HB 1571

Abstract

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning bond. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 15 ILCS 505/1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 1305/1-75 new 30 ILCS 105/5.970 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the First Responders Child Care Act. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall establish and administer an Off-Hours Child Care Grant Program to provide grants to licensed child care facilities to expand their program of services to include off hours, night, or sleep time child care for first responders and third shift workers who, on account of their work schedule, need child care outside of the hours when licensed child care facilities typically operate. Provides that services funded under the grant program must address the child care needs of first responders. Provides that grants provided under the program may also be used to cover any capital and operating expenses related to the provision of off-hours, night, or sleep time child care for first responders. Requires child care facilities seeking funding under the grant program to apply to the Department in a form and manner prescribed by the Department. Requires the Department to implement the grant program by the date the Child Care Advisory Council submits its final report to the General Assembly as provided under Senate Resolution 862 of the 102nd General Assembly or by December 31, 2022, whichever is earlier. Permits the Department to adopt any rules necessary to implement the program. Defines "first responders" to mean emergency medical services personnel as defined in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and, as determined by the Department, any other workers who, on account of their work schedule, need child care outside of the hours when licensed child care facilities typically operate. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Off-Hours Child Care Grant Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 15 ILCS 505/1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 1305/1-75 new 30 ILCS 105/5.970 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the First Responders Child Care Act. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall establish and administer an Off-Hours Child Care Program to help first responders and other workers identify and access off-hours, night, or sleep time child care. Provides that services funded under the program must address the child care needs of first responders. Provides that funding provided under the program may also be used to cover any capital and operating expenses related to the provision of off-hours, night, or sleep time child care for first responders. Requires the Department to implement the program by July 1, 2023. Permits the Department to adopt any rules necessary to implement the program. Defines "first responders" to mean emergency medical services personnel as defined in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and, as determined by the Department, any other workers who, on account of their work schedule, need child care outside of the hours when licensed child care facilities typically operate. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Off-Hours Child Care Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Provides that that amendatory Act shall be referred to as the Off-Hours Child Care Act (rather than the First Responders Child Care Act). In a provision concerning legislative intent, provides that only 435 of the State's group day care homes (rather than group home care programs) provide night care.