Dear Illinois NAELA Members!

It has been a busy and productive Spring Session for Illinois NAELA in Springfield! Tony Abboud has been working tirelessly to advocate on behalf of Illinois NAELA and successfully killed many bills we opposed and advanced many bills we supported. 

Below is a summary of some of the more interesting bills that we tracked over the session.

HB 1471 repeals the Trusts and Trustees Act and creates the Illinois Trust Code effective January 1, 2020. This bill has passed both houses and is on the Governor’s desk for signature.  More to come on this important issue! Illinois NAELA member Amy Delaney did an excellent job reviewing the bill and multiple amendments over that last two legislative sessions. Amy made sure special needs trusts were included in the new Trust Code.  Click here to view the bill http://ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/10100HB1471lv.htm

SB 1321 – This a huge Medicaid bill that touches on issues such as paystub information to verify eligibility for medical assistance; other acceptable information to verify continued eligibility for medical assistance; a review of the Medicaid redetermination process in order to identify changes that can increase the use of ex parte redetermination processing; reporting requirements; audits for the State's Integrated Eligibility System and provisional eligibility for Medicaid long-term care services. Click here to view the bill http://ilga.gov/legislation/101/SB/10100SB1321lv.htm

SB1387 – ABLE Accounts – This bill allows a guardian without a court order may open or transfer funds to an ABLE Account. Illinois NAELA member Leonard Berg continues to stay involved in legislation involving Illinois ABLE accounts by reviewing all proposed legislation and often working with the Office of  Illinois Treasurer to draft language improving the legislation for persons with special needs.  Click here to view the bill http://ilga.gov/legislation/101/SB/10100SB1387enr.htm