29 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Strengthen Rights for Consumers Denied or Dropped by Health Insurers

By Andrew Mason

New Law Permits Independent Review of Health Insurance Rescissions and Denials for Pre-Existing Conditions

CHICAGO - August 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to strengthen the state's Health Carrier External Review Act, which allows a consumer to appeal certain health insurance claim denials to independent review organizations approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI). House Bill 224 ensures that Illinois law conforms to numerous minimum consumer protections required by federal law.  

"Too many Illinois patients and their families have paid expensive premiums for health insurance only to see coverage dropped or denied, often when it is needed most," Governor Quinn said. "This new law will help protect individuals - especially those with pre-existing conditions - by increasing fairness in the process." 

The Health Carrier External Review Act, which was passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2009, requires health insurance companies to establish and maintain external review procedures that allow a consumer to appeal the denial of certain health insurance claims to independent review organizations. Independent review organizations are composed of medical experts and are approved by the DOI.

The federal Affordable Care Act mandates that all state external review laws must meet certain minimum consumer protections, including the timeframe in which a decision must be reached or who can assign an independent review organization to review an appeal. State external review laws that fail to meet these minimum consumer protections will be pre-empted by a federal external review process.

House Bill 224 amends Illinois' external review law to meet the required consumer protections. The law also extends Illinois' external review rights to consumers whose coverage has been rescinded or who have been denied a benefit due to a pre-existing health condition. 

Rescission refers to the practice of canceling coverage for individuals. Rescission sometimes occurs after a consumer files a claim, putting their coverage into effect; the practice can leave a patient suddenly uncovered by insurance after an expensive procedure has already taken place.  Illinois has far more rescissions than any state in the United States and, per capita, is second only to New Mexico.

Sponsored by Rep. Mary E. Flowers (D-Chicago) and Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), House Bill 224 was an initiative of the Illinois Department of Insurance and is based on model law adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) through a public process with stakeholders including consumers, health care providers, health insurers and insurance agents.

"This is a significant step in providing stronger recourse for individuals facing rescissions or denials due to pre-existing conditions," Rep. Flowers said.  "This new law protects consumers and brings Illinois law in line with federal requirements."

House Bill 224 goes into effect immediately.

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25 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Action to Protect Veterans and Support Military Families

By Andrew Mason

Three New Laws Support Servicemembers and Their Families

SPRINGFIELD - August 21, 2011. As part of his ongoing commitment to servicemembers and their families, Governor Pat Quinn today signed three laws that will protect Veterans and support military families.

"Our servicemembers are the heart and soul of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Whether they are returning home from service or defending our country overseas, we want them to feel confident that they and their families are taken care of back home." 

Sponsored by Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) and Sen. David Koehler (D-Pekin), House Bill 2870 will provide schools with another way to identify students with active duty parents and provide much-needed counseling and support. The new law requires K-12 public and private schools to allow students to voluntarily identify themselves as having parents actively serving in the armed forces. This allows the school to provide counseling and support for students whose parents are currently or will soon be deployed.

"Governor Quinn stands with Veterans and their families on military issues, and we will continue to fight together to improve life for our Veterans," Rep. Chapa LaVia said. "This new law will help make sure that we are giving the children of servicemembers the support they need."

House Bill 3255 allows Illinois State Police troopers, Illinois National Guard members and volunteer nonprofits serving small populations to apply to a fee wavier for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. Sponsored by Rep. Donald Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. Carole Pankau (R-Bloomingdale), this bill will encourage more first responders, including state troopers and members of the National Guard, to complete additional emergency medical training and become certified EMTs, which will also improve unit safety when servicemembers are deployed.

"Many times, troopers, volunteer ambulance members, volunteer firefighters or members of the National Guard are the first to reach a victim of an accident, disaster or other situation involving life-threatening injuries." Rep. Moffitt said "The more emergency medical training they have, the better they will be able to help until paramedics or doctors can take over."

Sponsored by Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D-Orland Park), Senate Bill 1672 requires all pension funds and retirement systems to comply with the federal Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 (HEART ACT). This law ensures that additional tax and pension benefits are granted to Illinois servicemembers who are absent from work due to duty in uniformed military service.

The new laws all take effect immediately.

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23 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Increase Consumer Protections in Illinois

By Andrew Mason

New Laws Aid Seniors, Protect Against Release of Personal Information  

CHICAGO - August 22, 2011. As part of his ongoing commitment to consumer protection, Governor Pat Quinn today signed four pieces of legislation to strengthen safeguards for Illinois consumers. The new laws cover a range of consumer issues including: increasing penalties for financial exploitation of the elderly, protections for consumers in the event of car dealership bankruptcy and creating additional levels of security for personal and identity information.  

"It is critical that we continue to improve consumer protections for the people of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "This legislation will help protect our elders, those making large investments and all Illinoisans from identity theft by safeguarding their sensitive personal data."  

