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2005 Session Report
In a major victory for HIV/AIDS advocates, the Illinois General Assembly appropriated $2 million in new funding for HIV/AIDS prevention education in state prisons and re-entry services for HIV-positive inmates returning to community settings. The appropriation, a centerpiece of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) policy priorities, was included as part of the state fiscal 2006 budget approved on May 31, 2005. “Today marks a milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Illinois,” said Mark Ishaug, AFC executive director. “By addressing HIV/AIDS among current and former inmates, we are fighting the epidemic where it is most prevalent and where we stand to make the greatest difference.” HIV/AIDS and Corrections The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in correctional settings is believed to be 14 times greater than the rate of HIV/AIDS in the general population. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 2% of inmates in state prisons are estimated to be HIV-positive. In 2002, 471 state prisoners were known to be living with HIV/AIDS. The actual number may be as high as 900. In addition to increasing HIV funding for corrections, the General Assembly passed the African American AIDS Response Act, which includes important provisions expanding access to HIV-related services in jails and prisons. Sponsored by state Rep. Connie Howard (D-Chicago) and state Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester), the bill increases access to voluntary HIV counseling, testing, and prevention services in state and county correctional facilities and at other government offices; creates AIDS liaisons in several state offices and departments; and improves benefits for low-income people with HIV/AIDS. On April 13, members of the Illinois House voted 17 to 90 on House Bill 255, casting a resounding defeat for legislation mandating HIV testing of state inmates. While supporting expanded HIV prevention education, AFC opposes mandated testing because it risks alienating individuals from essential HIV prevention and care services. The vote defeating HB 255 occurred hours after more than 150 Illinois AIDS advocates descended on the state Capitol for “Caring for Our Communities: Illinois HIV/AIDS Lobby Days.” The two-day event included a half-day advocacy training session, a legislative reception, a community advocacy awards ceremony, and the state’s first-ever HIV/AIDS rally on the steps of the state Capitol. AFC also supported House Bill 469, sponsored by Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) to allow state inmates to purchase, possess, and use condoms in prison. Despite compelling testimony by AFC Policy Director Jim Pickett about the seven U.S. jurisdictions and the federal corrections system in Canada that allow condom access, members of the House Human Services Committee defeated the bill 2 to 8 with only Reps. Bob Rita and Connie Howard voting in support of the measure. State Budget In addition to increased HIV corrections funding, the FY06 budget maintains $3.15 million for HIV prevention services in communities of color and a $10 million appropriation for the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program. For the second year in a row, Illinois will fund the HIV/AIDS Policy and Research Institute at Chicago State University, which will receive $400,000 in FY06. In addition, the budget achieves the final phase of Family Care expansion, which will provide healthcare coverage through Medicaid to an additional 56,000 low-income families. Other Legislation In all, AFC monitored 49 pieces of legislation covering a range of topics including HIV prevention, housing, healthcare access, substance abuse, HIV surveillance, and anti-discrimination measures. Other important victories included passage of legislation expanding awareness of hepatitis, creation of a low-income housing trust fund, and a bill allowing judges to appoint an individual with a criminal history as the guardian of a child or disabled adult. AFC will continue to work with community partners to promote other measures that did not advance this legislative session, including a bill to ban discrimination based on the source of an individual’s income, medically accurate and age-appropriate sex education funding, and a slate of substance abuse prevention and treatment initiatives. AFC thanks Governor Rod Blagojevich, Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., House Speaker Michael Madigan, state Sens. Donne Trotter, Mattie Hunter, and Kimberly Lightford, and state Reps. Monique Davis, Sara Feigenholtz, Barbara Flynn Currie, Harry Osterman, and Connie Howard for supporting HIV-related appropriations and sound HIV/AIDS public policy. AFC especially thanks the scores of Illinois HIV/AIDS