SB 702

Abstract

Amends the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 320 ILCS 30/1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 105/4.04b new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Provides that the purpose of the Senior Housing Residents' Advisory Council established under the amendatory Act is to create a space and opportunity for senior Illinoisans to connect with each other and meet with representatives from the Department on Aging and the Department of Public Health in order to share their ideas on how the State can improve the quality of life for its senior residents. Provides that the Council will also give senior Illinoisans the opportunity to share their findings and recommendations on targeted services and supports for seniors with the Governor and the General Assembly. Provides that the Council is created in the Department on Aging and shall consist of 20 members, including seniors who reside in affordable housing developments and assisted living facilities and seniors who come from each region of the State. Provides that the Council shall meet quarterly beginning no later than January 1, 2023 and shall thereafter meet on the date of each quarterly meeting with personnel from the Department of Public Health and the Department on Aging. Requires all meetings to be open to the public in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. Permits the Council to form subcommittees that can meet more frequently than once per quarter. Provides that members of the Council shall receive no compensation for their service but shall be reimbursed for any necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties from appropriations made by the General Assembly for that purpose. Provides that the Council has the following duties: (i) identify barriers to seniors feeling supported by and connected to their communities; (ii) evaluate available resources and services for seniors; (iii) evaluate State outreach to seniors; and (iv) evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on congregate living arrangements for seniors. Requires the Council to submit its first written report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than December 31 in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Provides that the reports shall contain the results of the Council's findings and evaluations and shall include advice and recommendations on (1) how best to disseminate information to seniors on available supports and services through the use of State agency websites, informational materials, and outreach; (2) how to ensure of the availability of targeted services for seniors and to eliminate any gaps in services for seniors; and (3) how to improve State policy concerning seniors and congregate living arrangements for seniors in response to COVID-19. Provides that the Council shall terminate and dissolve after it submits its third report on December 31, 2025. Repeals the new provisions on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Expands membership on the Senior Housing Residents' Advisory Council to include one senior, appointed by the Department on Aging, who lives in one of the following counties: DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will.