House Bill 1689, sponsored by Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Lockport) and Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights), increases penalties for the financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability. According to the AARP, financial exploitation of the elderly is the most commonly reported crime to Illinois' Elder Abuse and Neglect Program, constituting nearly 60 percent of reports. Nationally, elder financial abuse costs victims more than $2.6 billion every year. To both penalize and deter those that prey on the most vulnerable, the legislation lowers the dollar threshold required for indictment on a Class 1 (more than $50,000, down from $100,000) and Class 2 (between $5,000 and $50,000, down from $100,000) felony if the crime is committed against an elder or person with a disability.  

House Bill 3025, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn) and Sen. Edward D. Maloney (D-Chicago), provides additional safeguards and penalties surrounding the protection of personal information, including prevention and following a breach. The new law requires the disposal of materials containing personal information in a manner that renders the information unreadable, unusable and undecipherable. In the event of a breach, House Bill 3025 also increases the notification provided to affected individuals. Before the law, entities were required to notify the individual that a breach had occurred but did not detail what the notification should include. The new law requires that notification include :  

  •  ·          Toll-free numbers and addresses for consumer reporting agencies;  
  •  ·          The toll-free number, address and website for the Federal Trade Commission; and  
  •  ·          A statement that the individual can obtain information from these sources about fraud alerts and security freezes.  

Any person, entity or third-party is subject to a civil penalty of $100 (capped at $50,000) per individual whose personal information was not disposed of properly, and the Attorney General may bring a civil suit to impose a penalty.  

-MORE-  

Governor Quinn today also signed House Bill 880, which creates the Dealer Recovery Trust Fund to protect consumers in the event of a car dealership's bankruptcy. Some dealerships entering bankruptcy have refused to honor agreements with customers to pay the lien on their traded-in vehicle, forcing consumers to pay for their new car, as well as the outstanding balance on their trade-in. Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn) and Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), House Bill 880 adds a new annual "dealer recovery fund" fee, which requires any new or used car dealership selling 25 or more vehicles annually to pay a $500 fee and $50 for each business location. The fund is used to help the victims of dealership closings and is administered by an independent administrator selected by the Attorney General and the Secretary of State.      

Additionally, House Bill 1518, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) and Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago), was signed by Governor Quinn today. The bill increases the income threshold for eligible seniors under the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Act from $50,000 to $55,000.  

House Bill 1518 is effective immediately. House Bills 1689, 3025 and 880 take effect Jan. 1.   

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22 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Boost Public Safety in Illinois

By Andrew Mason

Laws to Protect Tenants, Help Fight Drunk Driving and Sex Crimes

SPRINGFIELD - August 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today continued his push to increase public safety in Illinois by signing 12 new laws that will strengthen drunken driving enforcement, protect renters from theft, and help prosecutors get justice for victims of sex crimes.

"Protecting the people of Illinois is a top priority," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws crack down on crime and make our state a safer place, and my Administration will continue to implement policies that improve public safety for all people."

House Bill 1241, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) and Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago), will help prosecutors more aggressively pursue driving under the influence charges by requiring law enforcement officers to request a chemical test of an alleged intoxicated driver when the officer has probable cause to believe that alcohol was a factor in an accident that caused personal injury or death. Currently police procedure accepts, but does not require, chemical tests that reliably measure blood and urine samples for intoxication levels.

Governor Quinn also approved House Bill 147, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Bradley) and Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights), which cracks down on bus drivers who are driving under the influence of alcohol and better protects students. Passed unanimously by the legislature, the new law imposes a three-year suspension of a bus driver's license if the driver tests positive for alcohol or drugs or refuses a blood-alcohol test.

Senate Bill 1035, sponsored by Sen. Hutchinson and Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Romeoville), was also signed to help ensure child-predators are more quickly brought to justice. SB 1035 expands the Illinois Attorney General and States' Attorneys authority to issue subpoenas to electronic communication companies such as internet service providers for records pertaining to criminal investigations of child sexual exploitation. This law will help ensure vital electronic records of criminal behavior are not lost due to court system delays. Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 277, a related measure sponsored by Rep. Bill Cunningham (D-Beverly) and Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago). HB 277 law protects victims of sex-based crimes and their families by making those who are required to be or are registered as sex offenders guilty of aggravated stalking when the offender violates orders of protection or otherwise terrorizes their previous victims or their families.

To protect local peace officers from unfounded complaints, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 1985, sponsored by Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago) and Rep. Bill Haine (D-Alton). The new law will require that any sworn complaint against a peace officer that is found to contain knowingly false information to be forwarded to the State's Attorney for a determination of  prosecution. This measure extends existing protections for state police officers to local authorities and helps them clear their records of false complaints, which are frequently made by gang members.

"This bill adds a layer of protection for the officers who serve and protect us every day," Rep. D'Amico said.

