GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
------------Report
June 3rd, 2022

This Week in Illinois
Session Update: Fall Veto Session Calendar Released

The House and Senate were both in Springfield for the final day of Spring Session on April 8th. There are no further session dates scheduled at this time until Veto Session.

On Wednesday of this week, the General Assembly released their Veto Schedule. Lawmakers will be back in Springfield Tuesday, November 15- Thursday, November 17 as well as November 29-December 1.

View and download the calendar here.
Please Join Us for a Fundraiser & Meet and Greet Honoring Supreme Court 2nd District Candidate Judge Daniel Shanes with Special Guest Justice Burke...
Illinois Chamber Releases Legislative Ratings and 102nd General Assembly Awards

On Tuesday, The Illinois Chamber of Commerce was pleased to announce the 2022 Champion of Free Enterprise Award Winners and Freshmen of the year.

These awards correspond with the release of the Illinois Chamber 102nd General Assembly Legislative Ratings. These awards are given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to legislators who work toward the advancement of economic opportunity for all Illinoisans and to those who have made special contributions to the defense and furtherance of free enterprise in our state.

The Illinois Chamber rated all members of the 102nd General Assembly based on each legislator's votes on the key business-related legislation of the past two years. These bills of importance were determined by staff and the Illinois Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and made known to members of the legislature.

The Champion of Free Enterprise Awards are given biennially to Senators and Representatives with Illinois Chamber ratings averaging 85 percent or higher over the previous two General Assemblies who have demonstrated their commitment to legislation that frees the entrepreneurial spirit.

"These legislators know what it takes to succeed in Illinois," said Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch. "Their important work on creating sound tax policy, supporting tech innovation, and cutting red tape whenever possible strengthens our state's job climate. These legislators, many of whom have first-hand business experience themselves, are true leaders in the General Assembly and embody what it means to be a Champion of Free Enterprise. We are proud to honor their constant commitment to the betterment of the Illinois economy with this award.”

With over 10,000 bills and resolutions introduced in 102nd General Assembly, these 22 votes in the Senate and House were scrupulously selected based on their potential impact on the Illinois economy and members of the business community. None of the bills used in the report are weighted, as there were an adequate number of bills voted on during this General Assembly.

“We believe the Chamber’s legislative ratings are an effective tool in accountability and commitment to economic growth for our elected officials. These ratings spotlight for the business community, and the public at-large, who has their back in Springfield,” said Illinois Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Clark Kaericher. "The Chamber thanks our award winners for their dedication to a stronger and more prosperous Illinois."

Click here to view the complete 102nd General Assembly Legislative Ratings. 

Provided below are the 102nd GA Senate award winners:

  • Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie
  • Senator Darren Bailey
  • Senator Jason Barickman
  • Senator Terri Bryant
  • Senator Donald DeWitte
  • Senator Dale Fowler
  • Senator Steve McClure
  • Senator Chapin Rose
  • Senator Dave Syverson
  • Senator Jil Tracy 

Provided below are the 102nd GA Outstanding Freshmen of the Year award winners:

  • Senator Sally Turner
  • Representative Amy Elik 

Provided below are the 102nd GA House award winners:

  • House Republican Leader Jim Durkin
  • Representative Thomas Bennett
  • Representative Avery Bourne
  • Representative Mark Batinick
  • Representative Dan Brady
  • Representative Tim Butler
  • Representative Dan Caulkins
  • Representative Andrew Chesney
  • Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer
  • Representative Tom Demmer
  • Representative Randy Frese
  • Representative Amy Grant
  • Representative Norine Hammond
  • Representative Brad Halbrook
  • Representative Jeff Keicher
  • Representative Michael Marron
  • Representative Deanne Mazzochi
  • Representative Tony McCombie
  • Representative Charles Meier
  • Representative Chris Miller
  • Representative Dave Severin
  • Representative Keith Sommer
  • Representative Joe Sosnowski
  • Representative Ryan Spain
  • Representative Daniel Swanson
  • Representative Dan Ugaste
  • Representative Tom Weber
  • Representative Keith Wheeler
  • Representative Patrick Windhorst 

Illinois Chamber Participates in Future of Work Taskforce Report Release

On Tuesday, the Illinois Future of Work Task Force held a press conference and event on the release of its final report. Illinois Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Clark Kaericher was invited to attend the press conference and make a few remarks. Kaericher the only “no” vote that spoke at the event.

