SB1485eng 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB1485 Engrossed LRB101 08761 RJF 53848 b

AN ACT concerning State government.

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

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Racial Impact Note Act.

Section 5. Racial impact note.

(a) Every bill which has or could have a disparate impact on racial and ethnic minorities, upon the request of any member, shall have prepared for it, before second reading in the house of introduction, a brief explanatory statement or note that shall include a reliable estimate of the anticipated impact on those racial and ethnic minorities likely to be impacted by the bill. Each racial impact note must include, for racial and ethnic minorities for which data are available: (i) an estimate of how the proposed legislation would impact racial and ethnic minorities; (ii) a statement of the methodologies and assumptions used in preparing the estimate; (iii) an estimate of the racial and ethnic composition of the population who may be impacted by the proposed legislation, including those persons who may be negatively impacted and those persons who may benefit from the proposed legislation; and (iv) any other matter that a responding agency considers appropriate in relation to the racial and ethnic minorities likely to be affected by the bill.

Section 10. Preparation.

(a) The sponsor of each bill for which a request under Section 5 has been made shall present a copy of the bill with the request for a racial impact note to the appropriate responding agency or agencies under subsection (b). The responding agency or agencies shall prepare and submit the note to the sponsor of the bill within 5 calendar days, except that whenever, because of the complexity of the measure, additional time is required for the preparation of the racial impact note, the responding agency or agencies may inform the sponsor of the bill, and the sponsor may approve an extension of the time within which the note is to be submitted, not to extend, however, beyond June 15, following the date of the request. If, in the opinion of the responding agency or agencies, there is insufficient information to prepare a reliable estimate of the anticipated impact, a statement to that effect can be filed and shall meet the requirements of this Act.

(b) If a bill concerns arrests, convictions, or law enforcement, a statement shall be prepared by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority specifying the impact on racial and ethnic minorities. If a bill concerns corrections, sentencing, or the placement of individuals within the Department of Corrections, a statement shall be prepared by the Department of Corrections specifying the impact on racial and ethnic minorities. If a bill concerns local government, a statement shall be prepared by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity specifying the impact on racial and ethnic minorities. If a bill concerns education, one of the following agencies shall prepare a statement specifying the impact on racial and ethnic minorities: (i) the Illinois Community Colleges Board, if the bill affects community colleges; (ii) the Illinois State Board of Education, if the bill affects primary and secondary education; or (iii) the Illinois Board of Higher Education, if the bill affects State universities. Any other State agency impacted or responsible for implementing all or part of this bill shall prepare a statement of the racial and ethnic impact of the bill as it relates to that agency.

Section 15. Requisites and contents. The note shall be factual in nature, as brief and concise as may be, and, in addition, it shall include both the immediate effect and, if determinable or reasonably foreseeable, the long range effect of the measure on racial and ethnic minorities. If, after careful investigation, it is determined that such an effect is not ascertainable, the note shall contain a statement to that effect, setting forth the reasons why no ascertainable effect can be given.

Section 20. Comment or opinion; technical or mechanical defects. No comment or opinion shall be included in the racial impact note with regard to the merits of the measure for which the racial impact note is prepared; however, technical or mechanical defects may be noted.

Section 25. Appearance of State officials and employees in support or opposition of measure. The fact that a racial impact note is prepared for any bill or proposed rule shall not preclude or restrict the appearance before any committee of the General Assembly of any official or authorized employee of the responding agency or agencies, or any other impacted State agency, who desires to be heard in support of or in opposition to the measure.

Section 50. The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is amended by changing Section 5-45 as follows:

(5 ILCS 100/5-45) (from Ch. 127, par. 1005-45)

Sec. 5-45. Emergency rulemaking.

(a) "Emergency" means the existence of any situation that any agency finds reasonably constitutes a threat to the public interest, safety, or welfare.

(b) If any agency finds that an emergency exists that requires adoption of a rule upon fewer days than is required by Section 5-40 and states in writing its reasons for that finding, the agency may adopt an emergency rule without prior notice or hearing upon filing a notice of emergency rulemaking with the Secretary of State under Section 5-70. The notice shall include the text of the emergency rule and shall be published in the Illinois Register. Consent orders or other court orders adopting settlements negotiated by an agency may be adopted under this Section. Subject to applicable constitutional or statutory provisions, an emergency rule becomes effective immediately upon filing under Section 5-65 or at a stated date less than 10 days thereafter. The agency's finding and a statement of the specific reasons for the finding shall be filed with the rule. The agency shall take reasonable and appropriate measures to make emergency rules known to the persons who may be affected by them.

