The Student Cardiac Safety Act requires qualified health care professionals to include a cardiovascular prescreening in physical examinations for student athletes in grades kindergarten through 12 starting in the 2027-2028 school year. This requirement will expand to all students during their annual well-child visits beginning in the 2028-2029 school year. The prescreening involves collecting personal and family medical history data along with a focused physical exam, and any positive findings must result in a referral to a cardiologist for further evaluation. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Public Health publish annual reports on screening outcomes and distribute educational materials about heart disease risks to families and schools.
HB 5810 amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to require supportive living facilities to provide basic hygiene products, such as soap, toothpaste, and incontinence supplies, at no additional cost to residents. The bill explicitly prohibits facilities from requiring residents to purchase these items using their personal needs allowance, ensuring that essential daily necessities are covered by the program's monthly rate. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services maintain a minimum daily meal expenditure of $6.15 for two meals per day, with this amount automatically adjusted annually based on Midwest region inflation data.
The INSULIN Act of 2026 mandates that group and individual health insurance plans cap out-of-pocket costs for selected insulin products at $35 per 30-day supply, effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2028. This cost limit applies to a variety of insulin types and delivery devices, with the cap set at the lesser of $35 or 25 percent of the negotiated price net of concessions. The bill also prohibits insurers from imposing deductibles or prior authorization requirements for these covered products unless clinically justified for safety reasons.
Additionally, the legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services to fund a resource center and hotline to help uninsured individuals find affordable insulin assistance programs, while requiring the Government Accountability Office to study the demographics of uninsured insulin users. Finally, it creates an expedited review process for biosimilar insulin applications when the Secretary determines there is inadequate competition in the market.
The Lifeline for First Responders Act establishes a new federal grant program administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to support the mental health and well-being of first responders. The program provides funding to eligible entities, including fire services, emergency medical services agencies, and dispatch centers, at all levels of government. Grant funds may be used for evidence-based stress reduction, suicide prevention, confidential counseling, family support services, and outreach programs aimed at reducing stigma. The bill authorizes $7.5 million in appropriations annually for fiscal years 2028 through 2032 to carry out these initiatives.
The 9-8-8 and 9-1-1 Integration Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a multidisciplinary panel that will develop recommendations for training and protocols for emergency dispatchers. The primary goal is to ensure that individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use crises are connected to appropriate care services rather than being met solely by law enforcement. The panel must consider integrating the 9-8-8 crisis line with the 9-1-1 system, utilizing standardized assessment tools to evaluate caller needs, and implementing training on cultural competency and implicit bias. Additionally, the legislation requires the creation of data collection standards to track response outcomes and disparities while protecting caller privacy, with reports submitted to Congress upon the release of recommendations and every five years thereafter.
The New IDEA Act amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to expand the legal definitions of specific learning disabilities, explicitly including conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. It also updates terminology for language impairments by adding developmental language disorder and clarifies that autism is part of a broader category of spectrum disorders. The bill establishes clear criteria for what constitutes a specific learning disability while excluding issues caused by factors like visual or hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, or a lack of appropriate instruction. Additionally, it requires local educational agencies to ensure equal access to accommodations and services for eligible children from low-income households and those with limited English proficiency.
The Screen to Save Act requires Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance plans to cover annual screening mammography for women aged 30 and older at no cost to the patient. This change takes effect on January 1, 2027, and specifically prohibits insurers from charging copays or deductibles for these screenings. The bill also establishes a frequency limit that prevents Medicare from paying for mammograms performed within 11 months of a previous screening for women over 29.
The Green New Deal for Public Schools Act directs over $700 billion in federal funding to public schools, prioritizing those serving the most vulnerable communities based on CDC social vulnerability rankings. The legislation establishes a new Office of Sustainable Schools and authorizes grants for "healthy green retrofits" that convert school buildings into zero-carbon facilities with clean air, water, and energy systems, while also providing funds to hire additional educators, mental health professionals, and support staff. Additionally, the bill mandates increased federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and creates a climate resiliency program that allows schools to function as community centers during natural disasters. All grant recipients must adhere to strict labor standards, including prevailing wage requirements, Buy American provisions, and local hiring goals that prioritize residents of the surrounding community.
The SPF Act of 2026 requires the Director of the National Park Service to submit a report to Congress within one year detailing options for providing free or low-cost mineral-based sunscreen and other sun protection items to park visitors. The bill cites rising skin cancer rates and public health data to support the need for better access to protective measures in national parks. The required report must evaluate potential environmental impacts, ensure products are usable for all skin tones, and propose strategies for increasing visitor awareness about sun safety. Additionally, the report must include specific legislative recommendations for Congress to consider when supporting these efforts.
The SUSTAIN 340B Act overhauls the federal drug discount program to tighten oversight and prevent fraud by requiring covered entities to register their contract pharmacies and child sites with the Department of Health and Human Services. It establishes a new independent data clearinghouse to track claims and stop duplicate discounts, while also mandating that health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers treat 340B providers on equal footing without imposing discriminatory reimbursement terms. The bill defines strict criteria for what constitutes a valid patient relationship and authorizes a user fee program starting in fiscal year 2031 to fund additional audits and enforcement activities. These provisions directly affect safety-net healthcare providers, drug manufacturers, and insurance companies by increasing transparency requirements and expanding the government's authority to penalize non-compliance.
