Bill Text: IL HB2547 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Amends various Acts by replacing all references to the "Department of Veterans' Affairs" with "Department of Veterans Affairs". Effective immediately.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2025-02-04 - Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit [HB2547 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HB2547-Introduced.html

---

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026 HB2547 Introduced , by Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
See Index
Amends various Acts by replacing all references to the "Department of Veterans' Affairs" with "Department of Veterans Affairs". Effective immediately.
LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
A BILL FOR
HB2547 LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 2 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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;

HB2547 - 3 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 4 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 5 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 6 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 7 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 8 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 9 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 10 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 11 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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.)

HB2547 - 12 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 13 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 14 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 15 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 16 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 17 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 18 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 19 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 20 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 21 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 22 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 23 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 24 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 25 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 26 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 27 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 28 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 29 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 30 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 31 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 32 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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:

HB2547 - 33 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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.

HB2547 - 34 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 35 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 36 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 37 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(Source: P.A. 102-1115, eff. 1-9-23.)
Section 50. The Illinois Act on the Aging is amended by
changing Sections 4.01, 4.04a, and 8.10 as follows:
(20 ILCS 105/4.01)
Sec. 4.01. Additional powers and duties of the Department.
In addition to powers and duties otherwise provided by law,
the Department shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To evaluate all programs, services, and facilities for
the aged and for minority senior citizens within the State and
determine the extent to which present public or private
programs, services, and facilities meet the needs of the aged.
(2) To coordinate and evaluate all programs, services, and
facilities for the aging Aging and for minority senior
citizens presently furnished by State agencies and make
appropriate recommendations regarding such services, programs,
and facilities to the Governor and/or the General Assembly.
(2-a) To request, receive, and share information
electronically through the use of data-sharing agreements for
the purpose of (i) establishing and verifying the initial and
continuing eligibility of older adults to participate in
programs administered by the Department; (ii) maximizing
federal financial participation in State assistance
expenditures; and (iii) investigating allegations of fraud or
other abuse of publicly funded benefits. Notwithstanding any

HB2547 - 38 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
other law to the contrary, but only for the limited purposes
identified in the preceding sentence, this paragraph (2-a)
expressly authorizes the exchanges of income, identification,
and other pertinent eligibility information by and among the
Department and the Social Security Administration, the
Department of Employment Security, the Department of
Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Human
Services, the Department of Revenue, the Secretary of State,
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and any other
governmental entity. The confidentiality of information
otherwise shall be maintained as required by law. In addition,
the Department on Aging shall verify employment information at
the request of a community care provider for the purpose of
ensuring program integrity under the Community Care Program.
(3) To function as the sole State agency to develop a
comprehensive plan to meet the needs of the State's senior
citizens and the State's minority senior citizens.
(4) To receive and disburse State and federal funds made
available directly to the Department including those funds
made available under the Older Americans Act and the Senior
Community Service Employment Program for providing services
for senior citizens and minority senior citizens or for
purposes related thereto, and shall develop and administer any
State Plan for the Aging required by federal law.
(5) To solicit, accept, hold, and administer in behalf of
the State any grants or legacies of money, securities, or

HB2547 - 39 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
property to the State of Illinois for services to senior
citizens and minority senior citizens or purposes related
thereto.
(6) To provide consultation and assistance to communities,
area agencies on aging, and groups developing local services
for senior citizens and minority senior citizens.
(7) To promote community education regarding the problems
of senior citizens and minority senior citizens through
institutes, publications, radio, television, and the local
press.
(8) To cooperate with agencies of the federal government
in studies and conferences designed to examine the needs of
senior citizens and minority senior citizens and to prepare
programs and facilities to meet those needs.
(9) To establish and maintain information and referral
sources throughout the State when not provided by other
agencies.
(10) To provide the staff support that may reasonably be
required by the Council.
(11) To make and enforce rules and regulations necessary
and proper to the performance of its duties.
(12) To establish and fund programs or projects or
experimental facilities that are specially designed as
alternatives to institutional care.
(13) To develop a training program to train the counselors
presently employed by the Department's aging network to

HB2547 - 40 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
provide Medicare beneficiaries with counseling and advocacy in
Medicare, private health insurance, and related health care
coverage plans.
(14) To make a grant to an institution of higher learning
to study the feasibility of establishing and implementing an
affirmative action employment plan for the recruitment,
hiring, training and retraining of persons 60 or more years
old for jobs for which their employment would not be precluded
by law.
(15) To present one award annually in each of the
categories of community service, education, the performance
and graphic arts, and the labor force to outstanding Illinois
senior citizens and minority senior citizens in recognition of
their individual contributions to either community service,
education, the performance and graphic arts, or the labor
force. Nominations shall be solicited from senior citizens'
service providers, area agencies on aging, senior citizens'
centers, and senior citizens' organizations. If there are no
nominations in a category, the Department may award a second
person in one of the remaining categories. The Department
shall establish a central location within the State to be
designated as the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame for the
public display of all the annual awards, or replicas thereof.
(16) To establish multipurpose senior centers through area
agencies on aging and to fund those new and existing
multipurpose senior centers through area agencies on aging,

HB2547 - 41 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
the establishment and funding to begin in such areas of the
State as the Department shall designate by rule and as
specifically appropriated funds become available.
(17) (Blank).
(18) To develop a pamphlet in English and Spanish which
may be used by physicians licensed to practice medicine in all
of its branches pursuant to the Medical Practice Act of 1987,
pharmacists licensed pursuant to the Pharmacy Practice Act,
and Illinois residents 65 years of age or older for the purpose
of assisting physicians, pharmacists, and patients in
monitoring prescriptions provided by various physicians and to
aid persons 65 years of age or older in complying with
directions for proper use of pharmaceutical prescriptions. The
pamphlet may provide space for recording information,
including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) name and telephone number of the patient;
(b) name and telephone number of the prescribing
physician;
(c) date of prescription;
(d) name of drug prescribed;
(e) directions for patient compliance; and
(f) name and telephone number of dispensing pharmacy.
In developing the pamphlet, the Department shall consult
with the Illinois State Medical Society, the Center for
Minority Health Services, the Illinois Pharmacists
Association, and senior citizens organizations. The Department

HB2547 - 42 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
shall distribute the pamphlets to physicians, pharmacists and
persons 65 years of age or older or various senior citizen
organizations throughout the State.
(19) To conduct a study of the feasibility of implementing
the Senior Companion Program throughout the State.
(20) The reimbursement rates paid through the community
care program for chore housekeeping services and home care
aides shall be the same.
(21) (Blank).
(22) To distribute, through its area agencies on aging,
information alerting seniors on safety issues regarding
emergency weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold,
flooding, tornadoes, electrical storms, and other severe storm
weather. The information shall include all necessary
instructions for safety and all emergency telephone numbers of
organizations that will provide additional information and
assistance.
(23) To develop guidelines for the organization and
implementation of Volunteer Services Credit Programs to be
administered by Area Agencies on Aging or community-based
community based senior service organizations. The Department
shall hold public hearings on the proposed guidelines for
public comment, suggestion, and determination of public
interest. The guidelines shall be based on the findings of
other states and of community organizations in Illinois that
are currently operating volunteer services credit programs or