Governor Quinn also approved House Bill 1233 to protect renters from theft due to key mismanagement. Sponsored by Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) and Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago), the new law requires landlords in Cook County to change the locks of each unit before a new tenant moves in and provide a signed disclosure form to the renter that confirms the change. If the lock change is not made,  landlords will be civilly liable for theft and other damages incurred by tenants that are found to be caused by not changing the lock.

In addition, Governor Quinn signed the following bills to improve public safety, including:

    • House Bill 143, sponsored by former Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville) and Sen. Bill Hanie (D-Alton), allows an active member of a nationally recognized military re-enactment group to possess a vintage rifle or modern reproduction if they meet certain requirements.
    • House Bill 233 (Rebecca's Law), sponsored by Minority Leader Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Chicago), increases the penalty for aggravated battery that causes great bodily harm, where the battery was intentional and involved torture. The new law will reclassify the crime as a Class 1 felony up from a Class 3 felony.
    • House Bill 1195, sponsored by Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) and Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) ensures all police animals are trained through programs certified by the Illinois State Police and requires records to be kept of all sniffs performed by police dogs during traffic stops.
    • House Bill 1398, sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria), ensures that all hotels in Illinois install smoke detectors within 15 feet of each room used for sleeping.
    • Senate Bill 1321, sponsored by Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) and Rep. Will Davis (D-Chicago) ensures that firefighters and other personnel remain safe when responding to an emergency by requiring suppliers to add information about the presence of potentially dangerous medical oxygen tanks in residences to the Illinois Premise Alert Program.
    • Senate Bill 1914, sponsored by Sen. John Sullivan (D-Rushville) and former Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville), allows property owners outside the City of Chicago to guard against potential trespassers, unauthorized hunters and poachers by using purple paint or purple tags on trees and fence posts to indicate that property access is forbidden.
    • Senate Bill 2293, sponsored by Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) and Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana), creates an income tax form checkoff to benefit the Crimestoppers program, which is administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority to offer rewards for crime tips. The law also creates a second checkoff to support the After-School Rescue program, which is administered by the State Board of Education to promote extracurricular activities that prevent youth crime.

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19 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Care

By Andrew Mason

Mental Health Parity, Regional Integrated Behavioral Health Networks among New Laws to Improve and Coordinate Behavioral Health Care 

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - August 18, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed new laws designed to improve the quality of life for those needing behavioral health services and ensure equal access to necessary treatments. During a ceremony at the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, the Governor signed House Bill 1530, which requires insurance companies to provide parity in coverage for mental health and substance abuse disorders, and House Bill 2982, which will help the state build regional networks to improve behavioral health care throughout Illinois. The laws build upon Illinois' efforts to ensure equal access to health care for Illinois residents and coordinate care to improve outcomes.

"When we talk about access to health care, we want to make sure that we are including all types of care," Governor Quinn said. "No one should be forced to forgo critical mental health care because of where they live or because their insurance charges more for the necessary treatment. These laws will increase equality throughout the state and advance our goal to improve the health of all Illinois residents."

House Bill 1530, sponsored by Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) and Sen. Willie Delgado (D-Chicago), establishes mental health parity among health insurance policies. Insurance companies must now provide the same coverage for mental health and substance abuse disorders that they provide for all other conditions. Insurers are prevented from including additional barriers within the policy - such as financial requirements, treatment limitations, lifetime limits or annual limits - to treatments for mental, emotional, nervous and substance abuse disorders if no such stipulations exist for other health conditions. Illinois' new law exceeds the requirements of the recently-enacted federal mental health parity law, and was a recommendation of the Governor's Health Care Reform Implementation Council.

The Mental Health Services Strategic Planning Task Force is created under House Bill 2084, sponsored by Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) and Sen. Michael Noland (D-Elgin). The task force will develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the state's mental health and developmental disabilities services. The plan will address issues impacting mental health and developmental disabilities services, including: reducing regulatory redundancy; improving access to care; ensuring quality of care in all settings; and ensuring hospital and institutional care is available, when necessary, to meet demands now and in the future.

Senate Bill 1584, sponsored by Sen. Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest) and Rep. Al Riley (D-Olympia Fields), sets up community health advisory committees for counties and townships that have not already established community health boards. The legislation requires counties with less than 3,000,000 people and townships within counties with a population greater than 3,000,000 to appoint a volunteer seven-member health advisory committee made up of members of the general public if no community health board exists. 

Additionally, on Monday, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 2982, sponsored by Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) and Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), which creates Regional Integrated Behavioral Health Networks across Illinois to ensure and improve access to appropriate mental health and substance abuse services throughout the state, especially in rural communities. The networks will bring together relevant health, mental health, substance abuse entities and other community partners to coordinate services and ensure that each community's behavioral health needs are being met.

These bills align with the goals of the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). The SHIP calls for Illinois to improve access to comprehensive health-related services, enhance data and information technology in the healthcare sectors, address the social factors affecting health and health disparities, manage and improve the public health system, and ensure sufficient workforce in the healthcare and public health fields. The SHIP is prevention-focused and centered on the following priority health concerns: alcohol/tobacco; use of illicit drugs/misuse of legal drugs; mental health; environment; obesity (including nutrition and physical activity); oral health; patient safety and quality, and unintentional injury and violence.

