Women’s Voices Illinois Blog

Three Bills Illinois Moms Should Know About

June 9th, 2008

Every year, thousands of pieces of legislation come before the Illinois General Assembly. It is no easy task to sift through all the bills and determine which might impact your family. That’s why I have identified three bills from this legislative session that every Illinois mom should know about: SB 2091, SB 1900 and HB 2769.

All three bills await a final vote before they can be sent to the governor for his signature. Hopefully, legislators will have the opportunity to cast their votes for these pieces of legislation when they return to Springfield for the fall veto session.

#1. Protecting Children from Teacher Misconduct
According to an investigation conducted by the Small Newspaper Group last January, Illinois is ranked 49th in suspending and revoking teacher’s certificates for misconduct. DCFS has received 3,871 credible complaints on this issue but not one resulted in a suspension or revocation of a teaching certificate.

Senate Bill 2091 strengthens the state’s procedures for suspending and revoking teaching certificates when an educator has grossly failed to perform their duties or has committed a crime that places students in jeopardy. The State Teacher Certification Board will become the final decision-maker on suspensions and revocations of teaching certificates. The bill also requires the State’s Attorney to notify the State Superintendent of Schools if there is reasonable cause to believe an educator has committed an act of abuse or neglect.

#2. Insurance Coverage for Children with Autism
Senate Bill 1900, would require Illinois health insurance companies to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorder. Currently, insurance providers are not required to provide the important coverage. This legislation requires insurers to provide extended autism coverage for children up to age 21, with a maximum of $36,000 per year. Insurance coverage would include the following care: psychiatric, psychological, therapeutic, pharmacy, and other treatments and programs related to autism.

The bill does not limit the amount of visits to an autism care provider. Insurers would also be required to consider autism the same as any other physical illness, charging the same co-payments or deductibles.

#3. Sex Offender Registration Reform
House Bill 2769 makes changes under the Sex Offender Registration Act to be in compliance with the Federal Adam Walsh Act. It enhances the current registration system by providing a 3-tiered registration system that would require sex offenders (defined as sexually dangerous persons, sexually violent persons, or sexual predators) convicted of certain enumerated crimes to register for life. Other less serious crimes could result in a 15-year or 10-year, registration period.

Post your opinions on these bills or contact your state legislator and let them know what you think. Find your legislator.

Entry Filed under: Get Involved, Health Care Reform, Protecting Our Children