control of the Department of Natural Resources. For the purpose of this subsection (a), a resident veteran with a disability is one who has a permanent disability from service connected causes with 100% disability or one who has permanently lost the use of a leg or both legs or an arm or both arms or any combination thereof or any person who has a disability so severe as to be unable to move without the aid of crutches or a wheelchair. The Department shall issue free use permits to those eligible veterans. To establish eligibility, the veteran shall present an award letter or some other identifying disability document, together with proper identification, to any office of the Department. Subject to the approval of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall establish the form or permit identifier to be issued.

(b) Every veteran who is a resident of Illinois and a former prisoner of war shall be exempt from all camping and admission fees in parks under the control of the Department of Natural Resources. For the purposes of this subsection (b), a former prisoner of war is a veteran who was taken and held prisoner by a hostile foreign force while participating in an armed conflict as a member of the United States armed forces. Any identification card or other form of identification issued by the Veterans' Administration or other governmental agency which indicates the card-holder's former prisoner of war status shall be sufficient to accord such card-holder the fee-exempt admission or camping privileges under this subsection.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

(20 ILCS 2805/15)

Sec. 15. Veterans advisory council.

(a) A veterans advisory council shall be established in the State of Illinois. The council shall consist of at least 21 members as follows:

(1) Four members of the General Assembly, appointed one each by the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, preferably from a legislative or representative district in which a State-operated veterans home is located.

(2) Six veterans appointed by the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(3) One veteran appointed by the commander or president of each veterans service organization that is chartered by the federal government and by the State of Illinois and elects to appoint a member.

(4) One person appointed by the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard.

(5) One person appointed by the Illinois Attorney General.

(6) One person appointed by the Illinois Secretary of State.

(7) One person appointed by the Director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

(8) One person appointed by each military family organization that is chartered by the federal government.

No member of the council shall be an employee or representative of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

Members of the council shall serve without compensation or reimbursement.

(b) At the initial meeting of the council, the members shall elect from among themselves a chairman. The members shall draw lots to determine the length of their terms so that 9 members have terms that expire on July 1, 2005 and the remaining members have terms that expire on July 1, 2006. Thereafter, all members of the council shall be appointed for terms of 2 years.

The appointing authority may at any time make an appointment to fill a vacancy for the unexpired term of a member.

(c) The council shall meet quarterly or at the call of the chairman or at the call of the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs or the Governor. The Department shall provide meeting space and clerical and administrative support services for the council.

(c-5) The council shall investigate the re-entry process for service members who return to civilian life after being engaged in an active theater. The investigation shall include the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, homelessness, disabilities, and other issues the council finds relevant to the re-entry process. By July 1, 2018 and by July 1 of each year thereafter, the council shall present an annual report of its findings to the Governor, the Attorney General, the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The council's investigation and annual report responsibilities of this subsection shall be a continuation of the investigation and annual report responsibilities of the Illinois Discharged Servicemembers Task Force created under Section 20 of this Act.

(d) The council has the power to do the following:

(1) Advise the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs with respect to the fulfillment of its statutory duties.

(2) Review and study the issues and concerns that are most significant to Illinois veterans and advise the Department on those issues and concerns.

(3) Receive a report from the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs or the Director's designee at each meeting with respect to the general activities of the Department.

(4) Report to the Governor and the General Assembly annually describing the issues addressed and the actions taken by the council during the year as well as any recommendations for future action.

(e) The council established under this Section replaces any Illinois Veterans Advisory Council established under Executive Order No. 3 (1982).

(Source: P.A. 100-10, eff. 6-30-17.)

(20 ILCS 2805/37)

Sec. 37. Illinois Joining Forces Foundation.

(a) The General Assembly finds that navigating the "sea of goodwill" for those who serve in uniform is one of the greatest challenges that transitioning veterans face; as a result, they risk being unable to access many of the federal, State, and non-profit resources available to them. Recognizing this problem, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) and the Department of Military Affairs acted to establish the Illinois Joining Forces initiative, a public-private network of military and veteran-serving organizations that are working together, in person and online, to create a system of support for the State's military and veteran communities. Illinois Joining Forces is a nation-leading model, awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs for its groundbreaking work in creating smarter, collaborative community support for those in uniform, past and present. The foundation created by this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly will serve to ensure the long-term sustainability of Illinois Joining Forces, which is critically important for the support of the State's military and veteran communities.

(b) The Illinois Joining Forces Foundation shall benefit service members, veterans, and their families by:

(1) convening military and veteran support organizations to build cross-sector relationships and mutual awareness;

(2) providing policy recommendations;

(3) educating community providers regarding military and veteran culture and needs, thus improving the collective capacity of the support system; and

(4) outreaching directly to service members, veterans, and their families regarding the system of support that Illinois Joining Forces provides to them.

(c) For the purpose of this Section, "veterans service organization" means an organization that meets all of the following criteria:

(1) The organization is formed by and for United States military veterans.

(2) The organization is chartered by the United States Congress and incorporated in the State of Illinois.

(3) The organization has maintained a State headquarters office in Illinois for the 10-year period immediately preceding the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly.

(4) The organization maintains at least one office in this State, staffed by a veterans service officer.

(5) The organization is capable of preparing a power of attorney for a veteran and processing claims for veterans services.

(d) The General Assembly authorizes the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs), in accordance with Section 10 of the State Agency Entity Creation Act, to create the Illinois Joining Forces Foundation as a not-for-profit foundation. The Department shall file articles of incorporation as required under the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986 to create the Foundation.

The Foundation's Board of Directors shall be appointed as follows: one member appointed by the Governor; one member appointed by the President of the Senate; one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

The Foundation may also include up to 18 additional voting members of the Board of Directors: up to 9 members to be nominated and approved by the Board of Directors according to the Foundation's bylaws, and up to 9 members to be appointed by the Director of Veterans' Affairs (now the Director of Veterans Affairs) or the Director of Military Affairs. The Board shall have an equal number of board or department appointed members. To ensure parity, no additional nominee may be considered by the Board of Directors unless a like appointment is made by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) or the Department of Military Affairs, and vice versa.

In addition to any veterans service organization otherwise represented on the Board of Directors, a veterans service organization may designate in writing an ex officio, non-voting participant to the Board of Directors. Any veterans service organization appointee under this provision does not count towards a quorum.

The Director of Veterans' Affairs (now the Director of Veterans Affairs), or the Director's designee, and a designee chosen by the Director of Military Affairs who is a senior management official of the Department of Military Affairs with the authority to make decisions on behalf of the agency shall serve as members of the Foundation's Board of Directors. Board of Director appointments shall be for 2-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled by the official who made the statutory appointment. No member of the Board of Directors may receive compensation for his or her services to the Foundation. Upon appointment, the Board of Directors, as members of a public entity, shall be represented and indemnified pursuant to the requirements of the State Employee Indemnification Act.

(e) The purposes of the Foundation are to: promote, support, assist, and sustain Illinois Joining Forces operations; solicit and accept grants and private donations and disburse them for the stated intent of the Foundation or the private donor; solicit and generate public and private funding and donations that assist in enhancing the Illinois Joining Forces mission, services, programs, and operations; and engage generally in other lawful endeavors consistent with the foregoing purposes. The foundation shall operate within the provisions of the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986.

(f) The Board of Directors shall meet, organize, and designate, by majority vote, a chairperson, a treasurer, a secretary, and any additional officers that may be needed to carry out the activities of the Foundation and shall adopt bylaws of the Foundation. In consultation with the Foundation's Board of Directors, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) or the Department of Military Affairs may provide assistance in adopting other rules deemed necessary to govern Foundation procedures.

(g) The Foundation may request and accept gifts, grants, donations, or bequests from the federal government or its agencies or officers or from any person, firm, or corporation, and may expend receipts on activities that it considers suitable to the performance of its duties under this Section and consistent with any requirement of the grant, gift, donation, or bequest. Funds collected by the Foundation shall be considered private funds and shall be held in an appropriate account outside of the State treasury. Private funds collected by the Foundation are not subject to the Public Funds Investment Act. The treasurer of the Foundation shall be the custodian of all Foundation funds. The treasurer shall be required to obtain a fidelity or surety bond on satisfactory terms and in sufficient amounts to protect the interests of the Foundation, the cost of which shall be reimbursed by the Foundation. The Foundation and its officers shall be responsible for the approval of the recording of receipts, approval of payments, and the proper filing of required reports. The Foundation may be assisted in carrying out its functions by Department of Military Affairs and Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) personnel as determined by the respective Directors. The Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) may provide reasonable assistance to the Foundation to achieve the purposes of the Foundation as determined by the respective Directors. The Foundation shall cooperate fully with the boards, commissions, agencies, departments, and institutions of the State. The funds held and made available by the Illinois Joining Forces Foundation shall be subject to financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Illinois State Auditing Act. The Foundation shall not have any power of eminent domain. The Foundation shall not construct or make any permanent improvements to any real property.

(h) The Foundation must provide a written notice to any entity providing a gift, grant, donation, or bequest to the Foundation that the Foundation is not subject to the provisions of the Public Funds Investment Act, which Act places limitations on the types of securities in which a public agency may invest public funds.

(i) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the Foundation is not eligible for any grant administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) or the Department of Military Affairs, but may receive services, including, but not limited to, contractual services, provided by either Department.

(Source: P.A. 102-1140, eff. 1-1-24.)

(20 ILCS 2805/39)

Sec. 39. Veterans' Accountability Unit.

(a) The Department shall create a Veterans' Accountability Unit which shall receive complaints and recommendations from: (i) veterans and other Illinois residents who seek services from the Department; (ii) residents of Veterans' Homes, their families, and visitors; (iii) vendors and contractors of the Department; and (iv) staff of the Department.

(b) The Governor shall appoint, and the Senate shall confirm, the Director of the Veterans' Accountability Unit. The Director shall be appointed for a term of 4 years.

(c) The Director of the Veterans' Accountability Unit shall ensure that the Unit maintains regular office hours and establishes both a toll-free helpline and a dedicated electronic mail address for the purpose of accepting complaints, information, and recommendations. The Director shall provide a reasonable means for receiving complaints outside of office hours.

(d) The Veterans' Accountability Unit shall function independently of the Department. The salary and benefits of the Director of the Veterans' Accountability Unit and any other staff of the Unit, as deemed necessary by the Director, along with all other expenses of the Unit shall be paid from appropriations to the Department.

(e) The Director and staff of the Veterans' Accountability Unit shall have the authority to access the offices or facilities of the Department and the Veterans' Homes and shall have access to all information, documents, and personnel of the Department as needed to perform the duties of the Veterans' Accountability Unit. It is the duty of every employee of the Department to cooperate with the Veterans' Accountability Unit. The Department shall provide the staff of the Veterans' Accountability Unit with physical space in each Department office and in each Veterans' Home to conduct confidential business as needed to perform the work of the Veterans' Accountability Unit.

(f) The Veterans' Accountability Unit shall ensure all complaints, allegations, or incidents of possible misconduct, misfeasance, malfeasance, or violations of rules, procedures, or laws by any employee, service provider, or contractor of the Department are reported to the Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor.

(g) The Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor shall assess the complaints, allegations, and incidents and shall determine whether to (i) investigate, (ii) refer to the appropriate agency, (iii) refer to any appropriate law enforcement agency, (iv) request a response from the Department to the complaint, allegations, or incident, or (v) refer to the Veterans' Accountability Unit to conduct further inquiry or review if necessary.

(h) The Director of the Veterans' Accountability Unit may recommend changes to the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs concerning Department policies or practices based upon information learned or observations made by the Veterans' Accountability Unit staff during the course of its duties. The Director of the Veterans' Accountability Unit shall meet regularly with the Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor to report this information to allow the Office to determine whether further investigation is necessary.

(i) The Veterans' Accountability Unit shall create an annual report that includes a summary of the complaints received and actions taken in response. This report shall not include any referrals to the Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor that result in an investigation. The summaries shall not contain any confidential or identifying information concerning the subjects or complainants of the reports and investigations.

(j) Nothing in this Section shall limit investigations by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs that may otherwise be required by law or that may be necessary in that Department's capacity as the central administrative authority on matters concerning services to veterans, their survivors, and dependents.

(Source: P.A. 102-695, eff. 6-1-22.)

Section 90. The Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act is amended by changing Section 3.6 as follows:

(20 ILCS 3960/3.6)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on June 25, 2026)

Sec. 3.6. Facilities maintained or operated by a State agency.

(a) For the purposes of this Section, "Department" means the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(b) Except for the requirements set forth in subsection (c), any construction, modification, establishment, or change in categories of service of a health care facility funded through an appropriation from the General Assembly and maintained or operated by the Department is not subject to requirements of this Act. The Department is subject to this Act when the Department discontinues a health care facility or category of service.

(c) The Department must notify the Board in writing of any appropriation by the General Assembly for the construction, modification, establishment or change in categories of service, excluding discontinuation of a health care facility or categories of service, maintained or operated by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs must include with the written notification the following information: (i) the estimated service capacity of the health care facility; (ii) the location of the project or the intended location if not identified by law; and (iii) the date the health care facility is estimated to be opened. The Department must also notify the Board in writing when the facility has been licensed by the Department of Public Health or any other licensing body. The Department shall submit to the Board, on behalf of the health care facility, any annual facility questionnaires as defined in Section 13 of this Act or any requests for information by the Board.

(d) This Section is repealed 5 years after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-35, eff. 6-25-21.)

Section 95. The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board Act is amended by changing Section 4.5 as follows:

(20 ILCS 3975/4.5)

Sec. 4.5. Duties.

(a) The Board must perform all the functions of a state workforce innovation board under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, any amendments to that Act, and any other applicable federal statutes. The Board must also perform all other functions that are not inconsistent with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or this Act and that are assumed by the Board under its bylaws or assigned to it by the Governor.

(b) The Board must cooperate with the General Assembly and make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning legislation necessary to improve upon statewide and local workforce development systems in order to increase occupational skill attainment, employment, retention, or earnings of participants and thereby improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the State. The Board must annually submit a report to the General Assembly on the progress of the State in achieving state performance measures under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, including information on the levels of performance achieved by the State with respect to the core indicators of performance and the customer satisfaction indicator under that Act. The report must include any other items that the Governor may be required to report to the Secretary of the United States Department of Labor.

(b-5) The Board shall implement a method for measuring the progress of the State's workforce development system by using benchmarks specified in the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

The Board shall identify the most significant early indicators for each benchmark, establish a mechanism to collect data and track the benchmarks on an annual basis, and then use the results to set goals for each benchmark, to inform planning, and to ensure the effective use of State resources.

(c) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require or allow the Board to assume or supersede the statutory authority granted to, or impose any duties or requirements on, the State Board of Education, the Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Community College Board, any State agencies created under the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, or any local education agencies.

(d) No actions taken by the Illinois Human Resource Investment Council before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly and no rights, powers, duties, or obligations from those actions are impaired solely by this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly. All actions taken by the Illinois Human Resource Investment Council before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly are ratified and validated.

(e) Upon the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly, the Board shall conduct a feasibility study regarding the consolidation of all workforce development programs funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and conducted by the State of Illinois into one solitary agency to create greater access to job training for underserved populations. The Board shall utilize resources currently made available to them, including, but not limited to, partnering with institutions of higher education and those agencies currently charged with overseeing or administering workforce programs. The feasibility study shall:

(1) assess the impact of consolidation on access for participants, including minority persons as defined in Section 2 of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, persons with limited English proficiency, persons with disabilities, and youth, and how consolidation would increase equitable access to workforce resources;

(2) assess the cost of consolidation and estimate any long-term savings anticipated from the action;

(3) assess the impact of consolidation on agencies in which the programs currently reside, including, but not limited to, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Department of Employment Security, the Department of Human Services, the Community College Board, the Board of Higher Education, the Department of Corrections, the Department on Aging, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, and the Department of Children and Family Services;

(4) assess the impact of consolidation on State government employees and union contracts;

(5) consider if the consolidation will provide avenues to maximize federal funding;

(6) provide recommendations for the future structure of workforce development programs, including a proposed timeline for implementation;

(7) provide direction for implementation by July 1, 2022 with regard to recommendations that do not require legislative change;

(8) if legislative change is necessary, include legislative language for consideration by the 102nd General Assembly.

The Board shall submit its recommendations the Governor and the General Assembly by May 1, 2021.

(Source: P.A. 100-477, eff. 9-8-17; 101-654, eff. 3-8-21.)

Section 100. The State Finance Act is amended by changing Section 25 as follows:

(30 ILCS 105/25) (from Ch. 127, par. 161)

Sec. 25. Fiscal year limitations.

(a) All appropriations shall be available for expenditure for the fiscal year or for a lesser period if the Act making that appropriation so specifies. A deficiency or emergency appropriation shall be available for expenditure only through June 30 of the year when the Act making that appropriation is enacted unless that Act otherwise provides.

(b) Outstanding liabilities as of June 30, payable from appropriations which have otherwise expired, may be paid out of the expiring appropriations during the 2-month period ending at the close of business on August 31. Any service involving professional or artistic skills or any personal services by an employee whose compensation is subject to income tax withholding must be performed as of June 30 of the fiscal year in order to be considered an "outstanding liability as of June 30" that is thereby eligible for payment out of the expiring appropriation.

(b-1) However, payment of tuition reimbursement claims under Section 14-7.03 or 18-3 of the School Code may be made by the State Board of Education from its appropriations for those respective purposes for any fiscal year, even though the claims reimbursed by the payment may be claims attributable to a prior fiscal year, and payments may be made at the direction of the State Superintendent of Education from the fund from which the appropriation is made without regard to any fiscal year limitations, except as required by subsection (j) of this Section. Beginning on June 30, 2021, payment of tuition reimbursement claims under Section 14-7.03 or 18-3 of the School Code as of June 30, payable from appropriations that have otherwise expired, may be paid out of the expiring appropriation during the 4-month period ending at the close of business on October 31.

(b-2) (Blank).

(b-2.5) (Blank).

(b-2.6) (Blank).

(b-2.6a) (Blank).

(b-2.6b) (Blank).

(b-2.6c) (Blank).

(b-2.6d) All outstanding liabilities as of June 30, 2020, payable from appropriations that would otherwise expire at the conclusion of the lapse period for fiscal year 2020, and interest penalties payable on those liabilities under the State Prompt Payment Act, may be paid out of the expiring appropriations until December 31, 2020, without regard to the fiscal year in which the payment is made, as long as vouchers for the liabilities are received by the Comptroller no later than September 30, 2020.

(b-2.6e) All outstanding liabilities as of June 30, 2021, payable from appropriations that would otherwise expire at the conclusion of the lapse period for fiscal year 2021, and interest penalties payable on those liabilities under the State Prompt Payment Act, may be paid out of the expiring appropriations until September 30, 2021, without regard to the fiscal year in which the payment is made.

(b-2.7) For fiscal years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and each fiscal year thereafter, interest penalties payable under the State Prompt Payment Act associated with a voucher for which payment is issued after June 30 may be paid out of the next fiscal year's appropriation. The future year appropriation must be for the same purpose and from the same fund as the original payment. An interest penalty voucher submitted against a future year appropriation must be submitted within 60 days after the issuance of the associated voucher, except that, for fiscal year 2018 only, an interest penalty voucher submitted against a future year appropriation must be submitted within 60 days of June 5, 2019 (the effective date of Public Act 101-10). The Comptroller must issue the interest payment within 60 days after acceptance of the interest voucher.

(b-3) Medical payments may be made by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs from its appropriations for those purposes for any fiscal year, without regard to the fact that the medical services being compensated for by such payment may have been rendered in a prior fiscal year, except as required by subsection (j) of this Section. Beginning on June 30, 2021, medical payments payable from appropriations that have otherwise expired may be paid out of the expiring appropriation during the 4-month period ending at the close of business on October 31.

(b-4) Medical payments and child care payments may be made by the Department of Human Services (as successor to the Department of Public Aid) from appropriations for those purposes for any fiscal year, without regard to the fact that the medical or child care services being compensated for by such payment may have been rendered in a prior fiscal year; and payments may be made at the direction of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (or successor agency) from the Health Insurance Reserve Fund without regard to any fiscal year limitations, except as required by subsection (j) of this Section. Beginning on June 30, 2021, medical and child care payments made by the Department of Human Services and payments made at the discretion of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (or successor agency) from the Health Insurance Reserve Fund and payable from appropriations that have otherwise expired may be paid out of the expiring appropriation during the 4-month period ending at the close of business on October 31.

(b-5) Medical payments may be made by the Department of Human Services from its appropriations relating to substance abuse treatment services for any fiscal year, without regard to the fact that the medical services being compensated for by such payment may have been rendered in a prior fiscal year, provided the payments are made on a fee-for-service basis consistent with requirements established for Medicaid reimbursement by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, except as required by subsection (j) of this Section. Beginning on June 30, 2021, medical payments made by the Department of Human Services relating to substance abuse treatment services payable from appropriations that have otherwise expired may be paid out of the expiring appropriation during the 4-month period ending at the close of business on October 31.

(b-6) (Blank).

(b-7) Payments may be made in accordance with a plan authorized by paragraph (11) or (12) of Section 405-105 of the Department of Central Management Services Law from appropriations for those payments without regard to fiscal year limitations.

(b-8) Reimbursements to eligible airport sponsors for the construction or upgrading of Automated Weather Observation Systems may be made by the Department of Transportation from appropriations for those purposes for any fiscal year, without regard to the fact that the qualification or obligation may have occurred in a prior fiscal year, provided that at the time the expenditure was made the project had been approved by the Department of Transportation prior to June 1, 2012 and, as a result of recent changes in federal funding formulas, can no longer receive federal reimbursement.

(b-9) (Blank).

(c) Further, payments may be made by the Department of Public Health and the Department of Human Services (acting as successor to the Department of Public Health under the Department of Human Services Act) from their respective appropriations for grants for medical care to or on behalf of premature and high-mortality risk infants and their mothers and for grants for supplemental food supplies provided under the United States Department of Agriculture Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program, for any fiscal year without regard to the fact that the services being compensated for by such payment may have been rendered in a prior fiscal year, except as required by subsection (j) of this Section. Beginning on June 30, 2021, payments made by the Department of Public Health and the Department of Human Services from their respective appropriations for grants for medical care to or on behalf of premature and high-mortality risk infants and their mothers and for grants for supplemental food supplies provided under the United States Department of Agriculture Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program payable from appropriations that have otherwise expired may be paid out of the expiring appropriations during the 4-month period ending at the close of business on October 31.

(d) The Department of Public Health and the Department of Human Services (acting as successor to the Department of Public Health under the Department of Human Services Act) shall each annually submit to the State Comptroller, Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, and the respective Chairmen and Minority Spokesmen of the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and the House, on or before December 31, a report of fiscal year funds used to pay for services provided in any prior fiscal year. This report shall document by program or service category those expenditures from the most recently completed fiscal year used to pay for services provided in prior fiscal years.

(e) The Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Human Services (acting as successor to the Department of Public Aid), and the Department of Human Services making fee-for-service payments relating to substance abuse treatment services provided during a previous fiscal year shall each annually submit to the State Comptroller, Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, the respective Chairmen and Minority Spokesmen of the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and the House, on or before November 30, a report that shall document by program or service category those expenditures from the most recently completed fiscal year used to pay for (i) services provided in prior fiscal years and (ii) services for which claims were received in prior fiscal years.

(f) The Department of Human Services (as successor to the Department of Public Aid) shall annually submit to the State Comptroller, Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, and the respective Chairmen and Minority Spokesmen of the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and the House, on or before December 31, a report of fiscal year funds used to pay for services (other than medical care) provided in any prior fiscal year. This report shall document by program or service category those expenditures from the most recently completed fiscal year used to pay for services provided in prior fiscal years.

(g) In addition, each annual report required to be submitted by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services under subsection (e) shall include the following information with respect to the State's Medicaid program:

(1) Explanations of the exact causes of the variance between the previous year's estimated and actual liabilities.

(2) Factors affecting the Department of Healthcare and Family Services' liabilities, including, but not limited to, numbers of aid recipients, levels of medical service utilization by aid recipients, and inflation in the cost of medical services.

(3) The results of the Department's efforts to combat fraud and abuse.

(h) As provided in Section 4 of the General Assembly Compensation Act, any utility bill for service provided to a General Assembly member's district office for a period including portions of 2 consecutive fiscal years may be paid from funds appropriated for such expenditure in either fiscal year.

(i) An agency which administers a fund classified by the Comptroller as an internal service fund may issue rules for:

(1) billing user agencies in advance for payments or authorized inter-fund transfers based on estimated charges for goods or services;

(2) issuing credits, refunding through inter-fund transfers, or reducing future inter-fund transfers during the subsequent fiscal year for all user agency payments or authorized inter-fund transfers received during the prior fiscal year which were in excess of the final amounts owed by the user agency for that period; and

(3) issuing catch-up billings to user agencies during the subsequent fiscal year for amounts remaining due when payments or authorized inter-fund transfers received from the user agency during the prior fiscal year were less than the total amount owed for that period. User agencies are authorized to reimburse internal service funds for catch-up billings by vouchers drawn against their respective appropriations for the fiscal year in which the catch-up billing was issued or by increasing an authorized inter-fund transfer during the current fiscal year. For the purposes of this Act, "inter-fund transfers" means transfers without the use of the voucher-warrant process, as authorized by Section 9.01 of the State Comptroller Act.

(i-1) Beginning on July 1, 2021, all outstanding liabilities, not payable during the 4-month lapse period as described in subsections (b-1), (b-3), (b-4), (b-5), and (c) of this Section, that are made from appropriations for that purpose for any fiscal year, without regard to the fact that the services being compensated for by those payments may have been rendered in a prior fiscal year, are limited to only those claims that have been incurred but for which a proper bill or invoice as defined by the State Prompt Payment Act has not been received by September 30th following the end of the fiscal year in which the service was rendered.

(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the aggregate amount of payments to be made without regard for fiscal year limitations as contained in subsections (b-1), (b-3), (b-4), (b-5), and (c) of this Section, and determined by using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, shall not exceed the following amounts:

(1) $6,000,000,000 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2012;

(2) $5,300,000,000 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2013;

(3) $4,600,000,000 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2014;

(4) $4,000,000,000 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2015;

(5) $3,300,000,000 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2016;

(6) $2,600,000,000 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2017;

(7) $2,000,000,000 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2018;

(8) $1,300,000,000 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2019;

(9) $600,000,000 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2020; and

(10) $0 for outstanding liabilities related to fiscal year 2021 and fiscal years thereafter.

(k) Department of Healthcare and Family Services Medical Assistance Payments.

(1) Definition of Medical Assistance.

For purposes of this subsection, the term "Medical Assistance" shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, medical programs and services authorized under Titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act, the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Children's Health Insurance Program Act, the Covering ALL KIDS Health Insurance Act, the Long Term Acute Care Hospital Quality Improvement Transfer Program Act, and medical care to or on behalf of persons suffering from chronic renal disease, persons suffering from hemophilia, and victims of sexual assault.

(2) Limitations on Medical Assistance payments that may be paid from future fiscal year appropriations.

(A) The maximum amounts of annual unpaid Medical Assistance bills received and recorded by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services on or before June 30th of a particular fiscal year attributable in aggregate to the General Revenue Fund, Healthcare Provider Relief Fund, Tobacco Settlement Recovery Fund, Long-Term Care Provider Fund, and the Drug Rebate Fund that may be paid in total by the Department from future fiscal year Medical Assistance appropriations to those funds are: $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter.

(B) Bills for Medical Assistance services rendered in a particular fiscal year, but received and recorded by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services after June 30th of that fiscal year, may be paid from either appropriations for that fiscal year or future fiscal year appropriations for Medical Assistance. Such payments shall not be subject to the requirements of subparagraph (A).

(C) Medical Assistance bills received by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in a particular fiscal year, but subject to payment amount adjustments in a future fiscal year may be paid from a future fiscal year's appropriation for Medical Assistance. Such payments shall not be subject to the requirements of subparagraph (A).

(D) Medical Assistance payments made by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services from funds other than those specifically referenced in subparagraph (A) may be made from appropriations for those purposes for any fiscal year without regard to the fact that the Medical Assistance services being compensated for by such payment may have been rendered in a prior fiscal year. Such payments shall not be subject to the requirements of subparagraph (A).

(3) Extended lapse period for Department of Healthcare and Family Services Medical Assistance payments. Notwithstanding any other State law to the contrary, outstanding Department of Healthcare and Family Services Medical Assistance liabilities, as of June 30th, payable from appropriations which have otherwise expired, may be paid out of the expiring appropriations during the 4-month period ending at the close of business on October 31st.

(l) The changes to this Section made by Public Act 97-691 shall be effective for payment of Medical Assistance bills incurred in fiscal year 2013 and future fiscal years. The changes to this Section made by Public Act 97-691 shall not be applied to Medical Assistance bills incurred in fiscal year 2012 or prior fiscal years.

(m) The Comptroller must issue payments against outstanding liabilities that were received prior to the lapse period deadlines set forth in this Section as soon thereafter as practical, but no payment may be issued after the 4 months following the lapse period deadline without the signed authorization of the Comptroller and the Governor.

(Source: P.A. 102-16, eff. 6-17-21; 102-291, eff. 8-6-21; 102-699, eff. 4-19-22; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 103-8, eff. 6-7-23.)

Section 105. The Illinois Procurement Code is amended by changing Section 45-57 as follows:

(30 ILCS 500/45-57)

Sec. 45-57. Veterans.

(a) Set-aside goal. It is the goal of the State to promote and encourage the continued economic development of small businesses owned and controlled by qualified veterans and that qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (referred to as SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (referred to as VOSB) participate in the State's procurement process as both prime contractors and subcontractors. Not less than 3% of the total dollar amount of State contracts, as defined by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, shall be established as a goal to be awarded to SDVOSB and VOSB. That portion of a contract under which the contractor subcontracts with a SDVOSB or VOSB may be counted toward the goal of this subsection. The Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall adopt rules to implement compliance with this subsection by all State agencies.

(b) Fiscal year reports. By each November 1, each chief procurement officer shall report to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion on all of the following for the immediately preceding fiscal year, and by each March 1 the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall compile and report that information to the General Assembly:

(1) The total number of VOSB, and the number of SDVOSB, who submitted bids for contracts under this Code.

(2) The total number of VOSB, and the number of SDVOSB, who entered into contracts with the State under this Code and the total value of those contracts.

(b-5) The Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly that shall include the following:

(1) a year-by-year comparison of the number of certifications the State has issued to veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses;

(2) the obstacles, if any, the Commission on Equity and Inclusion faces when certifying veteran-owned businesses and possible rules or changes to rules to address those issues;

(3) a year-by-year comparison of awarded contracts to certified veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses; and

(4) any other information that the Commission on Equity and Inclusion deems necessary to assist veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to become certified with the State.

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall conduct a minimum of 2 outreach events per year to ensure that veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses know about the procurement opportunities and certification requirements with the State. The Commission on Equity and Inclusion may receive appropriations for outreach.

(c) Yearly review and recommendations. Each year, each chief procurement officer shall review the progress of all State agencies under its jurisdiction in meeting the goal described in subsection (a), with input from statewide veterans' service organizations and from the business community, including businesses owned by qualified veterans, and shall make recommendations to be included in the Commission on Equity and Inclusion's report to the General Assembly regarding continuation, increases, or decreases of the percentage goal. The recommendations shall be based upon the number of businesses that are owned by qualified veterans and on the continued need to encourage and promote businesses owned by qualified veterans.

(d) Governor's recommendations. To assist the State in reaching the goal described in subsection (a), the Governor shall recommend to the General Assembly changes in programs to assist businesses owned by qualified veterans.

(e) Definitions. As used in this Section:

"Armed forces of the United States" means the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or service in active duty as defined under 38 U.S.C. Section 101. Service in the Merchant Marine that constitutes active duty under Section 401 of federal Public Law Act 95-202 shall also be considered service in the armed forces for purposes of this Section.

"Certification" means a determination made by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion that a business entity is a qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a qualified veteran-owned small business for whatever purpose. A SDVOSB or VOSB owned and controlled by women, minorities, or persons with disabilities, as those terms are defined in Section 2 of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, may also select and designate whether that business is to be certified as a "women-owned business", "minority-owned business", or "business owned by a person with a disability", as defined in Section 2 of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act.

"Control" means the exclusive, ultimate, majority, or sole control of the business, including but not limited to capital investment and all other financial matters, property, acquisitions, contract negotiations, legal matters, officer-director-employee selection and comprehensive hiring, operation responsibilities, cost-control matters, income and dividend matters, financial transactions, and rights of other shareholders or joint partners. Control shall be real, substantial, and continuing, not pro forma. Control shall include the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the business and to make the day-to-day as well as major decisions in matters of policy, management, and operations. Control shall be exemplified by possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise to run the particular business, and control shall not include simple majority or absentee ownership.

"Qualified service-disabled veteran" means a veteran who has been found to have 10% or more service-connected disability by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Department of Defense.

"Qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small business" or "SDVOSB" means a small business (i) that is at least 51% owned by one or more qualified service-disabled veterans living in Illinois or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more qualified service-disabled veterans living in Illinois; (ii) that has its home office in Illinois; and (iii) for which items (i) and (ii) are factually verified annually by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

"Qualified veteran-owned small business" or "VOSB" means a small business (i) that is at least 51% owned by one or more qualified veterans living in Illinois or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more qualified veterans living in Illinois; (ii) that has its home office in Illinois; and (iii) for which items (i) and (ii) are factually verified annually by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

"Service-connected disability" means a disability incurred in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service as described in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

"Small business" means a business that has annual gross sales of less than $150,000,000 as evidenced by the federal income tax return of the business. A firm with gross sales in excess of this cap may apply to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion for certification for a particular contract if the firm can demonstrate that the contract would have significant impact on SDVOSB or VOSB as suppliers or subcontractors or in employment of veterans or service-disabled veterans.

"State agency" has the meaning provided in Section 1-15.100 of this Code.

