HB5828 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB101 21945 RJF 72954 b

101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
HB5828

Introduced 11/10/2020, by Rep. Mary E. Flowers and Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 605/605-1055 new

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Low Income Debt Reduction Office within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Provides that the Office shall, without charge, assist low income persons and households in the abatement of debt by providing services, information, and resources by which such persons may resolve their debts or debt-related issues. Provides that the services, information, and resources provided by the Office shall be made available to the public on the Department's Internet website. Specifies the services, information, and resources provided by the Office. Provides that the Department shall provide staff, administrative support, and related support to the Office as required to administer the Office, and may adopt rules. Defines "low income persons and households".

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 605-1055 as follows:

(20 ILCS 605/605-1055 new)

Sec. 605-1055. Low Income Debt Reduction Office.

(a) The Low Income Debt Reduction Office is created within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Office shall, without charge, assist low income persons and households in the abatement of debt by providing services, information, and resources by which such persons may resolve their debts or debt-related issues.

(b) The services, information, and resources provided by the Office shall be made available to the public on the Department's Internet website, and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) information concerning bankruptcy, including an explanation of the types of bankruptcy and if and when bankruptcy should be used as an option, a detailed explanation of the bankruptcy process, and the required forms used in the bankruptcy process;

(2) the availability of persons and attorneys knowledgeable in debt relief and bankruptcy who may aid patrons in their debt reduction decision-making, including answering questions and helping to fill out relevant forms;

(3) promoting and conducting outreach efforts with respect to informing the public of the services provided by the Office;

(4) providing and hosting informational workshops and public forums concerning debt reduction, debt relief options, and the services provided by the Office, including efforts that assist and educate low-income persons and households on bankruptcy and other debt reduction opportunities; and

(5) any other service, information, or resource that the Office deems necessary and proper to its purpose under this Section.

(c) The Department shall provide staff, administrative support, and related support to the Office as required to administer this Section, and may adopt rules to administer this Section.

(d) For the purposes of this Section, "low income persons and households" means persons or households at or below 80% of the median income level for a given county as determined annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.