Rep. Lilly Measures that have Passed the General Assembly 2023

House Bill 1540 – Updating the Smoke Free Illinois Act

Reflecting changes in smoking culture, Lilly led the effort to update the state’s Smoke Free Illinois Act to include electronic cigarettes, vapes, and other similar devices. The Smoke Free Illinois Act prohibits smoking in virtually all public places and workplaces to protect people from the harmful and hazardous effects of secondhand smoke. House Bill 1540 received bipartisan support and is on the way to the Governor for approval.

 

House Bill 1561 – Ensuring Schools are Prepared with Trauma Kits

Working to ensure schools are responsibly prepared for an emergency, Lilly passed a proposal outlining the minimum standards of what should be included in on-site trauma kits. These trauma kits include tourniquet materials, a compression bandage, bleeding control materials, protective gloves, and other essential items. Additionally, school boards would be required to conduct training for all school district employees on the methods to respond to trauma and handle a kit. House Bill 1561 received bipartisan support, passed without opposition, and is headed to the Governor for approval.

 

House Bill 3698 – Securing Mental Health Resources for Communities in Need

Understanding the importance of mental health services and the barriers to care for many, Lilly worked to create the Cultural Empowerment Program, which will make grants-in-aid to community providers to deliver support to faith-based organizations underserved by mental and behavioral health resources. House Bill 3698 received bipartisan support and is headed to the Governor for approval.

 

House Bill 3699 – Connecting Parents Behind on Child Support with Work Opportunities

Recognizing the challenges created when a parent is unable to find a job and continue child support payments, Lilly pushed a plan that directs the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to collaborate on a pilot program to assist affected parents find work opportunities – including in state government. House Bill 3699 received bipartisan support, passed without opposition, and is headed to the Governor for approval.

 

House Bill 3955 – Ensuring Emergency Room Patients Receive Care Before Paperwork

When a patient is in an emergency room requiring help, their care needs to take priority over dealing with paperwork. Lilly’s measure prohibits hospitals from delaying appropriate medical screenings or treatment in order to inquire about the individual’s payment or insurance status. House Bill 3955 passed with bipartisan support and is headed to the Governor for approval.

 

Senate Bill 1774 – Encouraging More Diverse Participation in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are critical in developing lifesaving treatment for cancer and other medical matters, but sometimes people are unable to participate due to high costs related to it – such as travel, lodging near treatment, etc. Lilly led efforts in the House to pass an update to the state’s clinical trial participation program, which previously only dealt with cancer clinical trials. Under Lilly’s proposal, all clinical trials – including those that deal with diabetes, sickle cell, heart disease, mental illness, and more – would allow third parties to cover the ancillary costs for qualified patients. The intended effect is to enable a more diverse population to participate in trials moving forward. Senate Bill 1774 passed with bipartisan support and is headed to the Governor for approval.