"Time of hostilities with a foreign country" means any period of time in the past, present, or future during which a declaration of war by the United States Congress has been or is in effect or during which an emergency condition has been or is in effect that is recognized by the issuance of a Presidential proclamation or a Presidential executive order and in which the armed forces expeditionary medal or other campaign service medals are awarded according to Presidential executive order.

"Veteran" means a person who (i) has been a member of the armed forces of the United States or, while a citizen of the United States, was a member of the armed forces of allies of the United States in time of hostilities with a foreign country and (ii) has served under one or more of the following conditions: (a) the veteran served a total of at least 6 months; (b) the veteran served for the duration of hostilities regardless of the length of the engagement; (c) the veteran was discharged on the basis of hardship; or (d) the veteran was released from active duty because of a service connected disability and was discharged under honorable conditions.

(f) Certification program. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall work together to devise a certification procedure to assure that businesses taking advantage of this Section are legitimately classified as qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or qualified veteran-owned small businesses.

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall:

(1) compile and maintain a comprehensive list of certified veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses;

(2) assist veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses in complying with the procedures for bidding on State contracts;

(3) provide training for State agencies regarding the goal setting process and compliance with veteran-owned small business and service-disabled veteran-owned small business goals; and

(4) implement and maintain an electronic portal on the Commission on Equity and Inclusion's website for the purpose of completing and submitting veteran-owned small business and service-disabled veteran-owned small business certificates.

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion, in consultation with the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, may develop programs and agreements to encourage cities, counties, towns, townships, and other certifying entities to adopt uniform certification procedures and certification recognition programs.

(f-5) A business shall be certified by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business for purposes of this Section if the Commission on Equity and Inclusion determines that the business has been certified as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business by the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and the business has provided to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion the following:

(1) documentation showing certification as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business by the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;

(2) proof that the business has its home office in Illinois; and

(3) proof that the qualified veterans or qualified service-disabled veterans live in the State of Illinois.

The policies of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion regarding recognition of the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs shall be reviewed annually by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, and recognition of service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses certified by the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs may be discontinued by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion by rule upon a finding that the certification standards of the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs do not meet the certification requirements established by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

(g) Penalties.

(1) Administrative penalties. The chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 shall suspend any person who commits a violation of Section 17-10.3 or subsection (d) of Section 33E-6 of the Criminal Code of 2012 relating to this Section from bidding on, or participating as a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier in, any State contract or project for a period of not less than 3 years, and, if the person is certified as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business, then the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall revoke the business's certification for a period of not less than 3 years. An additional or subsequent violation shall extend the periods of suspension and revocation for a period of not less than 5 years. The suspension and revocation shall apply to the principals of the business and any subsequent business formed or financed by, or affiliated with, those principals.

(2) Reports of violations. Each State agency shall report any alleged violation of Section 17-10.3 or subsection (d) of Section 33E-6 of the Criminal Code of 2012 relating to this Section to the chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20. The chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 shall subsequently report all such alleged violations to the Attorney General, who shall determine whether to bring a civil action against any person for the violation.

(3) List of suspended persons. The chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 shall monitor the status of all reported violations of Section 17-10.3 or subsection (d) of Section 33E-6 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 relating to this Section and shall maintain and make available to all State agencies a central listing of all persons that committed violations resulting in suspension.

(4) Use of suspended persons. During the period of a person's suspension under paragraph (1) of this subsection, a State agency shall not enter into any contract with that person or with any contractor using the services of that person as a subcontractor.

(5) Duty to check list. Each State agency shall check the central listing provided by the chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 under paragraph (3) of this subsection to verify that a person being awarded a contract by that State agency, or to be used as a subcontractor or supplier on a contract being awarded by that State agency, is not under suspension pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(h) On and after November 30, 2021 (the effective date of Public Act 102-671) this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly, all powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities of the Department of Central Management Services with respect to the requirements of this Section are transferred to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

All books, records, papers, documents, property (real and personal), contracts, causes of action, and pending business pertaining to the powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities transferred by Public Act 102-671 this amendatory Act from the Department of Central Management Services to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, including, but not limited to, material in electronic or magnetic format and necessary computer hardware and software, shall be transferred to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

The powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities transferred from the Department of Central Management Services by this amendatory Act shall be vested in and shall be exercised by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

Whenever reports or notices are now required to be made or given or papers or documents furnished or served by any person to or upon the Department of Central Management Services in connection with any of the powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities transferred by Public Act 102-671 this amendatory Act, the same shall be made, given, furnished, or served in the same manner to or upon the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

Public Act 102-671 This amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly does not affect any act done, ratified, or canceled or any right occurring or established or any action or proceeding had or commenced in an administrative, civil, or criminal cause by the Department of Central Management Services before this amendatory Act takes effect; such actions or proceedings may be prosecuted and continued by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

Any rules of the Department of Central Management Services that relate to its powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities under this Section and are in full force on the effective date of Public Act 102-671 this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly shall become the rules of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. Public Act 102-671 This amendatory Act does not affect the legality of any such rules in the Illinois Administrative Code. Any proposed rules filed with the Secretary of State by the Department of Central Management Services that are pending in the rulemaking process on November 30, 2021 the effective date of this amendatory Act and pertain to the powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities transferred, shall be deemed to have been filed by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. As soon as practicable hereafter, the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall revise and clarify the rules transferred to it under Public Act 102-671 this amendatory Act to reflect the reorganization of powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities affected by Public Act 102-671 this amendatory Act, using the procedures for recodification of rules available under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, except that existing title, part, and section numbering for the affected rules may be retained. The Commission on Equity and Inclusion may propose and adopt under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act such other rules of the Department of Central Management Services that will now be administered by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

(Source: P.A. 102-166, eff. 7-26-21; 102-671, eff. 11-30-21; 103-570, eff. 1-1-24; 103-746, eff. 1-1-25; revised 11-22-24.)

Section 110. The Illinois Procurement Code is amended by changing Section 45-67 as follows:

(30 ILCS 500/45-67)

Sec. 45-67. Encouragement to hire qualified veterans. A chief procurement officer may, as part of any solicitation, encourage potential contractors to consider hiring qualified veterans and to notify them of any available financial incentives or other advantages associated with hiring such persons. In establishing internal guidelines in furtherance of this Section, the Department of Central Management Services may work with an interagency advisory committee consisting of representatives from the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, the Department of Employment Security, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Revenue and consisting of 8 members of the General Assembly, 2 of whom are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 2 of whom are appointed by the President of the Senate, 2 of whom are appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and 2 of whom are appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

For the purposes of this Section, "qualified veteran" means an Illinois resident who: (i) was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, a member of the Illinois National Guard, or a member of any reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States; (ii) served on active duty in connection with Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom; and (iii) was honorably discharged.

The Department of Central Management Services must report to the Governor and to the General Assembly by December 31 of each year on the activities undertaken by chief procurement officers and the Department of Central Management Services to encourage potential contractors to consider hiring qualified veterans. The report must include the number of vendors who have hired qualified veterans.

(Source: P.A. 100-143, eff. 1-1-18; 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)

Section 115. The Social Services Contract Notice Act is amended by changing Section 10 as follows:

(30 ILCS 596/10)

Sec. 10. Definitions. As used in this Act:

(a) "Authorized service provider" means a non-governmental entity responsible for providing services on behalf of the State of Illinois under a contract with a State agency.

(b) "Contract" means all types of State agreements for social service delivery, regardless of what they may be called, including grants, fee-for-service, fixed rate, cost-reimbursement, purchase of care, renewals, and amendments. It does not include agreements procured for goods.

(c) "Direct services" means those services that are provided on behalf of Illinois residents by an authorized service provider.

(d) "Reduction of contract" means a decrease in the defined or estimated contract value. This is not inclusive of adjustments made by the State through the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) reconciliation process, under the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act, or on account of the service provider's underutilization of contract value, as determined by the State.

(e) "Social services" or "services" means direct services that are provided by a State agency through a grant awarded to or service agreement or contract with an authorized service provider and that are designed to ensure the health, safety, education, or welfare of Illinois residents.

(f) "State agency" means:

(1) the Department on Aging or its successor agency;

(2) the Department of Children and Family Services or its successor agency;

(3) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or its successor agency;

(4) the Department of Human Services or its successor agency;

(5) the Department of Public Health or its successor agency;

(6) the Department of Corrections or its successor agency;

(7) the Department of Juvenile Justice or its successor agency;

(8) the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority or its successor agency;

(9) the Illinois State Board of Education or its successor agency;

(10) the Illinois Community College Board or its successor agency;

(11) the Illinois Housing Development Authority or its successor agency;

(12) the Department of Employment Security or its successor agency;

(13) the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs or its successor agency;

(14) the Department of Military Affairs or its successor agency;

(15) the Illinois Emergency Management Agency or its successor agency;

(16) the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or its successor agency;

(17) any commission, board, or authority within the State agencies or successor agencies listed in this Section; or

(18) any State agency, or its successor agency, designated to enter into contracts with one or more authorized service providers on behalf of a State agency subject to this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-153, eff. 8-18-17.)

Section 125. The State Facilities Closure Act is amended by changing Section 5-10 as follows:

(30 ILCS 608/5-10)

Sec. 5-10. Facility closure process.

(a) Before a State facility may be closed, the State executive branch officer with jurisdiction over the facility shall file notice of the proposed closure with the Commission. The notice must be filed within 2 days after the first public announcement of any planned or proposed closure. Within 10 days after it receives notice of the proposed closure, the Commission, in its discretion, may require the State executive branch officer with jurisdiction over the facility to file a recommendation for the closure of the facility with the Commission. In the case of a proposed closure of: (i) a prison, youth center, work camp, or work release center operated by the Department of Corrections; (ii) a school, mental health center, or center for persons with developmental disabilities operated by the Department of Human Services; or (iii) a residential facility operated by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, the Commission must require the executive branch officers to file a recommendation for closure. The recommendation must be filed within 30 days after the Commission delivers the request for recommendation to the State executive branch officer. The recommendation must include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) the location and identity of the State facility proposed to be closed;

(2) the number of employees for which the State facility is the primary stationary work location and the effect of the closure of the facility on those employees;

(3) the location or locations to which the functions and employees of the State facility would be moved;

(4) the availability and condition of land and facilities at both the existing location and any potential locations;

(5) the ability to accommodate the functions and employees at the existing and at any potential locations;

(6) the cost of operations of the State facility and at any potential locations and any other related budgetary impacts;

(7) the economic impact on existing communities in the vicinity of the State facility and any potential facility;

(8) the ability of the existing and any potential community's infrastructure to support the functions and employees;

(9) the impact on State services delivered at the existing location, in direct relation to the State services expected to be delivered at any potential locations; and

(10) the environmental impact, including the impact of costs related to potential environmental restoration, waste management, and environmental compliance activities.

(b) If a recommendation is required by the Commission, a 30-day public comment period must follow the filing of the recommendation. The Commission, in its discretion, may conduct one or more public hearings on the recommendation. In the case of a proposed closure of: (i) a prison, youth center, work camp, or work release center operated by the Department of Corrections; (ii) a school, mental health center, or center for persons with developmental disabilities operated by the Department of Human Services; or (iii) a residential facility operated by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, the Commission must conduct one or more public hearings on the recommendation. Public hearings conducted by the Commission shall be conducted no later than 35 days after the filing of the recommendation. At least one of the public hearings on the recommendation shall be held at a convenient location within 25 miles of the facility for which closure is recommended. The Commission shall provide reasonable notice of the comment period and of any public hearings to the public and to units of local government and school districts that are located within 25 miles of the facility.

(c) Within 50 days after the State executive branch officer files the required recommendation, the Commission shall issue an advisory opinion on that recommendation. The Commission shall file the advisory opinion with the appropriate State executive branch officer, the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Index Department of the Office of the Secretary of State and shall make copies of the advisory opinion available to the public upon request.

(d) No action may be taken to implement the recommendation for closure of a State facility until 50 days after the filing of any required recommendation.

(e) The requirements of this Section do not apply if all of the functions and employees of a State facility are relocated to another State facility that is within 10 miles of the closed facility.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

Section 130. The Property Tax Code is amended by changing Section 15-165 as follows:

(35 ILCS 200/15-165)

Sec. 15-165. Veterans with disabilities. Property up to an assessed value of $100,000, owned and used exclusively by a veteran with a disability, or the spouse or unmarried surviving spouse of the veteran, as a home, is exempt. As used in this Section, a "veteran with a disability" means a person who has served in the Armed Forces of the United States and whose disability is of such a nature that the Federal Government has authorized payment for purchase or construction of Specially Adapted Housing as set forth in the United States Code, Title 38, Chapter 21, Section 2101.

The exemption applies to housing where Federal funds have been used to purchase or construct special adaptations to suit the veteran's disability.

The exemption also applies to housing that is specially adapted to suit the veteran's disability, and purchased entirely or in part by the proceeds of a sale, casualty loss reimbursement, or other transfer of a home for which the Federal Government had previously authorized payment for purchase or construction as Specially Adapted Housing.

However, the entire proceeds of the sale, casualty loss reimbursement, or other transfer of that housing shall be applied to the acquisition of subsequent specially adapted housing to the extent that the proceeds equal the purchase price of the subsequently acquired housing.

Beginning with the 2015 tax year, the exemption also applies to housing that is specifically constructed or adapted to suit a qualifying veteran's disability if the housing or adaptations are donated by a charitable organization, the veteran has been approved to receive funds for the purchase or construction of Specially Adapted Housing under Title 38, Chapter 21, Section 2101 of the United States Code, and the home has been inspected and certified by a licensed home inspector to be in compliance with applicable standards set forth in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration Pamphlet 26-13 Handbook for Design of Specially Adapted Housing.

For purposes of this Section, "charitable organization" means any benevolent, philanthropic, patriotic, or eleemosynary entity that solicits and collects funds for charitable purposes and includes each local, county, or area division of that charitable organization.

For purposes of this Section, "unmarried surviving spouse" means the surviving spouse of the veteran at any time after the death of the veteran during which such surviving spouse is not married.

This exemption must be reestablished on an annual basis by certification from the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs to the Department, which shall forward a copy of the certification to local assessing officials.

A taxpayer who claims an exemption under Section 15-168 or 15-169 may not claim an exemption under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 98-1145, eff. 12-30-14; 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

Section 140. The Mobile Home Local Services Tax Act is amended by changing Section 7.5 as follows:

(35 ILCS 515/7.5)

Sec. 7.5. Exemption for veterans with disabilities.

(a) Beginning on January 1, 2004, a mobile home owned and used exclusively by a veteran with a disability or the spouse or unmarried surviving spouse of the veteran as a home, is exempt from the tax imposed under this Act.

Beginning with the 2015 tax year, the exemption also applies to housing that is specifically constructed or adapted to suit a qualifying veteran's disability if the housing or adaptations are donated by a charitable organization, the veteran has been approved to receive funds for the purchase or construction of Specially Adapted Housing under Title 38, Chapter 21, Section 2101 of the United States Code, and the home has been inspected and certified by a licensed home inspector to be in compliance with applicable standards set forth in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration Pamphlet 26-13 Handbook for Design of Specially Adapted Housing.

(b) As used in this Section:

"Veteran with a disability" means a person who has served in the armed forces of the United States and whose disability is of such a nature that the federal government has authorized payment for purchase or construction of specially adapted housing as set forth in the United States Code, Title 38, Chapter 21, Section 2101.

For purposes of this Section, "charitable organization" means any benevolent, philanthropic, patriotic, or eleemosynary entity that solicits and collects funds for charitable purposes and includes each local, county, or area division of that charitable organization.

"Unmarried surviving spouse" means the surviving spouse of the veteran at any time after the death of the veteran during which the surviving spouse is not married.

(c) Eligibility for this exemption must be reestablished on an annual basis by certification from the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs to the county clerk of the county in which the exempt mobile home is located. The county clerk shall forward a copy of the certification to local assessing officials.

(Source: P.A. 98-1145, eff. 12-30-14; 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

Section 145. The Illinois Pension Code is amended by changing Section 14-104 as follows:

(40 ILCS 5/14-104) (from Ch. 108 1/2, par. 14-104)

Sec. 14-104. Service for which contributions permitted. Contributions provided for in this Section shall cover the period of service granted. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the contributions shall be based upon the employee's compensation and contribution rate in effect on the date he last became a member of the System; provided that for all employment prior to January 1, 1969 the contribution rate shall be that in effect for a noncovered employee on the date he last became a member of the System. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, contributions permitted under this Section shall include regular interest from the date an employee last became a member of the System to the date of payment.

These contributions must be paid in full before retirement either in a lump sum or in installment payments in accordance with such rules as may be adopted by the board.

(a) Any member may make contributions as required in this Section for any period of service, subsequent to the date of establishment, but prior to the date of membership.

(b) Any employee who had been previously excluded from membership because of age at entry and subsequently became eligible may elect to make contributions as required in this Section for the period of service during which he was ineligible.

(c) An employee of the Department of Insurance who, after January 1, 1944 but prior to becoming eligible for membership, received salary from funds of insurance companies in the process of rehabilitation, liquidation, conservation or dissolution, may elect to make contributions as required in this Section for such service.

(d) Any employee who rendered service in a State office to which he was elected, or rendered service in the elective office of Clerk of the Appellate Court prior to the date he became a member, may make contributions for such service as required in this Section. Any member who served by appointment of the Governor under the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and did not participate in this System may make contributions as required in this Section for such service.

(e) Any person employed by the United States government or any instrumentality or agency thereof from January 1, 1942 through November 15, 1946 as the result of a transfer from State service by executive order of the President of the United States shall be entitled to prior service credit covering the period from January 1, 1942 through December 31, 1943 as provided for in this Article and to membership service credit for the period from January 1, 1944 through November 15, 1946 by making the contributions required in this Section. A person so employed on January 1, 1944 but whose employment began after January 1, 1942 may qualify for prior service and membership service credit under the same conditions.

(f) An employee of the Department of Labor of the State of Illinois who performed services for and under the supervision of that Department prior to January 1, 1944 but who was compensated for those services directly by federal funds and not by a warrant of the Auditor of Public Accounts paid by the State Treasurer may establish credit for such employment by making the contributions required in this Section. An employee of the Department of Agriculture of the State of Illinois, who performed services for and under the supervision of that Department prior to June 1, 1963, but was compensated for those services directly by federal funds and not paid by a warrant of the Auditor of Public Accounts paid by the State Treasurer, and who did not contribute to any other public employee retirement system for such service, may establish credit for such employment by making the contributions required in this Section.

(g) Any employee who executed a waiver of membership within 60 days prior to January 1, 1944 may, at any time while in the service of a department, file with the board a rescission of such waiver. Upon making the contributions required by this Section, the member shall be granted the creditable service that would have been received if the waiver had not been executed.

(h) Until May 1, 1990, an employee who was employed on a full-time basis by a regional planning commission for at least 5 continuous years may establish creditable service for such employment by making the contributions required under this Section, provided that any credits earned by the employee in the commission's retirement plan have been terminated.

(i) Any person who rendered full time contractual services to the General Assembly as a member of a legislative staff may establish service credit for up to 8 years of such services by making the contributions required under this Section, provided that application therefor is made not later than July 1, 1991.

(j) By paying the contributions otherwise required under this Section, plus an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit plus interest, but with all of the interest calculated from the date the employee last became a member of the System or November 19, 1991, whichever is later, to the date of payment, an employee may establish service credit for a period of up to 4 years spent in active military service for which he does not qualify for credit under Section 14-105, provided that (1) he was not dishonorably discharged from such military service, and (2) the amount of service credit established by a member under this subsection (j), when added to the amount of military service credit granted to the member under subsection (b) of Section 14-105, shall not exceed 5 years. The change in the manner of calculating interest under this subsection (j) made by this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly applies to credit purchased by an employee on or after its effective date and does not entitle any person to a refund of contributions or interest already paid. In compliance with Section 14-152.1 of this Act concerning new benefit increases, any new benefit increase as a result of the changes to this subsection (j) made by Public Act 95-483 is funded through the employee contributions provided for in this subsection (j). Any new benefit increase as a result of the changes made to this subsection (j) by Public Act 95-483 is exempt from the provisions of subsection (d) of Section 14-152.1.

(k) An employee who was employed on a full-time basis by the Illinois State's Attorneys Association Statewide Appellate Assistance Service LEAA-ILEC grant project prior to the time that project became the State's Attorneys Appellate Service Commission, now the Office of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, an agency of State government, may establish creditable service for not more than 60 months service for such employment by making contributions required under this Section.

(l) By paying the contributions otherwise required under this Section, plus an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit plus interest, a member may establish service credit for periods of less than one year spent on authorized leave of absence from service, provided that (1) the period of leave began on or after January 1, 1982 and (2) any credit established by the member for the period of leave in any other public employee retirement system has been terminated. A member may establish service credit under this subsection for more than one period of authorized leave, and in that case the total period of service credit established by the member under this subsection may exceed one year. In determining the contributions required for establishing service credit under this subsection, the interest shall be calculated from the beginning of the leave of absence to the date of payment.

(l-5) By paying the contributions otherwise required under this Section, plus an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit plus interest, a member may establish service credit for periods of up to 2 years spent on authorized leave of absence from service, provided that during that leave the member represented or was employed as an officer or employee of a statewide labor organization that represents members of this System. In determining the contributions required for establishing service credit under this subsection, the interest shall be calculated from the beginning of the leave of absence to the date of payment.

(m) Any person who rendered contractual services to a member of the General Assembly as a worker in the member's district office may establish creditable service for up to 3 years of those contractual services by making the contributions required under this Section. The System shall determine a full-time salary equivalent for the purpose of calculating the required contribution. To establish credit under this subsection, the applicant must apply to the System by March 1, 1998.

(n) Any person who rendered contractual services to a member of the General Assembly as a worker providing constituent services to persons in the member's district may establish creditable service for up to 8 years of those contractual services by making the contributions required under this Section. The System shall determine a full-time salary equivalent for the purpose of calculating the required contribution. To establish credit under this subsection, the applicant must apply to the System by March 1, 1998.

(o) A member who participated in the Illinois Legislative Staff Internship Program may establish creditable service for up to one year of that participation by making the contribution required under this Section. The System shall determine a full-time salary equivalent for the purpose of calculating the required contribution. Credit may not be established under this subsection for any period for which service credit is established under any other provision of this Code.

(p) By paying the contributions otherwise required under this Section, plus an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit plus interest, a member may establish service credit for a period of up to 8 years during which he or she was employed by the Visually Handicapped Managers of Illinois in a vending program operated under a contractual agreement with the Department of Rehabilitation Services or its successor agency.

This subsection (p) applies without regard to whether the person was in service on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly. In the case of a person who is receiving a retirement annuity on that effective date, the increase, if any, shall begin to accrue on the first annuity payment date following receipt by the System of the contributions required under this subsection (p).

(q) By paying the required contributions under this Section, plus an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit plus interest, an employee who was laid off but returned to any State employment may establish creditable service for the period of the layoff, provided that (1) the applicant applies for the creditable service under this subsection (q) within 6 months after July 27, 2010 (the effective date of Public Act 96-1320), (2) the applicant does not receive credit for that period under any other provision of this Code, (3) at the time of the layoff, the applicant is not in an initial probationary status consistent with the rules of the Department of Central Management Services, and (4) the total amount of creditable service established by the applicant under this subsection (q) does not exceed 3 years. For service established under this subsection (q), the required employee contribution shall be based on the rate of compensation earned by the employee on the date of returning to employment after the layoff and the contribution rate then in effect, and the required interest shall be calculated at the actuarially assumed rate from the date of returning to employment after the layoff to the date of payment. Funding for any new benefit increase, as defined in Section 14-152.1 of this Act, that is created under this subsection (q) will be provided by the employee contributions required under this subsection (q).

(r) A member who participated in the University of Illinois Government Public Service Internship Program (GPSI) may establish creditable service for up to 2 years of that participation by making the contribution required under this Section, plus an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit plus interest. The System shall determine a full-time salary equivalent for the purpose of calculating the required contribution. Credit may not be established under this subsection for any period for which service credit is established under any other provision of this Code.

(s) A member who worked as a nurse under a contractual agreement for the Department of Public Aid, or its successor agency, the Department of Human Services, in the Client Assessment Unit and was subsequently determined to be a State employee by the United States Internal Revenue Service and the Illinois Labor Relations Board may establish creditable service for those contractual services by making the contributions required under this Section. To establish credit under this subsection, the applicant must apply to the System by July 1, 2008.

The Department of Human Services shall pay an employer contribution based upon an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit, plus interest.

In compliance with Section 14-152.1 added by Public Act 94-4, the cost of the benefits provided by Public Act 95-583 are offset by the required employee and employer contributions.

(t) Any person who rendered contractual services on a full-time basis to the Illinois Institute of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources may establish creditable service for up to 4 years of those contractual services by making the contributions required under this Section, plus an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit plus interest at the actuarially assumed rate from the first day of the service for which credit is being established to the date of payment. To establish credit under this subsection (t), the applicant must apply to the System within 6 months after July 27, 2010 (the effective date of Public Act 96-1320).

(u) By paying the required contributions under this Section, plus an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit, plus interest, a member may establish creditable service and earnings credit for periods of furlough beginning on or after July 1, 2008. To receive this credit, the participant must (i) apply in writing to the System before December 31, 2011 and (ii) not receive compensation for the furlough period. For service established under this subsection, the required employee contribution shall be based on the rate of compensation earned by the employee immediately following the date of the first furlough day in the time period specified in this subsection (u), and the required interest shall be calculated at the actuarially assumed rate from the date of the furlough to the date of payment.

(v) Any member who rendered full-time contractual services to an Illinois Veterans Home operated by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may establish service credit for up to 8 years of such services by making the contributions required under this Section, plus an amount determined by the Board to be equal to the employer's normal cost of the benefit, plus interest at the actuarially assumed rate. To establish credit under this subsection, the applicant must apply to the System no later than 6 months after July 27, 2010 (the effective date of Public Act 96-1320).

(Source: P.A. 96-97, eff. 7-27-09; 96-718, eff. 8-25-09; 96-775, eff. 8-28-09; 96-961, eff. 7-2-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10; 96-1320, eff. 7-27-10; 96-1535, eff. 3-4-11; 97-333, 8-12-11.)

Section 150. The Military Family Interstate Compact Implementation Statute Drafting Advisory Committee Act is amended by changing Section 5 as follows:

(45 ILCS 175/5)

Sec. 5. Committee; created; mandate. The Military Family Interstate Compact Implementation Statute Drafting Advisory Committee is created as an interagency advisory committee to develop a comprehensive statute to implement the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, a document developed by the National Military Family Association. The Lieutenant Governor is the chair of the Committee, which shall be composed of the following individuals or agency designees:

(1) The Lieutenant Governor.

(2) The Illinois State Board of Education.

(3) The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

(4) The Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

(5) The Housing Development Authority.

(6) The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(7) The Department of Military Affairs.

(8) The Department of Employment Security.

(9) Any other interested stakeholder, at the discretion of the chair.

The Committee shall meet at a time and place designated by the chair, but in no case shall the Committee meet less often than once each month, until it has fulfilled all the obligations delineated in this Act.

All meetings of the Committee are subject to the provisions of the Open Meetings Act.

All proceedings of the Committee and documents produced by the Committee are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

The Committee shall draft and submit to the General Assembly a model implementation statute and a report outlining all the issues raised by the implementation by no later than December 31, 2008 or within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, whichever is later.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor shall provide staff and administrative support to the Committee.

(Source: P.A. 95-736, eff. 7-16-08.)

Section 155. The Counties Code is amended by changing Section 3-5015 as follows:

(55 ILCS 5/3-5015) (from Ch. 34, par. 3-5015)

Sec. 3-5015. Certificates of discharge or release from active duty. Certificates of discharge or MEMBER-4 copy of certificate of release or discharge from active duty of honorably discharged or separated members of the military, aviation and naval forces of the United States shall be recorded by each recorder, free of charge, in a separate book or computer database which shall be kept for the purpose. The recorder in counties of over 500,000 population shall as soon as practicable after the recording of the original discharge certificate or MEMBER-4 copy of certificate of release or discharge from active duty, deliver to each of the persons named in the discharge certificate or MEMBER-4 copy of certificate of release or discharge from active duty, or the person's agent, one certified copy of the person's discharge certificate or MEMBER-4 copy of certificate of release or discharge from active duty without charge. Additional certified copies shall be furnished by the recorder upon the payment to the recorder of a fee of $1.25, payable in advance, for each such additional certified copy. The recorder may waive the fee for reasonable requests for additional copies if the recorder deems collecting the fee to be a burden to the county, but only if the fee is waived for all reasonable requests for additional copies under this Section.

Upon the delivery of the certificate of discharge or MEMBER-4 copy of certificate of release or discharge from active duty after the recordation thereof is completed, and the delivery of one certified copy thereof to the person named in the discharge certificate or MEMBER-4 copy of certificate of release or discharge from active duty or the person's agent, the receipt theretofore issued by the recorder, or a copy thereof shall be surrendered to the recorder, with a signed statement acknowledging the receipt of the discharge certificate or MEMBER-4 copy of certificate of release or discharge from active duty and the certified copy thereof.

Certified copies of the certificates of discharge or MEMBER-4 copy of certificate of release or discharge from active duty furnished by the recorder may vary from the size of the original, if in the judgment of the recorder, such certified copies are complete and legible.

A military discharge form (DD-214) or any other certificate of discharge or release from active duty document that was issued by the United States government or any state government in reference to those who served with an active or inactive military reserve unit or National Guard force and that was recorded by a County Clerk or Recorder of Deeds is not subject to public inspection, enjoying all the protection covered by the federal Privacy Act of 1974 or any other privacy law. These documents shall be accessible only to the person named in the document, the named person's dependents, the county veterans' service officer, representatives of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, or any person with written authorization from the named person or the named person's dependents. Notwithstanding any other provision in this paragraph, these documents shall be made available for public inspection and copying in accordance with the archival schedule adopted by the National Archives and Records Administration and subject to redaction of information that is considered private under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the federal Freedom of Information Act, and the federal Privacy Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-400, eff. 1-1-24.)

Section 160. The Counties Code is amended by changing Section 5-12022 as follows:

(55 ILCS 5/5-12022)

Sec. 5-12022. Building permit fee for veterans with a disability.

(a) A veteran with a disability or the veteran's caregiver shall not be charged any building permit fee for improvements to the residence of the veteran with a disability if the improvements are required to accommodate a disability of the veteran. Nothing in this subsection changes the obligation of any person to submit to the county applications, forms, or other paperwork to obtain a building permit. A veteran or caregiver must provide proof of veteran status and attest to the fact that the improvements to the residence are required to accommodate the veteran's disability. Proof of veteran status is to be construed liberally, and veteran status shall include service in the Armed Forces of the United States, National Guard, or the reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States.

(b) What constitutes proof of veteran status shall be determined by the county. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may not adjudicate any dispute arising under subsection paragraph (a).

(c) A home rule county may not regulate building permit fees in a manner inconsistent with this Section. This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State.

(Source: P.A. 103-621, eff. 1-1-25; revised 11-26-24.)

Section 165. The Township Code is amended by changing Section 110-17 as follows:

(60 ILCS 1/110-17)

Sec. 110-17. Building permit fee for veterans with a disability. A veteran with a disability or the veteran's caregiver shall not be charged any building permit fee for improvements to the residence of the veteran with a disability if the improvements are required to accommodate a disability of the veteran. Nothing in this Section changes the obligation of any person to submit to the township applications, forms, or other paperwork to obtain a building permit. A veteran or caregiver must provide proof of veteran status and attest to the fact that the improvements to the residence are required to accommodate the veteran's disability. Proof of veteran status is to be construed liberally, and veteran status shall include service in the Armed Forces of the United States, National Guard, or the reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States. What constitutes proof of veteran status shall be determined by the township. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may not adjudicate any dispute arising under this paragraph.

(Source: P.A. 103-621, eff. 1-1-25.)

Section 170. The Illinois Municipal Code is amended by changing Section 11-13-28 as follows:

(65 ILCS 5/11-13-28)

Sec. 11-13-28. Building permit fee for veterans with a disability.

(a) A veteran with a disability or the veteran's caregiver shall not be charged any building permit fee for improvements to the residence of the veteran with a disability if the improvements are required to accommodate a disability of the veteran. Nothing in this subsection changes the obligation of any person to submit to the municipality applications, forms, or other paperwork to obtain a building permit. A veteran or caregiver must provide proof of veteran status and attest to the fact that the improvements to the residence are required to accommodate the veteran's disability. Proof of veteran status is to be construed liberally, and veteran status shall include service in the Armed Forces of the United States, National Guard, or the reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States.

(b) What constitutes proof of veteran status shall be determined by the municipality. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may not adjudicate any dispute arising under subsection paragraph (a).

(c) A home rule municipality may not regulate building permit fees in a manner inconsistent with this Section. This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State.

(Source: P.A. 103-621, eff. 1-1-25; revised 11-26-24.)

Section 175. The School Code is amended by changing Section 30-14.2 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/30-14.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-14.2)

Sec. 30-14.2. Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents scholarship.

(a) Any spouse, natural child, legally adopted child under the age of 18 at the time of adoption, minor child younger than 18 who is under a court-ordered guardianship for at least 2 continuous years prior to application, or step-child under the age of 18 at the time of marriage of an eligible veteran or serviceperson who possesses all necessary entrance requirements shall, upon application and proper proof, be awarded a MIA/POW Scholarship consisting of the equivalent of 4 calendar years of full-time enrollment including summer terms, to the state supported Illinois institution of higher learning of his choice, subject to the restrictions listed below.

"Eligible veteran or serviceperson" means any veteran or serviceperson, including an Illinois National Guard member who is on active duty or is active on a training assignment, who has been declared by the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be a prisoner of war or missing in action, or has died as the result of a service-connected disability or has become a person with a permanent disability from service-connected causes with 100% disability and who (i) at the time of entering service was an Illinois resident, or (ii) was an Illinois resident within 6 months after entering such service, or (iii) is a resident of Illinois at the time of application for the Scholarship and, at some point after entering such service, was a resident of Illinois for at least 15 consecutive years.

