HB 2985

Abstract

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that each regional office of the Department may hire an individual to serve as Citizen Services Coordinator. Provides that each Citizen Services Coordinator shall assist citizens in the region in seeking out and obtaining State services and shall monitor citizen inquiries to determine which services are most in demand in the region. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 605/605-1055 new Adds reference to: New Act 305 ILCS 5/12-4.11-5 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Murdered Children Funeral and Burial Assistance Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Mychal Moultry, Jr. Funeral and Burial Assistance Act. Provides that, with respect to the provision of burial rights and funeral and burial services and merchandise within the applicable scope of practice, a funeral establishment or cemetery authority is entitled to disbursement under the Act if within one year of the occurrence of the crime upon which a disbursement request is made, the funeral establishment or cemetery authority submits the request to the Department. Provides that the total amount of disbursement for funeral and burial expenses for a child victim shall be no more than $10,000, to be apportioned between the funeral establishment and cemetery authority by those eligible survivors authorized to direct the disposition of remains pursuant to the Disposition of Remains Act. Provides that the Department shall develop a brochure informing the public of the existence of funeral and burial assistance for the families of murdered children under the Act and make the brochure available on its website. Provides that any law enforcement agency that investigates an offense committed in this State shall inform the parent or guardian of the child victim concerning the availability of assistance for funeral and burial expenses under the Act and advise such persons that any information concerning the Act may be obtained from the Department. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall by rule administer the Murdered Children Funeral and Burial Assistance Program. Provides that the Department of Human Services, beginning July 1, 2023 and subject to appropriation, shall make eligibility determinations and make disbursements for eligible cases to a funeral establishment or cemetery authority as provided under the Murdered Children Funeral and Burial Assistance Act. Effective immediately.