The following bills passed both houses of the General Assembly during the Spring session and were signed by the Governor:
HB 5354-Customized Employment
Extends the Customized Employment pilot program for 5 more years as a demonstration program under DHS-DRS and revises the language of the Act to align the program with federal standards.
Requires the program to serve at least 75 participants by July 1, 2027.
Public Act 103-0709, effective January 1, 2025.
Sponsors: Rep. Ness, Sen. Fine
HB 5276-Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
Requires the transition planning process to include a determination of the student’s postsecondary assistive technology needs and how the student will access the required AT devices and services for postsecondary activities.
Public Act 103-0854, effective August 9, 2024.
Sponsors: Rep. Ness, Sen. Koehler
HB 340-Disclosure of Documents to Parents Before IEP Meetings
Requires the Notice of Conference provided to parents at least 10 days prior to an IEP meeting to include the exact date when the documents to be discussed at the meeting will be made available to the parents under the 3 school day advance disclosure requirement.
The purpose of the bill is to address reports of non-compliance with the 3-school day disclosure rule.
Public Act 103-0652, effective July 19, 2024.
Sponsors: Rep. Mussman, Sen. Villivalam
SB 1-Department of Early Childhood
Creates the new Department of Early Childhood within State Government and transfers various programs from DHS, ISBE, and DCFS to the new agency. Early Intervention will be administered by the new Department. The new agency is expected to be fully operative by July 1, 2027.
Public Act 103-0594, effective June 25, 2024. Some provisions effective July 1, 2026.
Sponsors: Sen. Lightford, Rep. Canty
SB 857-DHS Office of Inspector General
Makes changes concerning the duties of the DHS-OIG. Requires the OIG to conduct unannounced site visits of each mental health or developmental disabilities facility and community agency at least annually for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations on systemic issues relative to preventing, reporting, investigating, and responding to abuse, neglect, exploitation or material obstruction of an investigation. Requires the OIG to issue written reports setting forth conclusions and recommendations.
Public Act 103-0752, effective January 1, 2025.
Sponsors: Sen. Fine, Rep. Katz-Muhl
SB 3753-DHS-Admission to a State-Operated Developmental Center/Progressive Sanctions
Sets forth criteria for the admission of an individual to a SODC. Upon the admission of an individual, requires at least annual review of their clinical need for continued services to determine whether their needs can be met in a less restrictive setting using comprehensive and integrated assessments. Provides that each individual and their guardian should know their options for supports and provided the opportunity to learn of the full spectrum of care.
The bill also provides that DHS may impose progressive sanctions on providers that fail to comply with conditions imposed by rule, contract or policy as determined by DHS. Sanctions may include payment suspension, loss of payment, enrollment limitations including admissions holds, and removal of individuals currently served, contract revocation, and licensure termination. Includes due process provisions for providers that are subjected to sanctions.
Public Act 103-1042, effective January 1, 2025.
Sponsors: Sen. Fine, Rep. Lapointe
SB 3201-Autism/Law Enforcement Training
Requires the Division of the Academy and Training of the State Police to provide training for State police officers on the nature of autism spectrum disorders and in identifying and appropriately responding to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The State Police may consult with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health to review and update the curriculum as needed. The training must be made available to all cadets and State Police officers. Requires every law enforcement officer to satisfactorily complete in-service training requirements every 3 years including autism-informed law enforcement responses, techniques and procedures. The autism-informed response training course must be developed by the Police Training Standards Board no later than 2 years after the effective date of this legislation.
Public Act 103-0949, effective January 1, 2025.
Sponsors: Sen. Toro, Rep. Kelly
SB 3432-DSP Training Curricula
This bill delays the implementation dates by one year for two DSP model training programs that were enacted in 2022 and 2023. Parent/advocate Mike Baker initiated the legislation that created both programs. One program is for high school students and the other for community colleges. Under SB 3432, the pilot program for high school students would begin in the 2026-27 school year instead of in Fiscal Year 2025. The community college model program of study must be submitted by ICCB by July 1, 2026, instead of by July 1, 2025.
Public Act 103-0998, effective August 9, 2024.
Sponsors: Sen. Murphy, Rep. Costa Howard |