Full-time enrollment means 12 or more semester hours of courses per semester, or 12 or more quarter hours of courses per quarter, or the equivalent thereof per term. Scholarships utilized by dependents enrolled in less than full-time study shall be computed in the proportion which the number of hours so carried bears to full-time enrollment.

Scholarships awarded under this Section may be used by a spouse or child without regard to his or her age. The holder of a Scholarship awarded under this Section shall be subject to all examinations and academic standards, including the maintenance of minimum grade levels, that are applicable generally to other enrolled students at the Illinois institution of higher learning where the Scholarship is being used. If the surviving spouse remarries or if there is a divorce between the veteran or serviceperson and his or her spouse while the dependent is pursuing his or her course of study, Scholarship benefits will be terminated at the end of the term for which he or she is presently enrolled. Such dependents shall also be entitled, upon proper proof and application, to enroll in any extension course offered by a State supported Illinois institution of higher learning without payment of tuition and approved fees.

The holder of a MIA/POW Scholarship authorized under this Section shall not be required to pay any tuition or mandatory fees while attending a State-controlled university or public community college in this State for a period equivalent to 4 years of enrollment, including summer terms.

Any dependent who has been or shall be awarded a MIA/POW Scholarship shall be reimbursed by the appropriate institution of higher learning for any fees which he or she has paid and for which exemption is granted under this Section if application for reimbursement is made within 2 months following the end of the school term for which the fees were paid.

(b) In lieu of the benefit provided in subsection (a), any spouse, natural child, legally adopted child, or step-child of an eligible veteran or serviceperson, which spouse or child has a physical, mental or developmental disability, shall be entitled to receive, upon application and proper proof, a benefit to be used for the purpose of defraying the cost of the attendance or treatment of such spouse or child at one or more appropriate therapeutic, rehabilitative or educational facilities. The application and proof may be made by the parent or legal guardian of the spouse or child on his or her behalf.

The total benefit provided to any beneficiary under this subsection shall not exceed the cost equivalent of 4 calendar years of full-time enrollment, including summer terms, at the University of Illinois. Whenever practicable in the opinion of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, payment of benefits under this subsection shall be made directly to the facility, the cost of attendance or treatment at which is being defrayed, as such costs accrue.

(c) The benefits of this Section shall be administered by and paid for out of funds made available to the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. The amounts that become due to any state supported Illinois institution of higher learning shall be payable by the Comptroller to such institution on vouchers approved by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. The amounts that become due under subsection (b) of this Section shall be payable by warrant upon vouchers issued by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs and approved by the Comptroller. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall determine the eligibility of the persons who make application for the benefits provided for in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 101-334, eff. 8-9-19; 102-855, eff. 5-13-22.)

Section 180. The Higher Education Veterans Service Act is amended by changing Section 15 as follows:

(110 ILCS 49/15)

Sec. 15. Survey; coordinator; best practices report; best efforts.

(a) All public colleges and universities shall, within 60 days after the effective date of this Act, conduct a survey of the services and programs that are provided for veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families, at each of their respective campuses. This survey shall enumerate and fully describe the service or program that is available, the number of veterans or active duty personnel using the service or program, an estimated range for potential use within a 5-year and 10-year period, information on the location of the service or program, and how its administrators may be contacted. The survey shall indicate the manner or manners in which a student veteran may avail himself or herself of the program's services. This survey must be made available to all veterans matriculating at the college or university in the form of an orientation-related guidebook.

Each public college and university shall make the survey available on the homepage of all campus Internet links as soon as practical after the completion of the survey. As soon as possible after the completion of the survey, each public college and university shall provide a copy of its survey to the following:

(1) the Board of Higher Education;

(2) the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs;

(3) the President and Minority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; and

(4) the Governor.

(b) Each public college and university shall, at its discretion, (i) appoint, within 6 months after August 7, 2009 (the effective date of this Act), an existing employee or (ii) hire a new employee to serve as a Coordinator of Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services on each campus of the college or university that has an onsite, daily, full-time student headcount above 1,000 students.

The Coordinator of Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services shall be an ombudsperson serving the specific needs of student veterans and military personnel and their families and shall serve as an advocate before the administration of the college or university for the needs of student veterans. The college or university shall enable the Coordinator of Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services to communicate directly with the senior executive administration of the college or university periodically. The college or university shall retain unfettered discretion to determine the organizational management structure of its institution.

In addition to any responsibilities the college or university may assign, the Coordinator of Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services shall make its best efforts to create a centralized source for student veterans and military personnel to learn how to receive all benefit programs and services for which they are eligible.

Each college and university campus that is required to have a Coordinator of Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services shall regularly and conspicuously advertise the office location and phone number of and Internet access to the Coordinator of Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services, along with a brief summary of the manner in which he or she can assist student veterans. The advertisement shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

(1) advertisements on each campus' Internet home page;

(2) any promotional mailings for student application; and

(3) the website and any social media accounts of the public college or university.

The Coordinator of Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services shall facilitate other campus offices with the promotion of programs and services that are available.

(c) Upon receipt of all of the surveys under subsection (a) of this Section, the Board of Higher Education and the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall conduct a joint review of the surveys. The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall post, on any Internet home page it may operate, a link to each survey as posted on the Internet website for the college or university. The Board of Higher Education shall post, on any Internet home page it may operate, a link to each survey as posted on the Internet website for the college or university or an annual report or document containing survey information for each college or university. Upon receipt of all of the surveys, the Office of the Governor, through its military affairs advisors, shall similarly conduct a review of the surveys. Following its review of the surveys, the Office of the Governor shall submit an evaluation report to each college and university offering suggestions and insight on the conduct of student veteran-related policies and programs.

(d) The Board of Higher Education and the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may issue a best practices report to highlight those programs and services that are most beneficial to veterans and active duty military personnel. The report shall contain a fiscal needs assessment in conjunction with any program recommendations.

(e) Each college and university campus that is required to have a Coordinator of Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services under subsection (b) of this Section shall make its best efforts to create academic and social programs and services for veterans and active duty military personnel that will provide reasonable opportunities for academic performance and success.

Each public college and university shall make its best efforts to determine how its online educational curricula can be expanded or altered to serve the needs of student veterans and currently deployed military, including a determination of whether and to what extent the public colleges and universities can share existing technologies to improve the online curricula of peer institutions, provided such efforts are both practically and economically feasible.

(Source: P.A. 102-278, eff. 8-6-21; 102-295, eff. 8-6-21; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

Section 190. The University of Illinois Act is amended by changing Section 8 as follows:

(110 ILCS 305/8) (from Ch. 144, par. 29)

Sec. 8. Admissions.

(a) (Blank).

(b) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the University unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:

(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories:

(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature), of which up to 2 years may be collegiate level instruction;

(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);

(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming);

(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or agricultural sciences); and

(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which may be deemed to include American Sign Language), music, career and technical education, agricultural education, or art;

(2) except that institutions may admit individual applicants if the institution determines through assessment or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and technical education courses and courses taken in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the high school courses required for admission. The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois shall not discriminate in the University's admissions process against an applicant for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code. Institutions may also admit 1) applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and 2) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance programs that are tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in either case, the institution incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and

(3) except that up to 3 of the 15 units of coursework required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5 categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).

(c) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall recognize their obligation to their students to offer the coursework required by subsection (b).

(d) A student who has graduated from high school and has scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency test as a prerequisite to admission.

(e) The Board of Trustees shall establish an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the University as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The University may request that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall semester.

(f) Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the University shall provide all Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State with the University's undergraduate transfer admissions application fee waiver policy and, if such a policy exists, any application or forms necessary to apply for a fee waiver as part of the University's transfer admissions process. The University is encouraged to develop a policy to automatically waive the undergraduate transfer admissions application fee for low-income Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State. The University shall post this policy in an easily accessible place on the University's Internet website.

(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22; 103-936, eff. 8-9-24.)

Section 195. The Southern Illinois University Management Act is amended by changing Section 8e as follows:

(110 ILCS 520/8e) (from Ch. 144, par. 658e)

Sec. 8e. Admissions.

(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the University unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:

(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories:

(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature), of which up to 2 years may be collegiate level instruction;

(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);

(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming);

(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or agricultural sciences); and

(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which may be deemed to include American Sign Language), music, career and technical education, agricultural education, or art;

(2) except that institutions may admit individual applicants if the institution determines through assessment or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and technical education courses and courses taken in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the high school courses required for admission. The Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University shall not discriminate in the University's admissions process against an applicant for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code. Institutions may also admit 1) applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and 2) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance programs that are tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in either case, the institution incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and

(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5 categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).

(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall recognize their obligation to their students to offer the coursework required by subsection (a).

(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency test as a prerequisite to admission.

(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the University as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The University may request that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall semester.

(e) Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the University shall provide all Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State with the University's undergraduate transfer admissions application fee waiver policy and, if such a policy exists, any application or forms necessary to apply for a fee waiver as part of the University's transfer admissions process. The University is encouraged to develop a policy to automatically waive the undergraduate transfer admissions application fee for low-income Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State. The University shall post this policy in an easily accessible place on the University's Internet website.

(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22; 103-936, eff. 8-9-24.)

Section 200. The Chicago State University Law is amended by changing Section 5-85 as follows:

(110 ILCS 660/5-85)

Sec. 5-85. Admissions.

(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the Chicago State University unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:

(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories:

(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature), of which up to 2 years may be collegiate level instruction;

(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);

(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming);

(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or agricultural sciences); and

(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which may be deemed to include American Sign Language), music, career and technical education, agricultural education, or art;

(2) except that Chicago State University may admit individual applicants if it determines through assessment or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and technical education courses and courses taken in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the high school courses required for admission. The Board of Trustees of Chicago State University shall not discriminate in the University's admissions process against an applicant for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code. Chicago State University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance programs that are tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in either case, the institution incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and

(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5 categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).

(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall recognize their obligation to their students to offer the coursework required by subsection (a).

(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency test as a prerequisite to admission.

(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the University as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The University may request that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall semester.

(e) Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the University shall provide all Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State with the University's undergraduate transfer admissions application fee waiver policy and, if such a policy exists, any application or forms necessary to apply for a fee waiver as part of the University's transfer admissions process. The University is encouraged to develop a policy to automatically waive the undergraduate transfer admissions application fee for low-income Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State. The University shall post this policy in an easily accessible place on the University's Internet website.

(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22; 103-936, eff. 8-9-24.)

Section 205. The Eastern Illinois University Law is amended by changing Section 10-85 as follows:

(110 ILCS 665/10-85)

Sec. 10-85. Admissions.

(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the Eastern Illinois University unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:

(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories:

(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature), of which up to 2 years may be collegiate level instruction;

(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);

(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming);

(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or agricultural sciences); and

(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which may be deemed to include American Sign Language), music, career and technical education, agricultural education, or art;

(2) except that Eastern Illinois University may admit individual applicants if it determines through assessment or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and technical education courses and courses taken in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the high school courses required for admission. The Board of Trustees of Eastern Illinois University shall not discriminate in the University's admissions process against an applicant for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code. Eastern Illinois University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance programs that are tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in either case, the institution incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and

(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5 categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).

(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall recognize their obligation to their students to offer the coursework required by subsection (a).

(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency test as a prerequisite to admission.

(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the University as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The University may request that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall semester.

(e) Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the University shall provide all Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State with the University's undergraduate transfer admissions application fee waiver policy and, if such a policy exists, any application or forms necessary to apply for a fee waiver as part of the University's transfer admissions process. The University is encouraged to develop a policy to automatically waive the undergraduate transfer admissions application fee for low-income Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State. The University shall post this policy in an easily accessible place on the University's Internet website.

(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22; 103-936, eff. 8-9-24.)

Section 210. The Governors State University Law is amended by changing Section 15-85 as follows:

(110 ILCS 670/15-85)

Sec. 15-85. Admissions.

(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the Governors State University unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:

(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories:

(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature), of which up to 2 years may be collegiate level instruction;

(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);

(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming);

(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or agricultural sciences); and

(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which may be deemed to include American Sign Language), music, career and technical education, agricultural education, or art;

(2) except that Governors State University may admit individual applicants if it determines through assessment or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and technical education courses and courses taken in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the high school courses required for admission. The Board of Trustees of Governors State University shall not discriminate in the University's admissions process against an applicant for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code. Governors State University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance programs that are tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in either case, the institution incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and

(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5 categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).

(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall recognize their obligation to their students to offer the coursework required by subsection (a).

(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency test as a prerequisite to admission.

(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the University as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The University may request that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall semester.

(e) Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the University shall provide all Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State with the University's undergraduate transfer admissions application fee waiver policy and, if such a policy exists, any application or forms necessary to apply for a fee waiver as part of the University's transfer admissions process. The University is encouraged to develop a policy to automatically waive the undergraduate transfer admissions application fee for low-income Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State. The University shall post this policy in an easily accessible place on the University's Internet website.

(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22; 103-936, eff. 8-9-24.)

Section 215. The Illinois State University Law is amended by changing Section 20-85 as follows:

(110 ILCS 675/20-85)

Sec. 20-85. Admissions.

(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the Illinois State University unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:

(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories:

(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature), of which up to 2 years may be collegiate level instruction;

(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);

(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming);

(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or agricultural sciences); and

(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which may be deemed to include American Sign Language), music, career and technical education, agricultural education, or art;

(2) except that Illinois State University may admit individual applicants if it determines through assessment or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and technical education courses and courses taken in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the high school courses required for admission. The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University shall not discriminate in the University's admissions process against an applicant for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code. Illinois State University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance programs that are tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in either case, the institution incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and

(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5 categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).

(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall recognize their obligation to their students to offer the coursework required by subsection (a).

(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency test as a prerequisite to admission.

(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the University as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The University may request that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall semester.

(e) Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the University shall provide all Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State with the University's undergraduate transfer admissions application fee waiver policy and, if such a policy exists, any application or forms necessary to apply for a fee waiver as part of the University's transfer admissions process. The University is encouraged to develop a policy to automatically waive the undergraduate transfer admissions application fee for low-income Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State. The University shall post this policy in an easily accessible place on the University's Internet website.

(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22; 103-936, eff. 8-9-24.)

Section 220. The Northeastern Illinois University Law is amended by changing Section 25-85 as follows:

(110 ILCS 680/25-85)

Sec. 25-85. Admissions.

(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the Northeastern Illinois University unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:

(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories:

(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature), of which up to 2 years may be collegiate level instruction;

(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);

(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming);

(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or agricultural sciences); and

(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which may be deemed to include American Sign Language), music, career and technical education, agricultural education, or art;

(2) except that Northeastern Illinois University may admit individual applicants if it determines through assessment or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and technical education courses and courses taken in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the high school courses required for admission. The Board of Trustees of Northeastern Illinois University shall not discriminate in the University's admissions process against an applicant for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code. Northeastern Illinois University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance programs that are tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in either case, the institution incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and

(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5 categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).

(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall recognize their obligation to their students to offer the coursework required by subsection (a).

(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency test as a prerequisite to admission.

(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the University as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The University may request that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall semester.

(e) Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the University shall provide all Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State with the University's undergraduate transfer admissions application fee waiver policy and, if such a policy exists, any application or forms necessary to apply for a fee waiver as part of the University's transfer admissions process. The University is encouraged to develop a policy to automatically waive the undergraduate transfer admissions application fee for low-income Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State. The University shall post this policy in an easily accessible place on the University's Internet website.

(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22; 103-936, eff. 8-9-24.)

Section 225. The Northern Illinois University Law is amended by changing Section 30-85 as follows:

(110 ILCS 685/30-85)

Sec. 30-85. Admissions.

(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the Northern Illinois University unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:

(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories:

(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature), of which up to 2 years may be collegiate level instruction;

(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);

(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming);

(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or agricultural sciences); and

(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which may be deemed to include American Sign Language), music, career and technical education, agricultural education, or art;

(2) except that Northern Illinois University may admit individual applicants if it determines through assessment or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and technical education courses and courses taken in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the high school courses required for admission. The Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University shall not discriminate in the University's admissions process against an applicant for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code. Northern Illinois University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance programs that are tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in either case, the institution incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and

(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5 categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).

(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall recognize their obligation to their students to offer the coursework required by subsection (a).

(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency test as a prerequisite to admission.

(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the University as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The University may request that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall semester.

(e) Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the University shall provide all Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State with the University's undergraduate transfer admissions application fee waiver policy and, if such a policy exists, any application or forms necessary to apply for a fee waiver as part of the University's transfer admissions process. The University is encouraged to develop a policy to automatically waive the undergraduate transfer admissions application fee for low-income Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State. The University shall post this policy in an easily accessible place on the University's Internet website.

(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22; 103-936, eff. 8-9-24.)

Section 230. The Western Illinois University Law is amended by changing Section 35-85 as follows:

(110 ILCS 690/35-85)

Sec. 35-85. Admissions.

(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the Western Illinois University unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:

(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories:

(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature), of which up to 2 years may be collegiate level instruction;

(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);

(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming);

(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or agricultural sciences); and

(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which may be deemed to include American Sign Language), music, career and technical education, agricultural education, or art;

(2) except that Western Illinois University may admit individual applicants if it determines through assessment or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and technical education courses and courses taken in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the high school courses required for admission. The Board of Trustees of Western Illinois University shall not discriminate in the University's admissions process against an applicant for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter school established under Article 27A of the School Code. Western Illinois University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance programs that are tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in either case, the institution incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and

(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5 categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).

(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall recognize their obligation to their students to offer the coursework required by subsection (a).

(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency test as a prerequisite to admission.

(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the University as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The University may request that the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall semester.

(e) Beginning with the 20245-2026 academic year, the University shall provide all Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State with the University's undergraduate transfer admissions application fee waiver policy and, if such a policy exists, any application or forms necessary to apply for a fee waiver as part of the University's transfer admissions process. The University is encouraged to develop a policy to automatically waive the undergraduate transfer admissions application fee for low-income Illinois students transferring from a public community college in this State. The University shall post this policy in an easily accessible place on the University's Internet website.

(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22; 103-936, eff. 8-9-24.)

Section 235. The Higher Education Student Assistance Act is amended by changing Section 40 as follows:

(110 ILCS 947/40)

Sec. 40. Illinois Veteran grant program.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Qualified applicant" means a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, or the Illinois National Guard, excluding members of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and those whose only service has been attendance at a service academy, and who meets all of the qualifications of either paragraphs (1) through (4) or paragraphs (2), (3), and (5):

(1) At the time of entering federal active duty service the person was one of the following:

(A) An Illinois resident.

(B) An Illinois resident within 6 months of entering such service.

(C) Enrolled at a State-controlled university or public community college in this State.

(2) The person meets one of the following requirements:

(A) He or she served at least one year of federal active duty.

(B) He or she served less than one year of federal active duty and received an honorable discharge for medical reasons directly connected with such service.

(C) He or she served less than one year of federal active duty and was discharged prior to August 11, 1967.

(D) He or she served less than one year of federal active duty in a foreign country during a time of hostilities in that foreign country.

(3) The person received an honorable discharge after leaving federal active duty service.

(4) The person returned to this State within 6 months after leaving federal active duty service, or, if married to a person in continued military service stationed outside this State, returned to this State within 6 months after his or her spouse left service or was stationed within this State.

(5) The person does not meet the requirements of paragraph (1), but (i) is a resident of Illinois at the time of application to the Commission and (ii) at some point after leaving federal active duty service, was a resident of Illinois for at least 15 consecutive years.

"Time of hostilities" means any action by the Armed Forces of the United States that is recognized by the issuance of a Presidential proclamation or a Presidential executive order and in which the Armed Forces expeditionary medal or other campaign service medals are awarded according to Presidential executive order.

(b) A person who otherwise qualifies under subsection (a) of this Section but has not left federal active duty service and has served at least one year of federal active duty or has served for less than one year of federal active duty in a foreign country during a time of hostilities in that foreign country and who can provide documentation demonstrating an honorable service record is eligible to receive assistance under this Section.

(c) A qualified applicant is not required to pay any tuition or mandatory fees while attending a State-controlled university or public community college in this State for a period that is equivalent to 4 years of full-time enrollment, including summer terms.

A qualified applicant who has previously received benefits under this Section for a non-mandatory fee shall continue to receive benefits covering such fees while he or she is enrolled in a continuous program of study. The qualified applicant shall no longer receive a grant covering non-mandatory fees if he or she fails to enroll during an academic term, unless he or she is serving federal active duty service.

(d) A qualified applicant who has been or is to be awarded assistance under this Section shall receive that assistance if the qualified applicant notifies his or her postsecondary institution of that fact by the end of the school term for which assistance is requested.

(e) Assistance under this Section is considered an entitlement that the State-controlled college or public community college in which the qualified applicant is enrolled shall honor without any condition other than the qualified applicant's maintenance of minimum grade levels and a satisfactory student loan repayment record pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 20 of this Act.

(f) The Commission shall administer the grant program established by this Section and shall make all necessary and proper rules not inconsistent with this Section for its effective implementation.

(g) All applications for assistance under this Section must be made to the Commission on forms that the Commission shall provide. The Commission shall determine the form of application and the information required to be set forth in the application, and the Commission shall require qualified applicants to submit with their applications any supporting documents that the Commission deems necessary. Upon request, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall assist the Commission in determining the eligibility of applicants for assistance under this Section.

(h) Assistance under this Section is available as long as the federal government provides educational benefits to veterans. Assistance must not be paid under this Section after 6 months following the termination of educational benefits to veterans by the federal government, except for persons who already have begun their education with assistance under this Section. If the federal government terminates educational benefits to veterans and at a later time resumes those benefits, assistance under this Section shall resume.

(Source: P.A. 101-334, eff. 8-9-19; 102-800, eff. 5-13-22.)

Section 240. The Veterans' Home Medical Providers' Loan Repayment Act is amended by changing Section 5 as follows:

(110 ILCS 972/5)

Sec. 5. Medical Providers Loan Repayment Program. There is created the Medical Providers Loan Repayment Program to be administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission in consultation with the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. The program shall provide assistance, subject to appropriation, to eligible physicians and nurses.

(Source: P.A. 99-813, eff. 8-15-16.)

Section 245. The Nursing Home Care Act is amended by changing Sections 1-113, 2-201, 2-201.5, 2-213, 2-215, 3-101.5, 3-202.6, 3-304.2, and 3-308.5 as follows:

(210 ILCS 45/1-113) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4151-113)

Sec. 1-113. "Facility" or "long-term care facility" means a private home, institution, building, residence, or any other place, whether operated for profit or not, or a county home for the infirm and chronically ill operated pursuant to Division 5-21 or 5-22 of the Counties Code, or any similar institution operated by a political subdivision of the State of Illinois, which provides, through its ownership or management, personal care, sheltered care or nursing for 3 or more persons, not related to the applicant or owner by blood or marriage. It includes skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities as those terms are defined in Title XVIII and Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act. It also includes homes, institutions, or other places operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

"Facility" does not include the following:

(1) A home, institution, or other place operated by the federal government or agency thereof, or by the State of Illinois, other than homes, institutions, or other places operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs;

(2) A hospital, sanitarium, or other institution whose principal activity or business is the diagnosis, care, and treatment of human illness through the maintenance and operation as organized facilities therefor, which is required to be licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act;

(3) Any "facility for child care" as defined in the Child Care Act of 1969;

(4) Any "Community Living Facility" as defined in the Community Living Facilities Licensing Act;

(5) Any "community residential alternative" as defined in the Community Residential Alternatives Licensing Act;

(6) Any nursing home or sanatorium operated solely by and for persons who rely exclusively upon treatment by spiritual means through prayer, in accordance with the creed or tenets of any well-recognized church or religious denomination. However, such nursing home or sanatorium shall comply with all local laws and rules relating to sanitation and safety;

(7) Any facility licensed by the Department of Human Services as a community-integrated living arrangement as defined in the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act;

(8) Any "Supportive Residence" licensed under the Supportive Residences Licensing Act;

(9) Any "supportive living facility" in good standing with the program established under Section 5-5.01a of the Illinois Public Aid Code, except only for purposes of the employment of persons in accordance with Section 3-206.01;

(10) Any assisted living or shared housing establishment licensed under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, except only for purposes of the employment of persons in accordance with Section 3-206.01;

(11) An Alzheimer's disease management center alternative health care model licensed under the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act;

(12) A facility licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act;

(13) A facility licensed under the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013;

(14) A facility licensed under the MC/DD Act; or

(15) A medical foster home, as defined in 38 CFR 17.73, that is under the oversight of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 98-104, eff. 7-22-13; 99-180, eff. 7-29-15; 99-376, eff. 1-1-16; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16.)

(210 ILCS 45/2-201) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4152-201)

Sec. 2-201. To protect the residents' funds, the facility:

(1) Shall at the time of admission provide, in order of priority, each resident, or the resident's guardian, if any, or the resident's representative, if any, or the resident's immediate family member, if any, with a written statement explaining to the resident and to the resident's spouse (a) their spousal impoverishment rights, as defined at Section 5-4 of the Illinois Public Aid Code, and at Section 303 of Title III of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-360), (b) their obligation to comply with the asset and income disclosure requirements of Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act and the regulations duly promulgated thereunder, except that this item (b) does not apply to facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs that do not participate in Medicaid, and (c) the resident's rights regarding personal funds and listing the services for which the resident will be charged. The facility shall obtain a signed acknowledgment from each resident or the resident's guardian, if any, or the resident's representative, if any, or the resident's immediate family member, if any, that such person has received the statement and understands that failure to comply with asset and income disclosure requirements may result in the denial of Medicaid eligibility.

(2) May accept funds from a resident for safekeeping and managing, if it receives written authorization from, in order of priority, the resident or the resident's guardian, if any, or the resident's representative, if any, or the resident's immediate family member, if any; such authorization shall be attested to by a witness who has no pecuniary interest in the facility or its operations, and who is not connected in any way to facility personnel or the administrator in any manner whatsoever.

(3) Shall maintain and allow, in order of priority, each resident or the resident's guardian, if any, or the resident's representative, if any, or the resident's immediate family member, if any, access to a written record of all financial arrangements and transactions involving the individual resident's funds.

(4) Shall provide, in order of priority, each resident, or the resident's guardian, if any, or the resident's representative, if any, or the resident's immediate family member, if any, with a written itemized statement at least quarterly, of all financial transactions involving the resident's funds.

(5) Shall purchase a surety bond, or otherwise provide assurance satisfactory to the Departments of Public Health and Insurance that all residents' personal funds deposited with the facility are secure against loss, theft, and insolvency.

(6) Shall keep any funds received from a resident for safekeeping in an account separate from the facility's funds, and shall at no time withdraw any part or all of such funds for any purpose other than to return the funds to the resident upon the request of the resident or any other person entitled to make such request, to pay the resident his allowance, or to make any other payment authorized by the resident or any other person entitled to make such authorization.

(7) Shall deposit any funds received from a resident in excess of $100 in an interest bearing account insured by agencies of, or corporations chartered by, the State or federal government. The account shall be in a form which clearly indicates that the facility has only a fiduciary interest in the funds and any interest from the account shall accrue to the resident. The facility may keep up to $100 of a resident's money in a non-interest bearing account or petty cash fund, to be readily available for the resident's current expenditures.

(8) Shall return to the resident, or the person who executed the written authorization required in subsection (2) of this Section, upon written request, all or any part of the resident's funds given the facility for safekeeping, including the interest accrued from deposits.

(9) Shall (a) place any monthly allowance to which a resident is entitled in that resident's personal account, or give it to the resident, unless the facility has written authorization from the resident or the resident's guardian or if the resident is a minor, his parent, to handle it differently, (b) take all steps necessary to ensure that a personal needs allowance that is placed in a resident's personal account is used exclusively by the resident or for the benefit of the resident, and (c) where such funds are withdrawn from the resident's personal account by any person other than the resident, require such person to whom funds constituting any part of a resident's personal needs allowance are released, to execute an affidavit that such funds shall be used exclusively for the benefit of the resident.

(10) Unless otherwise provided by State law, upon the death of a resident, shall provide the executor or administrator of the resident's estate with a complete accounting of all the resident's personal property, including any funds of the resident being held by the facility.

(11) If an adult resident is incapable of managing his funds and does not have a resident's representative, guardian, or an immediate family member, shall notify the Office of the State Guardian of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission.

(12) If the facility is sold, shall provide the buyer with a written verification by a public accountant of all residents' monies and properties being transferred, and obtain a signed receipt from the new owner.

(Source: P.A. 98-523, eff. 8-23-13.)

(210 ILCS 45/2-201.5)

Sec. 2-201.5. Screening prior to admission.

(a) All persons age 18 or older seeking admission to a nursing facility must be screened to determine the need for nursing facility services prior to being admitted, regardless of income, assets, or funding source. Screening for nursing facility services shall be administered through procedures established by administrative rule. Screening may be done by agencies other than the Department as established by administrative rule. This Section applies on and after July 1, 1996. No later than October 1, 2010, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in collaboration with the Department on Aging, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Public Health, shall file administrative rules providing for the gathering, during the screening process, of information relevant to determining each person's potential for placing other residents, employees, and visitors at risk of harm.

(a-1) Any screening performed pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section shall include a determination of whether any person is being considered for admission to a nursing facility due to a need for mental health services. For a person who needs mental health services, the screening shall also include an evaluation of whether there is permanent supportive housing, or an array of community mental health services, including but not limited to supported housing, assertive community treatment, and peer support services, that would enable the person to live in the community. The person shall be told about the existence of any such services that would enable the person to live safely and humanely and about available appropriate nursing home services that would enable the person to live safely and humanely, and the person shall be given the assistance necessary to avail himself or herself of any available services.

(a-2) Pre-screening for persons with a serious mental illness shall be performed by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a registered nurse certified in psychiatric nursing, a licensed clinical professional counselor, or a licensed clinical social worker, who is competent to (i) perform a clinical assessment of the individual, (ii) certify a diagnosis, (iii) make a determination about the individual's current need for treatment, including substance abuse treatment, and recommend specific treatment, and (iv) determine whether a facility or a community-based program is able to meet the needs of the individual.

For any person entering a nursing facility, the pre-screening agent shall make specific recommendations about what care and services the individual needs to receive, beginning at admission, to attain or maintain the individual's highest level of independent functioning and to live in the most integrated setting appropriate for his or her physical and personal care and developmental and mental health needs. These recommendations shall be revised as appropriate by the pre-screening or re-screening agent based on the results of resident review and in response to changes in the resident's wishes, needs, and interest in transition.

Upon the person entering the nursing facility, the Department of Human Services or its designee shall assist the person in establishing a relationship with a community mental health agency or other appropriate agencies in order to (i) promote the person's transition to independent living and (ii) support the person's progress in meeting individual goals.

(a-3) The Department of Human Services, by rule, shall provide for a prohibition on conflicts of interest for pre-admission screeners. The rule shall provide for waiver of those conflicts by the Department of Human Services if the Department of Human Services determines that a scarcity of qualified pre-admission screeners exists in a given community and that, absent a waiver of conflicts, an insufficient number of pre-admission screeners would be available. If a conflict is waived, the pre-admission screener shall disclose the conflict of interest to the screened individual in the manner provided for by rule of the Department of Human Services. For the purposes of this subsection, a "conflict of interest" includes, but is not limited to, the existence of a professional or financial relationship between (i) a PAS-MH corporate or a PAS-MH agent and (ii) a community provider or long-term care facility.

(b) In addition to the screening required by subsection (a), a facility, except for those licensed under the MC/DD Act, shall, within 24 hours after admission, request a criminal history background check pursuant to the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act for all persons age 18 or older seeking admission to the facility, unless (i) a background check was initiated by a hospital pursuant to subsection (d) of Section 6.09 of the Hospital Licensing Act or a pre-admission background check was conducted by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs 30 days prior to admittance into an Illinois Veterans Home; (ii) the transferring resident is immobile; or (iii) the transferring resident is moving into hospice. The exemption provided in item (ii) or (iii) of this subsection (b) shall apply only if a background check was completed by the facility the resident resided at prior to seeking admission to the facility and the resident was transferred to the facility with no time passing during which the resident was not institutionalized. If item (ii) or (iii) of this subsection (b) applies, the prior facility shall provide a copy of its background check of the resident and all supporting documentation, including, when applicable, the criminal history report and the security assessment, to the facility to which the resident is being transferred. Background checks conducted pursuant to this Section shall be based on the resident's name, date of birth, and other identifiers as required by the Illinois State Police. If the results of the background check are inconclusive, the facility shall initiate a fingerprint-based check, unless the fingerprint check is waived by the Director of Public Health based on verification by the facility that the resident is completely immobile or that the resident meets other criteria related to the resident's health or lack of potential risk which may be established by Departmental rule. A waiver issued pursuant to this Section shall be valid only while the resident is immobile or while the criteria supporting the waiver exist. The facility shall provide for or arrange for any required fingerprint-based checks to be taken on the premises of the facility. If a fingerprint-based check is required, the facility shall arrange for it to be conducted in a manner that is respectful of the resident's dignity and that minimizes any emotional or physical hardship to the resident.

(c) If the results of a resident's criminal history background check reveal that the resident is an identified offender as defined in Section 1-114.01, the facility shall do the following:

(1) Immediately notify the Illinois State Police, in the form and manner required by the Illinois State Police, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, that the resident is an identified offender.

(2) Within 72 hours, arrange for a fingerprint-based criminal history record inquiry to be requested on the identified offender resident. The inquiry shall be based on the subject's name, sex, race, date of birth, fingerprint images, and other identifiers required by the Illinois State Police. The inquiry shall be processed through the files of the Illinois State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to locate any criminal history record information that may exist regarding the subject. The Federal Bureau of Investigation shall furnish to the Illinois State Police, pursuant to an inquiry under this paragraph (2), any criminal history record information contained in its files.

The facility shall comply with all applicable provisions contained in the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act.