Kaericher's remarks from the event are provided in part below:

The Chamber wants to applaud lawmakers for taking a long-term perspective with the creation of this task force. For too long, Illinois has stumbled from one emergency to the next; while more successful states look towards the future. “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”  
I very much believe that good jobs are good business. Looking at how we can align the needs of employers, and their employees, to get better business outcomes – will help move this policy discussion forward and lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.  

I want to take a moment to discuss technology’s role in all of this. Tech is undoubtedly changing how we work.  

  • Tech has increased productivity and safety in the workplace. The pandemic exemplified the power of tech to transition entire sectors to remote work. And many are never going back to the office  
  • Tech jobs are some of the highest- paying jobs available to Illinois workers; as such, they have potential to be a powerful tool for wealth building and, ultimately, closing the state’s racial wealth gap.  
  • Tech is leading the way to help ensure workers have pathways to higher-wage jobs. A fantastic example in Illinois- Google Career Certificates.  
  • Big picture, tech is creating jobs by generating new business and industries. People in Illinois are working in jobs, and for wages, unimaginable just a generation prior. 
 
Now, I’d be remiss not to acknowledge that I am the only person on this stage that voted against the final report due to the inclusion of some policies which would put Illinois, and its workers, at a competitive disadvantage. However, policy disagreements should not stop us from searching for consensus and continuing this newfound process of long-range planning for a better Illinois. I’m convinced that when we work together, we get outcomes that are far better than if one side had its way. Every generation of workers has had it better than the generations prior- with proper planning we can ensure this continues for future generations.  

As noted last week, sadly, we felt that the deficiencies in the recommendations were too much to overcome. As a result, Kaericher joined our association friends to vote NO on the report. 

You can read the final report HERE.  

View a news segment on the release of the report here that also features Chamber member Illinois Healthcare Association.
Legislative Update: Bills of Interest Signed into Law

HB 246, Nursing was signed into law. his bill  provides that notwithstanding any other provisions of the Code, the methodologies for reimbursement of nursing services shall no longer be applicable for bills payable for nursing services rendered on or after a new reimbursement system based on the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) has been fully operationalized, which shall take effect for services provided on or after the implementation of the PDPM reimbursement system begins. Establishes an implementation date for the PDPM reimbursement system if certain conditions are met. Contains provisions concerning the establishment of a variable per diem staffing add-on for nursing facilities with specified staffing levels; utilization of the Staff Time and Resource Intensity Verification study; the PDPM nursing component per diem for nursing facilities for certain dates of services; a Medicaid Access Adjustment; incentive payments determined by facility performance on specified quality measures; payments based on CNA tenure, promotion, and CNA training for the purpose of increasing CNA compensation; and other matters. In the Long-Term Care Provider Funding Article, provides that for the privilege of engaging in the occupation of long-term care provider for each occupied non-Medicare bed day, beginning July 1, 2022, an assessment is imposed upon each long-term care provider in an amount varying with the number of paid Medicaid resident days per annum in the facility with the following schedule of occupied bed tax amounts. Makes changes concerning reporting requirements, the Long-Term Care Provider Fund, and other matters. In the Nursing Home License Fee Article, provides that a specified provision imposing licensing fees on nursing home providers is repealed on July 1, 2024.

HB 568, Comptroller Map was signed into law. This bill amends the State Comptroller Act. Authorizes the Comptroller to establish and maintain an interactive map on the Comptroller's Internet website that provides the location and annual financial information of taxing bodies as reported to the Comptroller's office.

HB 1208, Workers Comp was signed into law. Replaces language regarding the qualifications of Commissioners of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission with language requiring each Commissioner appointed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act to be authorized to practice law in this State. Provides that the performance of arbitrators shall be reviewed by the Chairman every other year, or more often at the discretion of the Chairman (rather than on an annual basis). Provides that no arbitrator shall hear cases in any county, other than Cook County, for more than 4 years consecutively (rather than 2 years in each 3-year term). Provides for the dissolution of the Self-Insurers Administration Fund and for the transfer of the moneys in that fund to the Self-Insurers Security Fund. Authorizes expenditures from the Self-Insurers Security Fund for the purposes that were authorized for the Self-Insurers Administration Fund. Provides that on the effective date of the amendatory Act, or as soon thereafter as practical, the State Comptroller shall direct and the State Treasurer shall transfer the remaining balance from the Self-Insurers Administration Fund into the Self-Insurers Security Fund. Provides that upon completion of the transfers, the Self-Insurers Administration Fund is dissolved, and any future deposits due to the Self-Insurers Administration Fund and any outstanding obligations or liabilities of the Self-Insurers Administration Fund pass to the Self-Insurers Security Fund.