Also signed today, Senate Bill 1837, sponsored by Sen. Tom Johnson (R-West Chicago) and Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago), gives the Kane County Mental Health Court the authority to work with accredited mental health service providers to provide necessary services to defendants. It also requires the mental health court to assess its effectiveness and submit a report on the impact it has on reducing the number of mentally-ill people admitted into the state's correctional system. The Kane County Mental Health Court was launched in February 2006 to reduce future criminal activity and improve public safety by preventing repeated incarceration of mentally ill, non-violent offenders.

Governor Quinn also approved House Bill 1317, sponsored by Rep. Crespo and Sen. Noland, which assists individuals with serious behavioral disorders and other disabilities by excusing them permanently from jury duty. Those seeking to be excluded from jury lists must present written proof from a licensed physician concluding that the individual has a total and permanent disability that prevents performance of the duties of a juror. The legislation mandates county boards, jury administrators and jury commissioners to create and maintain a list of persons to be permanently excluded jury lists.

House Bills 2084 and 1530 are effective immediately. House Bills 1317 and 2982 and Senate Bill 1837 take effect Jan. 1.

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19 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Deter Crime and Improve Public Safety Throughout Illinois

By Andrew Mason

New Laws Strengthen Local Efforts to Fight Drug Crime, Gang Violence

ELGIN - August 18, 2011. As part of his agenda to protect communities and strengthen law enforcement throughout Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to boost local efforts to fight drug dealing and prevent gang violence. House Bill 1258 allows law enforcement to recover funds spent during the course of a drug investigation, and House Bill 3033 will boost local governments' efforts to attain federal grants for gang prevention and intervention.

"Every community in Illinois deserves the highest level of public safety, and law enforcement must have the tools to prevent, investigate and fight crime," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws help ensure that police departments throughout our state have the resources they need to fight drug and gang activity."

Local law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois spend significant funds each year to investigate drug crime and make drug-related arrests. House Bill 1258, sponsored by Rep. Keith Farnham (D-Elgin) and Sen. Mike Noland (D-Elgin), ensures that the local law enforcement agencies receive restitution from those convicted of drug crimes for investigation and response costs, including funds needed to clean up after drug busts.

Some police agencies had been forced to stop undercover work and other aggressive anti-drug enforcement measures after the loss of federal funding to decontaminate shuttered methamphetamine production labs drove up costs. Under the new law, defendants found guilty of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance or an associated charge would face mandatory, court-imposed restitution and a fine as part of sentencing. The new law mirrors the existing DUI /Accident Personnel Time Report, which allows the agency to recover the funds paid to their personnel while investigating a DUI crash.        

"Illegal drugs cost our law enforcement agencies thousands of dollars each year to investigate and secure controlled substance manufacturing sites," Sen. Noland said. "Our emergency response services should not bear those expenses, nor should Illinois taxpayers. It is time for convicted drug dealers to pay restitution for the work and materials that go into gathering evidence and securing sites left behind by manufacturing controlled substances. I am grateful to Governor Quinn for signing this bill, and to Elgin Mayor Kaptain and police officials who have worked with us to make this possible."

House Bill 3033, also sponsored by Rep. Farnham and Sen. Noland, allows the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority to help train local governments to identify and win grants for gang violence prevention programs.

Both laws take effect Jan. 1.

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16 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Create Environmental Justice Commission

By Andrew Mason

Law Will Help Protect Communities from Undue Environmental Harm  

CHICAGO - August 16, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation calling for an assessment of Illinois' environmental laws and policies to ensure that no segment of the population will disproportionately bear the adverse environmental and health effects caused by pollution.  

"Race, income or nationality should not determine the quality of the air one breathes or the water one drinks," Governor Quinn said. "We want to make sure that all Illinois families live in healthy communities. This commission will help us strengthen environmental laws so that every Illinois resident has clean air and clean water."     

Senate Bill 2193, sponsored by Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and Rep. Will Davis (D- East Hazel Crest), creates the Environmental Justice Act and the Commission on Environmental Justice.  The commission is tasked with reviewing and analyzing current state laws and policies. Based upon review, the commission will make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to address environmental justice concerns.  

"As a mother of three, I'm personally committed to making sure that all children grow up in communities where clean air and water are protected so that they can develop into health adults," said Sen. Hutchinson. "The aim of this council will be geared towards ensuring that a person's income, age, race or nationality does not mean they must be relegated to living in an unsafe environment. I thank Governor Quinn for recognizing this fact by signing this bill into law."  

The new law addresses concerns about rising asthma rates and other health indicators in parts of the state, especially in minority communities. Medical researchers have observed a connection between types of industry present in a community and childhood asthma rates.   

