summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Compassionate Support for Bereaved Mothers Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Heal Your Heart Act. Defines a bereaved mother as a mother whose child was, more likely than not, knowingly killed by an unknown or other person. Provides that the Act applies to any bereaved mother whose child was, more likely than not, knowingly killed within the State and whose child was a resident of the State at the time of death. Provides that a bereaved mother shall be entitled to free mental health counseling and psychiatric services for a period of up to one year following the death of the bereaved mother's child. Provides that a bereaved mother is entitled to take paid leave after the death of the bereaved mother's child. Provides that, as federal law permits, a bereaved mother living in subsidized housing, scatter site housing, or public housing units shall be eligible for relocation to another unit if the bereaved mother feels threatened or unsafe. Provides that the Act is repealed 5 years after becoming law. Makes conforming changes to the State Finance Act. Effective January 1, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill, also known as the Heal Your Heart Act, creates a comprehensive support system for mothers whose children have been knowingly killed, specifically within the state of Illinois. The bill defines a "bereaved mother" as a mother whose child was likely murdered by an unknown or other person, and provides several key support mechanisms: free mental health counseling and psychiatric services for up to one year after the child's death, a minimum of 12 weeks of paid disability leave with full salary compensation (potentially extendable to one year), and an additional 10 days of paid leave immediately following the child's death. The bill also offers relocation support for bereaved mothers living in subsidized or public housing who feel threatened or unsafe, potentially providing a Housing Choice Voucher to help them move to a safer location. These support services will be funded through the newly created Bereaved Mothers Fund, which will draw from federal grants and private donations. The legislation is designed to be temporary, with a built-in sunset provision that will repeal the act five years after it becomes law. The Department of Human Services and Department of Labor will be responsible for implementing and monitoring the act, and they are required to submit an annual report detailing the implementation, usage, and effectiveness of the support programs.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (on 03/21/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2434&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB2434.htm |
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