All name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history record inquiries shall be submitted to the Illinois State Police electronically in the form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police. The Illinois State Police may charge the facility a fee for processing name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history record inquiries. The fee shall be deposited into the State Police Services Fund. The fee shall not exceed the actual cost of processing the inquiry.

(d) (Blank).

(e) The Department shall develop and maintain a de-identified database of residents who have injured facility staff, facility visitors, or other residents, and the attendant circumstances, solely for the purposes of evaluating and improving resident pre-screening and assessment procedures (including the Criminal History Report prepared under Section 2-201.6) and the adequacy of Department requirements concerning the provision of care and services to residents. A resident shall not be listed in the database until a Department survey confirms the accuracy of the listing. The names of persons listed in the database and information that would allow them to be individually identified shall not be made public. Neither the Department nor any other agency of State government may use information in the database to take any action against any individual, licensee, or other entity, unless the Department or agency receives the information independent of this subsection (e). All information collected, maintained, or developed under the authority of this subsection (e) for the purposes of the database maintained under this subsection (e) shall be treated in the same manner as information that is subject to Part 21 of Article VIII of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(210 ILCS 45/2-213)

Sec. 2-213. Vaccinations.

(a) A facility shall annually administer or arrange for administration of a vaccination against influenza to each resident, in accordance with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that are most recent to the time of vaccination, unless the vaccination is medically contraindicated or the resident has refused the vaccine. Influenza vaccinations for all residents age 65 and over shall be completed by November 30 of each year or as soon as practicable if vaccine supplies are not available before November 1. Residents admitted after November 30, during the flu season, and until February 1 shall, as medically appropriate, receive an influenza vaccination prior to or upon admission or as soon as practicable if vaccine supplies are not available at the time of the admission, unless the vaccine is medically contraindicated or the resident has refused the vaccine. In the event that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determines that dates of administration other than those stated in this Act are optimal to protect the health of residents, the Department is authorized to develop rules to mandate vaccinations at those times rather than the times stated in this Act. A facility shall document in the resident's medical record that an annual vaccination against influenza was administered, arranged, refused or medically contraindicated.

(b) A facility shall administer or arrange for administration of a pneumococcal vaccination to each resident, in accordance with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who has not received this immunization prior to or upon admission to the facility, unless the resident refuses the offer for vaccination or the vaccination is medically contraindicated. A facility shall document in each resident's medical record that a vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia was offered and administered, arranged, refused, or medically contraindicated.

(c) All persons seeking admission to a nursing facility shall be verbally screened for risk factors associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) according to guidelines established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Persons who are identified as being at high risk for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV shall be offered an opportunity to undergo laboratory testing in order to determine infection status if they will be admitted to the nursing facility for at least 7 days and are not known to be infected with any of the listed viruses. All HIV testing shall be conducted in compliance with the AIDS Confidentiality Act. All persons determined to be susceptible to the hepatitis B virus shall be offered immunization within 10 days of admission to any nursing facility. A facility shall document in the resident's medical record that he or she was verbally screened for risk factors associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, and whether or not the resident was immunized against hepatitis B. Nothing in this subsection (c) shall apply to a nursing facility licensed or regulated by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(d) A skilled nursing facility shall designate a person or persons as Infection Prevention and Control Professionals to develop and implement policies governing control of infections and communicable diseases. The Infection Prevention and Control Professionals shall be qualified through education, training, experience, or certification or a combination of such qualifications. The Infection Prevention and Control Professional's qualifications shall be documented and shall be made available for inspection by the Department.

(e) The Department shall provide facilities with educational information on all vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, including, but not limited to, the risks associated with shingles and how to protect oneself against the varicella-zoster virus. A facility shall distribute the information to: (1) each resident who requests the information; and (2) each newly admitted resident. The facility may distribute the information to residents electronically.

(Source: P.A. 100-1042, eff. 1-1-19.)

(210 ILCS 45/2-215)

Sec. 2-215. Conflicts with the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs Act. If there is a conflict between the provisions of this Act and the provisions of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs Act concerning an Illinois Veterans Home not operated by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, then the provisions of this Act shall apply.

(Source: P.A. 100-143, eff. 1-1-18.)

(210 ILCS 45/3-101.5)

Sec. 3-101.5. Illinois Veterans Homes. An Illinois Veterans Home licensed under this Act and operated by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs is exempt from the license fee provisions of Section 3-103 of this Act and the provisions of Sections 3-104 through 3-106, 3-202.5, 3-208, 3-302, 3-303, and 3-503 through 3-517 of this Act. A monitor or receiver shall be placed in an Illinois Veterans Home only by court order or by agreement between the Director of Public Health, the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 99-314, eff. 8-7-15.)

(210 ILCS 45/3-202.6)

Sec. 3-202.6. Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs facility plan review.

(a) Before commencing construction of a new facility or specified types of alteration or additions to an existing long-term care facility involving major construction, as defined by rule by the Department, with an estimated cost greater than $100,000, architectural drawings and specifications for the facility shall be submitted to the Department for review. A facility may submit architectural drawings and specifications for other construction projects for Department review according to subsection (b) of this Section. Review of drawings and specifications shall be conducted by an employee of the Department meeting the qualifications established by the Department of Central Management Services class specifications for such an individual's position or by a person contracting with the Department who meets those class specifications.

(b) The Department shall inform an applicant in writing within 15 working days after receiving drawings and specifications from the applicant whether the applicant's submission is complete or incomplete. Failure to provide the applicant with this notice within 15 working days after receiving drawings and specifications from the applicant shall result in the submission being deemed complete for purposes of initiating the 60-working-day review period under this Section. If the submission is incomplete, the Department shall inform the applicant of the deficiencies with the submission in writing.

If the submission is complete, the Department shall approve or disapprove drawings and specifications submitted to the Department no later than 60 working days following receipt by the Department. The drawings and specifications shall be of sufficient detail, as provided by Department rule, to enable the Department to render a determination of compliance with design and construction standards under this Act. If the Department finds that the drawings are not of sufficient detail for it to render a determination of compliance, the plans shall be determined to be incomplete and shall not be considered for purposes of initiating the 60-working-day review period. If a submission of drawings and specifications is incomplete, the applicant may submit additional information. The 60-working-day review period shall not commence until the Department determines that a submission of drawings and specifications is complete or the submission is deemed complete. If the Department has not approved or disapproved the drawings and specifications within 60 working days after receipt by the Department, the construction, major alteration, or addition shall be deemed approved. If the drawings and specifications are disapproved, the Department shall state in writing, with specificity, the reasons for the disapproval. The entity submitting the drawings and specifications may submit additional information in response to the written comments from the Department or request a reconsideration of the disapproval. A final decision of approval or disapproval shall be made within 45 working days after the receipt of the additional information or reconsideration request. If denied, the Department shall state the specific reasons for the denial.

(c) The Department shall provide written approval for occupancy pursuant to subsection (e) of this Section and shall not issue a violation to a facility as a result of a licensure or complaint survey based upon the facility's physical structure if:

(1) the Department reviewed and approved or is deemed to have approved the drawings and specifications for compliance with design and construction standards;

(2) the construction, major alteration, or addition was built as submitted;

(3) the law or rules have not been amended since the original approval; and

(4) the conditions at the facility indicate that there is a reasonable degree of safety provided for the residents.

(d) The Department shall not charge a fee in connection with its reviews to the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(e) The Department shall conduct an on-site inspection of the completed project no later than 45 working days after notification from the applicant that the project has been completed and all certifications required by the Department have been received and accepted by the Department, except that, during a statewide public health emergency, as defined in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, the Department shall conduct an on-site inspection of the completed project to the extent feasible. The Department may extend this deadline if a federally mandated survey time frame takes precedence. The Department shall provide written approval for occupancy to the applicant within 7 working days after the Department's final inspection, provided the applicant has demonstrated substantial compliance as defined by Department rule. Occupancy of new major construction is prohibited until Department approval is received, unless the Department has not acted within the time frames provided in this subsection (e), in which case the construction shall be deemed approved. Occupancy shall be authorized after any required health inspection by the Department has been conducted.

(f) The Department shall establish, by rule, an expedited process for emergency repairs or replacement of like equipment.

(g) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to apply to maintenance, upkeep, or renovation that does not affect the structural integrity or fire or life safety of the building, does not add beds or services over the number for which the long-term care facility is licensed, and provides a reasonable degree of safety for the residents.

(h) If the number of licensed facilities increases or the number of beds for the currently licensed facilities increases, the Department has the right to reassess the mandated time frames listed in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 103-1, eff. 4-27-23.)

(210 ILCS 45/3-304.2)

Sec. 3-304.2. Designation of distressed facilities.

(a) (Blank).

(b) (Blank).

(b-5) The Department shall, by rule, adopt criteria to identify distressed facilities and shall publish a list of distressed facilities quarterly. The Department shall, by rule, create a timeframe and a procedure on how a facility can be removed from the list. No facility shall be identified as a distressed facility unless it has committed a violation or deficiency that has harmed a resident.

(c) The Department shall, by rule, adopt criteria to identify non-Medicaid-certified facilities that are distressed and shall publish this list quarterly. The list may not contain more than 40 facilities per quarter.

(d) The Department shall notify each facility of its distressed designation, and of the calculation on which it is based. A facility has the right to appeal a designation, and the procedure for appealing shall be outlined in rule.

(e) A distressed facility may contract with an independent consultant meeting criteria established by the Department. If the distressed facility does not seek the assistance of an independent consultant, the Department shall place a monitor in the facility, depending on the Department's assessment of the condition of the facility.

(f) A facility that has been designated a distressed facility may contract with an independent consultant to develop and assist in the implementation of a plan of improvement to bring and keep the facility in compliance with this Act and, if applicable, with federal certification requirements. A facility that contracts with an independent consultant shall have 90 days to develop a plan of improvement and demonstrate a good faith effort at implementation, and another 90 days to achieve compliance and take whatever additional actions are called for in the improvement plan to maintain compliance. A facility that the Department determines has a plan of improvement likely to bring and keep the facility in compliance and that has demonstrated good faith efforts at implementation within the first 90 days may be eligible to receive a grant under the Equity in Long-term Care Quality Act to assist it in achieving and maintaining compliance. In this subsection, "independent" consultant means an individual who has no professional or financial relationship with the facility, any person with a reportable ownership interest in the facility, or any related parties. In this subsection, "related parties" has the meaning attributed to it in the instructions for completing Medicaid cost reports.

(f-5) A distressed facility that does not contract with a consultant shall be assigned a monitor at the Department's discretion. The monitor may apply to the Equity in Long-term Care Quality Fund on behalf of the facility for grant funds to implement the plan of improvement.

(g) The Department shall, by rule, establish a mentor program for owners and operators of distressed facilities. The mentor program shall provide technical assistance and guidance to facilities.

(h) The Department shall by rule establish sanctions (in addition to those authorized elsewhere in this Article) against distressed facilities that are not in compliance with this Act and (if applicable) with federal certification requirements. Criteria for imposing sanctions shall take into account a facility's actions to address the violations and deficiencies that caused its designation as a distressed facility, and its compliance with this Act and with federal certification requirements (if applicable), subsequent to its designation as a distressed facility, including mandatory revocations if criteria can be agreed upon by the Department, resident advocates, and representatives of the nursing home profession. By February 1, 2011, the Department shall report to the General Assembly on the results of negotiations about creating criteria for mandatory license revocations of distressed facilities and make recommendations about any statutory changes it believes are appropriate to protect the health, safety, and welfare of nursing home residents.

(i) The Department may establish, by rule, criteria for restricting an owner of a facility from acquiring additional nursing facilities if the facility was placed on the distressed list while it was owned by that owner. The Department may not prohibit an owner who acquires ownership of a facility that is already on the distressed facility list before the owner's acquisition of the facility from acquiring additional skilled nursing facilities.

(j) This Section does not apply to homes, institutions, or other places operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs as these facilities are certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and not the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

(Source: P.A. 103-139, eff. 1-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 45/3-308.5)

Sec. 3-308.5. Facilities operated by Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs; penalty offset.

(a) In the case of a veterans home, institution, or other place operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, the amount of any penalty or fine shall be offset by the cost of the plan of correction, capital improvements, or physical plant repairs. For purposes of this Section only, "offset" means that the amount that the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs expends to pay for the cost of a plan of correction shall be deemed by the Illinois Department of Public Health to fully satisfy any monetary penalty or fine imposed by the Department of Public Health. Once a fine or monetary penalty is offset pursuant to this Section, in no case may the Department of Public Health, with respect to the offense for which the fine or penalty was levied, continue to purport to impose a fine or monetary penalty upon the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs for that violation.

(b) The Director of Public Health shall issue a Declaration to the Director of Veterans Veterans' Affairs confirming the citation of each Type "A" violation and request that immediate action be taken to protect the health and safety of the veterans in the facility.

(Source: P.A. 96-703, eff. 8-25-09.)

Section 250. The MC/DD Act is amended by changing Section 1-113 as follows:

(210 ILCS 46/1-113)

Sec. 1-113. Facility. "MC/DD facility" or "facility" means a medically complex for the developmentally disabled facility, whether operated for profit or not, which provides, through its ownership or management, personal care or nursing for 3 or more persons not related to the applicant or owner by blood or marriage.

"Facility" does not include the following:

(1) A home, institution, or other place operated by the federal government or agency thereof, or by the State of Illinois, other than homes, institutions, or other places operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs;

(2) A hospital, sanitarium, or other institution whose principal activity or business is the diagnosis, care, and treatment of human illness through the maintenance and operation as organized facilities therefore, which is required to be licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act;

(3) Any "facility for child care" as defined in the Child Care Act of 1969;

(4) Any "community living facility" as defined in the Community Living Facilities Licensing Act;

(5) Any "community residential alternative" as defined in the Community Residential Alternatives Licensing Act;

(6) Any nursing home or sanatorium operated solely by and for persons who rely exclusively upon treatment by spiritual means through prayer, in accordance with the creed or tenets of any well recognized church or religious denomination. However, such nursing home or sanatorium shall comply with all local laws and rules relating to sanitation and safety;

(7) Any facility licensed by the Department of Human Services as a community-integrated living arrangement as defined in the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act;

(8) Any facility licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act;

(9) Any ID/DD facility under the ID/DD Community Care Act;

(10) Any "supportive residence" licensed under the Supportive Residences Licensing Act;

(11) Any "supportive living facility" in good standing with the program established under Section 5-5.01a of the Illinois Public Aid Code, except only for purposes of the employment of persons in accordance with Section 3-206.01;

(12) Any assisted living or shared housing establishment licensed under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, except only for purposes of the employment of persons in accordance with Section 3-206.01;

(13) An Alzheimer's disease management center alternative health care model licensed under the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act; or

(14) A home, institution, or other place operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 99-180, eff. 7-29-15.)

Section 255. The ID/DD Community Care Act is amended by changing Section 1-113 as follows:

(210 ILCS 47/1-113)

Sec. 1-113. Facility. "ID/DD facility" or "facility" means an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, whether operated for profit or not, which provides, through its ownership or management, personal care or nursing for 3 or more persons not related to the applicant or owner by blood or marriage. It includes intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled as the term is defined in Title XVIII and Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act.

"Facility" does not include the following:

(1) A home, institution, or other place operated by the federal government or agency thereof, or by the State of Illinois, other than homes, institutions, or other places operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs;

(2) A hospital, sanitarium, or other institution whose principal activity or business is the diagnosis, care, and treatment of human illness through the maintenance and operation as organized facilities therefore, which is required to be licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act;

(3) Any "facility for child care" as defined in the Child Care Act of 1969;

(4) Any "community living facility" as defined in the Community Living Facilities Licensing Act;

(5) Any "community residential alternative" as defined in the Community Residential Alternatives Licensing Act;

(6) Any nursing home or sanatorium operated solely by and for persons who rely exclusively upon treatment by spiritual means through prayer, in accordance with the creed or tenets of any well recognized church or religious denomination. However, such nursing home or sanatorium shall comply with all local laws and rules relating to sanitation and safety;

(7) Any facility licensed by the Department of Human Services as a community-integrated living arrangement as defined in the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act;

(8) Any "supportive residence" licensed under the Supportive Residences Licensing Act;

(9) Any "supportive living facility" in good standing with the program established under Section 5-5.01a of the Illinois Public Aid Code, except only for purposes of the employment of persons in accordance with Section 3-206.01;

(10) Any assisted living or shared housing establishment licensed under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, except only for purposes of the employment of persons in accordance with Section 3-206.01;

(11) An Alzheimer's disease management center alternative health care model licensed under the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act;

(12) A home, institution, or other place operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs; or

(13) Any MC/DD facility licensed under the MC/DD Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 99-180, eff. 7-29-15; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16.)

Section 260. The Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013 is amended by changing Section 1-102 as follows:

(210 ILCS 49/1-102)

Sec. 1-102. Definitions. For the purposes of this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Abuse" means any physical or mental injury or sexual assault inflicted on a consumer other than by accidental means in a facility.

"Accreditation" means any of the following:

(1) the Joint Commission;

(2) the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities;

(3) the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program; or

(4) any other national standards of care as approved by the Department.

"APRN" means an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, nationally certified as a mental health or psychiatric nurse practitioner and licensed under the Nurse Practice Act.

"Applicant" means any person making application for a license or a provisional license under this Act.

"Consumer" means a person, 18 years of age or older, admitted to a mental health rehabilitation facility for evaluation, observation, diagnosis, treatment, stabilization, recovery, and rehabilitation.

"Consumer" does not mean any of the following:

(i) an individual requiring a locked setting;

(ii) an individual requiring psychiatric hospitalization because of an acute psychiatric crisis;

(iii) an individual under 18 years of age;

(iv) an individual who is actively suicidal or violent toward others;

(v) an individual who has been found unfit to stand trial and is currently subject to a court order requiring placement in secure inpatient care in the custody of the Department of Human Services pursuant to Section 104-17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963;

(vi) an individual who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity and is currently subject to a court order requiring placement in secure inpatient care in the custody of the Department of Human Services pursuant to Section 5-2-4 of the Unified Code of Corrections;

(vii) an individual subject to temporary detention and examination under Section 3-607 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code;

(viii) an individual deemed clinically appropriate for inpatient admission in a State psychiatric hospital; and

(ix) an individual transferred by the Department of Corrections pursuant to Section 3-8-5 of the Unified Code of Corrections.

"Consumer record" means a record that organizes all information on the care, treatment, and rehabilitation services rendered to a consumer in a specialized mental health rehabilitation facility.

"Controlled drugs" means those drugs covered under the federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention Control Act of 1970, as amended, or the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.

"Department" means the Department of Public Health.

"Discharge" means the full release of any consumer from a facility.

"Drug administration" means the act in which a single dose of a prescribed drug or biological is given to a consumer. The complete act of administration entails removing an individual dose from a container, verifying the dose with the prescriber's orders, giving the individual dose to the consumer, and promptly recording the time and dose given.

"Drug dispensing" means the act entailing the following of a prescription order for a drug or biological and proper selection, measuring, packaging, labeling, and issuance of the drug or biological to a consumer.

"Emergency" means a situation, physical condition, or one or more practices, methods, or operations which present imminent danger of death or serious physical or mental harm to consumers of a facility.

"Facility" means a specialized mental health rehabilitation facility that provides at least one of the following services: (1) triage center; (2) crisis stabilization; (3) recovery and rehabilitation supports; or (4) transitional living units for 3 or more persons. The facility shall provide a 24-hour program that provides intensive support and recovery services designed to assist persons, 18 years or older, with mental disorders to develop the skills to become self-sufficient and capable of increasing levels of independent functioning. It includes facilities that meet the following criteria:

(1) 100% of the consumer population of the facility has a diagnosis of serious mental illness;

(2) no more than 15% of the consumer population of the facility is 65 years of age or older;

(3) none of the consumers are non-ambulatory;

(4) none of the consumers have a primary diagnosis of moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability; and

(5) the facility must have been licensed under the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act or the Nursing Home Care Act immediately preceding July 22, 2013 (the effective date of this Act) and qualifies as an institute for mental disease under the federal definition of the term.

"Facility" does not include the following:

(1) a home, institution, or place operated by the federal government or agency thereof, or by the State of Illinois;

(2) a hospital, sanitarium, or other institution whose principal activity or business is the diagnosis, care, and treatment of human illness through the maintenance and operation as organized facilities therefor which is required to be licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act;

(3) a facility for child care as defined in the Child Care Act of 1969;

(4) a community living facility as defined in the Community Living Facilities Licensing Act;

(5) a nursing home or sanitarium operated solely by and for persons who rely exclusively upon treatment by spiritual means through prayer, in accordance with the creed or tenets of any well-recognized church or religious denomination; however, such nursing home or sanitarium shall comply with all local laws and rules relating to sanitation and safety;

(6) a facility licensed by the Department of Human Services as a community-integrated living arrangement as defined in the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act;

(7) a supportive residence licensed under the Supportive Residences Licensing Act;

(8) a supportive living facility in good standing with the program established under Section 5-5.01a of the Illinois Public Aid Code, except only for purposes of the employment of persons in accordance with Section 3-206.01 of the Nursing Home Care Act;

(9) an assisted living or shared housing establishment licensed under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, except only for purposes of the employment of persons in accordance with Section 3-206.01 of the Nursing Home Care Act;

(10) an Alzheimer's disease management center alternative health care model licensed under the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act;

(11) a home, institution, or other place operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs;

(12) a facility licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act;

(13) a facility licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act after July 22, 2013 (the effective date of this Act); or

(14) a facility licensed under the MC/DD Act.

"Executive director" means a person who is charged with the general administration and supervision of a facility licensed under this Act and who is a licensed nursing home administrator, licensed practitioner of the healing arts, or qualified mental health professional.

"Guardian" means a person appointed as a guardian of the person or guardian of the estate, or both, of a consumer under the Probate Act of 1975.

"Identified offender" means a person who meets any of the following criteria:

(1) Has been convicted of, found guilty of, adjudicated delinquent for, found not guilty by reason of insanity for, or found unfit to stand trial for, any felony offense listed in Section 25 of the Health Care Worker Background Check Act, except for the following:

(i) a felony offense described in Section 10-5 of the Nurse Practice Act;

(ii) a felony offense described in Section 4, 5, 6, 8, or 17.02 of the Illinois Credit Card and Debit Card Act;

(iii) a felony offense described in Section 5, 5.1, 5.2, 7, or 9 of the Cannabis Control Act;

(iv) a felony offense described in Section 401, 401.1, 404, 405, 405.1, 407, or 407.1 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act; and

(v) a felony offense described in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act.

(2) Has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent for, found not guilty by reason of insanity for, or found unfit to stand trial for any sex offense as defined in subsection (c) of Section 10 of the Sex Offender Management Board Act.

"Transitional living units" are residential units within a facility that have the purpose of assisting the consumer in developing and reinforcing the necessary skills to live independently outside of the facility. The duration of stay in such a setting shall not exceed 120 days for each consumer. Nothing in this definition shall be construed to be a prerequisite for transitioning out of a facility.

"Licensee" means the person, persons, firm, partnership, association, organization, company, corporation, or business trust to which a license has been issued.

"Misappropriation of a consumer's property" means the deliberate misplacement, exploitation, or wrongful temporary or permanent use of a consumer's belongings or money without the consent of a consumer or his or her guardian.

"Neglect" means a facility's failure to provide, or willful withholding of, adequate medical care, mental health treatment, psychiatric rehabilitation, personal care, or assistance that is necessary to avoid physical harm and mental anguish of a consumer.

"Personal care" means assistance with meals, dressing, movement, bathing, or other personal needs, maintenance, or general supervision and oversight of the physical and mental well-being of an individual who is incapable of maintaining a private, independent residence or who is incapable of managing his or her person, whether or not a guardian has been appointed for such individual. "Personal care" shall not be construed to confine or otherwise constrain a facility's pursuit to develop the skills and abilities of a consumer to become self-sufficient and capable of increasing levels of independent functioning.

"Recovery and rehabilitation supports" means a program that facilitates a consumer's longer-term symptom management and stabilization while preparing the consumer for transitional living units by improving living skills and community socialization. The duration of stay in such a setting shall be established by the Department by rule.

"Restraint" means:

(i) a physical restraint that is any manual method or physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment attached or adjacent to a consumer's body that the consumer cannot remove easily and restricts freedom of movement or normal access to one's body; devices used for positioning, including, but not limited to, bed rails, gait belts, and cushions, shall not be considered to be restraints for purposes of this Section; or

(ii) a chemical restraint that is any drug used for discipline or convenience and not required to treat medical symptoms; the Department shall, by rule, designate certain devices as restraints, including at least all those devices that have been determined to be restraints by the United States Department of Health and Human Services in interpretive guidelines issued for the purposes of administering Titles XVIII and XIX of the federal Social Security Act. For the purposes of this Act, restraint shall be administered only after utilizing a coercive free environment and culture.

"Self-administration of medication" means consumers shall be responsible for the control, management, and use of their own medication.

"Crisis stabilization" means a secure and separate unit that provides short-term behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric crisis stabilization as an alternative to hospitalization or re-hospitalization for consumers from residential or community placement. The duration of stay in such a setting shall not exceed 21 days for each consumer.

"Therapeutic separation" means the removal of a consumer from the milieu to a room or area which is designed to aid in the emotional or psychiatric stabilization of that consumer.

"Triage center" means a non-residential 23-hour center that serves as an alternative to emergency room care, hospitalization, or re-hospitalization for consumers in need of short-term crisis stabilization. Consumers may access a triage center from a number of referral sources, including family, emergency rooms, hospitals, community behavioral health providers, federally qualified health providers, or schools, including colleges or universities. A triage center may be located in a building separate from the licensed location of a facility, but shall not be more than 1,000 feet from the licensed location of the facility and must meet all of the facility standards applicable to the licensed location. If the triage center does operate in a separate building, safety personnel shall be provided, on site, 24 hours per day and the triage center shall meet all other staffing requirements without counting any staff employed in the main facility building.

(Source: P.A. 102-1053, eff. 6-10-22; 102-1118, eff. 1-18-23.)

Section 275. The Health Care Violence Prevention Act is amended by changing Section 5 as follows:

(210 ILCS 160/5)

Sec. 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Committed person" means a person who is in the custody of or under the control of a custodial agency, including, but not limited to, a person who is incarcerated, under arrest, detained, or otherwise under the physical control of a custodial agency.

"Custodial agency" means the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Illinois State Police, the sheriff of a county, a county jail, a correctional institution, or any other State agency, municipality, or unit of local government that employs personnel designated as police, peace officers, wardens, corrections officers, or guards or that employs personnel vested by law with the power to place or maintain a person in custody.

"Health care provider" means a retail health care facility, a hospital subject to the Hospital Licensing Act or the University of Illinois Hospital Act, or a veterans home as defined in the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs Act.

"Health care worker" means nursing assistants and other support personnel, any individual licensed under the laws of this State to provide health services, including but not limited to: dentists licensed under the Illinois Dental Practice Act; dental hygienists licensed under the Illinois Dental Practice Act; nurses and advanced practice registered nurses licensed under the Nurse Practice Act; occupational therapists licensed under the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act; optometrists licensed under the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987; pharmacists licensed under the Pharmacy Practice Act; physical therapists licensed under the Illinois Physical Therapy Act; physicians licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987; physician assistants licensed under the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987; podiatric physicians licensed under the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987; clinical psychologists licensed under the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act; clinical social workers licensed under the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act; speech-language pathologists and audiologists licensed under the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act; or hearing instrument dispensers licensed under the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act, or any of their successor Acts.

"Nurse" means a person who is licensed to practice nursing under the Nurse Practice Act.

"Retail health care facility" means an institution, place, or building, or any portion thereof, that:

(1) is devoted to the maintenance and operation of a facility for the performance of health care services and is located within a retail store at a specific location;

(2) does not provide surgical services or any form of general anesthesia;

(3) does not provide beds or other accommodations for either the long-term or overnight stay of patients; and

(4) discharges individual patients in an ambulatory condition without danger to the continued well-being of the patients and transfers non-ambulatory patients to hospitals.

"Retail health care facility" does not include hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory treatment centers, blood banks, clinical laboratories, offices of physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, podiatrists, and physician assistants, and pharmacies that provide limited health care services.

(Source: P.A. 100-1051, eff. 1-1-19.)

Section 280. The Essential Support Person Act is amended by changing Section 5 as follows:

(210 ILCS 175/5)

Sec. 5. Definitions. In this Act:

"Department" means the Department of Public Health.

"Essential support" means support that includes, but is not limited to:

(1) assistance with activities of daily living; and

(2) physical, emotional, psychological, and socialization support for the resident.

"Facility" means any of the following: a facility as defined in Section 10 of the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Special Care Disclosure Act; an assisted living establishment or shared housing establishment as defined in Section 10 of the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act; a Community Living Facility as defined in Section 3 of the Community Living Facilities Licensing Act; a facility as defined in Section 2 of the Life Care Facilities Act; a continuum of care facility as defined in Section 10 of the Continuum of Care Services for the Developmentally Disabled Act; a facility as defined in Section 1-113 of the Nursing Home Care Act; a MC/DD facility as defined in Section 1-113 of the MC/DD Act; an ID/DD facility as defined in Section 1-113 of the ID/DD Community Care Act; a hospice program as defined in Section 3 of the Hospice Program Licensing Act; a Supportive Residence as defined in Section 10 of the Supportive Residences Licensing Act; a facility as defined in Section 1-102 of the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013; a home, institution, or other place operated by or under the authority of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs; an Alzheimer's disease management center alternative health care model under the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act; and a home, institution, or other place that is a State-operated mental health or developmental disability center or facility. "Facility" does not include a hospital as defined in the Hospital Licensing Act or any hospital authorized under the University of Illinois Hospital Act. "Facility" does not include any facility that the Department of Public Health or the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs does not regulate.

"Office" means the Office of State Long Term Care Ombudsman.

"Person-centered care plan" means a care plan for a resident developed by the resident or resident's representative in consultation with health professionals that focuses on the resident's physical, emotional, psychological, and socialization needs and describes the resident's right to designate a primary essential support person or secondary essential support person.

"Primary essential support person" means a person designated by a resident, or the resident's representative, who has access to the resident in accordance with rules set by the Department to provide essential support according to the resident's person-centered care plan.

"Resident" means a person who is living in a facility or is seeking admission to a facility. "Resident" includes a guardian of the person or an agent for the person under a power of attorney.

"Secondary essential support person" means a person designated by the resident, or the resident's representative, to serve as a backup to a primary essential support person.

(Source: P.A. 103-261, eff. 6-30-23.)

Section 285. The Illinois Insurance Code is amended by changing Section 356z.12 as follows:

(215 ILCS 5/356z.12)

Sec. 356z.12. Dependent coverage.

(a) A group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that provides coverage for dependents and that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly shall not terminate coverage or deny the election of coverage for an unmarried dependent by reason of the dependent's age before the dependent's 26th birthday.

(b) A policy or plan subject to this Section shall, upon amendment, delivery, issuance, or renewal, establish an initial enrollment period of not less than 90 days during which an insured may make a written election for coverage of an unmarried person as a dependent under this Section. After the initial enrollment period, enrollment by a dependent pursuant to this Section shall be consistent with the enrollment terms of the plan or policy.

(c) A policy or plan subject to this Section shall allow for dependent coverage during the annual open enrollment date or the annual renewal date if the dependent, as of the date on which the insured elects dependent coverage under this subsection, has:

(1) a period of continuous creditable coverage of 90 days or more; and

(2) not been without creditable coverage for more than 63 days. An insured may elect coverage for a dependent who does not meet the continuous creditable coverage requirements of this subsection (c) and that dependent shall not be denied coverage due to age.

For purposes of this subsection (c), "creditable coverage" shall have the meaning provided under subsection (C)(1) of Section 20 of the Illinois Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

(d) Military personnel. A group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that provides coverage for dependents and that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly shall not terminate coverage or deny the election of coverage for an unmarried dependent by reason of the dependent's age before the dependent's 30th birthday if the dependent (i) is an Illinois resident, (ii) served as a member of the active or reserve components of any of the branches of the Armed Forces of the United States, and (iii) has received a release or discharge other than a dishonorable discharge. To be eligible for coverage under this subsection (d), the eligible dependent shall submit to the insurer a form approved by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs stating the date on which the dependent was released from service.

(e) Calculation of the cost of coverage provided to an unmarried dependent under this Section shall be identical.

(f) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit an employer from requiring an employee to pay all or part of the cost of coverage provided under this Section.

(g) No exclusions or limitations may be applied to coverage elected pursuant to this Section that do not apply to all dependents covered under the policy.

(h) A policy or plan subject to this Section shall not condition eligibility for dependent coverage provided pursuant to this Section on enrollment in any educational institution.

(i) Notice regarding coverage for a dependent as provided pursuant to this Section shall be provided to an insured by the insurer:

(1) upon application or enrollment;

(2) in the certificate of coverage or equivalent document prepared for an insured and delivered on or about the date on which the coverage commences; and

(3) (blank).

(Source: P.A. 98-226, eff. 1-1-14.)

