summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the State Disability Ombudsperson Act. Creates the State Disability Ombudsperson within the Department of Human Rights. Provides that on or before July 1, 2026, the Ombudsperson shall offer training, outreach, and educational materials and may arrange for the offering of courses open to the public in disability services and training and related topics. Requires the Ombudsperson to provide a toll-free number available during business hours to provide information and resources under the Act. Requires the Ombudsperson to develop a process for receiving and reviewing complaints. Provides that if the Ombudsperson believes that a complaint has reasonable grounds to have been made, establish a procedure for referral to disability rights organizations, community-based services, and legal and courtroom advocacy if those services are requested or deemed adequate. Requires the Ombudsperson to submit an annual report to the General Assembly. Authorizes the Department of Human Rights to adopt rules to implement the Act. Makes other changes.
AI Summary
This bill creates the State Disability Ombudsperson Act, establishing a new office within the Department of Human Rights to advocate for and support individuals with disabilities in Illinois. By July 1, 2026, the Ombudsperson will provide training, educational materials, and public courses on disability-related topics such as rights, services, benefits, and accessibility. The office will maintain a website with relevant disability laws and a statewide toll-free number to offer information and resources. The Ombudsperson's key responsibilities include receiving and reviewing complaints, monitoring laws affecting disabled persons, investigating service quality, mediating issues in areas like education, employment, healthcare, housing, and transportation, and referring individuals to appropriate disability rights organizations and legal services when needed. The office will treat all communications confidentially and submit an annual report to state leadership detailing its activities, including complaint data, assistance provided, identified trends, and recommendations for legislative reforms. The bill recognizes that approximately 12% of Illinois' population has reported disabilities and aims to ensure these citizens can participate fully and equally in society, free from discrimination.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Re-assigned to Appropriations- Health and Human Services (on 01/27/2026)
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=1860&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB1860.htm |
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