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Bill > HB1755

IL HB1755

IL HB1755
AGING-BENEFITS ACCESS PROGRAM

summary

Introduced
01/24/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Repeals the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act and removes all cross-references to the Act in various statutes. Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Requires the Department on Aging to implement and administer the Benefits Access Program and to establish the eligibility criteria under the program for: (1) the Secretary of State with respect to reduced fees paid by qualified vehicle owners under the Illinois Vehicle Code; (2) special districts that offer free fixed route public transportation services for qualified older adults under the Local Mass Transit District Act, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, and the Regional Transportation Authority Act; and (3) special districts that offer transit services for qualified individuals with disabilities under the Local Mass Transit District Act, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Sets forth household income eligibility limits and other eligibility requirements under the program. Authorizes the Department to adopt rules concerning automatic renewals and appeal rights under the program. Makes corresponding changes concerning the program to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, the Local Mass Transit District Act, the Regional Transportation Authority Act, the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Older Adult Services Act, and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Further amends the Illinois Act on the Aging by removing a requirement that the Department: (i) study the feasibility of implementing an affirmative action employment plan for the recruitment, hiring, and training of persons 60 years of age or older; and (ii) develop a multilingual pamphlet to assist physicians, pharmacists, and patients in monitoring prescriptions provided by various physicians and to aid persons 65 years of age or older in complying with directions for proper use of pharmaceutical prescriptions. Adds a requirement that the Department implement the Older Americans Act. Removes provisions requiring a Community Care Program Medicaid Initiative and a Community Care Program Medicaid Enrollment Oversight Subcommittee. Makes other changes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Aging-Benefits Access Program, which replaces the existing Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act. The program creates a new framework for providing benefits to seniors and individuals with disabilities, with specific eligibility criteria and income limits. Under the program, eligible individuals who are 65 years or older or have a qualifying disability can receive reduced fees for vehicle registration, free public transportation, and other benefits. To qualify, individuals must be Illinois residents with household incomes below specified thresholds: less than $33,562 for an individual, less than $44,533 for a two-person household, or less than $55,500 for households of three or more people. The Department on Aging will be responsible for implementing and administering the program, including establishing application processes, verifying eligibility, and creating rules for automatic renewals and appeal rights. The bill removes several existing provisions related to senior services, such as requirements for studying employment plans and developing multilingual pamphlets, and instead adds a requirement for the Department to implement the Older Americans Act. The legislation also removes the existing Community Care Program Medicaid Enrollment Oversight Subcommittee and makes corresponding changes to various other state laws to align with the new Benefits Access Program.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (on 03/21/2025)

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