HB 4281, Utility was signed into law. This bill amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that no non-utility individual, business, or entity shall use a public utility name or logo, in whole or in part, in any manner to market, solicit, sell, or bill for a home (i) insurance, (ii) maintenance, or (iii) warranty product. Provides that the prohibition does not apply to activities permitted to implement a program or plan approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Provides that the prohibition does not apply to the partial use by a non-utility entity of a logo belonging to an electric utility that serves fewer than 200,000 customers in the State.

HB 4338, INS Coverage was signed into law. This bill provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2024 that provides coverage for prescription drugs shall provide coverage for prenatal vitamins when prescribed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under the Nurse Practice Act (rather than only a physician).

HB 4410, Real Estate was signed into law. This bill creates the Real Estate Valuation Task Force Act. 

HB 4568, Coal Mining was signed into law. This bill provides that the Mining Board shall carry out the duties of the Miners' Examining Board. Makes changes in provisions concerning rulemaking. 

HB 4772, County Design Build was signed into law. This bill creates the County Design-Build Authorization Division in the Counties Code. Provides that a county may enter into design-build contracts. Includes scope and performance criteria for design-build contracts, a two-phase procedure for selection of contracts, requirements for submission of proposals, procedures for awarding contracts, and requirements of reports and evaluation of contracts. Provides that, if the total overall cost of a project is estimated to be less than $12,000,000, the county may combine the two-phase procedure for selection into one phase. In provisions relating to the awarding of a design-build contract to the highest overall ranked design-build entity, provides that the county may not (rather than may) request a best and final offer after the receipt of proposals of all qualified design-build entities. Provides that nothing in the Division shall prevent a county from using a qualification-based selection process for design professionals or construction managers for design-build projects.

HB 4988, Water Supply/Health Facilities was signed into law. This bill requires public water supply operators' designated employees or contractors (rather than public water supply operators) to notify specified health care facilities at least 30 days prior to any known, planned, or anticipated disruption event and within 2 hours after being aware of an unplanned disruption event. In provisions containing definitions, provides that the meaning of a disruption event includes any change to a disinfection technique, practice, or technology that could change disinfectant levels in the water within a public water supply that results in a residual disinfectant level 20% above or below normal operating levels (rather than any change to a disinfection technique, practice, or technology that could change disinfectant levels in the water within a public water supply).

HB 5012, Midwife Practice was signed into law. This bill amends the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act. Provides that a "licensed certified professional midwife" means a person who has successfully met the requirements in the provisions concerning licensure and has been licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that the Illinois Midwifery Board shall have one member who is an Illinois licensed advanced practice registered nurse who is a certified nurse midwife who provides home birth services. Removes a provision providing that applicants for licensure have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. Removes provisions providing that the Board shall maintain the confidentiality of annual reports. Removes a provision providing that exhibits shall be certified without cost. Removes a provision providing that the Board shall have 60 days after receipt of the report to review the report from the hearing office. Repeals a provision concerning the certification of records by the Department.

HB 5015, America 250 Commission was signed into law. This bill creates the Illinois America 250 Commission Act for the purpose of planning, promoting, and implementing appropriate commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Requires the Illinois America 250 Commission to develop, encourage, and execute an inclusive commemoration and observance of the founding of the United States of America and Illinois' imperative role in the nation's history. 

HB 5035, Bond was signed into law. This bill provides that the Department of Transportation may implement a 5-year pilot program to allow a contractor to provide a non-diminishing irrevocable bank letter of credit in lieu of specified bond requirements on contracts under $500,000. Provides that projects selected by the Department of Transportation for the pilot program must be classified by the Department as low-risk scope of work contracts. Provides for the adoption of rules concerning the criteria for pilot project selection and implementation of the pilot program.

HB 5201, Agriculture was signed into law. This bill creates the Agriculture Equity Commission Act. Establishes the Agriculture Equity Commission. Provides for membership of the Commission. Provides that members shall serve without compensation. Requires the Commission to annually report to the Governor and the General Assembly on its findings, recommendations, and other relevant matters concerning and based upon its duties.