Section 295. The Liquor Control Act of 1934 is amended by changing Section 6-15 as follows:

(235 ILCS 5/6-15) (from Ch. 43, par. 130)

Sec. 6-15. No alcoholic liquors shall be sold or delivered in any building belonging to or under the control of the State or any political subdivision thereof except as provided in this Act. The corporate authorities of any city, village, incorporated town, township, or county may provide by ordinance, however, that alcoholic liquor may be sold or delivered in any specifically designated building belonging to or under the control of the municipality, township, or county, or in any building located on land under the control of the municipality, township, or county; provided that such township or county complies with all applicable local ordinances in any incorporated area of the township or county. Alcoholic liquor may be delivered to and sold under the authority of a special use permit on any property owned by a conservation district organized under the Conservation District Act, provided that (i) the alcoholic liquor is sold only at an event authorized by the governing board of the conservation district, (ii) the issuance of the special use permit is authorized by the local liquor control commissioner of the territory in which the property is located, and (iii) the special use permit authorizes the sale of alcoholic liquor for one day or less. Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at any airport belonging to or under the control of a municipality of more than 25,000 inhabitants, or in any building or on any golf course owned by a park district organized under the Park District Code, subject to the approval of the governing board of the district, or in any building or on any golf course owned by a forest preserve district organized under the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act, subject to the approval of the governing board of the district, or on the grounds within 500 feet of any building owned by a forest preserve district organized under the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act during times when food is dispensed for consumption within 500 feet of the building from which the food is dispensed, subject to the approval of the governing board of the district, or in a building owned by a Local Mass Transit District organized under the Local Mass Transit District Act, subject to the approval of the governing Board of the District, or in Bicentennial Park, or on the premises of the City of Mendota Lake Park located adjacent to Route 51 in Mendota, Illinois, or on the premises of Camden Park in Milan, Illinois, or in the community center owned by the City of Loves Park that is located at 1000 River Park Drive in Loves Park, Illinois, or, in connection with the operation of an established food serving facility during times when food is dispensed for consumption on the premises, and at the following aquarium and museums located in public parks: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Academy of Sciences, Chicago Historical Society, Field Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry, DuSable Museum of African American History, John G. Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, or at Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences in Peoria, or in connection with the operation of the facilities of the Chicago Zoological Society or the Chicago Horticultural Society on land owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, or on any land used for a golf course or for recreational purposes owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, subject to the control of the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners and applicable local law, provided that dram shop liability insurance is provided at maximum coverage limits so as to hold the District harmless from all financial loss, damage, and harm, or in any building located on land owned by the Chicago Park District if approved by the Park District Commissioners, or on any land used for a golf course or for recreational purposes and owned by the Illinois International Port District if approved by the District's governing board, or at any airport, golf course, faculty center, or facility in which conference and convention type activities take place belonging to or under control of any State university or public community college district, provided that with respect to a facility for conference and convention type activities alcoholic liquors shall be limited to the use of the convention or conference participants or participants in cultural, political or educational activities held in such facilities, and provided further that the faculty or staff of the State university or a public community college district, or members of an organization of students, alumni, faculty or staff of the State university or a public community college district are active participants in the conference or convention, or in Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign during games in which the Chicago Bears professional football team is playing in that stadium during the renovation of Soldier Field, not more than one and a half hours before the start of the game and not after the end of the third quarter of the game, or in the Pavilion Facility on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago during games in which the Chicago Storm professional soccer team is playing in that facility, not more than one and a half hours before the start of the game and not after the end of the third quarter of the game, or in the Pavilion Facility on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago during games in which the WNBA professional women's basketball team is playing in that facility, not more than one and a half hours before the start of the game and not after the 10-minute mark of the second half of the game, or by a catering establishment which has rented facilities from a board of trustees of a public community college district, or in a restaurant that is operated by a commercial tenant in the North Campus Parking Deck building that (1) is located at 1201 West University Avenue, Urbana, Illinois and (2) is owned by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, or, if approved by the District board, on land owned by the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago and leased to others for a term of at least 20 years. Nothing in this Section precludes the sale or delivery of alcoholic liquor in the form of original packaged goods in premises located at 500 S. Racine in Chicago belonging to the University of Illinois and used primarily as a grocery store by a commercial tenant during the term of a lease that predates the University's acquisition of the premises; but the University shall have no power or authority to renew, transfer, or extend the lease with terms allowing the sale of alcoholic liquor; and the sale of alcoholic liquor shall be subject to all local laws and regulations. After the acquisition by Winnebago County of the property located at 404 Elm Street in Rockford, a commercial tenant who sold alcoholic liquor at retail on a portion of the property under a valid license at the time of the acquisition may continue to do so for so long as the tenant and the County may agree under existing or future leases, subject to all local laws and regulations regarding the sale of alcoholic liquor. Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at Memorial Hall, located at 211 North Main Street, Rockford, under conditions approved by Winnebago County and subject to all local laws and regulations regarding the sale of alcoholic liquor. Each facility shall provide dram shop liability in maximum insurance coverage limits so as to save harmless the State, municipality, State university, airport, golf course, faculty center, facility in which conference and convention type activities take place, park district, Forest Preserve District, public community college district, aquarium, museum, or sanitary district from all financial loss, damage or harm. Alcoholic liquors may be sold at retail in buildings of golf courses owned by municipalities or Illinois State University in connection with the operation of an established food serving facility during times when food is dispensed for consumption upon the premises. Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at retail in any building owned by a fire protection district organized under the Fire Protection District Act, provided that such delivery and sale is approved by the board of trustees of the district, and provided further that such delivery and sale is limited to fundraising events and to a maximum of 6 events per year. However, the limitation to fundraising events and to a maximum of 6 events per year does not apply to the delivery, sale, or manufacture of alcoholic liquors at the building located at 59 Main Street in Oswego, Illinois, owned by the Oswego Fire Protection District if the alcoholic liquor is sold or dispensed as approved by the Oswego Fire Protection District and the property is no longer being utilized for fire protection purposes.

Alcoholic liquors may be served or sold in buildings under the control of the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois for events that the Board may determine are public events and not related student activities. The Board of Trustees shall issue a written policy within 6 months of August 15, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-847) concerning the types of events that would be eligible for an exemption. Thereafter, the Board of Trustees may issue revised, updated, new, or amended policies as it deems necessary and appropriate. In preparing its written policy, the Board of Trustees shall, among other factors it considers relevant and important, give consideration to the following: (i) whether the event is a student activity or student-related student related activity; (ii) whether the physical setting of the event is conducive to control of liquor sales and distribution; (iii) the ability of the event operator to ensure that the sale or serving of alcoholic liquors and the demeanor of the participants are in accordance with State law and University policies; (iv) regarding the anticipated attendees at the event, the relative proportion of individuals under the age of 21 to individuals age 21 or older; (v) the ability of the venue operator to prevent the sale or distribution of alcoholic liquors to individuals under the age of 21; (vi) whether the event prohibits participants from removing alcoholic beverages from the venue; and (vii) whether the event prohibits participants from providing their own alcoholic liquors to the venue. In addition, any policy submitted by the Board of Trustees to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission must require that any event at which alcoholic liquors are served or sold in buildings under the control of the Board of Trustees shall require the prior written approval of the Office of the Chancellor for the University campus where the event is located. The Board of Trustees shall submit its policy, and any subsequently revised, updated, new, or amended policies, to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, and any University event, or location for an event, exempted under such policies shall apply for a license under the applicable Sections of this Act.

Alcoholic liquors may be served or sold in buildings under the control of the Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University for events that the Board may determine are public events and not student-related activities. The Board of Trustees shall issue a written policy within 6 months after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 97-45) concerning the types of events that would be eligible for an exemption. Thereafter, the Board of Trustees may issue revised, updated, new, or amended policies as it deems necessary and appropriate. In preparing its written policy, the Board of Trustees shall, in addition to other factors it considers relevant and important, give consideration to the following: (i) whether the event is a student activity or student-related activity; (ii) whether the physical setting of the event is conducive to control of liquor sales and distribution; (iii) the ability of the event operator to ensure that the sale or serving of alcoholic liquors and the demeanor of the participants are in accordance with State law and University policies; (iv) the anticipated attendees at the event and the relative proportion of individuals under the age of 21 to individuals age 21 or older; (v) the ability of the venue operator to prevent the sale or distribution of alcoholic liquors to individuals under the age of 21; (vi) whether the event prohibits participants from removing alcoholic beverages from the venue; and (vii) whether the event prohibits participants from providing their own alcoholic liquors to the venue.

Alcoholic liquors may be served or sold in buildings under the control of the Board of Trustees of Chicago State University for events that the Board may determine are public events and not student-related activities. The Board of Trustees shall issue a written policy within 6 months after August 2, 2013 (the effective date of Public Act 98-132) concerning the types of events that would be eligible for an exemption. Thereafter, the Board of Trustees may issue revised, updated, new, or amended policies as it deems necessary and appropriate. In preparing its written policy, the Board of Trustees shall, in addition to other factors it considers relevant and important, give consideration to the following: (i) whether the event is a student activity or student-related activity; (ii) whether the physical setting of the event is conducive to control of liquor sales and distribution; (iii) the ability of the event operator to ensure that the sale or serving of alcoholic liquors and the demeanor of the participants are in accordance with State law and University policies; (iv) the anticipated attendees at the event and the relative proportion of individuals under the age of 21 to individuals age 21 or older; (v) the ability of the venue operator to prevent the sale or distribution of alcoholic liquors to individuals under the age of 21; (vi) whether the event prohibits participants from removing alcoholic beverages from the venue; and (vii) whether the event prohibits participants from providing their own alcoholic liquors to the venue.

Alcoholic liquors may be served or sold in buildings under the control of the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University for events that the Board may determine are public events and not student-related activities. The Board of Trustees shall issue a written policy within 6 months after March 1, 2013 (the effective date of Public Act 97-1166) concerning the types of events that would be eligible for an exemption. Thereafter, the Board of Trustees may issue revised, updated, new, or amended policies as it deems necessary and appropriate. In preparing its written policy, the Board of Trustees shall, in addition to other factors it considers relevant and important, give consideration to the following: (i) whether the event is a student activity or student-related activity; (ii) whether the physical setting of the event is conducive to control of liquor sales and distribution; (iii) the ability of the event operator to ensure that the sale or serving of alcoholic liquors and the demeanor of the participants are in accordance with State law and University policies; (iv) the anticipated attendees at the event and the relative proportion of individuals under the age of 21 to individuals age 21 or older; (v) the ability of the venue operator to prevent the sale or distribution of alcoholic liquors to individuals under the age of 21; (vi) whether the event prohibits participants from removing alcoholic beverages from the venue; and (vii) whether the event prohibits participants from providing their own alcoholic liquors to the venue.

Alcoholic liquors may be served or sold in buildings under the control of the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University for events that the Board may determine are public events and not student-related activities. The Board of Trustees shall issue a written policy within 6 months after August 12, 2016 (the effective date of Public Act 99-795) concerning the types of events that would be eligible for an exemption. Thereafter, the Board of Trustees may issue revised, updated, new, or amended policies as it deems necessary and appropriate. In preparing its written policy, the Board of Trustees shall, in addition to other factors it considers relevant and important, give consideration to the following: (i) whether the event is a student activity or student-related activity; (ii) whether the physical setting of the event is conducive to control of liquor sales and distribution; (iii) the ability of the event operator to ensure that the sale or serving of alcoholic liquors and the demeanor of the participants are in accordance with State law and University policies; (iv) the anticipated attendees at the event and the relative proportion of individuals under the age of 21 to individuals age 21 or older; (v) the ability of the venue operator to prevent the sale or distribution of alcoholic liquors to individuals under the age of 21; (vi) whether the event prohibits participants from removing alcoholic beverages from the venue; and (vii) whether the event prohibits participants from providing their own alcoholic liquors to the venue.

Alcoholic liquors may be served or sold in buildings under the control of the Board of Trustees of a public university for events that the Board of Trustees of that public university may determine are public events and not student-related activities. If the Board of Trustees of a public university has not issued a written policy pursuant to an exemption under this Section on or before July 15, 2016 (the effective date of Public Act 99-550), then that Board of Trustees shall issue a written policy within 6 months after July 15, 2016 (the effective date of Public Act 99-550) concerning the types of events that would be eligible for an exemption. Thereafter, the Board of Trustees may issue revised, updated, new, or amended policies as it deems necessary and appropriate. In preparing its written policy, the Board of Trustees shall, in addition to other factors it considers relevant and important, give consideration to the following: (i) whether the event is a student activity or student-related activity; (ii) whether the physical setting of the event is conducive to control of liquor sales and distribution; (iii) the ability of the event operator to ensure that the sale or serving of alcoholic liquors and the demeanor of the participants are in accordance with State law and University policies; (iv) the anticipated attendees at the event and the relative proportion of individuals under the age of 21 to individuals age 21 or older; (v) the ability of the venue operator to prevent the sale or distribution of alcoholic liquors to individuals under the age of 21; (vi) whether the event prohibits participants from removing alcoholic beverages from the venue; and (vii) whether the event prohibits participants from providing their own alcoholic liquors to the venue. As used in this paragraph, "public university" means the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Chicago State University, Governors State University, Southern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, and Northeastern Illinois University.

Alcoholic liquors may be served or sold in buildings under the control of the Board of Trustees of a community college district for events that the Board of Trustees of that community college district may determine are public events and not student-related activities. The Board of Trustees shall issue a written policy within 6 months after July 15, 2016 (the effective date of Public Act 99-550) concerning the types of events that would be eligible for an exemption. Thereafter, the Board of Trustees may issue revised, updated, new, or amended policies as it deems necessary and appropriate. In preparing its written policy, the Board of Trustees shall, in addition to other factors it considers relevant and important, give consideration to the following: (i) whether the event is a student activity or student-related activity; (ii) whether the physical setting of the event is conducive to control of liquor sales and distribution; (iii) the ability of the event operator to ensure that the sale or serving of alcoholic liquors and the demeanor of the participants are in accordance with State law and community college district policies; (iv) the anticipated attendees at the event and the relative proportion of individuals under the age of 21 to individuals age 21 or older; (v) the ability of the venue operator to prevent the sale or distribution of alcoholic liquors to individuals under the age of 21; (vi) whether the event prohibits participants from removing alcoholic beverages from the venue; and (vii) whether the event prohibits participants from providing their own alcoholic liquors to the venue. This paragraph does not apply to any community college district authorized to sell or serve alcoholic liquor under any other provision of this Section.

Alcoholic liquor may be delivered to and sold at retail in the Dorchester Senior Business Center owned by the Village of Dolton if the alcoholic liquor is sold or dispensed only in connection with organized functions for which the planned attendance is 20 or more persons, and if the person or facility selling or dispensing the alcoholic liquor has provided dram shop liability insurance in maximum limits so as to hold harmless the Village of Dolton and the State from all financial loss, damage and harm.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at retail in any building used as an Illinois State Armory provided:

(i) the Adjutant General's written consent to the issuance of a license to sell alcoholic liquor in such building is filed with the Commission;

(ii) the alcoholic liquor is sold or dispensed only in connection with organized functions held on special occasions;

(iii) the organized function is one for which the planned attendance is 25 or more persons; and

(iv) the facility selling or dispensing the alcoholic liquors has provided dram shop liability insurance in maximum limits so as to save harmless the facility and the State from all financial loss, damage or harm.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at retail in the Chicago Civic Center, provided that:

(i) the written consent of the Public Building Commission which administers the Chicago Civic Center is filed with the Commission;

(ii) the alcoholic liquor is sold or dispensed only in connection with organized functions held on special occasions;

(iii) the organized function is one for which the planned attendance is 25 or more persons;

(iv) the facility selling or dispensing the alcoholic liquors has provided dram shop liability insurance in maximum limits so as to hold harmless the Civic Center, the City of Chicago and the State from all financial loss, damage or harm; and

(v) all applicable local ordinances are complied with.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered or sold in any building belonging to or under the control of any city, village or incorporated town where more than 75% of the physical properties of the building is used for commercial or recreational purposes, and the building is located upon a pier extending into or over the waters of a navigable lake or stream or on the shore of a navigable lake or stream. In accordance with a license issued under this Act, alcoholic liquor may be sold, served, or delivered in buildings and facilities under the control of the Department of Natural Resources during events or activities lasting no more than 7 continuous days upon the written approval of the Director of Natural Resources acting as the controlling government authority. The Director of Natural Resources may specify conditions on that approval, including, but not limited to, requirements for insurance and hours of operation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, alcoholic liquor sold by a United States Army Corps of Engineers or Department of Natural Resources concessionaire who was operating on June 1, 1991 for on-premises consumption only is not subject to the provisions of Articles IV and IX. Beer and wine may be sold on the premises of the Joliet Park District Stadium owned by the Joliet Park District when written consent to the issuance of a license to sell beer and wine in such premises is filed with the local liquor commissioner by the Joliet Park District. Beer and wine may be sold in buildings on the grounds of State veterans' homes when written consent to the issuance of a license to sell beer and wine in such buildings is filed with the Commission by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, and the facility shall provide dram shop liability in maximum insurance coverage limits so as to save the facility harmless from all financial loss, damage or harm. Such liquors may be delivered to and sold at any property owned or held under lease by a Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority or Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority.

Beer and wine may be sold and dispensed at professional sporting events and at professional concerts and other entertainment events conducted on premises owned by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, subject to the control of the District Commissioners and applicable local law, provided that dram shop liability insurance is provided at maximum coverage limits so as to hold the District harmless from all financial loss, damage and harm.

Nothing in this Section shall preclude the sale or delivery of beer and wine at a State or county fair or the sale or delivery of beer or wine at a city fair in any otherwise lawful manner.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold at retail in buildings in State parks under the control of the Department of Natural Resources, provided:

a. the State park has overnight lodging facilities with some restaurant facilities or, not having overnight lodging facilities, has restaurant facilities which serve complete luncheon and dinner or supper meals,

b. (blank), and

c. the alcoholic liquors are sold by the State park lodge or restaurant concessionaire only during the hours from 11 o'clock a.m. until 12 o'clock midnight. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, alcoholic liquor sold by the State park or restaurant concessionaire is not subject to the provisions of Articles IV and IX.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold at retail in buildings on properties under the control of the Division of Historic Preservation of the Department of Natural Resources or the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum provided:

a. the property has overnight lodging facilities with some restaurant facilities or, not having overnight lodging facilities, has restaurant facilities which serve complete luncheon and dinner or supper meals,

b. consent to the issuance of a license to sell alcoholic liquors in the buildings has been filed with the commission by the Division of Historic Preservation of the Department of Natural Resources or the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and

c. the alcoholic liquors are sold by the lodge or restaurant concessionaire only during the hours from 11 o'clock a.m. until 12 o'clock midnight.

The sale of alcoholic liquors pursuant to this Section does not authorize the establishment and operation of facilities commonly called taverns, saloons, bars, cocktail lounges, and the like except as a part of lodge and restaurant facilities in State parks or golf courses owned by Forest Preserve Districts with a population of less than 3,000,000 or municipalities or park districts.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold at retail in the Springfield Administration Building of the Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Armory in Springfield; provided, that the controlling government authority may consent to such sales only if

a. the request is from a not-for-profit organization;

b. such sales would not impede normal operations of the departments involved;

c. the not-for-profit organization provides dram shop liability in maximum insurance coverage limits and agrees to defend, save harmless and indemnify the State of Illinois from all financial loss, damage or harm;

d. no such sale shall be made during normal working hours of the State of Illinois; and

e. the consent is in writing.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold at retail in buildings in recreational areas of river conservancy districts under the control of, or leased from, the river conservancy districts. Such sales are subject to reasonable local regulations as provided in Article IV; however, no such regulations may prohibit or substantially impair the sale of alcoholic liquors on Sundays or Holidays.

Alcoholic liquors may be provided in long term care facilities owned or operated by a county under Division 5-21 or 5-22 of the Counties Code, when approved by the facility operator and not in conflict with the regulations of the Illinois Department of Public Health, to residents of the facility who have had their consumption of the alcoholic liquors provided approved in writing by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and dispensed in State housing assigned to employees of the Department of Corrections. No person shall furnish or allow to be furnished any alcoholic liquors to any prisoner confined in any jail, reformatory, prison or house of correction except upon a physician's prescription for medicinal purposes.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold at retail or dispensed at the Willard Ice Building in Springfield, at the State Library in Springfield, and at Illinois State Museum facilities by (1) an agency of the State, whether legislative, judicial or executive, provided that such agency first obtains written permission to sell or dispense alcoholic liquors from the controlling government authority, or by (2) a not-for-profit organization, provided that such organization:

a. Obtains written consent from the controlling government authority;

b. Sells or dispenses the alcoholic liquors in a manner that does not impair normal operations of State offices located in the building;

c. Sells or dispenses alcoholic liquors only in connection with an official activity in the building;

d. Provides, or its catering service provides, dram shop liability insurance in maximum coverage limits and in which the carrier agrees to defend, save harmless and indemnify the State of Illinois from all financial loss, damage or harm arising out of the selling or dispensing of alcoholic liquors.

Nothing in this Act shall prevent a not-for-profit organization or agency of the State from employing the services of a catering establishment for the selling or dispensing of alcoholic liquors at authorized functions.

The controlling government authority for the Willard Ice Building in Springfield shall be the Director of the Department of Revenue. The controlling government authority for Illinois State Museum facilities shall be the Director of the Illinois State Museum. The controlling government authority for the State Library in Springfield shall be the Secretary of State.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at retail or dispensed at any facility, property or building under the jurisdiction of the Division of Historic Preservation of the Department of Natural Resources, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, or the State Treasurer where the delivery, sale or dispensing is by (1) an agency of the State, whether legislative, judicial or executive, provided that such agency first obtains written permission to sell or dispense alcoholic liquors from a controlling government authority, or by (2) an individual or organization provided that such individual or organization:

a. Obtains written consent from the controlling government authority;

b. Sells or dispenses the alcoholic liquors in a manner that does not impair normal workings of State offices or operations located at the facility, property or building;

c. Sells or dispenses alcoholic liquors only in connection with an official activity of the individual or organization in the facility, property or building;

d. Provides, or its catering service provides, dram shop liability insurance in maximum coverage limits and in which the carrier agrees to defend, save harmless and indemnify the State of Illinois from all financial loss, damage or harm arising out of the selling or dispensing of alcoholic liquors.

The controlling government authority for the Division of Historic Preservation of the Department of Natural Resources shall be the Director of Natural Resources, the controlling government authority for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum shall be the Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the controlling government authority for the facilities, property, or buildings under the jurisdiction of the State Treasurer shall be the State Treasurer or the State Treasurer's designee.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at retail or dispensed for consumption at the Michael Bilandic Building at 160 North LaSalle Street, Chicago IL 60601, after the normal business hours of any day care or child care facility located in the building, by (1) a commercial tenant or subtenant conducting business on the premises under a lease made pursuant to Section 405-315 of the Department of Central Management Services Law (20 ILCS 405/405-315), provided that such tenant or subtenant who accepts delivery of, sells, or dispenses alcoholic liquors shall procure and maintain dram shop liability insurance in maximum coverage limits and in which the carrier agrees to defend, indemnify, and save harmless the State of Illinois from all financial loss, damage, or harm arising out of the delivery, sale, or dispensing of alcoholic liquors, or by (2) an agency of the State, whether legislative, judicial, or executive, provided that such agency first obtains written permission to accept delivery of and sell or dispense alcoholic liquors from the Director of Central Management Services, or by (3) a not-for-profit organization, provided that such organization:

a. obtains written consent from the Department of Central Management Services;

b. accepts delivery of and sells or dispenses the alcoholic liquors in a manner that does not impair normal operations of State offices located in the building;

c. accepts delivery of and sells or dispenses alcoholic liquors only in connection with an official activity in the building; and

d. provides, or its catering service provides, dram shop liability insurance in maximum coverage limits and in which the carrier agrees to defend, save harmless, and indemnify the State of Illinois from all financial loss, damage, or harm arising out of the selling or dispensing of alcoholic liquors.

Nothing in this Act shall prevent a not-for-profit organization or agency of the State from employing the services of a catering establishment for the selling or dispensing of alcoholic liquors at functions authorized by the Director of Central Management Services.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold at retail or dispensed at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, subject to the provisions of Section 7.4 of the State Property Control Act, and 222 South College Street in Springfield, Illinois by (1) a commercial tenant or subtenant conducting business on the premises under a lease or sublease made pursuant to Section 405-315 of the Department of Central Management Services Law (20 ILCS 405/405-315), provided that such tenant or subtenant who sells or dispenses alcoholic liquors shall procure and maintain dram shop liability insurance in maximum coverage limits and in which the carrier agrees to defend, indemnify and save harmless the State of Illinois from all financial loss, damage or harm arising out of the sale or dispensing of alcoholic liquors, or by (2) an agency of the State, whether legislative, judicial or executive, provided that such agency first obtains written permission to sell or dispense alcoholic liquors from the Director of Central Management Services, or by (3) a not-for-profit organization, provided that such organization:

a. Obtains written consent from the Department of Central Management Services;

b. Sells or dispenses the alcoholic liquors in a manner that does not impair normal operations of State offices located in the building;

c. Sells or dispenses alcoholic liquors only in connection with an official activity in the building;

d. Provides, or its catering service provides, dram shop liability insurance in maximum coverage limits and in which the carrier agrees to defend, save harmless and indemnify the State of Illinois from all financial loss, damage or harm arising out of the selling or dispensing of alcoholic liquors.

Nothing in this Act shall prevent a not-for-profit organization or agency of the State from employing the services of a catering establishment for the selling or dispensing of alcoholic liquors at functions authorized by the Director of Central Management Services.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold or delivered at any facility owned by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority provided that dram shop liability insurance has been made available in a form, with such coverage and in such amounts as the Authority reasonably determines is necessary.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold at retail or dispensed at the Rockford State Office Building by (1) an agency of the State, whether legislative, judicial or executive, provided that such agency first obtains written permission to sell or dispense alcoholic liquors from the Department of Central Management Services, or by (2) a not-for-profit organization, provided that such organization:

a. Obtains written consent from the Department of Central Management Services;

b. Sells or dispenses the alcoholic liquors in a manner that does not impair normal operations of State offices located in the building;

c. Sells or dispenses alcoholic liquors only in connection with an official activity in the building;

d. Provides, or its catering service provides, dram shop liability insurance in maximum coverage limits and in which the carrier agrees to defend, save harmless and indemnify the State of Illinois from all financial loss, damage or harm arising out of the selling or dispensing of alcoholic liquors.

Nothing in this Act shall prevent a not-for-profit organization or agency of the State from employing the services of a catering establishment for the selling or dispensing of alcoholic liquors at functions authorized by the Department of Central Management Services.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold or delivered in a building that is owned by McLean County, situated on land owned by the county in the City of Bloomington, and used by the McLean County Historical Society if the sale or delivery is approved by an ordinance adopted by the county board, and the municipality in which the building is located may not prohibit that sale or delivery, notwithstanding any other provision of this Section. The regulation of the sale and delivery of alcoholic liquor in a building that is owned by McLean County, situated on land owned by the county, and used by the McLean County Historical Society as provided in this paragraph is an exclusive power and function of the State and is a denial and limitation under Article VII, Section 6, subsection (h) of the Illinois Constitution of the power of a home rule municipality to regulate that sale and delivery.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold or delivered in any building situated on land held in trust for any school district organized under Article 34 of the School Code, if the building is not used for school purposes and if the sale or delivery is approved by the board of education.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at retail in any building owned by a public library district, provided that the delivery and sale is approved by the board of trustees of that public library district and is limited to library fundraising events or programs of a cultural or educational nature. Before the board of trustees of a public library district may approve the delivery and sale of alcoholic liquors, the board of trustees of the public library district must have a written policy that has been approved by the board of trustees of the public library district governing when and under what circumstances alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at retail on property owned by that public library district. The written policy must (i) provide that no alcoholic liquor may be sold, distributed, or consumed in any area of the library accessible to the general public during the event or program, (ii) prohibit the removal of alcoholic liquor from the venue during the event, and (iii) require that steps be taken to prevent the sale or distribution of alcoholic liquor to persons under the age of 21. Any public library district that has alcoholic liquor delivered to or sold at retail on property owned by the public library district shall provide dram shop liability insurance in maximum insurance coverage limits so as to save harmless the public library districts from all financial loss, damage, or harm.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold or delivered in buildings owned by the Community Building Complex Committee of Boone County, Illinois if the person or facility selling or dispensing the alcoholic liquor has provided dram shop liability insurance with coverage and in amounts that the Committee reasonably determines are necessary.

Alcoholic liquors may be sold or delivered in the building located at 1200 Centerville Avenue in Belleville, Illinois and occupied by either the Belleville Area Special Education District or the Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at the Louis Joliet Renaissance Center, City Center Campus, located at 214 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet, and the Food Services/Culinary Arts Department facilities, Main Campus, located at 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, owned by or under the control of Joliet Junior College, Illinois Community College District No. 525.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at Triton College, Illinois Community College District No. 504.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at the College of DuPage, Illinois Community College District No. 502.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold on any property owned, operated, or controlled by Lewis and Clark Community College, Illinois Community College District No. 536.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at the building located at 446 East Hickory Avenue in Apple River, Illinois, owned by the Apple River Fire Protection District, and occupied by the Apple River Community Association if the alcoholic liquor is sold or dispensed only in connection with organized functions approved by the Apple River Community Association for which the planned attendance is 20 or more persons and if the person or facility selling or dispensing the alcoholic liquor has provided dram shop liability insurance in maximum limits so as to hold harmless the Apple River Fire Protection District, the Village of Apple River, and the Apple River Community Association from all financial loss, damage, and harm.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at the Sikia Restaurant, Kennedy King College Campus, located at 740 West 63rd Street, Chicago, and at the Food Services in the Great Hall/Washburne Culinary Institute Department facility, Kennedy King College Campus, located at 740 West 63rd Street, Chicago, owned by or under the control of City Colleges of Chicago, Illinois Community College District No. 508.

Alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at the building located at 305 West Grove St. in Poplar Grove, Illinois that is owned and operated by North Boone Fire District #3 if the alcoholic liquor is sold or dispensed only in connection with organized functions approved by the North Boone Fire District #3 for which the planned attendance is 20 or more persons and if the person or facility selling or dispensing the alcoholic liquor has provided dram shop liability insurance in maximum limits so as to hold harmless North Boone County Fire District #3 from all financial loss, damage, and harm.

(Source: P.A. 103-956, eff. 8-9-24; 103-971, eff. 8-9-24; revised 9-25-24.)

Section 300. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by changing Section 11-5.2 as follows:

(305 ILCS 5/11-5.2)

Sec. 11-5.2. Income, Residency, and Identity Verification System.

(a) The Department shall ensure that its proposed integrated eligibility system shall include the computerized functions of income, residency, and identity eligibility verification to verify eligibility, eliminate duplication of medical assistance, and deter fraud. Until the integrated eligibility system is operational, the Department may enter into a contract with the vendor selected pursuant to Section 11-5.3 as necessary to obtain the electronic data matching described in this Section. This contract shall be exempt from the Illinois Procurement Code pursuant to subsection (h) of Section 1-10 of that Code.

(b) Prior to awarding medical assistance at application under Article V of this Code, the Department shall, to the extent such databases are available to the Department, conduct data matches using the name, date of birth, address, and Social Security Number of each applicant or recipient or responsible relative of an applicant or recipient against the following:

(1) Income tax information.

(2) Employer reports of income and unemployment insurance payment information maintained by the Department of Employment Security.

(3) Earned and unearned income, citizenship and death, and other relevant information maintained by the Social Security Administration.

(4) Immigration status information maintained by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(5) Wage reporting and similar information maintained by states contiguous to this State.

(6) Employment information maintained by the Department of Employment Security in its New Hire Directory database.

(7) Employment information maintained by the United States Department of Health and Human Services in its National Directory of New Hires database.

(8) Veterans' benefits information maintained by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, in the federal Public Assistance Reporting Information System (PARIS) database.

(9) Residency information maintained by the Illinois Secretary of State.

(10) A database which is substantially similar to or a successor of a database described in this Section that contains information relevant for verifying eligibility for medical assistance.

(c) (Blank).

(d) If a discrepancy results between information provided by an applicant, recipient, or responsible relative and information contained in one or more of the databases or information tools listed under subsection (b) of this Section or subsection (c) of Section 11-5.3 and that discrepancy calls into question the accuracy of information relevant to a condition of eligibility provided by the applicant, recipient, or responsible relative, the Department or its contractor shall review the applicant's or recipient's case using the following procedures:

(1) If the information discovered under subsection (b) of this Section or subsection (c) of Section 11-5.3 does not result in the Department finding the applicant or recipient ineligible for assistance under Article V of this Code, the Department shall finalize the determination or redetermination of eligibility.

(2) If the information discovered results in the Department finding the applicant or recipient ineligible for assistance, the Department shall provide notice as set forth in Section 11-7 of this Article.

(3) If the information discovered is insufficient to determine that the applicant or recipient is eligible or ineligible, the Department shall provide written notice to the applicant or recipient which shall describe in sufficient detail the circumstances of the discrepancy, the information or documentation required, the manner in which the applicant or recipient may respond, and the consequences of failing to take action. The applicant or recipient shall have 10 business days to respond.

(4) If the applicant or recipient does not respond to the notice, the Department shall deny assistance for failure to cooperate, in which case the Department shall provide notice as set forth in Section 11-7. Eligibility for assistance shall not be established until the discrepancy has been resolved.

(5) If an applicant or recipient responds to the notice, the Department shall determine the effect of the information or documentation provided on the applicant's or recipient's case and shall take appropriate action. Written notice of the Department's action shall be provided as set forth in Section 11-7 of this Article.

(6) Suspected cases of fraud shall be referred to the Department's Inspector General.

(e) The Department shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 97-689, eff. 6-14-12; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)

Section 305. The Illinois Affordable Housing Act is amended by changing Section 14 as follows:

(310 ILCS 65/14) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 1264)

Sec. 14. Homeless Veterans Demonstration Project. (a) The Program Administrator shall, on the recommendation of the Commission and in cooperation with the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, implement a demonstration project for low and very low-income homeless veterans and their families. This demonstration project shall consist of a short-term shelter, and will also provide assistance in assessing the needs of veterans, ascertaining the programs for which veterans may be eligible and making application for such programs and services and referral to appropriate agencies. The project shall, to the extent possible, establish liaisons with labor organizations, community colleges, vocational rehabilitation programs and other providers of trade apprenticeships and other job training programs.

(b) The Program Administrator shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly a report by January 1, 1991 evaluating the effectiveness of the project provided in this Section. The report shall include, but not be limited to, the number of persons served under the project, information as to the cost of the services, and recommendations as to whether additional homeless veterans projects should be established.

(Source: P.A. 86-925.)

Section 310. The Older Adult Services Act is amended by changing Section 35 as follows:

(320 ILCS 42/35)

Sec. 35. Older Adult Services Advisory Committee.