organizations and advocates who called, wrote, and met with state elected officials in support of compassionate HIV/AIDS policy. Accomplishments this year would not have been possible without the energy and support of so many dedicated Illinois HIV/AIDS activists. A review of HIV-related legislation introduced this year is organized by the following topics: Corrections Mandated HIV Testing of Prisoners/HB 255 (AFC Position: Opposes) Representative: Flowers Issue - HB 255 mandates HIV testing at intake and upon release of all Illinois prisoners, and expands HIV prevention education for inmates and their family members. While supporting expanded prevention education, AFC opposes mandated HIV testing, which is an ineffective public health strategy, because it risks alienating individuals from HIV prevention and care services. Status - HB 255 was defeated in the House on April 13, 2005 by a vote of 17 to 90. Condom Availability in Prisons/HB 469 (AFC Position: Supports as Amended) Representatives: M. Davis, Washington Issue - HB 469, as amended, allows all inmates in Illinois prisons to purchase, possess, and use condoms. Status - HB 469 was defeated by a vote of 2 to 8 in the Human Services Committee on February 17, 2005. Mandated HIV Testing for Accused Sex Abusers/HB 896 (AFC Position: Opposes) Representatives: Millner, Mendoza, Franks, Chapa LaVia, Berrios, Chavez, Kelly, Yarbrough, M. Davis, D'Amico, Soto Issue - HB 896 requires HIV testing for people who are accused of aggravated sexual abuse, which does not involve penetration and poses no risk of HIV transmission. The law already allows HIV testing of individuals convicted of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. Status - HB 896 was tabled by its sponsor on March 15, 2005. Mandated HIV Testing in Insanity Pleas/HB 897 (AFC Position: Opposes) Representative: Millner Issue - HB 897 requires HIV testing when an individual is found not guilty by reason of insanity for a sex offense or illegal possession of hypodermic syringes. AFC opposes mandated testing under all circumstances. Status - HB 897 was tabled by its sponsor on March 15, 2005. Corrections Medicaid Screening/HB 968 (AFC Position: Supports) Representative: Younge Issue - HB 968 requires that all inmates in Illinois prisons and jails be screened for Medicaid eligibility and enrolled, if eligible, upon release. Status - HB 968 was not heard in committee by the deadline. Re-entry Program Felons /SB 554 (AFC Position: Supports) Senators: Halvorson, Link, Collins, Raoul Representative: Gordon, Dungan, Howard, Flowers, Davis, Granberg, Patterson, Jones, Millner, Sacia, Collins Issue - SB 554 allows counties or municipalities to establish a community re-entry program for felons. Offenders must demonstrate a willingness to participate in job training programs, and make restitutions to victims. The bill establishes services that will be provided to participants. Status - SB 554 passed the Senate on April 14, 2005, 54 to 0 and passed the House 109 to 6 on May 18, 2005. African-American HIV/AIDS Response Act/HB 2578 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Howard, Jones, Bailey, Delgado, D. Miller, M. Davis, A. Collins, Washington, Feigenholtz and Patterson Senators: Lightford, Collins, Raoul, Martinez, Hunter, Hendon, Garrett, Meeks, Harmon, Clayborne Jr., Crotty, Wilhelmi, Link, Trotter and Ronen Issue - HB 2578 creates HIV/AIDS response officers positions in several government agencies and offices; provides free HIV testing in busy state offices serving high-risk communities; expands voluntary HIV counseling and testing in Illinois prisons and jails; enhances reentry services for prisoners; and allows HIV-positive welfare recipients to request work requirement changes due to illness. Passage of HB 2578 was championed by the Let's Talk Let's Test Foundation and Black Health Alert. Status - HB 2578 passed the House unanimously on April 14, 2005, and passed the Senate unanimously on May 26, 2005. Health Education Required Instruction/HB 58 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Bailey, Lang, Boland, Giles, M. Davis, Mulligan and Osterman Issue - HB 58 requires secondary schools to provide instruction on the prevention, transmission, and spread of HIV/AIDS in the context of a comprehensive health education class. Status - HB 58 was approved by the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee on February 24, 2005 by a vote of 13 to 2. The bill passed the House 82-32 on April 11, 2005 but was not acted on in the Senate. Needle Disposal/HB 523 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Graham, Flowers, Kelly, Black, Feigenholtz, Yarbrough, Colvin, McCarthy, E. Lyons, Chavez, Soto, Hamos, Nekritz, Patterson, W. Davis, Currie, Osterman, Turner Senators: Collins, Trotter Issue - HB 523 allows sharps collection stations to operate