HB2547 - 43 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
demonstration volunteer services credit programs. The
Department shall offer guidelines for all aspects of the
programs, including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) types of services to be offered by volunteers;
(b) types of services to be received upon the
redemption of service credits;
(c) issues of liability for the volunteers and the
administering organizations;
(d) methods of tracking service credits earned and
service credits redeemed;
(e) issues of time limits for redemption of service
credits;
(f) methods of recruitment of volunteers;
(g) utilization of community volunteers, community
service groups, and other resources for delivering
services to be received by service credit program clients;
(h) accountability and assurance that services will be
available to individuals who have earned service credits;
and
(i) volunteer screening and qualifications.
(24) To function as the sole State agency to receive and
disburse State and federal funds for providing adult
protective services in a domestic living situation in
accordance with the Adult Protective Services Act.
(25) To hold conferences, trainings, and other programs
for which the Department shall determine by rule a reasonable

HB2547 - 44 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
fee to cover related administrative costs. Rules to implement
the fee authority granted by this paragraph (25) must be
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.
(Source: P.A. 103-616, eff. 7-1-24; 103-670, eff. 1-1-25;
revised 11-26-24.)
(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

HB2547 - 45 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 46 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 47 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 48 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 49 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 50 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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;

HB2547 - 51 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 52 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 53 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 54 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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 55. The Personnel Code is amended by changing
Section 8b.7 as follows:
(20 ILCS 415/8b.7) (from Ch. 127, par. 63b108b.7)
Sec. 8b.7. Veteran preference. For the granting of
appropriate preference to qualified veterans, persons who have
been members of the armed forces of the United States or to
qualified persons who, while citizens of the United States,
were members of the armed forces of allies of the United States
in time of hostilities with a foreign country, and to certain
other persons as set forth in this Section.
(a) As used in this Section:
(1) "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.

HB2547 - 55 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(2) "Armed forces of the United States" means the
United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine
Corps, and Coast Guard. Service in the Merchant Marine
that constitutes active duty under Section 401 of federal
Public Law 95-202 shall also be considered service in the
Armed Forces of the United States for purposes of this
Section.
(3) "Veteran" means a member of the armed forces of
the United States, the Illinois National Guard, or a
reserve component of the armed forces of the United
States.
(b) The preference granted under this Section shall be in
the form of points, or the equivalent, added to the applicable
scores of the persons if they otherwise qualify and are
entitled to be considered for appointment.
(c) A veteran is qualified for a preference of 10 points if
the veteran currently holds proof of a service connected
disability from the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs or an allied country or if the veteran is a recipient
of the Purple Heart.
(d) A veteran who has served during a time of hostilities
with a foreign country is qualified for a preference of 5
points if the veteran served under one or more of the following
conditions:
(1) The veteran served a total of at least 6 months, or
(2) The veteran served for the duration of hostilities

HB2547 - 56 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
regardless of the length of engagement, or
(3) The veteran was discharged on the basis of
hardship, or
(4) The veteran was released from active duty because
of a service connected disability and was discharged under
honorable conditions.
(e) A person not eligible for a preference under
subsection (c) or (d) is qualified for a preference of 3 points
if the person has served in the armed forces of the United
States, the Illinois National Guard, or any reserve component
of the armed forces of the United States if the person: (1)
served for at least 6 months and has been discharged under
honorable conditions; (2) has been discharged on the ground of
hardship; (3) was released from active duty because of a
service connected disability; or (4) served a minimum of 4
years in the Illinois National Guard or reserve component of
the armed forces of the United States regardless of whether or
not the person was mobilized to active duty. An active member
of the National Guard or a reserve component of the armed
forces of the United States is eligible for the preference if
the member meets the service requirements of this subsection
(e).
(f) The augmented ratings shall be used when determining
the rank order of persons to be appointed.
(g) Employees in positions covered by jurisdiction B who,
while in good standing, leave to engage in military service

HB2547 - 57 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
during a period of hostility, shall be given credit for
seniority purposes for time served in the armed forces.
(h) A surviving unremarried spouse of a veteran who
suffered a service connected death or the spouse of a veteran
who suffered a service connected disability that prevents the
veteran from qualifying for civil service employment shall be
entitled to the same preference to which the veteran would
have been entitled under this Section.
(i) A preference shall also be given to the following
individuals: 10 points for one parent of an unmarried veteran
who suffered a service connected death or a service connected
disability that prevents the veteran from qualifying for civil
service employment. The first parent to receive a civil
service appointment shall be the parent entitled to the
preference.
(j) The Department of Central Management Services shall
adopt rules and implement procedures to verify that any person
seeking a preference under this Section is entitled to the
preference. A person seeking a preference under this Section
shall provide documentation or execute any consents or other
documents required by the Department of Central Management
Services or any other State department or agency to enable the
department or agency to verify that the person is entitled to
the preference.
(k) If an applicant claims to be a veteran, the Department
of Central Management Services must verify that status before

HB2547 - 58 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
granting a veteran preference by requiring a certified copy of
the applicant's most recent DD214 (Certificate of Release or
Discharge from Active Duty), NGB-22 (Proof of National Guard
Service), or other evidence of the applicant's most recent
honorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States
that is determined to be acceptable by the Department of
Central Management Services.
(Source: P.A. 103-108, eff. 6-27-23; 103-746, eff. 1-1-25.)
Section 60. The Children and Family Services Act is
amended by changing Section 5.46 as follows:
(20 ILCS 505/5.46)
Sec. 5.46. Application for Social Security benefits,
Supplemental Security Income, Veterans benefits, and Railroad
Retirement benefits.
(a) Definitions. As used in this Section:
"Achieving a Better Life Experience Account" or "ABLE
account" means an account established for the purpose of
financing certain qualified expenses of eligible individuals
as specifically provided for in Section 529A of the Internal
Revenue Code and Section 16.6 of the State Treasurer Act.
"Benefits" means Social Security benefits, Supplemental
Security Income, Veterans benefits, and Railroad Retirement
benefits.
"DCFS Guardianship Administrator" means a Department

HB2547 - 59 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
representative appointed as guardian of the person or legal
custodian of the minor youth in care.
"Youth's attorney and guardian ad litem" means the person
appointed as the youth's attorney or guardian ad litem in
accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 in the
proceeding in which the Department is appointed as the youth's
guardian or custodian.
(b) Application for benefits.
(1) Upon receiving temporary custody or guardianship
of a youth in care, the Department shall assess the youth
to determine whether the youth may be eligible for
benefits. If, after the assessment, the Department
determines that the youth may be eligible for benefits,
the Department shall ensure that an application is filed
on behalf of the youth. The Department shall prescribe by
rule how it will review cases of youth in care at regular
intervals to determine whether the youth may have become
eligible for benefits after the initial assessment. The
Department shall make reasonable efforts to encourage
youth in care over the age of 18 who are likely eligible
for benefits to cooperate with the application process and
to assist youth with the application process.
(2) When applying for benefits under this Section for
a youth in care the Department shall identify a
representative payee in accordance with the requirements
of 20 CFR 404.2021 and 416.621. If the Department is