(c) An emergency rule may be effective for a period of not longer than 150 days, but the agency's authority to adopt an identical rule under Section 5-40 is not precluded. No emergency rule may be adopted more than once in any 24-month period, except that this limitation on the number of emergency rules that may be adopted in a 24-month period does not apply to (i) emergency rules that make additions to and deletions from the Drug Manual under Section 5-5.16 of the Illinois Public Aid Code or the generic drug formulary under Section 3.14 of the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, (ii) emergency rules adopted by the Pollution Control Board before July 1, 1997 to implement portions of the Livestock Management Facilities Act, (iii) emergency rules adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health under subsections (a) through (i) of Section 2 of the Department of Public Health Act when necessary to protect the public's health, (iv) emergency rules adopted pursuant to subsection (n) of this Section, (v) emergency rules adopted pursuant to subsection (o) of this Section, or (vi) emergency rules adopted pursuant to subsection (c-5) of this Section. Two or more emergency rules having substantially the same purpose and effect shall be deemed to be a single rule for purposes of this Section.

(c-5) To facilitate the maintenance of the program of group health benefits provided to annuitants, survivors, and retired employees under the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, rules to alter the contributions to be paid by the State, annuitants, survivors, retired employees, or any combination of those entities, for that program of group health benefits, shall be adopted as emergency rules. The adoption of those rules shall be considered an emergency and necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(d) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the State's fiscal year 1999 budget, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 90-587 or 90-588 or any other budget initiative for fiscal year 1999 may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative, except that the 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules and the provisions of Sections 5-115 and 5-125 do not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (d). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (d) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(e) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the State's fiscal year 2000 budget, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 91-24 or any other budget initiative for fiscal year 2000 may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative, except that the 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules and the provisions of Sections 5-115 and 5-125 do not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (e). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (e) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(f) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the State's fiscal year 2001 budget, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 91-712 or any other budget initiative for fiscal year 2001 may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative, except that the 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules and the provisions of Sections 5-115 and 5-125 do not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (f). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (f) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(g) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the State's fiscal year 2002 budget, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 92-10 or any other budget initiative for fiscal year 2002 may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative, except that the 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules and the provisions of Sections 5-115 and 5-125 do not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (g). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (g) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(h) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the State's fiscal year 2003 budget, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 92-597 or any other budget initiative for fiscal year 2003 may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative, except that the 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules and the provisions of Sections 5-115 and 5-125 do not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (h). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (h) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(i) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the State's fiscal year 2004 budget, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 93-20 or any other budget initiative for fiscal year 2004 may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative, except that the 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules and the provisions of Sections 5-115 and 5-125 do not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (i). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (i) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(j) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of the State's fiscal year 2005 budget as provided under the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Implementation (Human Services) Act, emergency rules to implement any provision of the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Implementation (Human Services) Act may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision, except that the 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules and the provisions of Sections 5-115 and 5-125 do not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (j). The Department of Public Aid may also adopt rules under this subsection (j) necessary to administer the Illinois Public Aid Code and the Children's Health Insurance Program Act. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (j) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(k) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of the State's fiscal year 2006 budget, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 94-48 or any other budget initiative for fiscal year 2006 may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative, except that the 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules and the provisions of Sections 5-115 and 5-125 do not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (k). The Department of Healthcare and Family Services may also adopt rules under this subsection (k) necessary to administer the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act, the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Prescription Drug Discount Program Act (now the Illinois Prescription Drug Discount Program Act), and the Children's Health Insurance Program Act. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (k) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(l) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of the State's fiscal year 2007 budget, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may adopt emergency rules during fiscal year 2007, including rules effective July 1, 2007, in accordance with this subsection to the extent necessary to administer the Department's responsibilities with respect to amendments to the State plans and Illinois waivers approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services necessitated by the requirements of Title XIX and Title XXI of the federal Social Security Act. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (l) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(m) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of the State's fiscal year 2008 budget, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may adopt emergency rules during fiscal year 2008, including rules effective July 1, 2008, in accordance with this subsection to the extent necessary to administer the Department's responsibilities with respect to amendments to the State plans and Illinois waivers approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services necessitated by the requirements of Title XIX and Title XXI of the federal Social Security Act. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (m) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(n) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of the State's fiscal year 2010 budget, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 96-45 or any other budget initiative authorized by the 96th General Assembly for fiscal year 2010 may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (n) shall be deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare. The rulemaking authority granted in this subsection (n) shall apply only to rules promulgated during Fiscal Year 2010.

(o) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of the State's fiscal year 2011 budget, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 96-958 or any other budget initiative authorized by the 96th General Assembly for fiscal year 2011 may be adopted in accordance with this Section by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (o) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare. The rulemaking authority granted in this subsection (o) applies only to rules promulgated on or after July 1, 2010 (the effective date of Public Act 96-958) through June 30, 2011.