without a permit if the operator follows published rules on the acceptance, storage, treatment, disposal, and transportation of medical waste. The bill was amended with provisions of HB 3467 (see description below) in the Senate. It requires the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), in cooperation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, to create guidelines for the disposal of hypodermic syringes or needles that are in compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines. IDPH must develop educational materials regarding the safe disposal of hypodermic syringes and needles and distribute the materials to pharmacies and the public. Status - HB 523 passed the House on February 17, 2005 by a vote of 117 to 0, and passed the Senate by a vote of 57 to 0 on May 19, 2005. Hepatitis C Screening Awareness Act/HB 904 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Howard, Froehlich, Mathias Issue - HB 904 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to implement a hepatitis C prevention plan that includes education, screening, voluntary testing, and treatment for people at risk of contracting hepatitis C. Status - HB 904 was unanimously approved by the House Human Services Committee on March 2, 2005 and is now on second reading. Rep. Larry McKeon is working with Rep. Connie Howard to add an amendment that would change all references in Illinois Code to all types of hepatitis, not just hepatitis C. Visit www.ILGA.gov for the latest information. Adoption Assistance/HB 1548 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Currie, Bellock, Delgado, Jakobsson, Coulson, Feigenholtz, Chavez, Jenisch, Cultra, Collins, Rita, Howard, Franks, Chapa LaVia Senators: Cullerton, Collins, Hunter Issue - HB 1548 allows the state to continue providing financial support for a child whose adoptive parent has died during the interim period before a new adoption has been finalized. HB 1548 may help maintain continuity of care for children in families affected by HIV/AIDS. Passage of HB 1548 was championed by the Families and Children's AIDS Network and AIDS Legal Council of Chicago. Status - passed in the House on March 17, 2005 by a vote of 113 to 0 and passed in the Senate 57 to 0 on May 14, 2005. Internet Censorship in Libraries/HB 2458 (AFC Position: Opposes) Representatives: Joyce, Bailey, Bellock, Winters, Verschoore Issue - HB 2458 requires public libraries to install internet filters on computers if they are used by minors. These filters would block important HIV information and prevention messages. The defeat of this bill was championed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. Status - HB 2458 was defeated in the House Judiciary Civil Law Committee by a vote of 6 to 8 on March 10, 2005. Needle Education/HB 3467: (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Patterson, Froehlich, Delgado, Flowers, Howard, Jenisch, Rita, Chavez, Collins, Jakobsson, Bellock, Coulson, Cultra, Dunn, Dunkin, Nekritz, Burke, Soto, Yarbrough, Colvin, Bradley, D'Amico, Berrios, Lyons Senator: Collins Issue - HB 3467 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), in cooperation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, to create guidelines for the proper disposal of hypodermic syringes or needles that are in compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines. IDPH must develop educational materials regarding the safe disposal of hypodermic syringes and needles and distribute the materials to pharmacies and the public. Status - HB 3467 passed the House 109 to 0 on April 8, 2005.Provisions were amended to HB 523, and were included when that bill passed. HB 3467 was not called in the Senate for a vote by the deadline. Age-Appropriate Sex Education Grant Program Act/SB 457 (AFC Position: Supports) Senators: Ronen, Schoenberg, Martinez, Rauol, Hunter, Silverstein Issue - SB 457 creates the Age-Appropriate Sex Education Grant Program Act. Subject to appropriations, it requires the Illinois Department of Human Services to develop and administer a grant program to fund age-appropriate, sex education programs for youth. The bill provides that eligible grant applicants include (1) public school districts, (2) community based organizations, (3) religious entities, and (4) consortiums or partnerships of school districts and community based organizations or religious entities. This bill was championed by Planned Parenthood Action Illinois and Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health. Status - SB 457 passed the Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 7 to 3 on March 17, 2005. The deadline for the bill to be called in the full Senate has been extended to December 31, 2005. Sexual Assault Survivor's Treatment Act/SB 1878 (AFC Position: Supports) Senators: Cullerton, Hunter, Collins, Sandoval Representatives: Feigenholtz, Flowers, Bellock, Osterman Issue - SB 1878 provides that every hospital treating an alleged sexual assault survivor shall provide appropriate medications, including HIV prophylaxis. Status - SB 1878 passed the Senate 52 to 0 on April 11, 2005 and passed the House 116 to 0 on May 24, 2005. Source of Income/HB 45/SB 167(AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Yarbrough, Froehlich, Graham, Soto, McKeon, Patterson, McGuire, Younge, Ryg, Jakobsson, Colvin, Howard, Washington, Bailey, Molaro, Fritchey, Hamos, Pihos, Delgado, Flowers, Feigenholtz, Dunkin, Kelly, Davis, Mendoza, Giles, Osterman, L. Jones, Turner, Chavez, Currie Senators: Martinez, Peterson, Collins, Clayborne, Hunter, Meeks Issue - HB 45/SB 167 prohibits discrimination against renters based on the source of their income. This bill will prohibit landlords from denying a lease to an individual solely because he/she uses a public subsidy, including Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS program, to pay the rent. This bill was championed by the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, and Statewide Housing Coalition. Status - HB 45 passed the House Housing and Urban Development Committee by a vote of 14 to 1 on March 1, but was not called for a vote in the full House by the deadline. SB 167 passed the Senate Housing and Community Affairs Committee by a vote of 6 to 4 on March 9, but was not called for a vote in the full Senate by the deadline. Rental Housing Support Program/HB 490/SB 75 (AFC Position: Supports) Senators: Martinez, Collins, Hunter, Radogno, Crotty, Raoul, Sandoval, Munoz, del Valle, Meeks Representatives: Hamos, Parke, Poe, Yarbrough Graham, Millner, Lyons, Howard, Acevedo, Delgado, Davis, Collins, Bailey, Soto, Turner, Berrios, Fritchey, Currie, Osterman, Feigenholtz, Washington, Froehlich, Patterson, Younge, Giles, Dunkin, Mathias, M. Davis, Bradley and L. Jones Issue - HB 490/SB 75 creates the Rental Housing Support Program, funded by a $10 surcharge on all real-estate transactions. Funds are used as grants to local housing agencies for rental subsidies. Status - HB 490 was tabled by the sponsor on February 10, 2005. SB 75 passed the Senate 36 to 22 on April 14, 2005, and passed the full House 72 to 43 on May 4, 2005. This bill was sent to the Governor's office on June 2, 2005. Insurance Coverage for AIDS Vaccines/HB 253 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Flowers, Lang, Fritchey, McKeon, Patterson, Verschoore Senator: Trotter Issue - HB 253 requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for the HIV vaccine when it becomes available. Status - HB 253 was approved by the House on February 3, 2005 by a vote of 61 to 52. HB 253 was introduced in the Senate on February 15, 2005 by Sen. Donne Trotter. It was not heard in the Senate Insurance Committee. Medical Cannabis Act/HB 407 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: McKeon, Fritchey, Yarbrough Issue - HB 407 allows people who have been diagnosed with a debilitating illness, like AIDS, to possess and use marijuana as part of a doctor-prescribed treatment plan. This bill was championed by IDEAL Reform. Status - HB 407 was defeated by a vote of 5 to 6 in the Human Services Committee on February 17, 2005. Hepatitis C Material Available/HB 595 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: McAuliffe, Howard, Jenisch, Kosel, Delgado, Bellock, Chavez, Collins, Cultra, Dunn, Flowers, Jakobsson, Rita Senator: Hunter, Collins Issue - HB 595 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to make available educational materials to healthcare providers, members of the armed forces, and others at risk of contacting all forms of hepatitis. The bill was amended in the Senate with the provisions of HB 904, which requires IDPH to implement a hepatitis prevention plan that includes education, screening, voluntary testing, and treatment for people at risk of contracting the disease . Status - HB 595 passed the Human Services committee February 17, 2005, 11 to 0, and passed the full House unanimously on February 19, 2004. The bill was amended in the Senate with the provisions of HB 904, and passed the Senate unanimously on May 19, 2005. Reduction of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Act/ HB 615 (AFC Position: Supports ) Representatives: Delgado, Froehlich, Acevedo, Coulson, Bradley, Colvin, and Soto Senators: Martinez, Hunter, Raoul, Collins Issue - HB 615 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois Department of Human Services to establish and administer a program of grants to stimulate the development of community-based and neighborhood-based projects that will improve the health outcomes of racial and ethnic populations. The list of health issues to be addressed includes HIV/AIDS. Status - HB 615 passed the House unanimously on March 3, 2005 and passed the