HB2547 - 60 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
seeking to be appointed as the youth's representative
payee, the Department must consider input, if provided,
from the youth's attorney and guardian ad litem regarding
whether another representative payee, consistent with the
requirements of 20 CFR 404.2021 and 416.621, is available.
If the Department serves as the representative payee for a
youth over the age of 18, the Department shall request a
court order, as described in subparagraph (C) of paragraph
(1) of subsection (d) and in subparagraph (C) of paragraph
(2) of subsection (d).
(c) Notifications. The Department shall immediately notify
a youth over the age of 16, the youth's attorney and guardian
ad litem, and the youth's parent or legal guardian or another
responsible adult of:
(1) any application for or any application to become
representative payee for benefits on behalf of a youth in
care;
(2) beginning January 1, 2025, any communications from
the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs, or the Railroad Retirement Board
pertaining to the acceptance or denial of benefits or the
selection of a representative payee; and
(3) beginning January 1, 2025, any appeal or other
action requested by the Department regarding an
application for benefits.
(d) Use of benefits. Consistent with federal law, when the

HB2547 - 61 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
Department serves as the representative payee for a youth
receiving benefits and receives benefits on the youth's
behalf, the Department shall:
(1) Beginning January 1, 2024, ensure that when the
youth attains the age of 14 years and until the Department
no longer serves as the representative payee, a minimum
percentage of the youth's Supplemental Security Income
benefits are conserved in accordance with paragraph (4) as
follows:
(A) From the age of 14 through age 15, at least
40%.
(B) From the age of 16 through age 17, at least
80%.
(C) From the age of 18 and older, 100%, when a
court order has been entered expressly authorizing the
DCFS Guardianship Administrator to serve as the
designated representative to establish an ABLE account
on behalf of a youth in accordance with paragraph (4).
(2) Beginning January 1, 2024, ensure that when the
youth attains the age of 14 years and until the Department
no longer serves as the representative payee a minimum
percentage of the youth's Social Security benefits,
Veterans benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits are
conserved in accordance with paragraph (3) or (4), as
applicable, as follows:
(A) From the age of 14 through age 15, at least

HB2547 - 62 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
40%.
(B) From the age of 16 through age 17, at least
80%.
(C) From the age of 18, 100%. If establishment of
an ABLE account is necessary to conserve benefits for
youth age 18 and older, then benefits shall be
conserved in accordance with paragraph (4) when a
court order has been entered expressly authorizing the
DCFS Guardianship Administrator to serve as the
designated representative to establish an ABLE account
on behalf of a youth.
(3) Exercise discretion in accordance with federal law
and in the best interests of the youth when making
decisions to use or conserve the youth's benefits that are
less than or not subject to asset or resource limits under
federal law, including using the benefits to address the
youth's special needs and conserving the benefits for the
youth's reasonably foreseeable future needs.
(4) Appropriately monitor any federal asset or
resource limits for the Supplemental Security Income
benefits and ensure that the youth's best interest is
served by using or conserving the benefits in a way that
avoids violating any federal asset or resource limits that
would affect the youth's eligibility to receive the
benefits, including, but not limited to: ;
(A) establishing an ABLE account authorized by

HB2547 - 63 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, for
the youth and conserving the youth's benefits in that
account in a manner that appropriately avoids any
federal asset or resource limits;
(B) if the Department determines that using the
benefits for services for current special needs not
already provided by the Department is in the best
interest of the youth, using the benefits for those
services;
(C) if federal law requires certain back payments
of benefits to be placed in a dedicated account,
complying with the requirements for dedicated accounts
under 20 CFR 416.640(e); and
(D) applying any other exclusions from federal
asset or resource limits available under federal law
and using or conserving the youth's benefits in a
manner that appropriately avoids any federal asset or
resource limits.
(e) By July 1, 2024, the Department shall provide a report
to the General Assembly regarding youth in care who receive
benefits who are not subject to this Act. The report shall
discuss a goal of expanding conservation of children's
benefits to all benefits of all children of any age for whom
the Department serves as representative payee. The report
shall include a description of any identified obstacles, steps
to be taken to address the obstacles, and a description of any

HB2547 - 64 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
need for statutory, rule, or procedural changes.
(f) (1) Accounting.
(A) Beginning on November 17, 2023 (the effective date
of Public Act 103-564) this amendatory Act of the 103rd
General Assembly through December 31, 2024, upon request
of the youth's attorney or guardian ad litem, the
Department shall provide an annual accounting to the
youth's attorney and guardian ad litem of how the youth's
benefits have been used and conserved.
(B) Beginning January 1, 2025 and every year
thereafter, an annual accounting of how the youth's
benefits have been used and conserved shall be provided
automatically to the youth's attorney and guardian ad
litem.
(C) In addition, within 10 business days of a request
from a youth or the youth's attorney and guardian ad
litem, the Department shall provide an accounting to the
youth of how the youth's benefits have been used and
conserved.
(2) The accounting shall include:
(A) The amount of benefits received on the youth's
behalf since the most recent accounting and the date
the benefits were received.
(B) Information regarding the youth's benefits and
resources, including the youth's benefits, insurance,
cash assets, trust accounts, earnings, and other

HB2547 - 65 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
resources.
(C) An accounting of the disbursement of benefit
funds, including the date, amount, identification of
payee, and purpose.
(D) Information regarding each request by the
youth, the youth's attorney and guardian ad litem, or
the youth's caregiver for disbursement of funds and a
statement regarding the reason for not granting the
request if the request was denied.
When the Department's guardianship of the youth is being
terminated, prior to or upon the termination of guardianship,
the Department shall provide (i) a final accounting to the
youth's attorney and guardian ad litem, and to either the
person or persons who will assume guardianship of the youth or
who is in the process of adopting the youth, if the youth is
under 18, or to the youth, if the youth is over 18 and (ii)
information to the parent, guardian, or youth regarding how to
apply to become the designated representative for the youth's
ABLE account.
(g) Education. The Department shall provide the youth who
have funds conserved under paragraphs (1) and (2) of
subsection (d) with education and support, including specific
information regarding the existence, availability, and use of
funds conserved for the youth in accordance with paragraphs
(1) and (2) of subsection (d), beginning by age 14 in a
developmentally appropriate manner. The education and support

