Gov. Pritzker Signs Early Childhood Related Bills

On Friday, May 27, Gov. Pritzker signed the following early childhood related bills: 

• HB1571: Creates a grant program for child care centers to provide after hours and nightly child care for the children of first responders and other workers working late shifts. Effective: Immediately

• HB4242: Expands eligibility for DHS Child Care Assistance Program. Additionally requires DCFS rates paid to providers matches DHS CCAP. Effective: Immediately, except certain provisions that take effect on July 1, 2023.

• HB4999: Requires all early intervention services be initiated as soon as possible but not later than 30 calendar days. Effective: July 1, 2022

• HB5012: Makes technical changes to Public Act 102-0518 (The Birth Center Licensing Act) and clarifies some sections. Effective: Immediately

• HB5013: Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code to provide the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall amend its managed care contracts in regard to preventive prenatal and perinatal healthcare services. Effective: January 1, 2023

• SB4028: Expands the instruction of mental health resources and specialized treatment education and the Children's Mental Health Partnership. Effective: Immediately

• HB4343: Includes a range of measures aimed at increasing access to quality health care services, preserving existing health care coverage, and continuing to create a more equitable health care system in Illinois. The legislation would provide continuous eligibility for adults enrolled in Medicaid, increase reimbursement rates for prenatal and postpartum health care coverage, and expand equity in coverage. 

Earlier in May, Gov. Pritzker signed:

• HB4306: Amends the Children and Family Services Act to form the Holistic Mental Health Care for Youth in Care Task Force.

• SB3889: Updates the work of the Children's Mental Health Partnership to advise state agencies on designing and implementing strategies to provide comprehensive and coordinated services for children from birth to age 25 and their families to better address children's mental health needs.