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is tasked with providing the commission with administrative and other support. The membership will comprise designated members of the General Assembly, community members, environmental and business organizations, health experts, local government and members of the public with expertise in environmental justice. In addition to IEPA, the council includes members from the Departments on Aging, Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Natural Resources, Public Health and Transportation.  

The new law goes into effect immediately. 

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15 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Bill to Expand Emergency Access to Life-Saving Allergy Medicine for Children

By Andrew Mason

Law Expands Options for Schools in Stocking, Administering Epi-Pens

CHICAGO - August 15, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to increase access to potentially life-saving medicine for children with severe allergies. House Bill 3294, the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, allows schools to stock and utilize epinephrine auto-injectors (often known as 'epi-pens') in the case of life-threatening allergic reactions.

"When a child suffers a severe allergic reaction, every second counts," Governor Quinn said. "With food allergies on the rise, we take action to help children with dangerous allergies. This law allows our schools to be prepared and for school nurses to take the immediate action that could save a child's life."

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) and Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-Evanston), the new law allows schools to keep a supply of emergency epinephrine auto-injectors for students. The supply can be used in an emergency if a child forgets their prescribed epi-pen, or when a severe reaction requires a second dose. In addition, the law allows school nurses to administer epi-pens to any child suspected of having an anaphylactic (life-threatening allergic) reaction, regardless of whether the child has been previously diagnosed with an allergy. The law also protects all school personnel from liability when an epi-pen is administered in good faith. It goes into effect immediately. 

A growing percentage of children in the United States are being diagnosed with food allergies. Recent studies suggest that one in 13 children are affected by food allergies. Nearly 40 percent of children with food allergies have a history of severe reaction, and 30 percent are allergic to multiple foods. The most common food allergen is peanuts, followed by milk and shellfish.

Under current law, students with severe allergies may carry their own personally-prescribed epi-pen at school and may allow specific school personnel to administer it in case of emergency. However, before House Bill 3294 was signed into law, schools were prohibited from administering epinephrine auto-injectors to children that had forgotten their epi-pens or to children that had never been diagnosed with a severe allergy. Schools were instead required to dial 911, potentially losing key moments during a life-threatening reaction.

A quarter of anaphylactic reactions amongst children involved individuals that had not been previously diagnosed with a severe allergy. Twenty-five percent of first-time reactions to peanuts or tree nuts among children occurred in a school setting. In instances of epi-pen administrations at schools, 20 percent involved students whose condition was unknown at the time.

"I keep an epi-pen with me because I have severe allergies," Sen. Schoenberg said. "Quite a few children have food allergies, and many have reactions at school if they are unknowingly exposed to an allergen that triggers an attack. Schools should be able to respond quickly and appropriately to increase the child's chance of survival in the case of a serious allergic reaction."

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing due to swelling and/or spasm in the airways, loss of consciousness, and loss of heartbeat. Anaphylaxis results in the hospitalization of 300,000 children each year. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, administering an epinephrine auto-injector is the best response to a child having an anaphylactic reaction.

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15 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Opens 2011 Illinois State Fair

By Andrew Mason

"We've Got a Good Thing Growing" Fair Showcases Food, Entertainment, Illinois Produce and Livestock  

SPRINGFIELD - August 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today officially opened the 2011 Illinois State Fair, "We've Got a Good Thing Growing." Today's ribbon cutting at the fairground's main gate marks the start of the 10-day celebration that features food, racing, music, carnival rides and a wide variety of family-friendly activities.      

"The state fair is an Illinois staple, with something for everyone, whether you are young or just young at heart. Visitors to the fair can take enjoy family-friendly entertainment, check out the best agricultural products in the world - all while enjoying some of the best food Illinois has to offer," Governor Quinn said. "I hope everyone comes to Springfield to sample the sights and sounds of the fair."      

The state fair began 158 years ago as a way for Illinois farmers to showcase their labor. The fair continues to feature Illinois livestock, as well as produce and other Illinois products at the Farmers Market Tent. Visitors can also enjoy auto racing, horse shows and harness racing, in addition to carnival rides.      

Along with the Grandstand concert lineup, the fair also features a wide variety of free entertainment - from high diving to musical acts - on 15 stages throughout the fairgrounds. Also this year, the Chicago cast of the highly-acclaimed Million Dollar Quartet will give a free performance with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra at the Grandstand. The Broadway musical is based on the recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.      

Fairgoers will also have the opportunity to learn about state government and the state programs that are helping grow the state's economy. Many of the state's agencies and departments, as well as other constitutional officers, will have tents at the fair where people can obtain information about state services and programs.      

Governor Quinn also cut the ribbon on the Governor's Tent at the fair today, officially opening the tent to fairgoers. The tent features displays about Governor Quinn's programs and initiatives that are aimed at creating and supporting good quality jobs throughout Illinois. The Governor's Tent will also feature a large model of the transformer Optimus Prime from "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," which was filmed in Chicago last year. Children will also be able to dig for artifacts in the "Kids' Kreation Korner" and "Meet the Greens," a model dollhouse that is completely energy efficient. The tent is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily during the fair.      