HB2547 - 66 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
services shall be developed in consultation with input from
the Department's Statewide Youth Advisory Board. Education and
informational materials related to ABLE accounts shall be
developed in consultation with and approved by the State
Treasurer.
(h) Adoption of rules. The Department shall adopt rules to
implement the provisions of this Section by January 1, 2024.
(i) Reporting. No later than February 28, 2023, the
Department shall file a report with the General Assembly
providing the following information for State Fiscal Years
2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 and annually beginning February 28,
2023, for the preceding fiscal year:
(1) The number of youth entering care.
(2) The number of youth entering care receiving each
of the following types of benefits: Social Security
benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans benefits,
Railroad Retirement benefits.
(3) The number of youth entering care for whom the
Department filed an application for each of the following
types of benefits: Social Security benefits, Supplemental
Security Income, Veterans benefits, Railroad Retirement
benefits.
(4) The number of youth entering care who were awarded
each of the following types of benefits based on an
application filed by the Department: Social Security
benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans benefits,

HB2547 - 67 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
Railroad Retirement benefits.
(j) Annually beginning December 31, 2023, the Department
shall file a report with the General Assembly with the
following information regarding the preceding fiscal year:
(1) the number of conserved accounts established and
maintained for youth in care;
(2) the average amount conserved by age group; and
(3) the total amount conserved by age group.
(Source: P.A. 102-1014, eff. 5-27-22; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23;
103-564, eff. 11-17-23; revised 7-18-24.)
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

HB2547 - 68 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 69 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 70 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 71 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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:

HB2547 - 72 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 73 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 74 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 75 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 76 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 77 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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, 2.01, 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).

HB2547 - 78 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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.)

HB2547 - 79 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(20 ILCS 2805/2) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 67)
Sec. 2. Powers and duties. The Department shall have the
following powers and duties:
To perform such acts at the request of any veteran, or his
or her spouse, surviving spouse or dependents as shall be
reasonably necessary or reasonably incident to obtaining or
endeavoring to obtain for the requester any advantage, benefit
or emolument accruing or due to such person under any law of
the United States, the State of Illinois or any other state or
governmental agency by reason of the service of such veteran,
and in pursuance thereof shall:
(1) Contact veterans, their survivors and dependents
and advise them of the benefits of state and federal laws
and assist them in obtaining such benefits;
(2) Establish field offices and direct the activities
of the personnel assigned to such offices;
(3) Create and maintain a volunteer field force; the
volunteer field force may include representatives from the
following without limitation: educational institutions,
labor organizations, veterans organizations, employers,
churches, and farm organizations; the volunteer field
force may not process federal veterans assistance claims;
(4) Conduct informational and training services;
(5) Conduct educational programs through newspapers,
periodicals, social media, television, and radio for the
specific purpose of disseminating information affecting

HB2547 - 80 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
veterans and their dependents;
(6) Coordinate the services and activities of all
state departments having services and resources affecting
veterans and their dependents;
(7) Encourage and assist in the coordination of
agencies within counties giving service to veterans and
their dependents;
(8) Cooperate with veterans organizations and other
governmental agencies;
(9) Make, alter, amend and promulgate reasonable rules
and procedures for the administration of this Act;
(10) Make and publish annual reports to the Governor
regarding the administration and general operation of the
Department;
(11) (Blank);
(12) (Blank); and
(13) Provide informational resources and education to
veterans returning from deployment regarding service
animals for individuals with disabilities, including, but
not limited to, resources and education on service animals
that guide people who are blind, pull a wheelchair, alert
a person with hearing loss, protect a person having a
seizure, assist a person with a traumatic brain injury,
and calm a person with post-traumatic stress disorder
during an anxiety attack or psychiatric episode.
The Department may accept and hold on behalf of the State,

HB2547 - 81 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
if for the public interest, a grant, gift, devise or bequest of
money or property to the Department made for the general
benefit of Illinois veterans, including the conduct of
informational and training services by the Department and
other authorized purposes of the Department. The Department
shall cause each grant, gift, devise or bequest to be kept as a
distinct fund and shall invest such funds in the manner
provided by the Public Funds Investment Act, as now or
hereafter amended, and shall make such reports as may be
required by the Comptroller concerning what funds are so held
and the manner in which such funds are invested. The
Department may make grants from these funds for the general
benefit of Illinois veterans. Grants from these funds, except
for the funds established under Sections 2.01a and 2.03, shall
be subject to appropriation.
The Department has the power to make grants, from funds
appropriated from the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund,
for benefits authorized under the Survivors Compensation Act.
(Source: P.A. 99-314, eff. 8-7-15; 99-576, eff. 7-15-16;
100-84, eff. 1-1-18.)
(20 ILCS 2805/2.01) (from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 67.01)
Sec. 2.01. Veterans Home admissions.
(a) Any honorably discharged veteran is entitled to
admission to an Illinois Veterans Home if the applicant meets
the requirements of this Section.

HB2547 - 82 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(b) The veteran must:
(1) have served in the armed forces of the United
States at least 1 day in World War II, the Korean Conflict,
the Viet Nam Campaign, or the Persian Gulf Conflict
between the dates recognized by the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs or between any other present or future
dates recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs as a war period, or have served in a hostile fire
environment and has been awarded a campaign or
expeditionary medal signifying his or her service, for
purposes of eligibility for domiciliary or nursing home
care;
(2) have served and been honorably discharged or
retired from the armed forces of the United States for a
service connected disability or injury, for purposes of
eligibility for domiciliary or nursing home care;
(3) have served as an enlisted person at least 90 days
on active duty in the armed forces of the United States,
excluding service on active duty for training purposes
only, and entered active duty before September 8, 1980,
for purposes of eligibility for domiciliary or nursing
home care;
(4) have served as an officer at least 90 days on
active duty in the armed forces of the United States,
excluding service on active duty for training purposes
only, and entered active duty before October 17, 1981, for

HB2547 - 83 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
purposes of eligibility for domiciliary or nursing home
care;
(5) have served on active duty in the armed forces of
the United States for 24 months of continuous service or
more, excluding active duty for training purposes only,
and enlisted after September 7, 1980, for purposes of
eligibility for domiciliary or nursing home care;
(6) have served as a reservist in the armed forces of
the United States or the National Guard and the service
included being called to federal active duty, excluding
service on active duty for training purposes only, and who
completed the term, for purposes of eligibility for
domiciliary or nursing home care;
(7) have been discharged for reasons of hardship or
released from active duty due to a reduction in the United
States armed forces prior to the completion of the
required period of service, regardless of the actual time
served, for purposes of eligibility for domiciliary or
nursing home care; or
(8) have served in the National Guard or Reserve
Forces of the United States and completed 20 years of
satisfactory service, be otherwise eligible to receive
reserve or active duty retirement benefits, and have been
an Illinois resident for at least one year before applying
for admission for purposes of eligibility for domiciliary
care only.