(a) The Older Adult Services Advisory Committee is created to advise the directors of Aging, Healthcare and Family Services, and Public Health on all matters related to this Act and the delivery of services to older adults in general.

(b) The Advisory Committee shall be comprised of the following:

(1) The Director of Aging or his or her designee, who shall serve as chair and shall be an ex officio and nonvoting member.

(2) The Director of Healthcare and Family Services and the Director of Public Health or their designees, who shall serve as vice-chairs and shall be ex officio and nonvoting members.

(3) One representative each of the Governor's Office, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Insurance, the Department on Aging, the Department on Aging's State Long Term Care Ombudsman, the Illinois Housing Finance Authority, and the Illinois Housing Development Authority, each of whom shall be selected by his or her respective director and shall be an ex officio and nonvoting member.

(4) Thirty members appointed by the Director of Aging in collaboration with the directors of Public Health and Healthcare and Family Services, and selected from the recommendations of statewide associations and organizations, as follows:

(A) One member representing the Area Agencies on Aging;

(B) Four members representing nursing homes or licensed assisted living establishments;

(C) One member representing home health agencies;

(D) One member representing case management services;

(E) One member representing statewide senior center associations;

(F) One member representing Community Care Program homemaker services;

(G) One member representing Community Care Program adult day services;

(H) One member representing nutrition project directors;

(I) One member representing hospice programs;

(J) One member representing individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias;

(K) Two members representing statewide trade or labor unions;

(L) One advanced practice registered nurse with experience in gerontological nursing;

(M) One physician specializing in gerontology;

(N) One member representing regional long-term care ombudsmen;

(O) One member representing municipal, township, or county officials;

(P) (Blank);

(Q) (Blank);

(R) One member representing the parish nurse movement;

(S) One member representing pharmacists;

(T) Two members representing statewide organizations engaging in advocacy or legal representation on behalf of the senior population;

(U) Two family caregivers;

(V) Two citizen members over the age of 60;

(W) One citizen with knowledge in the area of gerontology research or health care law;

(X) One representative of health care facilities licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act; and

(Y) One representative of primary care service providers.

The Director of Aging, in collaboration with the Directors of Public Health and Healthcare and Family Services, may appoint additional citizen members to the Older Adult Services Advisory Committee. Each such additional member must be either an individual age 60 or older or an uncompensated caregiver for a family member or friend who is age 60 or older.

(c) Voting members of the Advisory Committee shall serve for a term of 3 years or until a replacement is named. All members shall be appointed no later than January 1, 2005. Of the initial appointees, as determined by lot, 10 members shall serve a term of one year; 10 shall serve for a term of 2 years; and 12 shall serve for a term of 3 years. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his or her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of that term. The Advisory Committee shall meet at least quarterly and may meet more frequently at the call of the Chair. A simple majority of those appointed shall constitute a quorum. The affirmative vote of a majority of those present and voting shall be necessary for Advisory Committee action. Members of the Advisory Committee shall receive no compensation for their services.

(d) The Advisory Committee shall have an Executive Committee comprised of the Chair, the Vice Chairs, and up to 15 members of the Advisory Committee appointed by the Chair who have demonstrated expertise in developing, implementing, or coordinating the system restructuring initiatives defined in Section 25. The Executive Committee shall have responsibility to oversee and structure the operations of the Advisory Committee and to create and appoint necessary subcommittees and subcommittee members. The Advisory Committee's Community Care Program Medicaid Enrollment Oversight Subcommittee shall have the membership and powers and duties set forth in Section 4.02 of the Illinois Act on the Aging.

(e) The Advisory Committee shall study and make recommendations related to the implementation of this Act, including, but not limited to, system restructuring initiatives as defined in Section 25 or otherwise related to this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18; 100-587, eff. 6-4-18; 100-621, eff. 7-20-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

Section 315. The Illinois Caregiver Assistance and Resource Portal Act is amended by changing Sections 25-10, 25-20, and 25-25 as follows:

(320 ILCS 70/25-10)

Sec. 25-10. Establishment of the Illinois Caregiver Assistance and Resources Portal.

(a) The Department on Aging, in consultation with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, shall be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the Illinois Caregiver Assistance and Resource Portal (hereinafter referred to as the "Portal").

(b) The Portal shall serve as a centralized and trusted online platform offering a wide range of resources related to caregiving, including, but not limited to:

(1) Information on State and federal programs, benefits, and resources on caregiving, long-term care, and at-home care for Illinois residents who are 50 years of age or older.

(2) Information from non-profit organizations providing free-of-charge caregiving support and resources.

(3) Tools and guides for developing and implementing caregiving plans.

(4) Direct contact information for relevant Illinois agencies, organizations, and other State-licensed long-term care, aging, senior support services, and at-home care providers.

(5) Educational materials, articles, and videos on caregiving best practices.

(6) Accommodations for users with different language preferences, ensuring the information is accessible to diverse audiences.

(c) By incorporating these resources, the Portal aims to serve as a comprehensive and user-friendly hub for caregivers, providing them with the tools, information, and support they need to navigate the complex landscape of caregiving, nursing home care, and at-home care and other essential resources that are readily accessible. Additional information and resources to be featured may include the following:

(1) Caregiving resources: A comprehensive section dedicated to caregiving, including guides, articles, and videos on caregiving techniques, managing caregiver stress, and enhancing the quality of care provided.

(2) Home and community-based services: Resources, descriptions, and opportunities on how the State supports family caregivers, to include, but not be limited to, the Senior HelpLine, Illinois Care Connections, the Community Care Program, Adult Protective Services, the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Adult Day Services, the Home Delivered Meals program, and all other programming and services offered by the Department on Aging.

(3) Nursing home care: State and federal information and online resources on nursing homes, including facility ratings, reviews, and resources for choosing the right nursing home based on specific needs and preferences.

(4) Area Agency on Aging: A dedicated section highlighting the services and programs offered by Area Agencies on Aging, including, but not limited to, assistance with long-term care planning, nutrition, transportation, caregiver support and need assessment, and the address and contact information of statewide Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Centers.

(5) At-home care: Resources and guides for at-home care, including information on hiring caregivers, managing in-home medical and non-medical care, and ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment.

(6) Hospital-to-home transition: A specialized section focusing on the transition from hospital care to home-based care, offering tips, checklists, and resources to ensure a smooth transition and continued recovery at home.

(7) Contact Information: Direct contact details for relevant agencies, organizations, and State-licensed professionals involved in caregiving, nursing home care, and at-home care, making it easy for users to connect with the right resources.

(8) Medicaid coverage and resources: Information on Medicaid coverage for long-term care services, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and available Medicaid-funded programs and services to support caregivers and care recipients.

(9) Financial assistance: Details on financial assistance programs and benefits available at the State and federal levels, including grants, subsidies, and tax incentives that can ease the financial burden of caregiving.

(10) Veterans' assistance: Details on veterans' assistance programs and benefits available at the State and federal levels.

(11) Legal and planning Tools: Resources for legal matters related to caregiving, such as power of attorney, advance directives, and estate planning, and tools to help users create and manage caregiving plans. Services offered under this paragraph do not include the practice of law.

(12) Support groups: A directory of local caregiver support groups and online communities where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and receive emotional support.

(Source: P.A. 103-588, eff. 6-5-24.)

(320 ILCS 70/25-20)

Sec. 25-20. Outreach and promotion.

(a) The Department on Aging, in consultation with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, shall undertake an outreach and promotional campaign to raise awareness about the Portal and its resources upon completion.

(b) The campaign shall include a digital-first strategy to inform health care providers, social service agencies, and community organizations about the Portal's availability.

(c) The campaign shall coordinate with the State-wide 2-1-1 Service system administered under the 2-1-1 Service Act in order to insure persons calling 2-1-1 telephone lines are directed, when appropriate, to the Portal and reciprocally to 2-1-1.

(Source: P.A. 103-588, eff. 6-5-24.)

(320 ILCS 70/25-25)

Sec. 25-25. Reporting and evaluation. The Department on Aging, in consultation with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, shall provide an annual report to the General Assembly and the Governor outlining the usage statistics, user feedback, and any necessary improvements to the Portal.

(Source: P.A. 103-588, eff. 6-5-24.)

Section 320. The Viet Nam Veterans Compensation Act is amended by changing Sections 3, 5, and 6 as follows:

(330 ILCS 30/3) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.53)

Sec. 3. The widow or widower, child or children, mother, father, person standing in loco parentis, brothers and sisters, in the order named, of any deceased person shall be paid the compensation to which the deceased person would be entitled under Section 2 of this Act. Where such deceased person would have qualified for compensation under Section 2 except for his death and his death was connected with such service and resulted from such service during the time period specified in Section 2, his survivors, in the order named in this Section, shall be paid $1000.

Where a preceding beneficiary fails to file a claim for compensation after the official notice of death the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may proceed to process applications from succeeding beneficiaries, and such beneficiaries may then proceed to qualify upon submission of satisfactory proof of eligibility.

(Source: P.A. 100-143, eff. 1-1-18.)

(330 ILCS 30/5) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.55)

Sec. 5. The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs has complete charge and control of the general scheme of payments authorized by this Act and shall adopt general rules for the making of such payments, the ascertainment and selection of proper beneficiaries and the amount to which such beneficiaries are entitled, and for procedure.

If the person to whom compensation is payable under this Act is under legal disability, it shall be paid to the person legally vested with the care of such legally disabled person under the laws of his State of residence. If no such person has been so designated for the legally disabled person, payment shall be made to the chief officer of any hospital or institution under the supervision or control of any State or of the Veterans Administration of the United States in which such legally disabled person is placed, if such officer is authorized to accept moneys for the benefit of the incompetent. Any payments so made shall be held or used solely for the benefit of the legally disabled person.

As used in this Section, a person under legal disability means any person found to be so disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction of any State or the District of Columbia or by any adjudication officer of the Veterans Administration of the United States.

(Source: P.A. 100-143, eff. 1-1-18.)

(330 ILCS 30/6) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.56)

Sec. 6. Any application for compensation under this Act must be made to the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 80-244.)

Section 325. The War on Terrorism Compensation Act is amended by changing Sections 5 and 25 as follows:

(330 ILCS 32/5)

Sec. 5. Definitions. In this Act:

"Armed forces of the United States" means the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, the United States Reserve Forces, or the Illinois National Guard. Service in the merchant marine is not service in the armed forces for purposes of this Act.

"Department" means the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 103-746, eff. 1-1-25.)

(330 ILCS 32/25)

Sec. 25. Application to Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. An application for compensation under this Act must be made to the Department.

(Source: P.A. 96-76, eff. 7-24-09.)

Section 330. The Prisoner of War Bonus Act is amended by changing Sections 2, 4, and 5 as follows:

(330 ILCS 35/2) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.62)

Sec. 2. The widow or widower, child or children, mother, father, person standing in loco parentis, brothers and sisters, in the order named, of any deceased person shall be paid the compensation to which the deceased person would be entitled under Section 1 of this Act.

Where a preceding beneficiary fails to file a claim for compensation after the official notice of death the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may proceed to process applications from succeeding beneficiaries and such beneficiaries may then proceed to qualify upon submission of satisfactory proof of eligibility.

(Source: P.A. 100-143, eff. 1-1-18.)

(330 ILCS 35/4) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.64)

Sec. 4. The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs has complete charge and control of the general scheme of payments authorized by this Act and shall adopt general rules for the making of such payments, the ascertainment and selection of proper beneficiaries and the amount to which such beneficiaries are entitled, and for procedure.

If the person to whom compensation is payable under this Act is a person under a legal disability, it shall be paid to the person legally vested with the care of such person under a legal disability under the laws of this State of residence. If no such person has been so designated for the person under a legal disability, payment shall be made to the chief officer of any hospital or institution under the supervision or control of any State or of the Veterans Administration of the United States in which such person under a legal disability is placed, if such officer is authorized to accept moneys for the benefit of the person under a legal disability. Any payments so made shall be held or used solely for the benefit of the person under a legal disability.

As used in this Section, a person under a legal disability means any person found to be so disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction of any State or the District of Columbia or by any adjudication officer of the Veterans Administration of the United States.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

(330 ILCS 35/5) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.65)

Sec. 5. Any application for compensation under this Act must be made to the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 79-293.)

Section 335. The War Bonus Extension Act is amended by changing Section 1 as follows:

(330 ILCS 40/1) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.71)

Sec. 1. As used in this Act:

"World War II Bonus Act" means "An Act to provide payment of compensation to certain persons who served with the military or naval forces of the United States prior to or in the recent war with Germany, Italy, Japan and other nations, or to their survivors, and to authorize the issuance and sale of bonds of the State of Illinois to make said payments and to provide for the payment of the principal of and interest upon said bonds by a direct annual tax and by taxes levied and imposed by amending Sections 6, 10 and 10a of the 'Illinois Horse Racing Act', filed June 13, 1927, as amended, and by taxes levied and imposed by amending Sections 2, 3 and 29 of the 'Cigarette Tax Act', approved June 2, 1941, as amended", approved June 14, 1946, as that Act existed immediately prior to the repeal of Sections 1-1 through 1-6 thereof.

"Korean Veterans Compensation Act" means "AN ACT to provide payment of compensation to certain persons who served with the armed forces of the United States during the recent armed struggle which is commonly called the Korean Conflict, or to survivors; and to provide funds for the payment of such compensation by a tax levied and imposed by amending Sections 2 and 29 of the 'Cigarette Tax Act', approved June 2, 1941, as amended, and by a tax levied and imposed by amending Sections 2 and 35 of the 'Cigarette Use Tax Act', approved July 11, 1951, as amended, and to make appropriations in connection therewith", approved July 17, 1959, as that Act existed immediately prior to the repeal of Sections 1-1 through 1-7 thereof.

"Department" means the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 80-243.)

Section 340. The Military Veterans Assistance Act is amended by changing Section 1 as follows:

(330 ILCS 45/1) (from Ch. 23, par. 3081)

Sec. 1. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Veteran service organization" means a post, ship, camp, chapter, or detachment of a congressionally chartered or state chartered organization that (i) is formed by and for veterans, (ii) has a paid membership of at least 15 individuals, and (iii) provides responsible aid, assistance, or services to the veteran community.

"Administrator of military veterans assistance" means the commanders of the various veteran service organizations, the superintendent of a County Veterans Assistance Commission, or other persons whose duty it is, under the existing statutes, to care for, relieve or maintain, wholly or in part, any person who may be entitled to such assistance under the statutes of the State of Illinois. This Act shall not infringe upon the mandated powers and authorities vested in the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

(Source: P.A. 102-732, eff. 1-1-23; 102-1132, eff. 2-10-23.)

Section 355. The Housing for Veterans with Disabilities Act is amended by changing Sections 2.1 and 3 as follows:

(330 ILCS 65/2.1) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 59.1)

Sec. 2.1. (a) The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall provide assistance to a veteran who is eligible for and has been approved by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs for the grant authorized under Section 801(b) of Title 38 of the United States Code for remodeling a dwelling, which is not adapted to the requirements of the veteran's disability, and which was acquired by him prior to his application for federal assistance.

(b) The amount of State assistance provided to a veteran under subsection (a) of this Section shall be equal to the lesser of (1) the difference between the total cost of remodeling and the amount of assistance provided by the federal government under Title 38, Section 801(b) of the United States Code or (2) $3,000. However, if the amount of the federal assistance is at least equal to the total cost of remodeling the dwelling, then no State assistance shall be granted under this Section.

(c) A veteran eligible for assistance under subsection (a) of this Section shall not by reason of such eligibility be denied benefits for which such veteran becomes eligible under Section 2 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)

(330 ILCS 65/3) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 60)

Sec. 3. Application for assistance under this Act shall be made by the veteran to the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs and shall be accompanied by satisfactory evidence that the veteran has been approved by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs for assistance in acquiring a suitable dwelling unit or in remodeling a dwelling not adapted to the requirements of his disability. The application shall contain such information as will enable the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs to determine the amount of assistance to which the veteran is entitled. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall adopt general rules for determining the question of whether an applicant was a resident of this State at the time he entered the service, and shall prescribe by rule the nature of the proof to be submitted to establish the fact of residence. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall adopt guidelines for determining types of remodeling and adaptations which are reasonably necessary because of a veteran's disability, for a veteran eligible for assistance under Section 2.1 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)

Section 360. The Records for Veterans Administration Act is amended by changing Section 2 as follows:

(330 ILCS 70/2) (from Ch. 116, par. 30)

Sec. 2. Whenever a copy of any public record is required by any accredited Veterans Organization, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, the Veterans Administration, the Veteran or his dependent in connection with a claim for benefits, the official charged with the custody of such public record shall without charge provide accredited Veterans Organization, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, the Veterans Administration, the Veteran or his dependent, with a certified copy of the requested record.

The request for the copy of the record must be in writing with a statement, signed by an authorized official of the accredited veterans organization, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, the Veterans Administration, the Veteran or his dependent, to the effect that the requested document is to be used in obtaining benefits and, if the copy of the record is to be mailed, must be accompanied by sufficient postage to pay the cost of mailing. When the request is made as provided in this section and, if mailing is necessary, is accompanied by sufficient postage, the furnishing of the certified copy of the record is mandatory upon the official charged with its custody, and shall not be subject to the approval or sanction of any other person, agency, or body politic or corporate whether federal, state or municipal.

(Source: P.A. 85-169.)

Section 365. The Survivors Compensation Act is amended by changing Sections 2, 3, and 4 as follows:

(330 ILCS 100/2) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.82)

Sec. 2. Persons entitled to compensation. The widow or widower, child or children, mother, father, persons standing in loco parentis, brothers and sisters, in the order named, of any deceased person if (a) that person was a resident of Illinois for at least 12 months immediately preceding entry into military service and (b) that person's death was service connected as a result of hostile action with unfriendly forces during a period which has not been recognized by award of a U.S. campaign or service medal, shall be paid $1,000. Where a preceding beneficiary fails to file a claim of compensation after the official notice of death, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may accept applications from succeeding beneficiaries and such beneficiaries may then proceed to qualify upon submission of satisfactory proof of eligibility.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(330 ILCS 100/3) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.83)

Sec. 3. Applications. Any application for compensation under this Act shall be made to the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs on the form provided.

(Source: P.A. 85-170.)

(330 ILCS 100/4)

Sec. 4. Compensation in connection with deceased veterans of the Global War on Terrorism.

(a) The widow or widower, child or children, mother, father, persons standing in loco parentis, brothers and sisters, in the order named, of any deceased person if (i) that person was a resident of Illinois for at least 12 months immediately preceding entry into military service and (ii) that person's death was service-connected as a result of hostile action on or after September 11, 2001 and prior to such time as Congress declares such persons ineligible for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal or the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal shall be paid $3,000.

(b) If a preceding beneficiary fails to file a claim of compensation after the official notice of death, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may accept applications from succeeding beneficiaries, and such beneficiaries may then proceed to qualify upon submission of satisfactory proof of eligibility.

(c) No right or claim to compensation under this Section may be assigned.

(d) The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs has complete charge and control of the general scheme of payments authorized by this Section and shall adopt general rules for the making of those payments, for the ascertainment and selection of proper beneficiaries and the amount to which those beneficiaries are entitled, and for procedure.

(e) If the person to whom compensation is payable under this Section is under legal disability, the compensation shall be paid to the person legally vested with the care of the legally disabled person under the laws of his or her state of residence. If no such person has been so designated for the legally disabled person, payment shall be made to the chief officer of any hospital or institution under the supervision or control of any state or of the Veterans Administration of the United States in which the legally disabled person is placed, if the officer is authorized to accept moneys for the benefit of the incompetent. Any payments so made shall be held or used solely for the benefit of the legally disabled person.

As used in this Section, a person "under legal disability" means any person found to be so disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction of any state or the District of Columbia or by any adjudication officer of the Veterans Administration of the United States.

(Source: P.A. 93-976, eff. 8-20-04.)

Section 370. The Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Educational Opportunity Grant Act is amended by changing Sections 1 and 2 as follows:

(330 ILCS 105/1) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 26)

Sec. 1. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall provide, insofar as moneys are appropriated for those purposes, for matriculation and tuition fees, board, room rent, books and supplies for the use and benefit of any natural child, adopted child, minor child who is under a court-ordered guardianship for at least 2 continuous years prior to application, or step-child of an eligible veteran or serviceperson, if the child is not under 10 and not over 18 years of age, except extension of time may be granted for a child to complete high school but in no event beyond the 19th birthday, who has for 12 months immediately preceding his or her application for these benefits had his or her domicile in the State of Illinois. The child must provide proof of compliance with Illinois compulsory attendance requirements as provided in Section 26-1 of the School Code.

"Eligible veteran or serviceperson" means any veteran or serviceperson, including an Illinois National Guard member, who is on active duty or is active on a training assignment, who has been declared by the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be a prisoner of war or missing in action, or has died as the result of a service-connected disability, or has become a person with a permanent disability from service-connected causes with 100% disability and who (i) at the time of entering service was an Illinois resident, or (ii) was an Illinois resident within 6 months after entering such service, or (iii) is a resident of Illinois at the time of application for the grant and, at some point after entering such service, was a resident of Illinois for at least 15 consecutive years. No more than $250.00 may be paid under this Act for any one child for any one school year.

(Source: P.A. 102-855, eff. 5-13-22.)

(330 ILCS 105/2) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 27)

Sec. 2. The amounts that become due to any child under this Act, not in excess of the amount specified in Section 1 of this Act, shall be payable to such child or, if such child is a minor, to the eligible veteran or serviceperson or guardian on vouchers approved by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall adopt rules on how to render payments to eligible minor children of deceased veterans or servicepersons. The Department shall determine the eligibility of the children who make application for the benefits provided for in this Act; and satisfy itself of the attendance of such children at any such institution or school.

(Source: P.A. 102-855, eff. 5-13-22.)

Section 375. The Veterans Burial Places Act is amended by changing Sections 1, 2, 3, and 3.1 as follows:

(330 ILCS 110/1) (from Ch. 21, par. 59a)

Sec. 1. For the purpose of locating the burial places of United States War Veterans and reporting to the United States Government under the provisions of the Federal Law respecting the erection of headstones at the graves of United States War Veterans and the erection of memorial markers where the remains of such veterans were not recovered or were buried at sea, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall maintain a card file Roll of Honor, alphabetically arranged, of all veterans buried in the State or, if no remains were recovered or if such remains were buried at sea, of all the memorial markers for such veterans placed in the State and an additional record by counties showing the burials or memorial markers in each cemetery in each county. The records, so far as obtainable, shall contain the name of the veteran, war served in, his rank, organizations, dates of enlistment and discharge, date of death, description of grave or memorial marker, and name and location of cemetery. It shall also be his duty to prepare requisitions on the Federal Government for headstones or memorial markers when same are desired and to supervise their transportation from the railroad station to and erection at the grave of the veteran or at the site for the erection of a memorial marker if no remains were recovered or if such remains were buried at sea, certifying bills for same for payment.

The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall appoint such additional employees as may be required to maintain the records of War Veterans Graves and Memorial Markers Registration. The appointment of such employees shall not be subject to the provisions of any law relating to civil service or job classification on a merit basis.

"United States War Veterans", for purposes of this Act, means:

(1) Soldiers of the Union and Confederate Armies of the Civil War.

(2) Members of the Armed Forces of the United States dying in the service and former members whose last service terminated honorably.

(3) Persons buried in post and national cemeteries.

(4) Members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, and members of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, whose death occurred under honorable conditions while they were:

(a) on active duty for training, or performing full-time service under Section 316, 503, 504, or 505 of Title 32, United States Code;

(b) performing authorized travel to or from that duty or service;

(c) on authorized inactive duty training, including training performed as members of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard; or

(d) hospitalized or undergoing treatment, at the expense of the United States, for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while they were:

(i) on that duty or service;

(ii) performing that travel or inactive duty training; or

(iii) undergoing that hospitalization or treatment at the expenses of the United States.

(5) Members of the Reserve Officers Training Corps of the Army, Navy, Space Force, or Air Force whose death occurred under honorable conditions while they were:

(a) attending an authorized training camp or on an authorized practice cruise;

(b) performing authorized travel to or from that camp or cruise; or

(c) hospitalized or undergoing treatment, at the expense of the United States, for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while they were:

(i) attending that camp or on that cruise;

(ii) performing that travel; or

(iii) undergoing that hospitalization or treatment at the expense of the United States.

(Source: P.A. 103-746, eff. 1-1-25.)

(330 ILCS 110/2) (from Ch. 21, par. 59b)

Sec. 2. Every person, firm or corporation owning or controlling any cemetery or burial place in this State shall by itself, his or its superintendent or agent, keep a permanent record of the burial of each United States War Veteran or the erection of a memorial marker for any veteran whose remains were not recovered or where buried at sea, such record to contain the name of the veteran, date of death, and the location of grave or memorial marker in cemetery, and when requested so to do, shall report such information to the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs on forms furnished by the Department. Any person, firm or corporation owning or controlling a cemetery or burial place, who fails to make and file such report within 30 days after receipt of such request is guilty of a petty offense and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than $10 nor more than $100. It is the duty of the State's attorney in the county where the cemetery or burial place is located to enforce the provisions of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 81-167.)

(330 ILCS 110/3) (from Ch. 21, par. 59c)

Sec. 3. For the purpose of locating the burial places of United States War Veterans, the different Veteran organizations, their auxiliaries and affiliated organizations in the State of Illinois are authorized, without expense to the State, to collect the required data and prepare and file with the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs the information provided for in Section 1 hereof. For filing and recording this report, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may charge a fee of 25 cents for a single report and not to exceed 50 cents per folio for reports containing more than one name and more than one folio. A representative of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may visit cemeteries of the State or resort to any other reliable means to locate the burial places of United States War Veterans.

(Source: P.A. 100-143, eff. 1-1-18.)

(330 ILCS 110/3.1) (from Ch. 21, par. 59c1)

Sec. 3.1. The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall promulgate rules and procedures reasonably necessary for the administration of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 86-506.)

Section 385. The Veterans' Health Insurance Program Act of 2008 is amended by changing Sections 10 and 25 as follows:

(330 ILCS 126/10)

Sec. 10. Operation of the Program.

(a) The Veterans' Health Insurance Program is created. This Program is not an entitlement. Enrollment is based on the availability of funds, and enrollment may be capped based on funds appropriated for the Program. As soon as practical after the effective date of this Act, coverage for this Program shall begin. The Program shall be administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. The Department shall have the same powers and authority to administer the Program as are provided to the Department in connection with the Department's administration of the Illinois Public Aid Code. The Department shall coordinate the Program with other health programs operated by the Department and other State and federal agencies.

(b) The Department shall operate the Program in a manner so that the estimated cost of the Program during the fiscal year will not exceed the total appropriation for the Program. The Department may take any appropriate action to limit spending or enrollment into the Program, including, but not limited to, ceasing to accept or process applications, reviewing eligibility more frequently than annually, adjusting cost-sharing, or reducing the income threshold for eligibility as necessary to control expenditures for the Program.

(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) and with the mutual agreement of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the operation of the Program may be changed to simplify its administration and to take advantage of health insurance coverage that may be available to veterans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-104, eff. 7-22-13.)

(330 ILCS 126/25)

Sec. 25. Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs. The Department shall coordinate with the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs and the Veterans Assistance Commissions to allow State Veterans Veterans' Affairs service officers and the Veterans Assistance Commissions to assist veterans to apply for the Program. All applicants must be reviewed for Veterans Health Administration eligibility or other existing health benefits prior to consideration for the Program.

(Source: P.A. 95-755, eff. 7-25-08.)

Section 390. The National Guard Veterans Exposure to Hazardous Materials Act is amended by changing Section 10 as follows:

(330 ILCS 130/10)

Sec. 10. Assistance in obtaining information on treatment. On and after October 1, 2007, the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall assist any eligible member or veteran who (i) has been assigned a risk level I, II, or III for depleted uranium exposure by his or her branch of service, (ii) is referred by a military physician, or (iii) has reason to believe that he or she was exposed to depleted uranium during such service, in obtaining information on available federal treatment services, including a best practice health screening test for exposure to depleted uranium using a bioassay procedure involving sensitive methods capable of detecting depleted uranium at low levels and the use of equipment with the capacity to discriminate between different radioisotopes in naturally occurring levels of uranium and the characteristic ratio and marker for depleted uranium. No State funds shall be used to pay for such tests or other federal treatment services.

(Source: P.A. 95-597, eff. 9-11-07.)

Section 395. The Veterans' and Military Discount Program Act is amended by changing Sections 10 and 20 as follows:

(330 ILCS 140/10)

Sec. 10. Veterans' and Military Discount Program. The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall establish and administer a Veterans' and Military Discount Program that enables veterans, active duty military personnel, and those spouses and dependents of veterans and military personnel who have been issued a valid Military ID card or Military Dependent ID card to use the following photo identification at participating merchants to receive a discount on goods and services or to receive another appropriate money-saving promotion of a merchant's choice:

(1) veterans who have a valid driver's license or Illinois Identification Card issued pursuant to subsection (e) of Section 6-106 of the Illinois Vehicle Code or subsection (c-5) of Section 4 of the Illinois Identification Card Act;

(2) active duty military personnel who have a valid Common Access Card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense indicating the cardholder's active duty status; and

(3) those spouses and dependents of veterans and military personnel who have been issued a valid Military ID card or Military Dependent ID card.

(Source: P.A. 101-335, eff. 8-9-19.)

(330 ILCS 140/20)

Sec. 20. Rules. The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-374, eff. 8-17-15.)

Section 400. The Smoke Free Illinois Act is amended by changing Section 35 as follows:

(410 ILCS 82/35)

Sec. 35. Exemptions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, smoking is allowed in the following areas:

(1) Private residences or dwelling places, except when used as a child care, adult day care, or healthcare facility or any other home-based business open to the public.

(2) Retail tobacco stores as defined in Section 10 of this Act in operation prior to January 1, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-17). The retail tobacco store shall annually file with the Department by January 31st an affidavit stating the percentage of its gross income during the prior calendar year that was derived from the sale of loose tobacco, plants, or herbs and cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or other smoking devices for smoking tobacco and related smoking accessories. Any retail tobacco store that begins operation after January 1, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-17) may only qualify for an exemption if located in a freestanding structure occupied solely by the business and smoke from the business does not migrate into an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited. A retail tobacco store that derives at least 80% of its gross revenue from the sale of electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette equipment and accessories in operation before January 1, 2024 (the effective date of Public Act 103-272) qualifies for this exemption for electronic cigarettes only. A retail tobacco store claiming an exemption for electronic cigarettes shall annually file with the Department by January 31 an affidavit stating the percentage of its gross income during the prior calendar year that was derived from the sale of electronic cigarettes. A retail tobacco store may, with authorization or permission from a unit of local government, including a home rule unit, or any non-home rule county within the unincorporated territory of the county, allow the on-premises consumption of cannabis in specially designated areas.

(3) (Blank).

(4) Hotel and motel sleeping rooms that are rented to guests and are designated as smoking rooms, provided that all smoking rooms on the same floor must be contiguous and smoke from these rooms must not infiltrate into nonsmoking rooms or other areas where smoking is prohibited. Not more than 25% of the rooms rented to guests in a hotel or motel may be designated as rooms where smoking is allowed. The status of rooms as smoking or nonsmoking may not be changed, except to permanently add additional nonsmoking rooms.

(5) Enclosed laboratories that are excluded from the definition of "place of employment" in Section 10 of this Act. Rulemaking authority to implement Public Act 95-1029, if any, is conditioned on the rules being adopted in accordance with all provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and all rules and procedures of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; any purported rule not so adopted, for whatever reason, is unauthorized.

(6) Common smoking rooms in long-term care facilities operated under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs or licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act that are accessible only to residents who are smokers and have requested in writing to have access to the common smoking room where smoking is permitted and the smoke shall not infiltrate other areas of the long-term care facility. Rulemaking authority to implement Public Act 95-1029, if any, is conditioned on the rules being adopted in accordance with all provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and all rules and procedures of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; any purported rule not so adopted, for whatever reason, is unauthorized.

(7) A convention hall of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center where a meeting or trade show for manufacturers and suppliers of tobacco and tobacco products and accessories is being held, during the time the meeting or trade show is occurring, if the meeting or trade show:

(i) is a trade-only event and not open to the public;

(ii) is limited to attendees and exhibitors that are 21 years of age or older;

(iii) is being produced or organized by a business relating to tobacco or a professional association for convenience stores; and

(iv) involves the display of tobacco products.

Smoking is not allowed in any public area outside of the hall designated for the meeting or trade show.

This paragraph (7) is inoperative on and after October 1, 2015.

(8) A dispensing organization, as defined in the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, authorized or permitted by a unit local government to allow on-site consumption of cannabis, if the establishment: (1) maintains a specially designated area or areas for the purpose of heating, burning, smoking, or lighting cannabis; (2) is limited to individuals 21 or older; and (3) maintains a locked door or barrier to any specially designated areas for the purpose of heating, burning, smoking or lighting cannabis.

(Source: P.A. 103-272, eff. 1-1-24; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

Section 410. The Vital Records Act is amended by changing Section 18 as follows:

(410 ILCS 535/18) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 73-18)

Sec. 18. (1) Each death which occurs in this State shall be registered by filing a death certificate with the local registrar of the district in which the death occurred or the body was found, within 7 days after such death (within 5 days if the death occurs prior to January 1, 1989) and prior to cremation or removal of the body from the State, except when death is subject to investigation by the coroner or medical examiner. If a death occurs in this State in a county outside the deceased's county of residence, the local registrar of the district in which the death certificate was filed shall, within 7 days of its filing, send a copy of the death certificate to the local registrar in the district where the deceased's county of residence is located.

(a) For the purposes of this Section, if the place of death is unknown, a death certificate shall be filed in the registration district in which a dead body is found, which shall be considered the place of death.

(b) When a death occurs on a moving conveyance, the place where the body is first removed from the conveyance shall be considered the place of death and a death certificate shall be filed in the registration district in which such place is located.