Senate unanimously on May 19, 2005. Insurance Health Coverage/HB 637 (AFC Position: No Position) Representative: Flowers, Younge, Jakobsson, Burke, Mendoza and Patterson Senator: M. Jacobs Issue - HB 637 requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for federally approved HIV vaccines, when they become available, as well as intravenous feeding, prescription nutritional supplements, and prescribed pain medications. Amendments subsequently deleted the requirement to cover an HIV vaccine. Status - HB 637 passed out of Health Care Availability and Access Committee 7 to 2 on March 9, 2005 and passed the full House 60 to 52 on April 7, 2005, and was not heard in the Senate. Insurance Coverage for HIV Treatment/HB 640 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Flowers, Feigenholtz Issue - HB 640 requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis to people who may have been exposed to HIV, an intervention that could prevent HIV transmission. Status - HB 640 was defeated by a vote of 4 to 11 in the House Insurance Committee on February 16, 2005. HB 640 was subsequently tabled by its sponsor on March 15, 2005. Medicaid Spend-Down/HB 740 (AFC Position: Supports) Representative: Ryg, May, Coulson, Yarbrough, McGuire and Bailey Issue - Senator: Link HB 740 allows individuals to qualify for Medicaid by paying the amount of the spend-down to Illinois Department of Public Aid as a premium, instead of requiring proof of monthly out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures. Status - HB 740 passed the House 114 to 0 on April 6, 2005, but was not called in the Senate by the deadline. Hepatitis C Screening Awareness Act/HB 904 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Howard, Froehlich, Mathias Issue - HB 904 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to implement a hepatitis C prevention plan that includes education, screening, voluntary testing, and treatment for people at risk of contracting the disease. Status - HB 904 was unanimously approved by the House Human Services Committee on March 2, 2005 and passed the House 113 to 0 on April 13, 2005. It was not voted on in the Senate Provisions of the bill were added to HB 595 by amendment. See HB 595. Medicaid AIDS Drug Restrictions/HB 1297 (AFC Position: Supports) Representative: Howard Issue - HB 1297 prohibits the Illinois Department of Public Aid from requiring prior approval, or enacting other restrictions, for HIV/AIDS medications prescribed to Medicaid recipients. Status - HB 1297 was not called in committee by the deadline. Supplemental Medicare Prescription Benefit Program/HB 3794 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives:Schock, Mathias, Coulson Issue - HB 3794 creates a program to cover out-of-pocket expenses for individuals enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit plan. Status - HB 3794 was not called in committee by the deadline. Medicaid Hepatitis C/SB 199 (AFC Position: Supports) Senator: Trotter Issue - SB 199 would prohibit the Medicaid program from imposing formulary limits or prior approval requirements on any drug or test that is medically necessary for the treatment of hepatitis C. Status - SB 199 was not called in committee by the deadline. Health - Tech/ SB 1011 (AFC Position: Supports) Senator: Ronen, E. Jones Issue - SB 1011 would allow the Illinois Department of Public Health to assist low-income people with HIV/AIDS in meeting their COBRA premiums. Status - SB 1011 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee 7 to 3 on March 17, 2005, but was not called for a vote by the deadline. Deadline for the bill to be called in the Senate was extended to December 31, 2005. AIDS Drug Assistance Funding/HR 193 and SR 116 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: McKeon, Howard, Coulson, Beaubien, Flowers, Feigenholtz, Osterman, Fritchey and L. Jones Senator: Cullerton Issue - HR 193 and SR 116 urge United States Congress to fully fund the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the Ryan White CARE Act. Status - HR 193 was referred to the House Rules Committee March 8, 2005. HR 116 was referred to Rules Committee March 15, 2005. Visit www.ILGA.gov for the latest information. Medical Marijuana Use Committee/HR 398 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: McKeon, Fritchey, Flowers Issue - AHR 398 establishes a committee to investigate and assess options for seriously ill patients to use medical marijuana without facing criminal prosecution under State law. Status - HR 398 was introduced on May 11, 2005, and referred to the Rules Committee. Ryan White Care Act/HR 433 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Feigenholtz, Howard, Jakobsson, Coulson, Dunkin and Osterman Issue - HR 433 urges the U.S. Congress to reauthorize the Ryan White Care Act. Status - HR 433 was adopted on May 30, 2005.