HB2547 - 84 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(c) The veteran must have service accredited to the State
of Illinois or have been a resident of this State for one year
immediately preceding the date of application.
(d) For admission to the Illinois Veterans Homes at Anna
and Quincy, the veteran must have developed a disability by
disease, wounds, or otherwise and because of the disability be
incapable of earning a living.
(e) For admission to the Illinois Veterans Homes at
Chicago, LaSalle, and Manteno, the veteran must have developed
a disability by disease, wounds, or otherwise and, for
purposes of eligibility for nursing home care, require nursing
care because of the disability.
(f) An individual who served during a time of conflict as
set forth in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Section
has preference over all other qualifying candidates, for
purposes of eligibility for domiciliary or nursing home care
at any Illinois Veterans Home.
(g) A veteran or spouse, once admitted to an Illinois
Veterans Home facility, is considered a resident for
interfacility purposes.
(h) A non-veteran spouse shall only have the same priority
for admission to a Veterans Home as a veteran if the
non-veteran spouse and his or her veteran spouse are admitted
at the same time to live together at the Veterans Home.
(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 99-314, eff. 8-7-15;
99-642, eff. 7-28-16; 100-392, eff. 8-25-17; 100-942, eff.

HB2547 - 85 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 86 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 87 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 88 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 89 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 90 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 91 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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:

HB2547 - 92 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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.

HB2547 - 93 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 94 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 95 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 96 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 97 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 98 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 99 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 100 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 101 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 102 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 103 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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.

HB2547 - 104 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 105 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 106 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 107 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 108 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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;

HB2547 - 109 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 110 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 111 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 112 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 113 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 114 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 115 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 116 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 117 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 118 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 119 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 120 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 121 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 122 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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;

HB2547 - 123 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 124 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 125 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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:

HB2547 - 126 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
"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,

HB2547 - 127 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 128 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 129 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 130 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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:

HB2547 - 131 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 132 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 133 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 134 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 135 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 136 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 137 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 138 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 139 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 140 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 141 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 142 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 143 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 144 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 145 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 146 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 147 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 148 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 149 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 150 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 151 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 152 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 153 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 154 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 155 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 156 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 157 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 158 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 159 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 160 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 161 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 162 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 163 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 164 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 165 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 166 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 167 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 168 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 169 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 170 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 171 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 172 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 173 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 174 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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 185. The State Universities Civil Service Act is
amended by changing Section 36g as follows:
(110 ILCS 70/36g) (from Ch. 24 1/2, par. 38b6)
Sec. 36g. Appropriate preference in entrance examinations
to qualified persons who have been members of the armed forces
of the United States or to qualified persons who, while
citizens of the United States, were members of the armed
forces of allies of the United States in time of hostilities
with a foreign country, and to certain other persons as set
forth in this Section.

HB2547 - 175 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(a) As used in this Section:
(1) "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.
(2) "Armed forces of the United States" means the
United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine
Corps, Coast Guard. Service in the Merchant Marine that
constitutes active duty under Section 401 of federal
Public Law 95-202 shall also be considered service in the
Armed Forces of the United States for purposes of this
Section.
(b) The preference granted under this Section shall be in
the form of points added to the final grades of the persons if
they otherwise qualify and are entitled to appear on the list
of those eligible for appointments.
(c) A veteran is qualified for a preference of 10 points if
the veteran currently holds proof of a service connected
disability from the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs or an allied country or if the veteran is a recipient
of the Purple Heart.

HB2547 - 176 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(d) A veteran who has served during a time of hostilities
with a foreign country is qualified for a preference of 5
points if the veteran served under one or more of the following
conditions:
(1) The veteran served a total of at least 6 months, or
(2) The veteran served for the duration of hostilities
regardless of the length of engagement, or
(3) The veteran was discharged on the basis of
hardship, or
(4) The veteran was released from active duty because
of a service connected disability and was discharged under
honorable conditions.
(e) A person not eligible for a preference under
subsection (c) or (d) is qualified for a preference of 3 points
if the person has served in the armed forces of the United
States, the Illinois National Guard, or any reserve component
of the armed forces of the United States and the person: (1)
served for at least 6 months and has been discharged under
honorable conditions or (2) has been discharged on the ground
of hardship or (3) was released from active duty because of a
service connected disability. An active member of the National
Guard or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United
States is eligible for the preference if the member meets the
service requirements of this subsection (e).
(f) The rank order of persons entitled to a preference on
eligible lists shall be determined on the basis of their

HB2547 - 177 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
augmented ratings. When the Executive Director establishes
eligible lists on the basis of category ratings such as
"superior", "excellent", "well-qualified", and "qualified",
the veteran eligibles in each such category shall be preferred
for appointment before the non-veteran eligibles in the same
category.
(g) Employees in positions covered by this Act who, while
in good standing, leave to engage in military service during a
period of hostility shall be given credit for seniority
purposes for time served in the armed forces.
(h) A surviving unremarried spouse of a veteran who
suffered a service connected death or the spouse of a veteran
who suffered a service connected disability that prevents the
veteran from qualifying for civil service employment shall be
entitled to the same preference to which the veteran would
have been entitled under this Section.
(i) A preference shall also be given to the following
individuals: 10 points for one parent of an unmarried veteran
who suffered a service connected death or a service connected
disability that prevents the veteran from qualifying for civil
service employment. The first parent to receive a civil
service appointment shall be the parent entitled to the
preference.
(Source: P.A. 103-746, eff. 1-1-25.)
Section 190. The University of Illinois Act is amended by

HB2547 - 178 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 179 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 180 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 181 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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);

HB2547 - 182 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 183 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 184 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 185 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 186 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 187 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 188 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 189 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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).

HB2547 - 190 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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;

HB2547 - 191 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 192 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 193 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 194 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 195 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 196 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 197 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 198 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 199 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 200 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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:

HB2547 - 201 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 202 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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).

HB2547 - 203 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 204 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 205 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 206 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 207 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 208 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 209 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 210 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 211 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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'

HB2547 - 212 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 213 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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;

HB2547 - 214 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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:

HB2547 - 215 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 216 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 217 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 218 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 219 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 220 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 221 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 222 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 223 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 224 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 225 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 226 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 227 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 228 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 229 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 230 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 231 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 232 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 233 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 234 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 235 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 236 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 237 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 238 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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;

HB2547 - 239 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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;

HB2547 - 240 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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,

HB2547 - 241 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 242 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 243 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 244 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 245 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
"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

HB2547 - 246 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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;

HB2547 - 247 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 248 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 249 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
"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

HB2547 - 250 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 251 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 252 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 253 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 254 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 255 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
"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:

HB2547 - 256 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 257 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 258 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
"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

HB2547 - 259 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 260 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 261 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 262 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 263 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 264 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 265 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 266 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 267 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 268 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 269 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 270 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 271 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 272 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 273 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 274 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 275 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 276 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 277 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 278 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 279 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 280 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 281 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 282 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 283 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 284 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 285 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 286 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 287 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 288 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 289 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 290 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 291 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 292 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
Section 300. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by
changing Sections 5-5.27 and 11-5.2 as follows:
(305 ILCS 5/5-5.27)
Sec. 5-5.27. Coverage for clinical trials.
(a) The medical assistance program shall provide coverage
for routine care costs that are incurred in the course of an
approved clinical trial if the medical assistance program
would provide coverage for the same routine care costs not
incurred in a clinical trial. "Routine care cost" shall be
defined by the Department by rule.
(b) The coverage that must be provided under this Section
is subject to the terms, conditions, restrictions, exclusions,
and limitations that apply generally under the medical
assistance program, including terms, conditions, restrictions,
exclusions, or limitations that apply to health care services
rendered by participating providers and nonparticipating
providers.
(c) Implementation of this Section shall be contingent
upon federal approval. Upon receipt of federal approval, if
required, the Department shall adopt any rules necessary to
implement this Section.
(d) As used in this Section:
"Approved clinical trial" means a phase I, II, III, or IV
clinical trial involving the prevention, detection, or