HB 5205, IDOT was signed into law. This bill allows the Department of Transportation to sell land, dedications, easements, access rights, or any interest in the real estate that it holds, or other properties acquired but no longer needed for highway purposes for fair market value (rather than for less than the appraised value). Provides that the fair market value may be based on one or more appraisals. Provides that the Department shall justify a sale below the fair market value. Provides that the Department shall develop a policy to assign a monetary value of all considerations. Provides for the order of priority in which the Department shall offer the real property. 

HB 5334, INS Testing Coverage was signed into law. This bill provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2024 shall provide coverage for the cost of the genetic testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to detect an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer if recommended by a health care provider in accordance with the United States Preventive Services Task Force's recommendations for testing.

HB 5576, Regulatory was signed into law. This bill provides that the State shall not regulate a profession, occupation, industry, business or trade in a manner that will unreasonably and adversely affect either the competitive market or equitable access to quality jobs and economic opportunities (rather than the competitive market). Adds a requirement that the Office of Management and Budget's study on the performance of regulatory agencies shall include in its report an analysis of whether the agency or program restricts a profession, occupation, business, industry or trade any more than is necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare from significant and discernible harm or damage. Provides that the Office of Management and Budget's study can examine the termination, modification, or continuation of a regulatory agency or program.

SB 1099, Lawsuit Lending was signed into law. This bill creates the Consumer Legal Funding Act. Sets forth provisions concerning consumer legal funding contract requirements, right of rescission, and consumer legal funding company prohibitions. The Chamber had concerns with this legislation regarding a lack of required disclosure of contract to defendants so that all parties are dealing with same information and a cap on interest rates.

SB 1233, Transportation Commission was signed into law. This bill creates the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Transportation Infrastructure and Policy. Provides that the Commission shall report a summary of its activities and produce a final report of its data, findings, and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 31, 2023. 

SB 1693, Industrial Biotechnology was signed into law. This bill creates the Illinois Industrial Biotechnology Partnership Act. Establishes the Industrial Biotechnology Public-Private Partnership as a State-sponsored board consisting of specified members to promote and market Illinois as a destination for research, development, and commercialization for industrial biotechnology. Provides for the appointment of members to the Partnership. Provides that members shall be appointed within 90 days (instead of 30 days) after the effective date of the Act. Provides that the Partnership shall develop and direct efforts to attract companies to use existing Illinois facilities for research, development, and pre-commercialization activities. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, or a non-profit organization designated by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, shall provide administrative and other support to the Partnership (instead of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity alone). Provides that the Partnership is dissolved on December 31, 2025. Provides that certain grant programs created in the engrossed bill are subject to appropriation.

SB 3005, EV Taskforce Changes was signed into law. This bill provides that the Electric Vehicle Permitting Task Force shall include one member representing a statewide organization of municipalities as authorized under specified provisions of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the Task Force shall include one member from an association representing automobile manufacturers. Provides that the Task Force shall include one member of a labor organization that represents workers in the auto industry and one member representing the component parts manufacturing community.

SB 3032, Student Debt was signed into law. This bill creates the Student Debt Assistance Act. Prohibits an institution of higher education from refusing to provide an unofficial transcript to a current or former student on the grounds that the student owes a debt; conditioning the provision of an unofficial transcript on the payment of a debt, other than a fee charged to provide the transcript; or charging a higher fee for obtaining an unofficial transcript or providing less favorable treatment of a request for an unofficial transcript because a current or former student owes a debt. Provides that an institution of higher education (1) must provide an official transcript of a current or former student to a current or potential employer, even if the current or former student owes a debt; (2) may not condition the provision of an official transcript to a current or potential employer on the payment of a debt, other than a fee charged to provide the transcript; and (3) may not charge a higher fee for transferring an official transcript to a current or potential employer or provide less favorable treatment for such a request because a current or former student owes a debt. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, requires every institution of higher education to have a policy instituting a financial or physical hardship withdrawal process.

SB 3050, Competitive Bids was signed into law. This bill amends the Park District Code. Provides that specified contracts related to supplies, materials, or work involving an expenditure in excess of $30,000 (rather than $25,000), or a lower amount if required by board policy, must be competitively bid. Provides that all competitive bids for contracts involving an expenditure in excess of $30,000 (rather than $25,000), or a lower amount if required by board policy, must be sealed by the bidder and must be opened by a member or employee of the park board at a public bid opening at which the contents of the bids must be announced.