Drug Overdose Prevention Act/HB 9 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Miller, Froehlich, Pihos, Franks, Chapa LaVia, Feigenholtz Senator: Ronen Issue - HB 9 requires the Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse to collect data on drug overdose trends in Illinois, develop effective interventions, prevention programs, and response literature. HB 9 also establishes grants for local drug overdose prevention, response, and recognition projects. Status - HB 9 was approved by the House Human Services Committee by a vote of 12 to 0 on February 9, 2005. The bill passed the House 108 to 1 on April 15, 2005. The bill was not called in the Senate by the deadline. Opioid Antagonist Liability Act/HB 10 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Miller, May Issue - HB 10 gives people the ability to administer opioid antagonists to another person who is experiencing a drug overdose-an intervention that can save lives-without criminal liability. This intervention was previously limited to licensed healthcare professionals. Status - HB 10 was not called in committee by the deadline. Medicaid and Substance Abuse Services/HB 1298 (AFC Position: Supports) Representative: Howard Issue - HB 1298 requires the Illinois Department of Public Aid to provide substance abuse treatment services to Medicaid recipients who request it. Status - HB 1298 was not called in committee by the deadline. Substance Abuse Treatment On Demand/SB 480 (AFC Position: Supports) Senators: Hunter, Collins Issue - SB 480 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to fund substance abuse treatment for any Illinois resident who requests these services from a licensed provider, community-based organization, or Illinois medical facility. Status - SB 480 was not called in committee by the deadline. Methamphetamine Study/HB 3511 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Stephens, Rose, Bost, Mathias Senator: Righter Issue - HB 3511 requires the Illinois Department of Human Services to research and distribute information about the best way to treat methamphetamine addiction. Status - HB 3511 passed out of Human Services Committee 12 to 0 on March 10, 2005, and passed the full House by a vote of 114 to 0 on April 6, 2005. The bill was not called in the Senate by the deadline. Methamphetamine Treatment/HB 3513 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Stephens, Mathias, Rose, Bost Senator: Righter Issue - HB 3513 makes grants available to licensed treatment programs for methamphetamine addiction prevention and treatment services. Status - HB 3513 passed out of Human Services Committee 12 to 0 on March 10, 2005, and passed the full House by a vote of 113 to 0 on April 6. The bill was not called in the Senate by the deadline . Public Accommodations/HB 1000 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Fritchey, Daniels, Feigenholtz, McGuire Issue - HB 1000 expands discrimination protections for people living with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities in all public accommodations, including providers of healthcare and social services. Status - HB 1000 passed out of House Judiciary I-Civil Law Committee on March 2, 2005, 10 to 1, but was not called for a vote in the full House by the deadline. Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act/HB 1054 (AFC Position: Supports) Representative: Younge Issue - HB 1054 creates a bill of rights for homeless individuals that would prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, and training opportunities. Status - HB 1054 was not called in committee by the deadline. Discrimination within Religious Organizations Act/HB 1063 (AFC Position: Opposes) Representatives: Reis, Beiser, Mitchell, Winters, Reitz, Sommer, Biggins, Millner, McAuliffe, Tryon, Cultra, Pritchard, Brady, Bost, Brauer, Hultgren, Churchill, Watson, Verschoore and Parke Issue - HB 1063 exempts organizations, associations, societies, and non-profit institutions that are affiliated with a religious institution from the non-discrimination requirements of the Illinois Human Rights Act. Status - HB 1063 passed out of