Illinois Chamber UpdatesMarch 6, 2019
Highlights from Today:
Busy day for committee action!
SENATE
This afternoon the Illinois Senate passed SB 1596 (Sen. Sims-D-Chicago/Rep. Hoffman-D-Collinsville)which allows certain injury claims to bypass the workers' compensation/occupational diseases system and go to circuit court. SB 1596 amends the Worker's Compensation Act and the Workers' Occupational Diseases Act to provide that specified Sections under the Acts limiting recovery do not apply to injuries or death resulting from an occupational disease as to which the recovery of compensation benefits under the Act would be precluded due to the operation of any period of repose or repose provision. Provides that, as to any such injury occupational disease, the employee, the employee's heirs, and any person having the standing under law to bring a civil action at law has the nonwaivable right to bring such an action against any employer or employers.
The measure passed the Senate on a 41-16-1 vote. All Senate Democrats, except Sen. Landek (Bridgeview) who voted "present", supported the Illinois Trial Lawyer Association, fast-tracked measure. Republicans Sen. Anderson (Rock Island) and Sen. Schimpf (Waterloo) voted "yes".
SB 1379 (Hutchinson) passed the Senate Revenue Committee today unanimously today. This bill is an initiative of the Cook County Assessor and would amend the Property Tax Code. The Illinois Chamber is opposed as is but the Assessor will continue to work with stakeholders.
SB 1240 (Link) passed the Senate Revenue Committee unanimously. This bill creates the Creates the Checkout Bag Tax Act and would apply a $0.07 tax on each checkout bag (paper, plastic) at a retail establishment.
SB 1474 (Villivalam) passed out of the Senate Labor Committee 10-5-0. This bill creates the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act. Provides that employers and labor organizations covered by the National Labor Relations Act may execute and apply agreements requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment to the fullest extent authorized by the National Labor Relations Act. The Illinois Chamber opposes this bill.
SB 111 (Morrison) passed out of the Senate Insurance Committee today. This bill would would amend the Insurance Code to require anesthetics to be provided for individuals diagnosed with autism. The Illinois Chamber was neutral on its passage.
The Senate Insurance Committee also held a subject matter hearing on SB 1187 (Oberweis). This bill would creates the Right to Shop Act.Requires a carrier offering a health plan to develop and implement a program that provides incentives for enrollees in a health plan who elect to receive a comparable health care service from a provider that collects less than the average in-network allowed amount paid by that carrier to a network provider for that comparable health care service. The Illinois Chamber is opposed to this concept.
HOUSE
HB 2460 (Davis) creates the Illinois Sustainable Investing Act that any public agency or governmental unit (such as schools) shall develop and implement sustainable investment policies and incorporate those into new and existing investments. Some of those policies include consideration of corporate governance, leadership factors, social capital costs, and environmental factors such as greenhouse gases. This is an initiative of the Illinois Treasurer's Office, who already may make these considerations when investing on behalf of taxpayers. The Illinois Chamber opposed to the bill.
The House Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility Committee held a subject matter hearing on Medicaid Drug pricing.
The House Labor Committee advanced one bill today. HB 2557 (Andrade) passed unanimously. This bill would creates the Artificial Intelligence Video Interview Act. Provides that an employer that asks applicants to record video interviews and uses an artificial intelligence analysis of applicant-submitted videos shall: notify each applicant in writing before the interview. The Illinois Chamber does not have a position on this bill but advises members to take a look at the bill. |
March 5, 2019
Highlights from Today:
SENATE
This afternoon, SB 1596 (Sims) passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill amends the Worker's Compensation Act and the Workers' Occupational Diseases Act to provide that specified Sections limiting recovery do not apply to injuries or death resulting from an occupational disease as to which the recovery of compensation benefits under the Act would be precluded due to the operation of any period of repose or repose provision. Provides that, as to any such injury occupational disease, the employee, the employee's heirs, and any person having the standing under law to bring a civil action at law has the nonwaivable right to bring such an action against any employer or employers. The Chamber opposes.
SB 1864 (Link) passed the Senate Public Health Committee today. This bill would add electronic cigarettes to the Smoke Free Illinois law. The sponsor agreed to continue to work on the bill.
The Senate Transportation Committee held a subject matter hearing on SB 24 (Link). This bill provides that no rail carrier shall operate a train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight unless it has an operating crew consisting of at least 2 individuals. The Chamber opposes this bill.
The Senate Transportation Committee passed SR 68 (T Cullerton). This resolution rescinds Gov. Rauner's executive order on Autonomous Illinois.
HOUSE
HB 2764 (Hurley) would allow for the use of less onerous manifesting when transporting non-hazardous waste. Currently, non-hazardous waste transporters must use the same manifest as those transporting hazardous waste materials. The Chamber supported the bill.
HB 2846 (Conroy) passed the House Insurance Committee 21-0-0. In provisions concerning treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, provides that treatment administered or prescribed after July 18, 2017 shall be covered. |
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