For a complete listing of daily activities at the 2011 Illinois State Fair, "We've Got a Good Thing Growing," please visit:www.illinoisstatefair.info or call: (217) 782-6661. The state fair funs from Aug. 13 - 21.   

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15 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation

By Andrew Mason

New Law Paves Way for IDOT to Use Asphalt Made From Recycled Shingles, Saves More Than $8 Million Annually

PEORIA - August 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that continues his commitment to making state government greener and more efficient. The new law allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to begin using asphalt made from recycled roofing shingles. It also allows businesses to increase the amount of shingles used in asphalt production and requires IDOT to maximize the use of recycled materials in construction projects, saving the state more than $8 million annually.  

"In the midst of one of the busiest construction seasons in state history, we must continue to embrace green practices in building our roads," Governor Quinn said. "This law will keep more shingles out of landfills, benefit the environment and save the state millions of dollars by expanding our use of recycled materials."  

House Bill 1326, sponsored by Rep. Daniel V. Beiser (D-Alton) and Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), allows IDOT to use asphalt made with materials from recycling facilities that process shingles, following to regulations established by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The law also directs IDOT to use recycled materials in its projects as much as possible, saving more than an estimated $8 million annually. The agency must report the results of those efforts to the Illinois House and Senate Transportation Committees each year.  

"Under Governor Quinn's leadership, the expanded use of recycled asphalt in roadway pavements is just the latest green initiative the Illinois Department of Transportation has undertaken," said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "Although motorists will not notice the difference, this new law is good for the environment and ultimately will save money."  

The new law also allows businesses that specialize in waste collection from construction and demolition sites to double the amount of shingles they can provide to recycling facilities for use later in the production of asphalt.  

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Sets Performance Standards for College and University Funding to Improve Accountability

MOLINE - August 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today furthered his goal of making education accessible and affordable for all Illinois students by signing legislation to reform how Illinois funds colleges and universities. House Bill 1503 will create performance standards for higher education institutions to increase accountability and improve student outcomes.  

"When it comes to the education and graduation of our students in college, we must demand excellence," Governor Quinn said. "This new law raises the bar for our universities to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students so they have a better opportunity to graduate and find meaningful employment."  

Sponsored by Sen. Edward Maloney (D-Chicago) and Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), House Bill 1503 requires Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) budget recommendations to be based on performance metrics designed to promote and measure student success. The new law creates a commission dedicated to developing a system to allocate state funds and resources to public institutions of higher education based on performance.  

"As a former teacher, I know enrolling is just one measure of an institution," Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said. "Performance funding will be an incentive to not just get students in the door, but to improve the odds that students will succeed."  

The commission will develop a performance system that focuses on course completion, maintaining the quality of current degree offerings and rewarding the success of institutions that advance the success of students who are at-risk academically or financially, including: first generation college students, students from low-income households and traditionally underrepresented minorities.  

"As chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I think this is the most important piece of legislation we moved this session," Sen. Maloney said. "Establishing metrics to start connecting state funding with performance will add accountability to our higher education institutions' practices. This will ultimately result in better opportunities for students."  

The commission will include representatives from the Governor's office, General Assembly, public institutions of higher education, state agencies, business and industry, and faculty and staff organizations.  

The new law takes effect Jan. 1.  

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CHICAGO - August 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

   

Bill No.: HB 159  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Provides that all funds received by currency exchanges for remittance to utility and other companies be deposited into an escrow account by the next business day, and that the escrow account may not be used for any other use and increases various licensing fees.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 268  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Creates the Local Government Consolidation Commission to report on the consolidation of local governments, and repeals the Local Government Consolidation Commission Act.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 390  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Would de-list Pyramid State Park and authorize the Department of Natural Resources to permit Knight Hawk Coal Company to use part of the land to support their adjacent surface mining operation.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1277  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Allows further exceptions to the Open Meetings Act to include meetings involving internal or external auditors, or meetings in which the subject involves audits.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1471  

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits  

Amends the IMRF Article of the Illinois Pension Code to change the way the annuity reserve is calculated if a retiring employee has accumulated service in more than one participating municipality or instrumentality. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1521  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to be responsible for inspecting state-licensed facilities, unless local authorities are enforcing higher standards.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1700  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows for annexed land negotiations between the municipal fire department and the fire protection district to decide the department with jurisdiction over the land.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1712  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Amends the Power of Attorney Act, expanding the definition of "excluded power of attorney" to include powers of attorney given primarily for various business, commercial and governmental purposes. Provides that designated portions of the Act do not apply to an excluded power of attorney. Additionally, provides that an excluded power of attorney is not revoked by a subsequent power of attorney; it may only be revoked by the mechanism provided in the excluded power of attorney itself, or by a written instrument that makes specific reference to the excluded power of attorney being revoked.  

