HB 2831

Abstract

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Creates the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness. Provides that the State Homelessness Chief established in Executive Order 2021-21 shall chair the Task Force, co-chair the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness established within the Task Force, and lead the State's comprehensive efforts to decrease homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization in Illinois, improve health and human services outcomes for people who experience homelessness, and strengthen the safety nets that contribute to housing stability. Provides that the State Homelessness Chief shall serve as a policymaker and spokesperson on homelessness prevention, including coordinating the multi-agency effort through legislation, rules, and budgets and communicating with the General Assembly and federal and local leaders on this critical issue. Provides that the purpose of the Task Force is to (i) plan, develop, and implement a State Plan to address homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization; (ii) recommend policy, regulatory, and resource changes necessary to accomplish goals and objectives laid out in the State Plan; (iii) provide leadership for and collaborate with those developing and implementing local plans to end homelessness in Illinois; and other matters. Contains provisions on the composition of the Task Force; meetings; and other matters. Creates the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness within the Task Force to make recommendations to the Task Force regarding homelessness prevention. Contains provisions on the composition of the Advisory Council; meetings; and other matters. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to contravene any federal or State law or regulation. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall affect or alter the existing statutory powers of any State agency or be construed as a reassignment or reorganization of any State agency. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Creates the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (Office) within the Department of Human Services to facilitate the implementation of a strategic plan and initiatives aimed at decreasing homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization in Illinois, improving health and human services outcomes for people who experience homelessness, and strengthening the safety nets that contribute to housing stability. Provides that the Office shall be led by the State Homelessness Chief Officer who shall report to the Secretary of the Department. Provides that the Chief Officer shall also chair the Interagency Task Force on Homelessness, co-chair the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, and lead the State's comprehensive efforts related to homelessness prevention. Creates the Interagency Task Force on Homelessness within the Department of Human Services to facilitate and implement initiatives related to decreasing homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization in this State, improving health and human services outcomes for people who experience homelessness, and strengthening the safety nets that contribute to housing stability. Sets forth the Task Force's specific duties. Requires the Task Force to submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly regarding the Task Force's work during the year prior, any new recommendations developed by the Task Force, any recommendations made by the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, and any key outcomes and measures related to homelessness. Contains provisions concerning Task Force membership; Task Force meetings; Task Force subcommittees; administrative support to the Task Force; and other matters. Creates the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness (Advisory Council) within the Department of Human Services to make recommendations to the Interagency Task Force on Homelessness regarding homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization with the goals of achieving functional zero homelessness, improving health and human services outcomes for people experiencing homelessness and strengthening the safety nets that contribute to housing stability. Contains provisions concerning Advisory Council membership; Advisory Council meetings; administrative support to the Advisory Council; and other matters. Effective immediately.