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IL HB2479

IL HB2479
PEN CD-CHI POLICE-ADMIN REVIEW


summary

Introduced
02/03/2025
In Committee
04/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a policeman who applies for disability benefits under the Article and has been denied reinstatement as a policeman by his or her employer because of a physical or mental incapacity shall be presumed to be disabled as that term is used in the Article. Provides that no policeman who otherwise meets the requirements for a disability benefit shall be denied a disability benefit unless and until the policeman's employer reinstates him or her as a policeman or offers him or her a limited-duty position. Provides that any policeman who has been denied a disability benefit without an offer of reinstatement or a limited-duty position after the effective date of the amendatory Act is entitled to disability benefits. Provides that if a policeman has an application for an ordinary disability benefit denied by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees of the Fund or has a duty disability benefit, ordinary disability benefit, or occupational disability benefit terminated by a majority vote of the Board and brings an action for administrative review challenging the termination or denial of the disability benefit and the policeman prevails in the action in administrative review, then the prevailing policeman shall be entitled to recover from the Fund court costs and litigation expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, as part of the costs of the action. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Illinois Pension Code to provide additional protections for police officers seeking disability benefits. Specifically, if a police officer is denied reinstatement by their employer due to a physical or mental incapacity, they will be presumed disabled. The bill prevents denial of disability benefits unless the employer offers reinstatement or a limited-duty position. Furthermore, any police officer denied disability benefits without such an offer will be entitled to those benefits. The bill also expands administrative review provisions, allowing police officers who successfully challenge the denial or termination of disability benefits through administrative review to recover court costs, litigation expenses, and reasonable attorney's fees from the retirement fund. These changes apply to various types of disability benefits, including duty, ordinary, and occupational disability benefits. The bill mandates that these changes be implemented without requiring state reimbursement and takes effect immediately, aiming to provide more comprehensive support and legal recourse for police officers experiencing disability-related employment challenges.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (on 04/11/2025)

bill text


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