HB 5000

Abstract

Creates the Tax-Exempt Hospital Responsibility Act. Sets forth the terms under which a hospital must provide full charity care and discounted care to Illinois residents in order to maintain the hospital's tax-exempt status under the Illinois Income Tax Act, the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and the Property Tax Code; amends each of those tax Acts to provide that a hospital may qualify for an exemption from the tax imposed by the Act only if the hospital is in compliance with the Tax-Exempt Hospital Responsibility Act. Sets forth uniform procedures for a hospital's provision of charity care. Sets forth patient rights and responsibilities in connection with hospital charity care. Requires a tax-exempt hospital to furnish aggregate annual charity care in an amount equal to at least 8% of the hospital's total operating costs. Requires hospitals to submit an annual report to the Attorney General. Makes the Attorney General responsible for implementing and enforcing the Tax-Exempt Hospital Responsibility Act. Provides that a home rule unit may not regulate hospitals in a manner inconsistent with the Tax-Exempt Hospital Responsibility Act. Creates the Tax-Exempt Hospital Responsibility Act Enforcement Fund, to be used in connection with enforcement of the Act, and amends the State Finance Act in connection therewith. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make records of charity care applications and determinations under the Tax-Exempt Hospital Responsibility Act exempt from inspection and copying. Amends the Illinois Finance Authority Act; provides that none of the specified powers of the Illinois Finance Authority shall be exercised for the benefit of any hospital as defined in the Tax-Exempt Hospital Responsibility Act if that hospital is not in compliance with that Act. Amends the Community Benefits Act; makes changes including (i) adding references to the Tax-Exempt Hospital Responsibility Act, (ii) providing for a maximum late filing fee of $10,000 (instead of $100), and (iii) giving the Attorney General rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.