(c) The funeral director who first assumes custody of a dead body shall be responsible for filing a completed death certificate. He or she shall obtain the personal data from the next of kin or the best qualified person or source available; he or she shall enter on the certificate the name, relationship, and address of the informant; he or she shall enter the date, place, and method of final disposition; he or she shall affix his or her own signature and enter his or her address; and shall present the certificate to the person responsible for completing the medical certification of cause of death. The person responsible for completing the medical certification of cause of death must note the presence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, clostridium difficile, or vancomycin-resistant enterococci if it is a contributing factor to or the cause of death. Additional multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) may be added to this list by the Department by rule.

(2) The medical certification shall be completed and signed within 48 hours after death by the certifying health care professional who, within 12 months prior to the date of the patient's death, was treating or managing treatment of the patient's illness or condition which resulted in death, except when death is subject to the coroner's or medical examiner's investigation. In the absence of the certifying health care professional or with his or her approval, the medical certificate may be completed and signed by his or her associate physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant, the chief medical officer of the institution in which death occurred, or the physician who performed an autopsy upon the decedent.

(3) When a death occurs without medical attendance, or when it is otherwise subject to the coroner's or medical examiner's investigation, the coroner or medical examiner shall be responsible for the completion of a coroner's or medical examiner's certificate of death and shall sign the medical certification within 48 hours after death, except as provided by regulation in special problem cases. If the decedent was under the age of 18 years at the time of his or her death, and the death was due to injuries suffered as a result of a motor vehicle backing over a child, or if the death occurred due to the power window of a motor vehicle, the coroner or medical examiner must send a copy of the medical certification, with information documenting that the death was due to a vehicle backing over the child or that the death was caused by a power window of a vehicle, to the Department of Children and Family Services. The Department of Children and Family Services shall (i) collect this information for use by Child Death Review Teams and (ii) compile and maintain this information as part of its Annual Child Death Review Team Report to the General Assembly.

(3.5) The medical certification of cause of death shall expressly provide an opportunity for the person completing the certification to indicate that the death was caused in whole or in part by a dementia-related disease, Parkinson's Disease, or Parkinson-Dementia Complex.

(4) When the deceased was a veteran of any war of the United States, the funeral director shall prepare a "Certificate of Burial of U. S. War Veteran", as prescribed and furnished by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, and submit such certificate to the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs monthly.

(5) When a death is presumed to have occurred in this State but the body cannot be located, a death certificate may be prepared by the State Registrar upon receipt of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction which includes the finding of facts required to complete the death certificate. Such death certificate shall be marked "Presumptive" and shall show on its face the date of the registration and shall identify the court and the date of the judgment.

(Source: P.A. 102-257, eff. 1-1-22; 102-844, eff. 1-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23; 103-741, eff. 8-2-24.)

Section 420. The Fish and Aquatic Life Code is amended by changing Sections 15-5 and 20-5 as follows:

(515 ILCS 5/15-5) (from Ch. 56, par. 15-5)

Sec. 15-5. Commercial fisherman; license requirement.

(a) A "commercial fisherman" is defined as any individual who uses any of the commercial fishing devices as defined by this Code for the taking of any aquatic life, except mussels, protected by the terms of this Code.

(b) All commercial fishermen shall have a commercial fishing license. In addition to a commercial fishing license, a commercial fisherman shall also obtain a sport fishing license. All individuals assisting a licensed commercial fisherman in taking aquatic life, except mussels, from any waters of the State must have a commercial fishing license unless these individuals are under the direct supervision of and aboard the same watercraft as the licensed commercial fisherman. An individual assisting a licensed commercial fisherman must first obtain a sport fishing license.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, blind residents or residents with a disability may fish with commercial fishing devices without holding a sports fishing license. For the purpose of this Section, an individual is blind or has a disability if that individual has a Class 2 disability as defined in Section 4A of the Illinois Identification Card Act. For the purposes of this Section, an Illinois person with a Disability Identification Card issued under the Illinois Identification Card Act indicating that the individual named on the card has a Class 2 disability shall be adequate documentation of a disability.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a veteran who, according to the determination of the federal Veterans' Administration as certified by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, is at least 10% disabled with service-related disabilities or in receipt of total disability pensions may fish with commercial fishing devices without holding a sports fishing license during those periods of the year that it is lawful to fish with commercial fishing devices, if the respective disabilities do not prevent the veteran from fishing in a manner that is safe to him or herself and others.

(e) A "Lake Michigan commercial fisherman" is defined as an individual who resides in this State or an Illinois corporation who uses any of the commercial fishing devices as defined by this Code for the taking of aquatic life, except mussels, protected by the terms of this Code.

(f) For purposes of this Section, an act or omission that constitutes a violation committed by an officer, employee, or agent of a corporation shall be deemed the act or omission of the corporation.

(Source: P.A. 98-336, eff. 1-1-14; 98-898, eff. 1-1-15; 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

(515 ILCS 5/20-5) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-5)

Sec. 20-5. Necessity of license; exemptions.

(a) Any person taking or attempting to take any fish, including minnows for commercial purposes, turtles, mussels, crayfish, or frogs by any means whatever in any waters or lands wholly or in part within the jurisdiction of the State, including that part of Lake Michigan under the jurisdiction of this State, shall first obtain a license to do so, and shall do so only during the respective periods of the year when it shall be lawful as provided in this Code. Individuals under 16, blind residents or residents with a disability, or individuals fishing at fee fishing areas licensed by the Department, however, may fish with sport fishing devices without being required to have a license. For the purpose of this Section an individual is blind or has a disability if that individual has a Class 2 disability as defined in Section 4A of the Illinois Identification Card Act. For purposes of this Section an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card issued under the Illinois Identification Card Act indicating that the individual named on the card has a Class 2 disability shall be adequate documentation of a disability.

(b) A courtesy non-resident sport fishing license or stamp may be issued at the discretion of the Director, without fee, to (i) any individual officially employed in the wildlife and fish or conservation department of another state or of the United States who is within the State to assist or consult or cooperate with the Director or (ii) the officials of other states, the United States, foreign countries, or officers or representatives of conservation organizations or publications while in the State as guests of the Governor or Director.

(c) The Director may issue special fishing permits without cost to groups of hospital patients or to individuals with disabilities for use on specified dates in connection with supervised fishing for therapy.

(d) Veterans who, according to the determination of the Veterans' Administration as certified by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, are at least 10% disabled with service-related disabilities or in receipt of total disability pensions may fish with sport fishing devices during those periods of the year it is lawful to do so without being required to have a license, on the condition that their respective disabilities do not prevent them from fishing in a manner which is safe to themselves and others.

(e) Each year the Director may designate a period, not to exceed 4 days in duration, when sport fishermen may fish waters wholly or in part within the jurisdiction of the State, including that part of Lake Michigan under the jurisdiction of the State, and not be required to obtain the license or stamp required by subsection (a) of this Section, Section 20-10 or subsection (a) of Section 20-55. The term of any such period shall be established by administrative rule. This subsection shall not apply to commercial fishing.

(f) The Director may issue special fishing permits without cost for a group event, restricted to specific dates and locations if it is determined by the Department that the event is beneficial in promoting sport fishing in Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

Section 425. The Wildlife Code is amended by changing Section 3.1-2 as follows:

(520 ILCS 5/3.1-2) (from Ch. 61, par. 3.1-2)

Sec. 3.1-2. Veterans who, according to the determination of the Veterans' Administration as certified by the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, are at least 10% disabled with service-related disabilities or in receipt of total disability pensions and former prisoners of war may hunt and trap any of the species protected by Section 2.2, during such times, with such devices and by such methods as are permitted by this Act, without procuring hunting and trapping licenses, State Habitat Stamps, and State Waterfowl Stamps on the condition that their respective disabilities do not prevent them from hunting and trapping in a manner which is safe to themselves and others.

(Source: P.A. 102-524, eff. 8-20-21; 102-837, eff. 5-13-22.)

Section 435. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Sections 2-123, 3-609, 3-699.14, 6-106, and 11-1301.2 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/2-123) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 2-123)

Sec. 2-123. Sale and distribution of information.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the Secretary may make the driver's license, vehicle and title registration lists, in part or in whole, and any statistical information derived from these lists available to local governments, elected state officials, state educational institutions, and all other governmental units of the State and Federal Government requesting them for governmental purposes. The Secretary shall require any such applicant for services to pay for the costs of furnishing such services and the use of the equipment involved, and in addition is empowered to establish prices and charges for the services so furnished and for the use of the electronic equipment utilized.

(b) The Secretary is further empowered to and he may, in his discretion, furnish to any applicant, other than listed in subsection (a) of this Section, vehicle or driver data on a computer tape, disk, other electronic format or computer processable medium, or printout at a fixed fee of $500, in advance, and require in addition a further sufficient deposit based upon the Secretary of State's estimate of the total cost of the information requested and a charge of $50, per 1,000 units or part thereof identified or the actual cost, whichever is greater. The Secretary is authorized to refund any difference between the additional deposit and the actual cost of the request. This service shall not be in lieu of an abstract of a driver's record nor of a title or registration search. This service may be limited to entities purchasing a minimum number of records as required by administrative rule. The information sold pursuant to this subsection shall be the entire vehicle or driver data list, or part thereof. The information sold pursuant to this subsection shall not contain personally identifying information unless the information is to be used for one of the purposes identified in subsection (f-5) of this Section. Commercial purchasers of driver and vehicle record databases shall enter into a written agreement with the Secretary of State that includes disclosure of the commercial use of the information to be purchased.

(b-1) The Secretary is further empowered to and may, in his or her discretion, furnish vehicle or driver data on a computer tape, disk, or other electronic format or computer processible medium, at no fee, to any State or local governmental agency that uses the information provided by the Secretary to transmit data back to the Secretary that enables the Secretary to maintain accurate driving records, including dispositions of traffic cases. This information may be provided without fee not more often than once every 6 months.

(c) Secretary of State may issue registration lists. The Secretary of State may compile a list of all registered vehicles. Each list of registered vehicles shall be arranged serially according to the registration numbers assigned to registered vehicles and may contain in addition the names and addresses of registered owners and a brief description of each vehicle including the serial or other identifying number thereof. Such compilation may be in such form as in the discretion of the Secretary of State may seem best for the purposes intended.

(d) The Secretary of State shall furnish no more than 2 current available lists of such registrations to the sheriffs of all counties and to the chiefs of police of all cities and villages and towns of 2,000 population and over in this State at no cost. Additional copies may be purchased by the sheriffs or chiefs of police at the fee of $500 each or at the cost of producing the list as determined by the Secretary of State. Such lists are to be used for governmental purposes only.

(e) (Blank).

(e-1) (Blank).

(f) The Secretary of State shall make a title or registration search of the records of his office and a written report on the same for any person, upon written application of such person, accompanied by a fee of $5 for each registration or title search. The written application shall set forth the intended use of the requested information. No fee shall be charged for a title or registration search, or for the certification thereof requested by a government agency. The report of the title or registration search shall not contain personally identifying information unless the request for a search was made for one of the purposes identified in subsection (f-5) of this Section. The report of the title or registration search shall not contain highly restricted personal information unless specifically authorized by this Code.

The Secretary of State shall certify a title or registration record upon written request. The fee for certification shall be $5 in addition to the fee required for a title or registration search. Certification shall be made under the signature of the Secretary of State and shall be authenticated by Seal of the Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State may notify the vehicle owner or registrant of the request for purchase of his title or registration information as the Secretary deems appropriate.

No information shall be released to the requester until expiration of a 10-day period. This 10-day period shall not apply to requests for information made by law enforcement officials, government agencies, financial institutions, attorneys, insurers, employers, automobile associated businesses, persons licensed as a private detective or firms licensed as a private detective agency under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004, who are employed by or are acting on behalf of law enforcement officials, government agencies, financial institutions, attorneys, insurers, employers, automobile associated businesses, and other business entities for purposes consistent with the Illinois Vehicle Code, the vehicle owner or registrant or other entities as the Secretary may exempt by rule and regulation.

Any misrepresentation made by a requester of title or vehicle information shall be punishable as a petty offense, except in the case of persons licensed as a private detective or firms licensed as a private detective agency which shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions under Section 40-10 of the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004.

(f-5) The Secretary of State shall not disclose or otherwise make available to any person or entity any personally identifying information obtained by the Secretary of State in connection with a driver's license, vehicle, or title registration record unless the information is disclosed for one of the following purposes:

(1) For use by any government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf of a federal, State, or local agency in carrying out its functions.

(2) For use in connection with matters of motor vehicle or driver safety and theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, and dealers; and removal of non-owner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers.

(3) For use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or its agents, employees, or contractors, but only:

(A) to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by an individual to the business or its agents, employees, or contractors; and

(B) if such information as so submitted is not correct or is no longer correct, to obtain the correct information, but only for the purposes of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against, the individual.

(4) For use in research activities and for use in producing statistical reports, if the personally identifying information is not published, redisclosed, or used to contact individuals.

(5) For use in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding in any federal, State, or local court or agency or before any self-regulatory body, including the service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, and the execution or enforcement of judgments and orders, or pursuant to an order of a federal, State, or local court.

(6) For use by any insurer or insurance support organization or by a self-insured entity or its agents, employees, or contractors in connection with claims investigation activities, antifraud activities, rating, or underwriting.

(7) For use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles.

(8) For use by any person licensed as a private detective or firm licensed as a private detective agency under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004, private investigative agency or security service licensed in Illinois for any purpose permitted under this subsection.

(9) For use by an employer or its agent or insurer to obtain or verify information relating to a holder of a commercial driver's license that is required under chapter 313 of title 49 of the United States Code.

(10) For use in connection with the operation of private toll transportation facilities.

(11) For use by any requester, if the requester demonstrates it has obtained the written consent of the individual to whom the information pertains.

(12) For use by members of the news media, as defined in Section 1-148.5, for the purpose of newsgathering when the request relates to the operation of a motor vehicle or public safety.

(13) For any other use specifically authorized by law, if that use is related to the operation of a motor vehicle or public safety.

(f-6) The Secretary of State shall not disclose or otherwise make available to any person or entity any highly restricted personal information obtained by the Secretary of State in connection with a driver's license, vehicle, or title registration record unless specifically authorized by this Code.

(g) 1. The Secretary of State may, upon receipt of a written request and a fee as set forth in Section 6-118, furnish to the person or agency so requesting a driver's record or data contained therein. Such document may include a record of: current driver's license issuance information, except that the information on judicial driving permits shall be available only as otherwise provided by this Code; convictions; orders entered revoking, suspending or cancelling a driver's license or privilege; and notations of crash involvement. All other information, unless otherwise permitted by this Code, shall remain confidential. Information released pursuant to a request for a driver's record shall not contain personally identifying information, unless the request for the driver's record was made for one of the purposes set forth in subsection (f-5) of this Section. The Secretary of State may, without fee, allow a parent or guardian of a person under the age of 18 years, who holds an instruction permit or graduated driver's license, to view that person's driving record online, through a computer connection. The parent or guardian's online access to the driving record will terminate when the instruction permit or graduated driver's license holder reaches the age of 18.

2. The Secretary of State shall not disclose or otherwise make available to any person or entity any highly restricted personal information obtained by the Secretary of State in connection with a driver's license, vehicle, or title registration record unless specifically authorized by this Code. The Secretary of State may certify an abstract of a driver's record upon written request therefor. Such certification shall be made under the signature of the Secretary of State and shall be authenticated by the Seal of his office.

3. All requests for driving record information shall be made in a manner prescribed by the Secretary and shall set forth the intended use of the requested information.

The Secretary of State may notify the affected driver of the request for purchase of his driver's record as the Secretary deems appropriate.

No information shall be released to the requester until expiration of a 10-day period. This 10-day period shall not apply to requests for information made by law enforcement officials, government agencies, financial institutions, attorneys, insurers, employers, automobile associated businesses, persons licensed as a private detective or firms licensed as a private detective agency under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004, who are employed by or are acting on behalf of law enforcement officials, government agencies, financial institutions, attorneys, insurers, employers, automobile associated businesses, and other business entities for purposes consistent with the Illinois Vehicle Code, the affected driver or other entities as the Secretary may exempt by rule and regulation.

Any misrepresentation made by a requester of driver information shall be punishable as a petty offense, except in the case of persons licensed as a private detective or firms licensed as a private detective agency which shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions under Section 40-10 of the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004.

4. The Secretary of State may furnish without fee, upon the written request of a law enforcement agency, any information from a driver's record on file with the Secretary of State when such information is required in the enforcement of this Code or any other law relating to the operation of motor vehicles, including records of dispositions; documented information involving the use of a motor vehicle; whether such individual has, or previously had, a driver's license; and the address and personal description as reflected on said driver's record.

5. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the Secretary of State may furnish, without fee, information from an individual driver's record on file, if a written request therefor is submitted by any public transit system or authority, public defender, law enforcement agency, a state or federal agency, or an Illinois local intergovernmental association, if the request is for the purpose of a background check of applicants for employment with the requesting agency, or for the purpose of an official investigation conducted by the agency, or to determine a current address for the driver so public funds can be recovered or paid to the driver, or for any other purpose set forth in subsection (f-5) of this Section.

The Secretary may also furnish the courts a copy of an abstract of a driver's record, without fee, subsequent to an arrest for a violation of Section 11-501 or a similar provision of a local ordinance. Such abstract may include records of dispositions; documented information involving the use of a motor vehicle as contained in the current file; whether such individual has, or previously had, a driver's license; and the address and personal description as reflected on said driver's record.

6. Any certified abstract issued by the Secretary of State or transmitted electronically by the Secretary of State pursuant to this Section, to a court or on request of a law enforcement agency, for the record of a named person as to the status of the person's driver's license shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated and if the name appearing in such abstract is the same as that of a person named in an information or warrant, such abstract shall be prima facie evidence that the person named in such information or warrant is the same person as the person named in such abstract and shall be admissible for any prosecution under this Code and be admitted as proof of any prior conviction or proof of records, notices, or orders recorded on individual driving records maintained by the Secretary of State.

7. Subject to any restrictions contained in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and upon receipt of a proper request and a fee as set forth in Section 6-118, the Secretary of State shall provide a driver's record or data contained therein to the affected driver, or the affected driver's attorney, upon verification. Such record shall contain all the information referred to in paragraph 1 of this subsection (g) plus: any recorded crash involvement as a driver; information recorded pursuant to subsection (e) of Section 6-117 and paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Section 6-204 of this Code. All other information, unless otherwise permitted by this Code, shall remain confidential.

(h) The Secretary shall not disclose social security numbers or any associated information obtained from the Social Security Administration except pursuant to a written request by, or with the prior written consent of, the individual except: (1) to officers and employees of the Secretary who have a need to know the social security numbers in performance of their official duties, (2) to law enforcement officials for a civil or criminal law enforcement investigation, and if an officer of the law enforcement agency has made a written request to the Secretary specifying the law enforcement investigation for which the social security numbers are being sought, though the Secretary retains the right to require additional verification regarding the validity of the request, (3) to the United States Department of Transportation, or any other State, pursuant to the administration and enforcement of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 or participation in State-to-State verification service, (4) pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction, (5) to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid) for utilization in the child support enforcement duties assigned to that Department under provisions of the Illinois Public Aid Code after the individual has received advanced meaningful notification of what redisclosure is sought by the Secretary in accordance with the federal Privacy Act, (5.5) to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Human Services solely for the purpose of verifying Illinois residency where such residency is an eligibility requirement for benefits under the Illinois Public Aid Code or any other health benefit program administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or the Department of Human Services, (6) to the Illinois Department of Revenue solely for use by the Department in the collection of any tax or debt that the Department of Revenue is authorized or required by law to collect, provided that the Department shall not disclose the social security number to any person or entity outside of the Department, (7) to the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs for the purpose of confirming veteran status, or (8) the last 4 digits to the Illinois State Board of Elections for purposes of voter registration and as may be required pursuant to an agreement for a multi-state voter registration list maintenance system. If social security information is disclosed by the Secretary in accordance with this Section, no liability shall rest with the Office of the Secretary of State or any of its officers or employees, as the information is released for official purposes only.

(i) (Blank).

(j) Medical statements or medical reports received in the Secretary of State's Office shall be confidential. Except as provided in this Section, no confidential information may be open to public inspection or the contents disclosed to anyone, except officers and employees of the Secretary who have a need to know the information contained in the medical reports and the Driver License Medical Advisory Board, unless so directed by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction. If the Secretary receives a medical report regarding a driver that does not address a medical condition contained in a previous medical report, the Secretary may disclose the unaddressed medical condition to the driver or his or her physician, or both, solely for the purpose of submission of a medical report that addresses the condition.

(k) Beginning July 1, 2023, disbursement of fees collected under this Section shall be as follows: (1) of the $20 fee for a driver's record, $11 shall be paid into the Secretary of State Special Services Fund, and $6 shall be paid into the General Revenue Fund; (2) 50% of the amounts collected under subsection (b) shall be paid into the General Revenue Fund; and (3) all remaining fees shall be disbursed under subsection (g) of Section 2-119 of this Code.

(l) (Blank).

(m) Notations of crash involvement that may be disclosed under this Section shall not include notations relating to damage to a vehicle or other property being transported by a tow truck. This information shall remain confidential, provided that nothing in this subsection (m) shall limit disclosure of any notification of crash involvement to any law enforcement agency or official.

(n) Requests made by the news media for driver's license, vehicle, or title registration information may be furnished without charge or at a reduced charge, as determined by the Secretary, when the specific purpose for requesting the documents is deemed to be in the public interest. Waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest if the principal purpose of the request is to access and disseminate information regarding the health, safety, and welfare or the legal rights of the general public and is not for the principal purpose of gaining a personal or commercial benefit. The information provided pursuant to this subsection shall not contain personally identifying information unless the information is to be used for one of the purposes identified in subsection (f-5) of this Section.

(o) The redisclosure of personally identifying information obtained pursuant to this Section is prohibited, except to the extent necessary to effectuate the purpose for which the original disclosure of the information was permitted.

(p) The Secretary of State is empowered to adopt rules to effectuate this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23; 103-8, eff. 7-1-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/3-609) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 3-609)

Sec. 3-609. Plates for veterans with disabilities.

(a) Any veteran who holds proof of a service-connected disability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and who has obtained certification from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse that the service-connected disability qualifies the veteran for issuance of registration plates or digital registration plates or decals to a person with disabilities in accordance with Section 3-616, may, without the payment of any registration fee, make application to the Secretary of State for license plates for veterans with disabilities displaying the international symbol of access, for the registration of one motor vehicle of the first division, one motorcycle, or one motor vehicle of the second division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds.

(b) Any veteran who holds proof of a service-connected disability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and whose degree of disability has been declared to be 50% or more, but whose disability does not qualify the veteran for a plate or decal for persons with disabilities under Section 3-616, may, without the payment of any registration fee, make application to the Secretary for a special registration plate or digital registration plate without the international symbol of access for the registration of one motor vehicle of the first division, one motorcycle, or one motor vehicle of the second division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds.

(c) Renewal of such registration must be accompanied with documentation for eligibility of registration without fee unless the applicant has a permanent qualifying disability, and such registration plates or digital registration plates may not be issued to any person not eligible therefor. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs may assist in providing the documentation of disability.

(d) The design and color of the plates shall be within the discretion of the Secretary, except that the plates issued under subsection (b) of this Section shall not contain the international symbol of access. The Secretary may, in his or her discretion, allow the plates to be issued as vanity or personalized plates in accordance with Section 3-405.1 of this Code. Registration shall be for a multi-year period and may be issued staggered registration.

(e) Any person eligible to receive license plates under this Section who has been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act, or who has claimed and received a grant under that Act, shall pay a fee of $24 instead of the fee otherwise provided in this Code for passenger cars displaying standard multi-year registration plates or digital registration plates issued under Section 3-414.1, for motor vehicles registered at 8,000 pounds or less under Section 3-815(a), or for recreational vehicles registered at 8,000 pounds or less under Section 3-815(b), for a second set of plates under this Section.

(f) With respect to the supporting documentation required to obtain a plate under this Section, the Secretary shall allow an applicant to redact information on the documentation that pertains to the nature of the applicant's health issue, unless that information is necessary to confirm that the applicant's disability is service-connected or to establish the degree of the applicant's service-connected disability.

(Source: P.A. 101-395, eff. 8-16-19; 101-536, eff. 1-1-20; 102-273, eff. 8-6-21; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/3-699.14)

Sec. 3-699.14. Universal special license plates.

(a) In addition to any other special license plate, the Secretary, upon receipt of all applicable fees and applications made in the form prescribed by the Secretary, may issue Universal special license plates to residents of Illinois on behalf of organizations that have been authorized by the General Assembly to issue decals for Universal special license plates. Appropriate documentation, as determined by the Secretary, shall accompany each application. Authorized organizations shall be designated by amendment to this Section. When applying for a Universal special license plate the applicant shall inform the Secretary of the name of the authorized organization from which the applicant will obtain a decal to place on the plate. The Secretary shall make a record of that organization and that organization shall remain affiliated with that plate until the plate is surrendered, revoked, or otherwise cancelled. The authorized organization may charge a fee to offset the cost of producing and distributing the decal, but that fee shall be retained by the authorized organization and shall be separate and distinct from any registration fees charged by the Secretary. No decal, sticker, or other material may be affixed to a Universal special license plate other than a decal authorized by the General Assembly in this Section or a registration renewal sticker. The special plates issued under this Section shall be affixed only to passenger vehicles of the first division, including motorcycles and autocycles, or motor vehicles of the second division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds. Plates issued under this Section shall expire according to the multi-year procedure under Section 3-414.1 of this Code.

(b) The design, color, and format of the Universal special license plate shall be wholly within the discretion of the Secretary. Universal special license plates are not required to designate "Land of Lincoln", as prescribed in subsection (b) of Section 3-412 of this Code. The design shall allow for the application of a decal to the plate. Organizations authorized by the General Assembly to issue decals for Universal special license plates shall comply with rules adopted by the Secretary governing the requirements for and approval of Universal special license plate decals. The Secretary may, in his or her discretion, allow Universal special license plates to be issued as vanity or personalized plates in accordance with Section 3-405.1 of this Code. The Secretary of State must make a version of the special registration plates authorized under this Section in a form appropriate for motorcycles and autocycles.

(c) When authorizing a Universal special license plate, the General Assembly shall set forth whether an additional fee is to be charged for the plate and, if a fee is to be charged, the amount of the fee and how the fee is to be distributed. When necessary, the authorizing language shall create a special fund in the State treasury into which fees may be deposited for an authorized Universal special license plate. Additional fees may only be charged if the fee is to be paid over to a State agency or to a charitable entity that is in compliance with the registration and reporting requirements of the Charitable Trust Act and the Solicitation for Charity Act. Any charitable entity receiving fees for the sale of Universal special license plates shall annually provide the Secretary of State a letter of compliance issued by the Attorney General verifying that the entity is in compliance with the Charitable Trust Act and the Solicitation for Charity Act.

(d) Upon original issuance and for each registration renewal period, in addition to the appropriate registration fee, if applicable, the Secretary shall collect any additional fees, if required, for issuance of Universal special license plates. The fees shall be collected on behalf of the organization designated by the applicant when applying for the plate. All fees collected shall be transferred to the State agency on whose behalf the fees were collected, or paid into the special fund designated in the law authorizing the organization to issue decals for Universal special license plates. All money in the designated fund shall be distributed by the Secretary subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.

(e) The following organizations may issue decals for Universal special license plates with the original and renewal fees and fee distribution as follows:

(1) The Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(2) Illinois Veterans' Homes.

(A) Original issuance: $26, which shall be deposited into the Illinois Veterans' Homes Fund.

(B) Renewal: $26, which shall be deposited into the Illinois Veterans' Homes Fund.

(3) The Illinois Department of Human Services for volunteerism decals.

(A) Original issuance: $25, which shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25, which shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(4) The Illinois Department of Public Health.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Prostate Cancer Awareness Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Prostate Cancer Awareness Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(5) Horsemen's Council of Illinois.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Horsemen's Council of Illinois Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Horsemen's Council of Illinois Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(6) K9s for Veterans, NFP.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(7) The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

(A) Original issuance: $35; with $20 to the Guide Dogs of America Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 going to the Guide Dogs of America Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(8) Local Lodge 701 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

(A) Original issuance: $35; with $10 to the Guide Dogs of America Fund, $10 to the Mechanics Training Fund, and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $30; with $13 to the Guide Dogs of America Fund, $15 to the Mechanics Training Fund, and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(9) Illinois Department of Human Services.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Theresa Tracy Trot - Illinois CancerCare Foundation Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Theresa Tracy Trot - Illinois CancerCare Foundation Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(10) The Illinois Department of Human Services for developmental disabilities awareness decals.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(11) The Illinois Department of Human Services for pediatric cancer awareness decals.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Pediatric Cancer Awareness Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Pediatric Cancer Awareness Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(12) The Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs for Fold of Honor decals.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Folds of Honor Foundation Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Folds of Honor Foundation Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(13) The Illinois chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association for aviation enthusiast decals.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Experimental Aircraft Association Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Experimental Aircraft Association Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(14) The Illinois Department of Human Services for Child Abuse Council of the Quad Cities decals.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Child Abuse Council of the Quad Cities Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Child Abuse Council of the Quad Cities Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(15) The Illinois Department of Public Health for health care worker decals.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Illinois Health Care Workers Benefit Fund, and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Illinois Health Care Workers Benefit Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(16) The Department of Agriculture for Future Farmers of America decals.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Future Farmers of America Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Future Farmers of America Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(17) The Illinois Department of Public Health for autism awareness decals that are designed with input from autism advocacy organizations.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Autism Awareness Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Autism Awareness Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(18) The Department of Natural Resources for Lyme disease research decals.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Tick Research, Education, and Evaluation Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Tick Research, Education, and Evaluation Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(19) The IBEW Thank a Line Worker decal.

(A) Original issuance: $15, which shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $2, which shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(20) An Illinois chapter of the Navy Club for Navy Club decals.

(A) Original issuance: $5; which shall be deposited into the Navy Club Fund.

(B) Renewal: $18; which shall be deposited into the Navy Club Fund.

(21) (20) An Illinois chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers decal.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(22) (20) The 100 Club of Illinois decal.

(A) Original issuance: $45; with $30 to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $27; with $25 to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(23) (20) The Illinois USTA/Midwest Youth Tennis Foundation decal.

(A) Original issuance: $40; with $25 to the Illinois USTA/Midwest Youth Tennis Foundation Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $40; with $38 to the Illinois USTA/Midwest Youth Tennis Foundation Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(24) (20) The Sons of the American Legion decal.

(A) Original issuance: $25; with $10 to the Sons of the American Legion Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(B) Renewal: $25; with $23 to the Sons of the American Legion Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(f) The following funds are created as special funds in the State treasury:

(1) The Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund. All money in the Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund shall be paid as grants to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fund roadside monarch and other pollinator habitat development, enhancement, and restoration projects in this State.

(2) The Prostate Cancer Awareness Fund. All money in the Prostate Cancer Awareness Fund shall be paid as grants to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago.

(3) The Horsemen's Council of Illinois Fund. All money in the Horsemen's Council of Illinois Fund shall be paid as grants to the Horsemen's Council of Illinois.

(4) The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Fund. All money in the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Fund shall be paid as grants to K9s for Veterans, NFP for support, education, and awareness of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

(5) The Guide Dogs of America Fund. All money in the Guide Dogs of America Fund shall be paid as grants to the International Guiding Eyes, Inc., doing business as Guide Dogs of America.

(6) The Mechanics Training Fund. All money in the Mechanics Training Fund shall be paid as grants to the Mechanics Local 701 Training Fund.

(7) The Theresa Tracy Trot - Illinois CancerCare Foundation Fund. All money in the Theresa Tracy Trot - Illinois CancerCare Foundation Fund shall be paid to the Illinois CancerCare Foundation for the purpose of furthering pancreatic cancer research.

(8) The Developmental Disabilities Awareness Fund. All money in the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Fund shall be paid as grants to the Illinois Department of Human Services to fund legal aid groups to assist with guardianship fees for private citizens willing to become guardians for individuals with developmental disabilities but who are unable to pay the legal fees associated with becoming a guardian.

(9) The Pediatric Cancer Awareness Fund. All money in the Pediatric Cancer Awareness Fund shall be paid as grants to the Cancer Center at Illinois for pediatric cancer treatment and research.

(10) The Folds of Honor Foundation Fund. All money in the Folds of Honor Foundation Fund shall be paid as grants to the Folds of Honor Foundation to aid in providing educational scholarships to military families.

(11) The Experimental Aircraft Association Fund. All money in the Experimental Aircraft Association Fund shall be paid, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and distribution by the Secretary, as grants to promote recreational aviation.

(12) The Child Abuse Council of the Quad Cities Fund. All money in the Child Abuse Council of the Quad Cities Fund shall be paid as grants to benefit the Child Abuse Council of the Quad Cities.

(13) The Illinois Health Care Workers Benefit Fund. All money in the Illinois Health Care Workers Benefit Fund shall be paid as grants to the Trinity Health Foundation for the benefit of health care workers, doctors, nurses, and others who work in the health care industry in this State.

(14) The Future Farmers of America Fund. All money in the Future Farmers of America Fund shall be paid as grants to the Illinois Association of Future Farmers of America.

(15) The Tick Research, Education, and Evaluation Fund. All money in the Tick Research, Education, and Evaluation Fund shall be paid as grants to the Illinois Lyme Association.

(16) The Navy Club Fund. All money in the Navy Club Fund shall be paid as grants to any local chapter of the Navy Club that is located in this State.

(17) (16) The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Fund. All money in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Fund shall be paid as grants to any local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers that is located in this State.

(18) (16) The 100 Club of Illinois Fund. All money in the 100 Club of Illinois Fund shall be paid as grants to the 100 Club of Illinois for the purpose of giving financial support to children and spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty and mental health resources for active duty first responders.

(19) (16) The Illinois USTA/Midwest Youth Tennis Foundation Fund. All money in the Illinois USTA/Midwest Youth Tennis Foundation Fund shall be paid as grants to Illinois USTA/Midwest Youth Tennis Foundation to aid USTA/Midwest districts in the State with exposing youth to the game of tennis.