HB2547 - 293 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
treatment of cancer or any other life-threatening disease or
condition if one or more of the following conditions apply:
(1) the Department makes a determination that the
study or investigation is an approved clinical trial;
(2) the study or investigation is conducted under an
investigational new drug application or an investigational
device exemption reviewed by the federal Food and Drug
Administration;
(3) the study or investigation is a drug trial that is
exempt from having an investigational new drug application
or an investigational device exemption from the federal
Food and Drug Administration; or
(4) the study or investigation is approved or funded
(which may include funding through in-kind contributions)
by:
(A) the National Institutes of Health;
(B) the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention;
(C) the Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality;
(D) the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Institute;
(E) the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services;
(F) a cooperative group or center of any of the
entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) or

HB2547 - 294 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
the United States Department of Defense or the United
States Department of Veterans Affairs;
(G) a qualified non-governmental research entity
identified in the guidelines issued by the National
Institutes of Health for center support grants; or
(H) the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs, the United States Department of Defense, or
the United States Department of Energy, provided that
review and approval of the study or investigation
occurs through a system of peer review that is
comparable to the peer review of studies performed by
the National Institutes of Health, including an
unbiased review of the highest scientific standards by
qualified individuals who have no interest in the
outcome of the review.
"Care method" means the use of a particular drug or device
in a particular manner.
"Life-threatening disease or condition" means a disease or
condition from which the likelihood of death is probable
unless the course of the disease or condition is interrupted.
(Source: P.A. 101-649, eff. 7-7-20.)
(305 ILCS 5/11-5.2)
Sec. 11-5.2. Income, Residency, and Identity Verification
System.
(a) The Department shall ensure that its proposed

HB2547 - 295 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 296 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 297 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 298 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 299 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 300 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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;

HB2547 - 301 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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);

HB2547 - 302 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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;

HB2547 - 303 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 304 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 305 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 306 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 307 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 308 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 309 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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)

HB2547 - 310 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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)

HB2547 - 311 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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, 20, 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 32/20)
Sec. 20. Legal disability. If a person to whom
compensation is payable under this Act is under a legal
disability, the compensation shall be paid to the person
legally vested with the care of the person under a legal
disability under the laws of his or her state of residence. If
no such person has been so designated for the person under a

HB2547 - 312 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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 United States Department of
Veterans Affairs in which the person under a legal disability
is placed, if that 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 a person found to be so by a court of competent
jurisdiction of any state or the District of Columbia or by any
adjudication officer of the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)
(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,

HB2547 - 313 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 314 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 315 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 316 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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 345. The Veteran Service Organizations State
Charter Act is amended by changing Section 15 as follows:

HB2547 - 317 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(330 ILCS 46/15)
Sec. 15. State charter requirements. To qualify for state
charter status, a veteran service organization must:
(1)(A) Have been formed by and for veterans, have a
board where a majority of its members are veterans, and
have annual expenditures that demonstrate that a majority
of the organization's expenses reflect support for
veterans; or (B) have a paid membership of at least 15
individuals and be associated with a congressionally
chartered organization.
(2) Possess tax-exempt status from the Internal
Revenue Service either under Section 501(c)(3) or Section
501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code and have the
primary charitable purpose of providing service or
assistance to veterans, their spouses, or their
dependents.
(3) Possess a current certificate of good standing as
an Illinois registered not-for-profit organization from
the Secretary of State.
(4) Obtain and maintain ongoing registration and
compliance under the Charitable Trust Act with the
Charitable Trust Bureau of the Attorney General's Office
or substantiation for an exemption.
(5) For organizations with veteran service officers,
demonstrate that each veteran service officer possesses a

HB2547 - 318 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
valid U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation or
that such accreditation is pending.
(6) Comply with the methods and criteria set forth
under Section 9 of the Military Veterans Assistance Act if
the veteran service organization has delegates and
alternates or is in the process of selecting and
submitting delegates and alternates to a county Veterans
Assistance Commission at the time of application for State
charter status.
(Source: P.A. 103-405, eff. 1-1-24.)
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

HB2547 - 319 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 320 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 321 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 322 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 323 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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"

HB2547 - 324 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 325 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
"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

HB2547 - 326 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 327 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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:

HB2547 - 328 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 329 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 330 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 331 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 332 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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:

HB2547 - 333 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 334 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 335 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 336 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 337 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 338 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.)

HB2547 - 339 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
Section 405. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis
Program Act is amended by changing Section 5 as follows:
(410 ILCS 130/5)
Sec. 5. Findings.
(a) The recorded use of cannabis as a medicine goes back
nearly 5,000 years. Modern medical research has confirmed the
beneficial uses of cannabis in treating or alleviating the
pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with a variety of
debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, multiple
sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS, as found by the National Academy of
Sciences' Institute of Medicine in March 1999.
(b) Studies published since the 1999 Institute of Medicine
report continue to show the therapeutic value of cannabis in
treating a wide array of debilitating medical conditions.
These include relief of the neuropathic pain caused by
multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, and other illnesses that often
fail to respond to conventional treatments and relief of
nausea, vomiting, and other side effects of drugs used to
treat HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, increasing the chances of
patients continuing on life-saving treatment regimens.
(c) Cannabis has many currently accepted medical uses in
the United States, having been recommended by thousands of
licensed physicians to at least 600,000 patients in states
with medical cannabis laws. The medical utility of cannabis is
recognized by a wide range of medical and public health

HB2547 - 340 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
organizations, including the American Academy of HIV Medicine,
the American College of Physicians, the American Nurses
Association, the American Public Health Association, the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and many others.
(d) Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's
Uniform Crime Reports and the Compendium of Federal Justice
Statistics show that approximately 99 out of every 100
cannabis arrests in the U.S. are made under state law, rather
than under federal law. Consequently, changing State law will
have the practical effect of protecting from arrest the vast
majority of seriously ill patients who have a medical need to
use cannabis.
(d-5) In 2014, the Task Force on Veterans' Suicide was
created by the Illinois General Assembly to gather data on
veterans' suicide prevention. Data from a U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs study indicates that 22 veterans commit
suicide each day.
(d-10) According to the State of Illinois Opioid Action
Plan released in September 2017, "The opioid epidemic is the
most significant public health and public safety crisis facing
Illinois". According to the Action Plan, "Fueled by the
growing opioid epidemic, drug overdoses have now become the
leading cause of death nationwide for people under the age of
50. In Illinois, opioid overdoses have killed nearly 11,000
people since 2008. Just last year, nearly 1,900 people died of
overdoses-almost twice the number of fatal car crashes. Beyond