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

   

Bill No.: HB 1748  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Requires distribution of HIV/AIDS educational materials, as well as the opportunity to opt out of HIV testing to inmates upon arrival and prior to release.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1831  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Eliminates the bilingual program within the educational services block grant.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1865  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Allows Illinois Power Agency to develop procurement plans for small utilities if they request it.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

Bill No.: HB 1872  

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits  

Allows a member of the Policemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund to transfer credit to the Police Pension Fund.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1948  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Requires the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to post on its website the number of surveillance cameras each agency owns or has access to.  

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

   

Bill No.: HB 1949  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Removes the Illinois Board of Higher Education chair as a member of the Law Enforcement Training Board, and replaces them with the Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1956  

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits  

Makes technical changes to four sections of the IMRF Article of the Pension Code.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1960  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Provides that, in certain instances, motions to quash must be filed within 30 days; a motion to quash not filed within the applicable 30-day time limit is barred.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1966  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Creates the Illinois and Midwest High-Speed Rail Commission, which is required to prepare and issue a report and follow-up report recommending the best governmental structure for a public-private partnership to design, build, operate, maintain and finance a high-speed rail system for the state. Repeals the Act on Jan. 1, 2015.  

Action: Vetoed  

Bill No.: HB 2270  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Allows the Toll Highway Authority to exercise any powers it has under the Toll Highway Act to construct new railroad tracks.  

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

   

Bill No.: HB 2550  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Provides that a township board may appoint township enforcement officers, and may remove officers with or without cause. Also gives township enforcement officers the authority to enforce county ordinances in areas of the county located within their township if intergovernmental agreements are in existence.   

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2556  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows municipalities to collect a reimbursement fee from the county for all prosecutions which result in a finding of guilt, not simply for cases tried before a judge.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2777  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Allows dry-cleaning businesses to make license payments by credit card or business check, and decreases the civil penalties that must be paid for failing to submit the required license fees in a timely manner.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2853  

An Act Concerning: Revising a law by combining multiple enactments and making technical corrections.  

Creates the First 2011 General Revisory Act.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2917  

An Act Concerning: Controlled Substances  

Rewrites the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to improve the safety of patients, simplify the law for practitioners and dispensers, and allow for collaborative interface with other state industries.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: HB 2991  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Requires a business that uses vending machines to notify the Department of Revenue (DOR) of the number of machines if DOR requests that they add machines.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3102  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Provides that notices for annexation, special uses, variations or specified zoning hearings do not require a metes and bounds legal description of the territory as long as the notice includes street address(es) and property index number(s).  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3152  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Provides that authorization to sell township and township road district personal property is obtained by a vote of the township board or request of the township highway commissioner.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3182  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Requires residential and small commercial electric utilities to submit customer account numbers, in addition to names and addresses, to local authorities upon request as a part of soliciting bids and awarding purchasing agreements for aggregation of retail electric loads.   

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3223  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Makes changes to the School Code regarding instructional time and school term calendar for remote educational programs.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3281  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Allows school boards to expel or suspend pupils for gross misconduct perpetrated by electronic means.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: HB 3289  

An Act Concerning: Internet  

Requires Internet access providers to offer parental controls so that subscribers can monitor or restrict their children's web activity.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3342  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

The ITHA may not sell or otherwise provide to third parties personally identifiable information obtained through its electronic toll collection system.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3358  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Reconciles the State Employees Group Insurance Act with the changes in the Illinois Insurance Code regarding care for persons who have been abused.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3376  

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits  

Provides that the monthly annuity of a person who first becomes a member under the Article after the effective date of this bill, shall be increased on the Jan. 1 occurring either on or after the attainment of age 60 or the first anniversary of the annuity start date, whichever is later.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3386  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Changes the definition of "disaster" in the Disaster Service Volunteer Leave Act and the Local Government Disaster Service Volunteer Act to include any disaster declared by proclamation of the Governor under a specific provision of the IEMA Act.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3405  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Clarifies the definition used to determine when a person is eligible to receive insurance coverage under the Medicare plan offered by the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (CHIP).  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

Bill No.: HB 3431  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Eliminates delivery as an element of possession of a stolen firearm and as an element of aggravated possession of a stolen firearm.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3449  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Requires state payments for an employee's payroll, reimbursement or vendor payment be made through direct deposit. Exempts legislative and judicial branches of government.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3458  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Authorizes parks to enter into design-build contracts, and provides that park districts must use a two-phase procedure to select the successful design-build entity for projects with a budgeted construction cost over $12 million.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3478  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Allows a lien to be placed on specific items of personal property, including interest earned on that property, and makes other changes concerning charging orders and clarifies when a judgment is first considered an original judgment.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3539  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Amends the state aid formula provisions of the School Code by eliminating the General State Aid Hold Harmless funding.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3550  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Provides that review sessions held after an examination has been given for the purpose of gathering feedback from candidates shall be at no cost to the candidates.  