Judiciary I-Civil Law Committee on March 2, 2005, 9-3. Amendments were heard several times in Committee but the bill was not called for a vote by the deadline.. Reduction of Human Rights Act/HB 3741 (AFC Position: Opposes) Representatives: Hultgren, Reis, Cultra, Rose, Tenhouse, Winters, Issue - HB 3741 repeals changes to the Human Rights Act made earlier this year to ban discrimination on the basis of a person's sexual orientation. Status - HB 3741 was not called in committee by the deadline. Discrimination within Religious Organizations Act/SB 1632 (AFC Position: Opposes) Senator: Brady Issue - SB 1632 exempts organizations, associations, societies, and non-profit institutions that are affiliated with a religious institution from the non-discrimination requirements of the Illinois Human Rights Act that protect people based on their religion or sexual orientation. Status - SB 1632 was not called in committee by the deadline. Human Rights - Remove Sexual Orientation/SB 2037 (AFC Position: Opposes) Senators: Lauzen, Petka, Burzynski, Syverson, Rauschenberger, Roskam, Righter, J. Jones, W. Jones, Dahl, Brady, Luechtefeld, Winkel and Watson Issue - SB 2037 overturns law extending human rights protections to gays and lesbians. Status - SB 2037 was not called for a vote by the deadline. Technical Changes to the AIDS Registry Act/HB 3420 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: McKeon, Delgado, Jones, Feigenholtz, Currie Senators: Sandoval, Hunter, Collins and Martinez. Issue - HB 3420 makes technical changes to the AIDS Registry Act inserting "HIV/AIDS" everywhere "AIDS" is mentioned. Grants authority to large local health departments to access confidential patient records onsite solely for the purposes of evaluating and updating the HIV and AIDS case registries. Status - HB 3420 was approved by the House Human Services Committee by a vote of 12 to 0 on March 2, 2005, and passed the full House on April 7, 2005, 113 to 0. The bill passed the full Senate 46 to 2 on May 16, 2005. Appointing a Guardian/SB 658 and HB 3415 (AFC Position: Supports) Senators: Cullerton, Link, Raoul, Silverstein, Collins, Lightford and Trotter Representatives: Eddy, Mathias, Bassi, Meyer, Bellock, Currie, Flowers, Beiser, Chavez, Jefferson, and Chapa LaVia Issue - SB 658/HB 3415 allow judges to appoint the best guardian for a child or disabled adult, even if that person has a past felony conviction. Amendments require the court to consider the nature of the offense, the date of the offense, and the evidence of the proposed guardian's rehabilitation. The guardian must not have been convicted of any felony involving harm or threat to a child, elderly, or disabled person, including sexual offenses. This bill was championed by the Families and Children's AIDS Network. Status - SB 658 passed the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 7 to 3 on March 16. It passed in the Senate on April 14, 2005, 32 to 21. The bill passed in the House on May 20, 109 to 4. HB 3415 passed the House 116 to 0 on April 12, 2005. In the Senate, the bill was amended with unrelated provisions that changed the bill. AFC took no position on the amended bill. Family Leave Insurance Program/HB 3470 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Hamos, Graham, McKeon Issue - HB 3470 creates a family leave program to provide paid leave to an employee who is sick or who must take time off work to care for a newborn or adopted child or a sick family member. This bill was championed by Women Employed. Status - HB 3470 died in committee.Visit www.ILGA.gov for the latest information. Congratulates AIDS Foundation of Chicago/HR 362 (AFC Position: Supports) Representatives: Osterman Issue - HR 362 congratulates the AIDS Foundation of Chicago on the agency's 20 years of service to the community. Status - HR 362 was adopted in the House on May 3, 2005.
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Printable Document (PDF)
Illinois General Assembly Passes Budget and 2004 Session Wrap-up
Gov. Ryan Vetoes HIV Prevention Funding; ADAP Funding Protected |
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