HB 2054

Abstract

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that Department of Juvenile Justice personnel who are hired by the Department and who participate or assist in the rehabilitative and vocational training of delinquent youths, supervise the daily activities involving direct and continuing responsibility for the youth's security, welfare and development, or participate in the personal rehabilitation of delinquent youth by training, supervising, and assisting lower level personnel who perform these duties must be over the age of 21 and have either a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university or have 2 or more years of experience providing direct care to youth in the form of residential care, counseling, case management, or mentoring (rather than just any bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university). Amends the Illinois Pension Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately. Pension Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) HB 2054 expands employment requirements for Department of Juvenile Justice personnel to include prospective employees who have 2 or more years of experience providing direct care to youth, in lieu of having a bachelor’s or advanced degree. The bill makes technical changes to the SERS article of the Pension Code to track with the updated educational and work requirements that are being made in the Unified Code of Corrections. According to SERS, the proposed legislation would provide eligibility for the Alternative Formula for 150 employees in certain job titles with the Department of Juvenile Justice that currently participate in the Regular Formula. SERS claims this change would result in an increase to the accrued liability of between $35 to $40 million, with an estimated annual increase in State contributions of approximately $2 million per year through FY 2045. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that Department of Juvenile Justice personnel who are hired by the Department and who participate or assist in the rehabilitative and vocational training of delinquent youths, supervise the daily activities involving direct and continuing responsibility for the youth's security, welfare and development, or participate in the personal rehabilitation of delinquent youth by training, supervising, and assisting lower level personnel who perform these duties must: (1) be over the age of 21 and (2) have a high school diploma or equivalent and either a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university or 2 or more years of experience providing direct care to youth in the form of residential care, coaching, case management, or mentoring (rather than just being over the age of 21 and having any bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university). Fiscal Note (Dept. of Juvenile Justice) According to SERS, the proposed legislation would provide eligibility for the Alternative Formula for 150 employees in certain job titles with the Department of Juvenile Justice that currently participate in the Regular Formula. SERS claims this change would result in an increase to the accrued liability of between $35 to $40 million, with an estimated annual increase in State contributions of approximately $2 million per year through FY 2045. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 730 ILCS 5/3-2.5-100 Further amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that, upon the discharge of a youth, the Department of Juvenile Justice may continue to provide services to the youth for up to 12 months to allow the youth to participate in vocational, rehabilitative, or supportive programs. Provides that the continuance of services may be requested by the youth, the youth's parent or guardian, or the Director of Juvenile Justice. Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 40 ILCS 5/14-110 Deletes the amendatory changes to the Illinois Pension Code.