HB2547 - 341 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
these deaths are thousands of emergency department visits,
hospital stays, as well as the pain suffered by individuals,
families, and communities".
According to the Action Plan, "At the current rate, the
opioid epidemic will claim the lives of more than 2,700
Illinoisans in 2020".
Further, the Action Plan states, "Physical tolerance to
opioids can begin to develop as early as two to three days
following the continuous use of opioids, which is a large
factor that contributes to their addictive potential".
The 2017 State of Illinois Opioid Action Plan also states,
"The increase in OUD [opioid use disorder] and opioid overdose
deaths is largely due to the dramatic rise in the rate and
amount of opioids prescribed for pain over the past decades".
Further, according to the Action Plan, "In the absence of
alternative treatments, reducing the supply of prescription
opioids too abruptly may drive more people to switch to using
illicit drugs (including heroin), thus increasing the risk of
overdose".
(e) Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut,
Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana,
Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont,
Washington, and Washington, D.C. have removed state-level
criminal penalties from the medical use and cultivation of
cannabis. Illinois joins in this effort for the health and
welfare of its citizens.

HB2547 - 342 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(f) States are not required to enforce federal law or
prosecute people for engaging in activities prohibited by
federal law. Therefore, compliance with this Act does not put
the State of Illinois in violation of federal law.
(g) State law should make a distinction between the
medical and non-medical uses of cannabis. Hence, the purpose
of this Act is to protect patients with debilitating medical
conditions, as well as their physicians and providers, from
arrest and prosecution, criminal and other penalties, and
property forfeiture if the patients engage in the medical use
of cannabis.
(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)
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

HB2547 - 343 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 344 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 345 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 346 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 347 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 348 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 349 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 350 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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,

HB2547 - 351 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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 430. The Cave Protection Act is amended by
changing Section 5 as follows:
(525 ILCS 5/5) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9505)
Sec. 5. Owners of land shall not be liable for injuries,
mental harm or death sustained by persons using their land,
including but not limited to cave resources, for recreational,
educational or scientific purposes. By granting permission for
entry or use, the owner does not thereby:
(a) extend any assurance that the premises are safe for
such purposes, or
(b) constitute to the permittee the legal status of an
invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed, or
(c) assume responsibility for or incur liability for any
injury to person or property caused by an act or omission of a
permittee except as provided in this Section.
This Act shall not limit the liability which otherwise
exists for (1) willful or malicious failure to guard or warn
against a dangerous condition, use or natural structure; or
(2) failure to guard or warn against a dangerous manmade

HB2547 - 352 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
structure, fixture or activity; or (3) for injury suffered in
any case where permission to enter for the above purpose was
granted for a consideration.
Nothing in this Section creates a duty of care or ground of
liability for injury to person or property.
(Source: P.A. 84-140.)
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.

HB2547 - 353 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 354 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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).

HB2547 - 355 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 356 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 357 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 358 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 359 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 360 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 361 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 362 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 363 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 364 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 365 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 366 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 367 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 368 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 369 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 370 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 371 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 372 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 373 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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.

HB2547 - 374 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 375 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 376 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 377 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 378 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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.

HB2547 - 379 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 380 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 381 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 382 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 383 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 384 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 385 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 386 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 387 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 388 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 389 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 390 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 391 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 392 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 393 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 394 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 395 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 396 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 397 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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 450. The Illinois Controlled Substances Act is
amended by changing Section 311.6 as follows:

HB2547 - 398 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(720 ILCS 570/311.6)
Sec. 311.6. Opioid prescriptions.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a
prescription for a substance classified in Schedule II, III,
IV, or V must be sent electronically, in accordance with
Section 316. Prescriptions sent in accordance with this
subsection (a) must be accepted by the dispenser in electronic
format.
(b) Beginning on the effective date of this amendatory Act
of the 103rd General Assembly until December 31, 2028,
notwithstanding any other provision of this Section or any
other provision of law, a prescriber shall not be required to
issue prescriptions electronically if he or she certifies to
the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation that
he or she will not issue more than 150 prescriptions during a
12-month period. Prescriptions in both oral and written form
for controlled substances shall be included in determining
whether the prescriber will reach the limit of 150
prescriptions. Beginning January 1, 2029, notwithstanding any
other provision of this Section or any other provision of law,
a prescriber shall not be required to issue prescriptions
electronically if he or she certifies to the Department of
Financial and Professional Regulation that he or she will not
issue more than 50 prescriptions during a 12-month period.
Prescriptions in both oral and written form for controlled
substances shall be included in determining whether the

HB2547 - 399 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
prescriber will reach the limit of 50 prescriptions.
(b-5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section
or any other provision of law, a prescriber shall not be
required to issue prescriptions electronically under the
following circumstances:
(1) prior to January 1, 2026, the prescriber
demonstrates financial difficulties in buying or managing
an electronic prescription option, whether it is an
electronic health record or some other electronic
prescribing product;
(2) on and after January 1, 2026, the prescriber
provides proof of a waiver from the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services for the Electronic Prescribing for
Controlled Substances Program due to demonstrated economic
hardship for the previous compliance year;
(3) there is a temporary technological or electrical
failure that prevents an electronic prescription from
being issued;
(4) the prescription is for a drug that the
practitioner reasonably determines would be impractical
for the patient to obtain in a timely manner if prescribed
by an electronic data transmission prescription and the
delay would adversely impact the patient's medical
condition;
(5) the prescription is for an individual who:
(A) resides in a nursing or assisted living

HB2547 - 400 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
facility;
(B) is receiving hospice or palliative care;
(C) is receiving care at an outpatient renal
dialysis facility and the prescription is related to
the care provided;
(D) is receiving care through the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs; or
(E) is incarcerated in a state, detained, or
confined in a correctional facility;
(6) the prescription prescribes a drug under a
research protocol;
(7) the prescription is a non-patient specific
prescription dispensed under a standing order, approved
protocol for drug therapy, collaborative drug management,
or comprehensive medication management, or in response to
a public health emergency or other circumstance in which
the practitioner may issue a non-patient specific
prescription;
(8) the prescription is issued when the prescriber and
dispenser are the same entity;
(9) the prescription is issued for a compound
prescription containing 2 or more compounds; or
(10) the prescription is issued by a licensed
veterinarian within 2 years after the effective date of
this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
(c) The Department of Financial and Professional