SB 3096, Digital Drivers License was signed into law. This bill provides that the Secretary of State shall continue to monitor developments pertaining to digital driver's licenses and shall deliver a report to the General Assembly concerning these developments on or before December 31, 2022. Provides that the report shall include, but not be limited to: (1) advancements in technology standards necessary for the implementation of a digital driver's license; (2) production information on other states offering a digital driver's license to qualified drivers in their jurisdictions; and (3) advancements in the interoperability of digital driver's licenses. 

SB 3179, GIS was signed into law. This bill creates the Illinois Center for Geographic Information Act. Creates the Illinois Center for Geographic Information within the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois. Provides that the Center shall evaluate proposals, in consultation with an Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, and make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on the efficient development, use, and funding of geographic information management technology for State, regional, local, and academic agencies and institutions. 

SB 3416, One Day Rest was signed into law. This bill amends the One Day Rest In Seven Act. Provides that specified provisions of the Act do not apply to employees for whom work hours, days of work, and rest periods are established through the collective bargaining process.

SB 3625, Design-Build Sunset was signed into law. This bill amends the Design-Build Procurement Act. Extends the repeal of the Act from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2027.

SB 3682, Cancer Screening was signed into law. This bill creates the Reducing Cervical Cancer and Saving Lives Act. Provides that hospitals, outpatient departments, clinics, mobile units, or other entities that provide a cervical cancer screening service shall prepare a written report of the results of any cervical cancer screening service provided to a patient. Requires a summary of the written report to be sent directly to the patient in terms easily understood by a lay person. Provides that the Department of Public Health, in collaboration with experts in cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, shall develop suggested cervical cancer screening reporting language, in terms easily understood by a lay person, to be sent to patients with the summary of the written report. Requires the Department to establish a pilot program to provide for the administration of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to persons enrolled in the Department's Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and who meet other specified requirements. Requires the pilot program to be implemented no later than July 1, 2024. Allows lead agencies of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program to participate in the pilot program. Repeals the provisions regarding the pilot program on June 30, 2027. Contains other provisions. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide coverage and reimbursement for a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that is approved for marketing by the Food and Drug Administration for specified persons. Requires the Department to disallow any preauthorization requirements for the administration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

SB 3866, Energy was signed into law. This bill ended up becoming a vehicle for a number of changes to CEJA, ultimately leading to it being commonly referred to as “the CEJA trailer bill.”  

Illinois Chamber 2022 Women in Business Conference

Illinois women are Second to No One. We have amazing talent, determination,
intelligence, and resolve. This year's theme will be Challenge Accepted. 

The Illinois Chamber welcomes you to our women's conference as we come together to discuss and further dreams of our already strong women for a stronger Illinois. This year's theme is "Challenge Accepted." The robust agenda will provide time for networking and connecting with professionals, and topics providing takeaways for all to take back to the office or home. 

When: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM CDT

Where: NIU Center 1120 E. Diehl Road Naperville, IL 60563


Register Here!
Small Business Alert from the US Chamber: Dream Big Awards

The U.S. Chamber’s Dream Big Awards program has officially opened for 2022 application submissions. Applications from small business owners through July 8, 2022.  

Every year at The Big Week for Small Business, the Dream Big Awards program honors the achievements of small businesses and highlights their contributions to America’s economic growth. The 2022 Small Business of the Year award winner will receive national recognition and a $25,000 cash prize!

A business must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award or a Business Achievement Award.

  • For-profit business operating for at least one (1) year primarily within the United States.
  • Have less than 250 employees OR gross revenues of less than $20 million for each of 2021 and 2022.

The Award categories are as follows:

  • Emerging Business
  • Green/Sustainable Business
  • Minority-Owned Business
  • Veteran-Owned Business
  • Woman-Owned Business
  • Young Entrepreneur Business
  • LGBTQ-Owned Business
  • Community Support and Leadership Award

Learn more about the Dream Big Awards here.

Find the application from the US Chamber here.

A local Chamber of Commerce or trade/economic development group can refer a small business here.
Illinois Chamber 2022 End of Session Report
Connect with the Chamber
If you have questions about the Government Affairs Report, contact Clark Kaericher at ckaericher@ilchamber.org. Do not reply to this email.