Action: Signed  

Date Effective: Immediately  

Bill No.: SB 43  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Requires the DOR to establish an online database of tax rates, including use, income, property, and excise taxes by locality.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 86  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Revises the Abuse of Adults with Disabilities Act to include sexual exploitation to the definition of sexual abuse, add a definition for mental abuse, and broaden the physical abuse definition to include culpability when someone directs another person to abuse a person with disabilities.  

Action:  Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2004  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961 to provide assault/battery of a person known by the offender to be a person authorized to serve and deliver court documents is enhanced to aggravated assault/battery.  

Action: Signed                   

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 2096  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Repeals the Illinois Accessibility Taskforce, and allows an exemption for school districts with press boxes that meet certain requirements from the Illinois Accessibility Code.  

Action: Signed                           

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 2123  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Requires the Illinois Workforce Investment Board to annually submit information concerning the board's meetings, budgets for local workforce investment areas, and contracts for all workforce development training and service providers to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.  

Action: Signed                           

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 2134  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Allows a regional superintendent of schools to administer a joint operational program, per request of two or more school districts, present the district with possible services that schools may share and submit an annual report to the State Board of Education, regarding fiscal efficiency.

Action: Signed                

Effective Date: Jan. 1


Bill No.: SB 2255

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides that a collaborating physician or podiatrist may delegate authority to an advanced practice nurse to prescribe any Schedule II controlled substances if all conditions are met. Provides that an advanced practice nurse who writes a prescription for a controlled substance without the valid license may be fined by the Department not more than $50 per prescription.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

###

Commission Will Explore Inequalities Across a Wide Variety of Areas  

CHICAGO - August 13, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed House Bill 1547, creating the Commission to End the Disparities Facing the African-American Community. The commission will research the disparities facing African-Americans in the areas of healthcare, health services, employment, education, criminal justice, housing, and other social and economic issues. Its findings will be reported to the General Assembly. 

"We know that disparities exist within the African-American community, preventing some from achieving their full potential," Governor Quinn said. "In Illinois, we want everybody in, and nobody left out. We won't shy away from examining the root causes of inequality, and working to correct them."   

The commission will be comprised of a bipartisan group of legislators from both houses of the General Assembly, the directors of the Departments of Human Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Children and Family Services, Public Health, Aging, Labor, Employment Security, Commerce and Economic Opportunity, State Board of Education, Board of Higher Education, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, or their designees.

It will also include the Executive Director of the Illinois African-American Family Commission, and up to 10 other individuals representing African-American communities around the state with backgrounds in the research areas. The president of the Illinois Senate and speaker of the Illinois House will name co-chairs for this Commission, and all members will serve without compensation. 

The Commission must hold one or more public hearings, and report findings with recommendations to the General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2013. The Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago will provide staff and administrative support services. 

House Bill 1547, sponsored by Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) and Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), goes into effect immediately.

###

Law Protects Illinois Families' Right to Grieve With Reverence and Dignity

SPRINGFIELD - August 14, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to protect the funerals of those who have given their lives for our country. The new law expands Illinois' Let Them Rest in Peace law to prohibit protests within 300 feet of a funeral site and ensure that no protest can take place within 30 minutes before and after a funeral or memorial service.

"Every family has a fundamental right to conduct a funeral with reverence and dignity," said Governor Quinn. "This law ensures that the families of those who have given their lives for our country can grieve without harassment. It is our duty to honor their sacrifice by ensuring they are remembered with the respect and solemnity."

House Bill 180, sponsored by Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) and Rep. Kay Hatcher (R-Yorkville), strengthens an existing law spearheaded by then-Lt. Governor Quinn in 2006 that prohibits protests within 30 minutes of a service and within 200 feet of a funeral site. The Governor signed the new law as part of Veterans' Day at the Illinois State Fair and was joined by Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Acting Director Erica Borggren, Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard Major General Dennis L. Celletti.

Throughout his career, Governor Quinn has served as a strong advocate for Illinois' Veterans and servicemembers. As state treasurer, he launched "Operation Home Front" during the Gulf War to inform National Guard members and reservists about their rights under the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act. As Lt. Governor, he championed the 2003 creation of the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance to the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists called to active duty.

As Governor, he has signed legislation to extend and increase tax credits for businesses that hire Veterans. Recently he signed legislation to ensure Veteran-owned businesses are able to compete for state contracts. The Governor has also led passage of and signed legislation to help the children of military families to easily transfer school credit following relocation. Children and grandparents of servicemembers are also now eligible for Family Military Leave.

Governor Quinn also created the Task Force on Veterans' Jobs to help Veterans apply their military training to state professional licensure requirements. Colleges are now required to post all benefits available to Illinois Veterans and assign a staff member to serve as the point of contact for student-Veterans who need information and assistance. The Governor also laid the framework for construction of a new Veterans' home in Chicago and established an Assistant Director for Women Veterans' Affairs at IDVA, to create a new focus on the needs of Illinois women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

For more information about these and other programs for our Veterans, visit OperationHomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs at 217-782-6641 or 312-814-2460.

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