(20) (16) The Sons of the American Legion Fund. All money in the Sons of the American Legion Fund shall be paid as grants to the Illinois Detachment of the Sons of the American Legion.

(Source: P.A. 102-383, eff. 1-1-22; 102-422, eff. 8-20-21; 102-423, eff. 8-20-21; 102-515, eff. 1-1-22; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 102-809, eff. 1-1-23; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 103-112, eff. 1-1-24; 103-163, eff. 1-1-24; 103-349, eff. 1-1-24; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24; 103-664, eff. 1-1-25; 103-665, eff. 1-1-25; 103-855, eff. 1-1-25; 103-911, eff. 1-1-25; 103-933, eff. 1-1-25; revised 11-26-24.)

(625 ILCS 5/6-106) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 6-106)

Sec. 6-106. Application for license or instruction permit.

(a) Every application for any permit or license authorized to be issued under this Code shall be made upon a form furnished by the Secretary of State. Every application shall be accompanied by the proper fee and payment of such fee shall entitle the applicant to not more than 3 attempts to pass the examination within a period of one year after the date of application.

(b) Every application shall state the legal name, zip code, date of birth, sex, and residence address of the applicant; briefly describe the applicant; state whether the applicant has theretofore been licensed as a driver, and, if so, when and by what state or country, and whether any such license has ever been cancelled, suspended, revoked or refused, and, if so, the date and reason for such cancellation, suspension, revocation or refusal; shall include an affirmation by the applicant that all information set forth is true and correct; and shall bear the applicant's signature. In addition to the residence address, the Secretary may allow the applicant to provide a mailing address. In the case of an applicant who is a judicial officer or peace officer, the Secretary may allow the applicant to provide an office or work address in lieu of a residence or mailing address. The application form may also require the statement of such additional relevant information as the Secretary of State shall deem necessary to determine the applicant's competency and eligibility. The Secretary of State may, in his discretion, by rule or regulation, provide that an application for a drivers license or permit may include a suitable photograph of the applicant in the form prescribed by the Secretary, and he may further provide that each drivers license shall include a photograph of the driver. The Secretary of State may utilize a photograph process or system most suitable to deter alteration or improper reproduction of a drivers license and to prevent substitution of another photo thereon. For the purposes of this subsection (b), "peace officer" means any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for a violation of any penal statute of this State, whether that duty extends to all violations or is limited to specific violations.

(b-1) Every application shall state the social security number of the applicant; except if the applicant is applying for a standard driver's license and, on the date of application, is ineligible for a social security number, then:

(1) if the applicant has documentation, issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, authorizing the applicant's presence in this country, the applicant shall provide such documentation instead of a social security number; and

(2) if the applicant does not have documentation described in paragraph (1), the applicant shall provide, instead of a social security number, the following:

(A) documentation establishing that the applicant has resided in this State for a period in excess of one year;

(B) a passport validly issued to the applicant from the applicant's country of citizenship or a consular identification document validly issued to the applicant by a consulate of that country as defined in Section 5 of the Consular Identification Document Act, as long as such documents are either unexpired or presented by an applicant within 2 years of its expiration date; and

(C) a social security card, if the applicant has a social security number.

(b-3) Upon the first issuance of a request for proposals for a digital driver's license and identification card issuance and facial recognition system issued after January 1, 2020 (the effective date of Public Act 101-513), and upon implementation of a new or revised system procured pursuant to that request for proposals, the Secretary shall permit applicants to choose between "male", "female" or "non-binary" when designating the applicant's sex on the driver's license application form. The sex designated by the applicant shall be displayed on the driver's license issued to the applicant.

(b-5) Every applicant for a REAL ID compliant driver's license or permit shall provide proof of lawful status in the United States as defined in 6 CFR 37.3, as amended.

(c) The application form shall include a notice to the applicant of the registration obligations of sex offenders under the Sex Offender Registration Act. The notice shall be provided in a form and manner prescribed by the Secretary of State. For purposes of this subsection (c), "sex offender" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2 of the Sex Offender Registration Act.

(d) Any male United States citizen or immigrant who applies for any permit or license authorized to be issued under this Code or for a renewal of any permit or license, and who is at least 18 years of age but less than 26 years of age, must be registered in compliance with the requirements of the federal Military Selective Service Act. The Secretary of State must forward in an electronic format the necessary personal information regarding the applicants identified in this subsection (d) to the Selective Service System. The applicant's signature on the application serves as an indication that the applicant either has already registered with the Selective Service System or that he is authorizing the Secretary to forward to the Selective Service System the necessary information for registration. The Secretary must notify the applicant at the time of application that his signature constitutes consent to registration with the Selective Service System, if he is not already registered.

(e) Beginning on or before July 1, 2015, for each original or renewal driver's license application under this Code, the Secretary shall inquire as to whether the applicant is a veteran for purposes of issuing a driver's license with a veteran designation under subsection (e-5) of Section 6-110 of this Code. The acceptable forms of proof shall include, but are not limited to, Department of Defense form DD-214, Department of Defense form DD-256 for applicants who did not receive a form DD-214 upon the completion of initial basic training, Department of Defense form DD-2 (Retired), an identification card issued under the federal Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, or a United States Department of Veterans Affairs summary of benefits letter. If the document cannot be stamped, the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall provide a certificate to the veteran to provide to the Secretary of State. The Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs shall advise the Secretary as to what other forms of proof of a person's status as a veteran are acceptable.

For each applicant who is issued a driver's license with a veteran designation, the Secretary shall provide the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs with the applicant's name, address, date of birth, gender and such other demographic information as agreed to by the Secretary and the Department. The Department may take steps necessary to confirm the applicant is a veteran. If after due diligence, including writing to the applicant at the address provided by the Secretary, the Department is unable to verify the applicant's veteran status, the Department shall inform the Secretary, who shall notify the applicant that he or she must confirm status as a veteran, or the driver's license will be cancelled.

For purposes of this subsection (e):

"Armed forces" means any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including a member of any reserve component or National Guard unit.

"Veteran" means a person who has served in the armed forces and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.

(f) An applicant who is eligible for Gold Star license plates under Section 3-664 of this Code may apply for an original or renewal driver's license with space for a designation as a Gold Star Family. The Secretary may waive any fee for this application. If the Secretary does not waive the fee, any fee charged to the applicant must be deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. The Secretary is authorized to issue rules to implement this subsection.

(Source: P.A. 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 103-210, eff. 7-1-24; 103-933, eff. 1-1-25.)

(625 ILCS 5/11-1301.2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1301.2)

Sec. 11-1301.2. Special decals for parking; persons with disabilities.

(a) The Secretary of State shall provide for, by administrative rules, the design, size, color, and placement of a person with disabilities motorist decal or device and shall provide for, by administrative rules, the content and form of an application for a person with disabilities motorist decal or device, which shall be used by local authorities in the issuance thereof to a person with temporary disabilities, provided that the decal or device is valid for no more than 90 days, subject to renewal for like periods based upon continued disability, and further provided that the decal or device clearly sets forth the date that the decal or device expires. The application shall include the requirement of an Illinois Identification Card number or a State of Illinois driver's license number or, if the applicant does not have an identification card or driver's license number, then the applicant may use a valid identification number issued by a branch of the U.S. military or a federally issued Medicare or Medicaid identification number. This decal or device may be used by the authorized holder to designate and identify a vehicle not owned or displaying a registration plate or digital registration plate as provided in Sections 3-609 and 3-616 of this Act to designate when the vehicle is being used to transport said person or persons with disabilities, and thus is entitled to enjoy all the privileges that would be afforded a person with disabilities licensed vehicle. Person with disabilities decals or devices issued and displayed pursuant to this Section shall be recognized and honored by all local authorities regardless of which local authority issued such decal or device.

The decal or device shall be issued only upon a showing by adequate documentation that the person for whose benefit the decal or device is to be used has a disability as defined in Section 1-159.1 of this Code and the disability is temporary.

(a-5) The Secretary may provide a disabilities motorist decal or device to an expectant mother during her third trimester. An application under this subsection is subject to application requirements under subsection (a). The decal or device shall be valid for no more than 90 days, and shall clearly set forth the date that the decal or device expires. The decal or device shall be issued only upon a showing by adequate documentation that the expectant mother has entered her third trimester.

(b) The local governing authorities shall be responsible for the provision of such decal or device, its issuance and designated placement within the vehicle. The cost of such decal or device shall be at the discretion of such local governing authority.

(c) The Secretary of State may, pursuant to Section 3-616(c), issue a person with disabilities parking decal or device to a person with disabilities as defined by Section 1-159.1. Any person with disabilities parking decal or device issued by the Secretary of State shall be registered to that person with disabilities in the form to be prescribed by the Secretary of State. The person with disabilities parking decal or device shall not display that person's address. One additional decal or device may be issued to an applicant upon his or her written request and with the approval of the Secretary of State. The written request must include a justification of the need for the additional decal or device.

(c-5) Beginning January 1, 2014, the Secretary shall provide by administrative rule for the issuance of a separate and distinct parking decal or device for persons with disabilities as defined by Section 1-159.1 of this Code and who meet the qualifications under this subsection. The authorized holder of a decal or device issued under this subsection (c-5) shall be exempt from the payment of fees generated by parking in a metered space, a parking area subject to paragraph (10) of subsection (a) of Section 11-209 of this Code, or a publicly owned parking area.

The Secretary shall issue a meter-exempt decal or device to a person with disabilities who: (i) has been issued registration plates or digital registration plates under subsection (a) of Section 3-609 or Section 3-616 of this Code or a special decal or device under this Section, (ii) holds a valid Illinois driver's license, and (iii) is unable to do one or more of the following:

(1) manage, manipulate, or insert coins, or obtain tickets or tokens in parking meters or ticket machines in parking lots, due to the lack of fine motor control of both hands;

(2) reach above his or her head to a height of 42 inches from the ground, due to a lack of finger, hand, or upper extremity strength or mobility;

(3) approach a parking meter due to his or her use of a wheelchair or other device for mobility; or

(4) walk more than 20 feet due to an orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular, or lung condition in which the degree of debilitation is so severe that it almost completely impedes the ability to walk.

The application for a meter-exempt parking decal or device shall contain a statement certified by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse attesting to the permanent nature of the applicant's condition and verifying that the applicant meets the physical qualifications specified in this subsection (c-5).

Notwithstanding the requirements of this subsection (c-5), the Secretary shall issue a meter-exempt decal or device to a person who has been issued registration plates or digital registration plates under Section 3-616 of this Code or a special decal or device under this Section, if the applicant is the parent or guardian of a person with disabilities who is under 18 years of age and incapable of driving.

(d) Replacement decals or devices may be issued for lost, stolen, or destroyed decals upon application and payment of a $10 fee. The replacement fee may be waived for individuals that have claimed and received a grant under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act.

(e) A person classified as a veteran under subsection (e) of Section 6-106 of this Code that has been issued a decal or device under this Section shall not be required to submit evidence of disability in order to renew that decal or device if, at the time of initial application, he or she submitted evidence from his or her physician or the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs that the disability is of a permanent nature. However, the Secretary shall take reasonable steps to ensure the veteran still resides in this State at the time of the renewal. These steps may include requiring the veteran to provide additional documentation or to appear at a Secretary of State facility. To identify veterans who are eligible for this exemption, the Secretary shall compare the list of the persons who have been issued a decal or device to the list of persons who have been issued a vehicle registration plate or digital registration plate for veterans with disabilities under Section 3-609 of this Code, or who are identified as a veteran on their driver's license under Section 6-110 of this Code or on their identification card under Section 4 of the Illinois Identification Card Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-395, eff. 8-16-19; 102-453, eff. 1-1-22.)

Section 440. The Access to Justice Act is amended by changing Section 7 as follows:

(705 ILCS 95/7)

Sec. 7. Definitions. As used in this Act:

(a) "Foundation" means the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation created by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association and recognized under the Illinois Equal Justice Act.

(b) "Illinois Access to Civil Justice Council" or "Council" means a special advisory body created by the Foundation. The Council consists of 7 members, appointed as follows: one by the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, one by the Chicago Bar Foundation, one by the Illinois Bar Foundation, one by the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, one by the Illinois Attorney General, and 2 by the Foundation or any successor entities or agencies as designated by the Council.

(Source: P.A. 99-281, eff. 8-5-15.)

Section 445. The Court of Claims Act is amended by changing Section 9.5 as follows:

(705 ILCS 505/9.5)

Sec. 9.5. Gold Star and Fallen Heroes Families Assistance Program.

(a) Within the Court of Claims, there is established a Gold Star and Fallen Heroes Families Assistance Program, which is charged with the responsibility of assessing the needs of and providing information to Illinois Gold Star and Fallen Heroes Families with regard to claims filed pursuant to the Line of Duty Compensation Act.

(b) As used in this Section, "Gold Star and Fallen Heroes Family" means the family members of an individual who was killed in the line of duty and who was employed or serving in a capacity defined in Section 2 of the Illinois Line of Duty Compensation Act.

(c) Toll-free helpline. The Gold Star and Fallen Heroes Families Assistance Program shall include a toll-free helpline dedicated to families seeking information about the Line of Duty Compensation Act, including, but not limited to, the status of claims filed pursuant to that Act. The helpline phone number and information about the Gold Star and Fallen Heroes Families Assistance Program shall be provided to each person filing a claim under the Line of Duty Compensation Act.

(d) On or before January 1 of each year, the Court of Claims shall report to the Governor, both houses of the General Assembly, and the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs the following information:

(1) the number of claims filed with the Court of Claims pursuant to the Line of Duty Compensation Act;

(2) the number of Line of Duty Compensation Act claims approved for payment by the Court of Claims during the preceding calendar year;

(3) the number and status of Line of Duty Compensation Act claims pending in the Court of Claims; and

(4) other information as may be requested by the Governor.

(Source: P.A. 96-539, eff. 1-1-10; 96-541, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

Section 455. The Unified Code of Corrections is amended by changing Sections 3-12-6 and 5-4-1 as follows:

(730 ILCS 5/3-12-6) (from Ch. 38, par. 1003-12-6)

Sec. 3-12-6. Programs. Through its Illinois Correctional Industries division, the Department may establish commercial, business, and manufacturing programs for the production of finished goods and processed food and beverages to the State, its political units, agencies, and other public institutions. Illinois Correctional Industries may establish, operate, and maintain manufacturing and food and beverage production in the Department facilities and provide food for the Department institutions and for the mental health and developmental disabilities institutions of the Department of Human Services and the institutions of the Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

Illinois Correctional Industries shall be administered by a chief executive officer. The chief executive officer shall report to the Director of the Department or the Director's designee. The chief executive officer shall administer the commercial and business programs of ICI for inmate workers in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

The chief executive officer shall have such assistants as are required for programming, manufacturing, budget, and personnel as necessary to run its programs.

Illinois Correctional Industries shall be located in Springfield. The chief executive officer of Illinois Correctional Industries shall assign personnel to teach the production of goods and shall employ committed persons assigned by the facility chief administrative officer. The Department of Corrections may direct such other vocational programs as it deems necessary for the rehabilitation of inmates, which shall be separate and apart from, and not in conflict with, programs of Illinois Correctional Industries.

(Source: P.A. 102-16, eff. 6-17-21; 102-699, eff. 4-19-22; 103-8, eff. 6-7-23.)

(730 ILCS 5/5-4-1) (from Ch. 38, par. 1005-4-1)

Sec. 5-4-1. Sentencing hearing.

(a) After a determination of guilt, a hearing shall be held to impose the sentence. However, prior to the imposition of sentence on an individual being sentenced for an offense based upon a charge for a violation of Section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance, the individual must undergo a professional evaluation to determine if an alcohol or other drug abuse problem exists and the extent of such a problem. Programs conducting these evaluations shall be licensed by the Department of Human Services. However, if the individual is not a resident of Illinois, the court may, in its discretion, accept an evaluation from a program in the state of such individual's residence. The court shall make a specific finding about whether the defendant is eligible for participation in a Department impact incarceration program as provided in Section 5-8-1.1 or 5-8-1.3, and if not, provide an explanation as to why a sentence to impact incarceration is not an appropriate sentence. The court may in its sentencing order recommend a defendant for placement in a Department of Corrections substance abuse treatment program as provided in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of Section 3-2-2 conditioned upon the defendant being accepted in a program by the Department of Corrections. At the hearing the court shall:

(1) consider the evidence, if any, received upon the trial;

(2) consider any presentence reports;

(3) consider the financial impact of incarceration based on the financial impact statement filed with the clerk of the court by the Department of Corrections;

(4) consider evidence and information offered by the parties in aggravation and mitigation;

(4.5) consider substance abuse treatment, eligibility screening, and an assessment, if any, of the defendant by an agent designated by the State of Illinois to provide assessment services for the Illinois courts;

(5) hear arguments as to sentencing alternatives;

(6) afford the defendant the opportunity to make a statement in his own behalf;

(7) afford the victim of a violent crime or a violation of Section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, the opportunity to present an oral or written statement, as guaranteed by Article I, Section 8.1 of the Illinois Constitution and provided in Section 6 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. The court shall allow a victim to make an oral statement if the victim is present in the courtroom and requests to make an oral or written statement. An oral or written statement includes the victim or a representative of the victim reading the written statement. The court may allow persons impacted by the crime who are not victims under subsection (a) of Section 3 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act to present an oral or written statement. A victim and any person making an oral statement shall not be put under oath or subject to cross-examination. All statements offered under this paragraph (7) shall become part of the record of the court. In this paragraph (7), "victim of a violent crime" means a person who is a victim of a violent crime for which the defendant has been convicted after a bench or jury trial or a person who is the victim of a violent crime with which the defendant was charged and the defendant has been convicted under a plea agreement of a crime that is not a violent crime as defined in subsection (c) of 3 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act;

(7.5) afford a qualified person affected by: (i) a violation of Section 405, 405.1, 405.2, or 407 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or a violation of Section 55 or Section 65 of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act; or (ii) a Class 4 felony violation of Section 11-14, 11-14.3 except as described in subdivisions (a)(2)(A) and (a)(2)(B), 11-15, 11-17, 11-18, 11-18.1, or 11-19 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, committed by the defendant the opportunity to make a statement concerning the impact on the qualified person and to offer evidence in aggravation or mitigation; provided that the statement and evidence offered in aggravation or mitigation shall first be prepared in writing in conjunction with the State's Attorney before it may be presented orally at the hearing. Sworn testimony offered by the qualified person is subject to the defendant's right to cross-examine. All statements and evidence offered under this paragraph (7.5) shall become part of the record of the court. In this paragraph (7.5), "qualified person" means any person who: (i) lived or worked within the territorial jurisdiction where the offense took place when the offense took place; or (ii) is familiar with various public places within the territorial jurisdiction where the offense took place when the offense took place. "Qualified person" includes any peace officer or any member of any duly organized State, county, or municipal peace officer unit assigned to the territorial jurisdiction where the offense took place when the offense took place;

(8) in cases of reckless homicide afford the victim's spouse, guardians, parents or other immediate family members an opportunity to make oral statements;

(9) in cases involving a felony sex offense as defined under the Sex Offender Management Board Act, consider the results of the sex offender evaluation conducted pursuant to Section 5-3-2 of this Act; and

(10) make a finding of whether a motor vehicle was used in the commission of the offense for which the defendant is being sentenced.

(b) All sentences shall be imposed by the judge based upon his independent assessment of the elements specified above and any agreement as to sentence reached by the parties. The judge who presided at the trial or the judge who accepted the plea of guilty shall impose the sentence unless he is no longer sitting as a judge in that court. Where the judge does not impose sentence at the same time on all defendants who are convicted as a result of being involved in the same offense, the defendant or the State's Attorney may advise the sentencing court of the disposition of any other defendants who have been sentenced.

(b-1) In imposing a sentence of imprisonment or periodic imprisonment for a Class 3 or Class 4 felony for which a sentence of probation or conditional discharge is an available sentence, if the defendant has no prior sentence of probation or conditional discharge and no prior conviction for a violent crime, the defendant shall not be sentenced to imprisonment before review and consideration of a presentence report and determination and explanation of why the particular evidence, information, factor in aggravation, factual finding, or other reasons support a sentencing determination that one or more of the factors under subsection (a) of Section 5-6-1 of this Code apply and that probation or conditional discharge is not an appropriate sentence.

(c) In imposing a sentence for a violent crime or for an offense of operating or being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, any other drug or any combination thereof, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, when such offense resulted in the personal injury to someone other than the defendant, the trial judge shall specify on the record the particular evidence, information, factors in mitigation and aggravation or other reasons that led to his sentencing determination. The full verbatim record of the sentencing hearing shall be filed with the clerk of the court and shall be a public record.

(c-1) In imposing a sentence for the offense of aggravated kidnapping for ransom, home invasion, armed robbery, aggravated vehicular hijacking, aggravated discharge of a firearm, or armed violence with a category I weapon or category II weapon, the trial judge shall make a finding as to whether the conduct leading to conviction for the offense resulted in great bodily harm to a victim, and shall enter that finding and the basis for that finding in the record.

(c-1.5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in imposing a sentence for an offense that requires a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment, the court may instead sentence the offender to probation, conditional discharge, or a lesser term of imprisonment it deems appropriate if: (1) the offense involves the use or possession of drugs, retail theft, or driving on a revoked license due to unpaid financial obligations; (2) the court finds that the defendant does not pose a risk to public safety; and (3) the interest of justice requires imposing a term of probation, conditional discharge, or a lesser term of imprisonment. The court must state on the record its reasons for imposing probation, conditional discharge, or a lesser term of imprisonment.

(c-2) If the defendant is sentenced to prison, other than when a sentence of natural life imprisonment is imposed, at the time the sentence is imposed the judge shall state on the record in open court the approximate period of time the defendant will serve in custody according to the then current statutory rules and regulations for sentence credit found in Section 3-6-3 and other related provisions of this Code. This statement is intended solely to inform the public, has no legal effect on the defendant's actual release, and may not be relied on by the defendant on appeal.

The judge's statement, to be given after pronouncing the sentence, other than when the sentence is imposed for one of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(4) of Section 3-6-3, shall include the following:

"The purpose of this statement is to inform the public of the actual period of time this defendant is likely to spend in prison as a result of this sentence. The actual period of prison time served is determined by the statutes of Illinois as applied to this sentence by the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. In this case, assuming the defendant receives all of his or her sentence credit, the period of estimated actual custody is ... years and ... months, less up to 180 days additional earned sentence credit. If the defendant, because of his or her own misconduct or failure to comply with the institutional regulations, does not receive those credits, the actual time served in prison will be longer. The defendant may also receive an additional one-half day sentence credit for each day of participation in vocational, industry, substance abuse, and educational programs as provided for by Illinois statute."

When the sentence is imposed for one of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(2) of Section 3-6-3, other than first degree murder, and the offense was committed on or after June 19, 1998, and when the sentence is imposed for reckless homicide as defined in subsection (e) of Section 9-3 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 if the offense was committed on or after January 1, 1999, and when the sentence is imposed for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, or intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof as defined in subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) of subsection (d) of Section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, and when the sentence is imposed for aggravated arson if the offense was committed on or after July 27, 2001 (the effective date of Public Act 92-176), and when the sentence is imposed for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, or intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof as defined in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subsection (d) of Section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code committed on or after January 1, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 96-1230), the judge's statement, to be given after pronouncing the sentence, shall include the following:

"The purpose of this statement is to inform the public of the actual period of time this defendant is likely to spend in prison as a result of this sentence. The actual period of prison time served is determined by the statutes of Illinois as applied to this sentence by the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. In this case, the defendant is entitled to no more than 4 1/2 days of sentence credit for each month of his or her sentence of imprisonment. Therefore, this defendant will serve at least 85% of his or her sentence. Assuming the defendant receives 4 1/2 days credit for each month of his or her sentence, the period of estimated actual custody is ... years and ... months. If the defendant, because of his or her own misconduct or failure to comply with the institutional regulations receives lesser credit, the actual time served in prison will be longer."

When a sentence of imprisonment is imposed for first degree murder and the offense was committed on or after June 19, 1998, the judge's statement, to be given after pronouncing the sentence, shall include the following:

"The purpose of this statement is to inform the public of the actual period of time this defendant is likely to spend in prison as a result of this sentence. The actual period of prison time served is determined by the statutes of Illinois as applied to this sentence by the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. In this case, the defendant is not entitled to sentence credit. Therefore, this defendant will serve 100% of his or her sentence."

When the sentencing order recommends placement in a substance abuse program for any offense that results in incarceration in a Department of Corrections facility and the crime was committed on or after September 1, 2003 (the effective date of Public Act 93-354), the judge's statement, in addition to any other judge's statement required under this Section, to be given after pronouncing the sentence, shall include the following:

"The purpose of this statement is to inform the public of the actual period of time this defendant is likely to spend in prison as a result of this sentence. The actual period of prison time served is determined by the statutes of Illinois as applied to this sentence by the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. In this case, the defendant shall receive no earned sentence credit under clause (3) of subsection (a) of Section 3-6-3 until he or she participates in and completes a substance abuse treatment program or receives a waiver from the Director of Corrections pursuant to clause (4.5) of subsection (a) of Section 3-6-3."

(c-4) Before the sentencing hearing and as part of the presentence investigation under Section 5-3-1, the court shall inquire of the defendant whether the defendant is currently serving in or is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States. If the defendant is currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States or is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States and has been diagnosed as having a mental illness by a qualified psychiatrist or clinical psychologist or physician, the court may:

(1) order that the officer preparing the presentence report consult with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, or another agency or person with suitable knowledge or experience for the purpose of providing the court with information regarding treatment options available to the defendant, including federal, State, and local programming; and

(2) consider the treatment recommendations of any diagnosing or treating mental health professionals together with the treatment options available to the defendant in imposing sentence.

For the purposes of this subsection (c-4), "qualified psychiatrist" means a reputable physician licensed in Illinois to practice medicine in all its branches, who has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and nervous disorders for a period of not less than 5 years.

(c-6) In imposing a sentence, the trial judge shall specify, on the record, the particular evidence and other reasons which led to his or her determination that a motor vehicle was used in the commission of the offense.

(c-7) In imposing a sentence for a Class 3 or 4 felony, other than a violent crime as defined in Section 3 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act, the court shall determine and indicate in the sentencing order whether the defendant has 4 or more or fewer than 4 months remaining on his or her sentence accounting for time served.

(d) When the defendant is committed to the Department of Corrections, the State's Attorney shall and counsel for the defendant may file a statement with the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the department, agency or institution to which the defendant is committed to furnish such department, agency or institution with the facts and circumstances of the offense for which the person was committed together with all other factual information accessible to them in regard to the person prior to his commitment relative to his habits, associates, disposition and reputation and any other facts and circumstances which may aid such department, agency or institution during its custody of such person. The clerk shall within 10 days after receiving any such statements transmit a copy to such department, agency or institution and a copy to the other party, provided, however, that this shall not be cause for delay in conveying the person to the department, agency or institution to which he has been committed.

(e) The clerk of the court shall transmit to the department, agency or institution, if any, to which the defendant is committed, the following:

(1) the sentence imposed;

(2) any statement by the court of the basis for imposing the sentence;

(3) any presentence reports;

(3.3) the person's last known complete street address prior to incarceration or legal residence, the person's race, whether the person is of Hispanic or Latino origin, and whether the person is 18 years of age or older;

(3.5) any sex offender evaluations;

(3.6) any substance abuse treatment eligibility screening and assessment of the defendant by an agent designated by the State of Illinois to provide assessment services for the Illinois courts;

(4) the number of days, if any, which the defendant has been in custody and for which he is entitled to credit against the sentence, which information shall be provided to the clerk by the sheriff;

(4.1) any finding of great bodily harm made by the court with respect to an offense enumerated in subsection (c-1);

(5) all statements filed under subsection (d) of this Section;

(6) any medical or mental health records or summaries of the defendant;

(7) the municipality where the arrest of the offender or the commission of the offense has occurred, where such municipality has a population of more than 25,000 persons;

(8) all statements made and evidence offered under paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of this Section; and

(9) all additional matters which the court directs the clerk to transmit.

(f) In cases in which the court finds that a motor vehicle was used in the commission of the offense for which the defendant is being sentenced, the clerk of the court shall, within 5 days thereafter, forward a report of such conviction to the Secretary of State.

(Source: P.A. 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 103-18, eff. 1-1-24; 103-51, eff. 1-1-24; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

Section 460. The Drug Court Treatment Act is amended by changing Section 30 as follows:

(730 ILCS 166/30)

Sec. 30. Mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

(a) The drug court program shall maintain a network of substance use disorder treatment programs representing a continuum of graduated substance use disorder treatment options commensurate with the needs of the participant.

(b) Any substance use disorder treatment program to which participants are referred must hold a valid license from the Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, use evidence-based treatment, and deliver all services in accordance with 77 Ill. Adm. Code 2060, including services available through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs, or Veterans Assistance Commission, or an equivalent standard in any other state where treatment may take place.

(c) The drug court program may, at its discretion, employ additional services or interventions, as it deems necessary on a case by case basis.

(d) The drug court program may maintain or collaborate with a network of mental health treatment programs representing a continuum of treatment options commensurate with the needs of the participant and available resources, including programs with the State and community-based programs supported and sanctioned by the State. Partnerships with providers certified as mental health or behavioral health centers shall be prioritized when possible.

(Source: P.A. 102-1041, eff. 6-2-22.)

Section 465. The Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act is amended by changing Section 10 as follows:

(730 ILCS 167/10)

Sec. 10. Definitions. In this Act:

"Certification" means the process by which a problem-solving court obtains approval from the Supreme Court to operate in accordance with the Problem-Solving Court Standards.

"Clinical treatment plan" means an evidence-based, comprehensive, and individualized plan that: (i) is developed by a qualified professional in accordance with the Department of Human Services substance use prevention and recovery rules under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 2060 or an equivalent standard in any state where treatment may take place; and (ii) defines the scope of treatment services to be delivered by a court treatment provider.

"Combination Veterans and Servicemembers court program" means a type of problem-solving court that allows an individual to enter a problem-solving court before a plea, conviction, or disposition while also permitting an individual who has admitted guilt, or been found guilty, to enter a problem-solving court as a part of the individual's sentence or disposition.

"Community behavioral health center" means a physical site where behavioral healthcare services are provided in accordance with the Community Behavioral Health Center Infrastructure Act.

"Community mental health center" means an entity:

(1) licensed by the Department of Public Health as a community mental health center in accordance with the conditions of participation for community mental health centers established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and

(2) that provides outpatient services, including specialized outpatient services, for individuals who are chronically mental ill.

"Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders court program" means a program that includes an individual with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder diagnoses and professionals with training and experience in treating individuals with diagnoses of substance use disorder and mental illness.

"Court" means veterans and servicemembers court.

"IDVA" means the Illinois Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

"Peer recovery coach" means a veteran mentor as defined nationally by Justice for Vets and assigned to a veteran or servicemember during participation in a veteran treatment court program who has been approved by the court, and trained according to curriculum recommended by Justice for Vets, a service provider used by the court for substance use disorder or mental health treatment, a local service provider with an established peer recovery coach or mentor program not otherwise used by the court for treatment, or a Certified Recovery Support Specialist certified by the Illinois Certification Board. "Peer recovery coach" includes individuals with lived experiences of the issues the problem-solving court seeks to address, including, but not limited to, substance use disorder, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders or involvement with the criminal justice system. "Peer recovery coach" includes individuals required to guide and mentor the participant to successfully complete assigned requirements and to facilitate participants' independence for continued success once the supports of the court are no longer available to them.

"Post-adjudicatory veterans and servicemembers court program" means a program that allows a defendant who has admitted guilt or has been found guilty and agrees, with the defendant's consent, and the approval of the court, to enter a veterans and servicemembers court program as part of the defendant's sentence or disposition.

"Pre-adjudicatory veterans and servicemembers court program" means a program that allows the defendant, with the defendant's consent and the approval of the court, to enter the Veterans and Servicemembers Court program before plea, conviction, or disposition and requires successful completion of the Veterans and Servicemembers Court programs as part of the agreement.

"Problem-Solving Court Standards" means the statewide standards adopted by the Supreme Court that set forth the minimum requirements for the planning, establishment, certification, operation, and evaluation of all problem-solving courts in this State.

"Servicemember" means a person who is currently serving in the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, or Coast Guard on active duty, reserve status or in the National Guard.

"VA" means the United States Department of Veterans Veterans' Affairs.

"VAC" means a veterans assistance commission.

"Validated clinical assessment" means a validated assessment tool administered by a qualified clinician to determine the treatment needs of participants. "Validated clinical assessment" includes assessment tools required by public or private insurance.

"Veteran" means a person who previously served as an active servicemember.

"Veterans and servicemembers court professional" means a member of the veterans and servicemembers court team, including, but not limited to, a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, probation officer, coordinator, treatment provider.

"Veterans and servicemembers court", "veterans and servicemembers court program", "court", or "program" means a specially designated court, court calendar, or docket facilitating intensive therapeutic treatment to monitor and assist veteran or servicemember participants with substance use disorder, mental illness, co-occurring disorders, or other assessed treatment needs of eligible veteran and servicemember participants and in making positive lifestyle changes and reducing the rate of recidivism. Veterans and servicemembers court programs are nonadversarial in nature and bring together substance use disorder professionals, mental health professionals, VA professionals, local social programs, and intensive judicial monitoring in accordance with the nationally recommended 10 key components of veterans treatment courts and the Problem-Solving Court Standards. Common features of a veterans and servicemembers court program include, but are not limited to, a designated judge and staff; specialized intake and screening procedures; coordinated treatment procedures administered by a trained, multidisciplinary professional team; close evaluation of participants, including continued assessments and modification of the court requirements and use of sanctions, incentives, and therapeutic adjustments to address behavior; frequent judicial interaction with participants; less formal court process and procedures; voluntary participation; and a low treatment staff-to-client ratio.

(Source: P.A. 102-1041, eff. 6-2-22.)

Section 999. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.