Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, whichever is applicable, shall not consider veterans' disability benefits as countable income when determining an individual's eligibility for medical assistance, child care assistance, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Requires the Departments to apply for any federal waivers or approvals necessary to implement this income exemption.
SB 2800 prevents local governments (cities and counties with home rule status) from regulating, licensing, or taxing sports wagering (sports betting). It explicitly states that these powers are exclusively held by the state of Illinois under the Sports Wagering Act. The bill denies local units the authority to impose fees, surcharges, or taxes on sports betting activities or related receipts. This change takes effect immediately upon the bill becoming law.
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Local Government
Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Provides that, subject to federal approval, on and after January 1, 2027, rates for in-home services shall be increased to $33.92 to sustain a minimum wage of $20.75 per hour for direct service workers. Requires rates in subsequent State fiscal years to be no lower than the rates put into effect upon federal approval. Provides that in order for a provider of in-home services to be eligible to receive the $33.92 rate, the provider must pay a minimum wage of $20.75 per hour to all direct service workers employed by the provider. Requires providers of in-home services to certify to the Department on Aging that they remain in compliance with the mandated wage increase for direct service workers. Requires each provider of in-home services to submit cost reports to the Department consistent with a specified administrative rule in order to be eligible for the $33.92 rate for in-home services. Provides that fringe benefits shall not be reduced in relation to the described rate increases. Requires the Department, beginning January 1, 2027, to ensure that each in-home service provider spends a minimum of 79% of the total payments the provider receives for home care aide services it furnishes under the Community Care Program on total compensation for direct service workers who furnish those services. Requires annual direct service worker cost reports from providers; and requires the Department to amend existing rules on financial reporting and minimum direct service worker costs to reflect the increase in the direct service worker spending requirement from 77% to 79%.
Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Subject to appropriation, requires the Board of Higher Education to create a school counselor stipend program. Provides that an educator preparation program shall notify the Board of all eligible students and eligible cooperating school counselors who qualify for the stipend program. Sets forth requirements for the disbursement of stipend funds under the program. Provides that an educator preparation program may not prohibit an eligible student from participating in the stipend program or from receiving a stipend from the stipend program. Requires an eligible cooperating school counselor who receives a stipend to complete specific training. Requires the Board to issue a report, in collaboration with the State Board of Education, evaluating the impact of the stipend program. Permits the Board to adopt emergency rules regarding the administration of the stipend program in certain circumstances. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to make corresponding changes. Effective immediately.
Creates the Expanding Medical Residency Opportunities in Illinois Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall establish a grant program to provide funding for medical residency positions not funded by certain federal or other funding sources and to provide startup funding for entities that wish to establish a residency program. Provides for procedures, criteria, and other requirements for the grant program. Creates the Medical Residency Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Defines terms. Makes conforming changes to the State Finance Act.
Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Pension Equity Act. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2027, for all purposes under the Code (including, without limitation, the calculation of benefits and employee contributions), the annual earnings of a Tier 2 sheriff's law enforcement employee shall not include overtime and shall not exceed $145,649.97 (instead of $108,600, as adjusted annually beginning in 2011) plus the lesser of (i) 3% of that amount or (ii) the annual unadjusted percentage increase (instead of one-half the annual unadjusted percentage increase) in the consumer price index-u for the 12 months ending with September 2026. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2028, that amount shall annually thereafter be increased by the lesser of (i) 3% of that amount, including all previous adjustments, or (ii) the annual unadjusted percentage increase (instead of one-half the annual percentage increase) in the consumer price index-u for the 12 months ending with the September preceding each November 1, including all previous adjustments. Provides that, as soon as practical on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, with regard to benefits earned for the years 2012 through 2026, the Fund shall recalculate benefits for Tier 2 sheriff's law enforcement employees based on the annual salary limitation that was in effect for that year for Tier 2 police officers under the Downstate Police Article. Provides that the changes shall not result in any retroactive adjustment of any employee contributions. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for individuals who (i) serve as a volunteer for 100 hours during the taxable year, (ii) do not receive any compensation for their services as a volunteer for the taxable year, and (iii) do not serve on a full-time or part-time career basis for the entity for which they volunteer. Provides that the Department of Revenue may award not more than $5,000,000 in credits under these provisions in any calendar year. Effective immediately.
Amends the Property Tax Code. In counties with fewer than 3,000,000 inhabitants, provides that property that receives an erroneous homestead exemption for the current assessment year or for any of the 3 prior assessment years may be considered omitted property. Provides for penalties and interest to be imposed on that omitted property. Provides that any arrearage of taxes or interest that might have been assessed against that omitted property shall not be chargeable to certain bona fide purchasers of the property. Effective immediately.
Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may bring a claim against a warrantor of a draft for breach of a presentment warranty to recover State funds in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that a claim brought by the State Treasurer is not subject to the limitations provided for in those provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that the amendatory changes are declaratory of existing law. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides that from the tax revenue from riverboat or casino gambling deposited into the State Gaming Fund, an additional amount equal to 0.50% of the adjusted gross receipts generated by a riverboat in the City of Waukegan shall be divided and remitted monthly to the Lake County State's Attorney Office for the Lake County State's Attorney's Gun Violence Prevention Initiative and community violence intervention partners with at least 0.40% directly funding the Lake County State's Attorney's Gun Violence Prevention Initiative.
