Bill > HB2682

This bill amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to strengthen protections and support for families experiencing domestic or sexual violence who are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to provide crisis assistance funding of at least $1,250 to eligible families for up to 4 months when they become homeless due to domestic or sexual violence. It establishes a comprehensive framework for identifying and supporting victims, including mandating universal notification of good cause waivers during TANF applications, automatically waiving program requirements like work and child support cooperation for domestic violence victims, and allowing various forms of documentation (including self-attestation) to prove domestic or sexual violence. The bill defines domestic and sexual violence, requires the creation of a Family Safety Notice form, mandates confidentiality for victims' information, requires employee training on domestic violence, and commits the department to reporting annual data on waivers and crisis assistance without revealing personally identifiable information. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that individuals will not be required to obtain a protection order or leave their alleged abuser to receive these protections, and good cause waiver determinations must be made within 15 calendar days.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2682&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104