HB2547 - 401 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
Regulation may adopt rules for the administration of this
Section to the requirements under this Section that the
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may deem
appropriate.
(d) Any prescriber who makes a good faith effort to
prescribe electronically, but for reasons not within the
prescriber's control is unable to prescribe electronically,
may be exempt from any disciplinary action.
(e) Any pharmacist who dispenses in good faith based upon
a valid prescription that is not prescribed electronically may
be exempt from any disciplinary action. A pharmacist is not
required to ensure or responsible for ensuring the
prescriber's compliance under subsection (b), nor may any
other entity or organization require a pharmacist to ensure
the prescriber's compliance with that subsection. A pharmacist
may not refuse to fill a valid prescription solely because it
is not prescribed electronically.
(f) It shall be a violation of this Section for any
prescriber or dispenser to adopt a policy contrary to this
Section.
(g) A compliance action with respect to this Section
initiated by the Department of Financial and Professional
Regulation prior to December 31, 2030 is limited to a
non-disciplinary warning letter or citation, unless the
prescriber or dispenser fails to abide by the initial
non-disciplinary warning letter or citation, has acted in bad

HB2547 - 402 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
faith, or a pattern of practice in violation of this Section
occurs.
(Source: P.A. 102-490, eff. 1-1-24 (See Section 55 of P.A.
102-1109 for effective date of P.A. 102-490); 103-425, eff.
1-1-24; 103-563, eff. 11-17-23; 103-732, eff. 8-2-24.)
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

HB2547 - 403 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 404 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 405 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 406 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 407 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 408 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 409 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 410 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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,

HB2547 - 411 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 412 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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."

HB2547 - 413 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 414 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 415 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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;

HB2547 - 416 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 417 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
(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

HB2547 - 418 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 419 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
"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

HB2547 - 420 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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

HB2547 - 421 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.

HB2547 - 422 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
"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

HB2547 - 423 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
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.
HB2547 - 424 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
INDEX
Statutes amended in order of appearance
5 ILCS 350/1 from Ch. 127, par. 1301
5 ILCS 350/2 from Ch. 127, par. 1302
5 ILCS 382/3-15
5 ILCS 465/10
15 ILCS 16/15
15 ILCS 16/25
15 ILCS 16/30
15 ILCS 16/35
15 ILCS 16/55
15 ILCS 16/65
15 ILCS 335/5
15 ILCS 335/11 from Ch. 124, par. 31
20 ILCS 5/5-15 was 20 ILCS 5/3
20 ILCS 5/5-20 was 20 ILCS 5/4
20 ILCS 5/5-190 was 20 ILCS 5/5.01a
20 ILCS 5/5-420 was 20 ILCS 5/9.22
20 ILCS 105/4.01
20 ILCS 105/4.04a
20 ILCS 105/8.10
20 ILCS 415/8b.7 from Ch. 127, par. 63b108b.7
20 ILCS 505/5.46
20 ILCS 805/805-305 was 20 ILCS 805/63a23
20 ILCS 1305/1-80
HB2547 - 425 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
20 ILCS 1605/21.6
20 ILCS 2310/2310-376
20 ILCS 2805/Act title
20 ILCS 2805/0.01 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 65.9
20 ILCS 2805/1 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 66
20 ILCS 2805/1.5
20 ILCS 2805/2 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 67
20 ILCS 2805/2.01 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 67.01
20 ILCS 2805/2.01c
20 ILCS 2805/2.04 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 67.04
20 ILCS 2805/2.10
20 ILCS 2805/5 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 70
20 ILCS 2805/15
20 ILCS 2805/37
20 ILCS 2805/39
20 ILCS 3960/3.6
20 ILCS 3975/4.5
30 ILCS 105/25 from Ch. 127, par. 161
30 ILCS 500/45-57
30 ILCS 500/45-67
30 ILCS 596/10
30 ILCS 608/5-10
35 ILCS 200/15-165
35 ILCS 515/7.5
40 ILCS 5/14-104 from Ch. 108 1/2, par. 14-104
45 ILCS 175/5
HB2547 - 426 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
55 ILCS 5/3-5015 from Ch. 34, par. 3-5015
55 ILCS 5/5-12022
60 ILCS 1/110-17
65 ILCS 5/11-13-28
105 ILCS 5/30-14.2 from Ch. 122, par. 30-14.2
110 ILCS 49/15
110 ILCS 70/36g from Ch. 24 1/2, par. 38b6
110 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 144, par. 29
110 ILCS 520/8e from Ch. 144, par. 658e
110 ILCS 660/5-85
110 ILCS 665/10-85
110 ILCS 670/15-85
110 ILCS 675/20-85
110 ILCS 680/25-85
110 ILCS 685/30-85
110 ILCS 690/35-85
110 ILCS 947/40
110 ILCS 972/5
210 ILCS 45/1-113 from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4151-113
210 ILCS 45/2-201 from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4152-201
210 ILCS 45/2-201.5
210 ILCS 45/2-213
210 ILCS 45/2-215
210 ILCS 45/3-101.5
210 ILCS 45/3-202.6
210 ILCS 45/3-304.2
HB2547 - 427 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
210 ILCS 45/3-308.5
210 ILCS 46/1-113
210 ILCS 47/1-113
210 ILCS 49/1-102
210 ILCS 160/5
210 ILCS 175/5
215 ILCS 5/356z.12
235 ILCS 5/6-15 from Ch. 43, par. 130
305 ILCS 5/5-5.27
305 ILCS 5/11-5.2
310 ILCS 65/14 from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 1264
320 ILCS 42/35
320 ILCS 70/25-10
320 ILCS 70/25-20
320 ILCS 70/25-25
330 ILCS 30/3 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.53
330 ILCS 30/5 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.55
330 ILCS 30/6 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.56
330 ILCS 32/5
330 ILCS 32/20
330 ILCS 32/25
330 ILCS 35/2 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.62
330 ILCS 35/4 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.64
330 ILCS 35/5 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.65
330 ILCS 40/1 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.71
330 ILCS 45/1 from Ch. 23, par. 3081
HB2547 - 428 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b
330 ILCS 46/15
330 ILCS 65/2.1 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 59.1
330 ILCS 65/3 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 60
330 ILCS 70/2 from Ch. 116, par. 30
330 ILCS 100/2 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.82
330 ILCS 100/3 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 57.83
330 ILCS 100/4
330 ILCS 105/1 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 26
330 ILCS 105/2 from Ch. 126 1/2, par. 27
330 ILCS 110/1 from Ch. 21, par. 59a
330 ILCS 110/2 from Ch. 21, par. 59b
330 ILCS 110/3 from Ch. 21, par. 59c
330 ILCS 110/3.1 from Ch. 21, par. 59c1
330 ILCS 126/10
330 ILCS 126/25
330 ILCS 130/10
330 ILCS 140/10
330 ILCS 140/20
410 ILCS 82/35
410 ILCS 130/5
410 ILCS 535/18 from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 73-18
515 ILCS 5/15-5 from Ch. 56, par. 15-5
515 ILCS 5/20-5 from Ch. 56, par. 20-5
520 ILCS 5/3.1-2 from Ch. 61, par. 3.1-2
525 ILCS 5/5 from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9505
625 ILCS 5/2-123 from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 2-123
HB2547 - 429 - LRB104 09526 KTG 19589 b