(p) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 97-689, emergency rules to implement any provision of Public Act 97-689 may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (p) by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative. The 150-day limitation of the effective period of emergency rules does not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (p), and the effective period may continue through June 30, 2013. The 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules does not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (p). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (p) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(q) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Articles 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 of Public Act 98-104, emergency rules to implement any provision of Articles 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 of Public Act 98-104 may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (q) by the agency charged with administering that provision or initiative. The 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules does not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (q). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (q) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(r) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 98-651, emergency rules to implement Public Act 98-651 may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (r) by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules does not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (r). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (r) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(s) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Sections 5-5b.1 and 5A-2 of the Illinois Public Aid Code, emergency rules to implement any provision of Section 5-5b.1 or Section 5A-2 of the Illinois Public Aid Code may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (s) by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The rulemaking authority granted in this subsection (s) shall apply only to those rules adopted prior to July 1, 2015. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, any emergency rule adopted under this subsection (s) shall only apply to payments made for State fiscal year 2015. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (s) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(t) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Article II of Public Act 99-6, emergency rules to implement the changes made by Article II of Public Act 99-6 to the Emergency Telephone System Act may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (t) by the Department of State Police. The rulemaking authority granted in this subsection (t) shall apply only to those rules adopted prior to July 1, 2016. The 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules does not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (t). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (t) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(u) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of the Burn Victims Relief Act, emergency rules to implement any provision of the Act may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (u) by the Department of Insurance. The rulemaking authority granted in this subsection (u) shall apply only to those rules adopted prior to December 31, 2015. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (u) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(v) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 99-516, emergency rules to implement Public Act 99-516 may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (v) by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules does not apply to rules adopted under this subsection (v). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (v) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(w) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 99-796, emergency rules to implement the changes made by Public Act 99-796 may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (w) by the Adjutant General. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (w) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(x) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 99-906, emergency rules to implement subsection (i) of Section 16-115D, subsection (g) of Section 16-128A, and subsection (a) of Section 16-128B of the Public Utilities Act may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (x) by the Illinois Commerce Commission. The rulemaking authority granted in this subsection (x) shall apply only to those rules adopted within 180 days after June 1, 2017 (the effective date of Public Act 99-906). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (x) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(y) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 100-23, emergency rules to implement the changes made by Public Act 100-23 to Section 4.02 of the Illinois Act on the Aging, Sections 5.5.4 and 5-5.4i of the Illinois Public Aid Code, Section 55-30 of the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act, and Sections 74 and 75 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (y) by the respective Department. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (y) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(z) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 100-554, emergency rules to implement the changes made by Public Act 100-554 to Section 4.7 of the Lobbyist Registration Act may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (z) by the Secretary of State. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (z) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(aa) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely initial implementation of the changes made to Articles 5, 5A, 12, and 14 of the Illinois Public Aid Code under the provisions of Public Act 100-581, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may adopt emergency rules in accordance with this subsection (aa). The 24-month limitation on the adoption of emergency rules does not apply to rules to initially implement the changes made to Articles 5, 5A, 12, and 14 of the Illinois Public Aid Code adopted under this subsection (aa). The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (aa) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(bb) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 100-587, emergency rules to implement the changes made by Public Act 100-587 to Section 4.02 of the Illinois Act on the Aging, Sections 5.5.4 and 5-5.4i of the Illinois Public Aid Code, subsection (b) of Section 55-30 of the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act, Section 5-104 of the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013, and Section 75 and subsection (b) of Section 74 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (bb) by the respective Department. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (bb) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(cc) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 100-587, emergency rules may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (cc) to implement the changes made by Public Act 100-587 to: Sections 14-147.5 and 14-147.6 of the Illinois Pension Code by the Board created under Article 14 of the Code; Sections 15-185.5 and 15-185.6 of the Illinois Pension Code by the Board created under Article 15 of the Code; and Sections 16-190.5 and 16-190.6 of the Illinois Pension Code by the Board created under Article 16 of the Code. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (cc) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(dd) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of Public Act 100-864, emergency rules to implement the changes made by Public Act 100-864 to Section 3.35 of the Newborn Metabolic Screening Act may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (dd) by the Secretary of State. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (dd) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(ee) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly, emergency rules implementing the Illinois Underground Natural Gas Storage Safety Act may be adopted in accordance with this subsection by the Department of Natural Resources. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(ff) In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of the provisions of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly, emergency rules to implement the changes made by this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly to Section 4.8 of the Lobbyist Registration Act may be adopted in accordance with this subsection (ff) by the Secretary of State. The adoption of emergency rules authorized by this subsection (ff) is deemed to be necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(Source: P.A. 99-2, eff. 3-26-15; 99-6, eff. 1-1-16; 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 99-455, eff. 1-1-16; 99-516, eff. 6-30-16; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16; 99-796, eff. 1-1-17; 99-906, eff. 6-1-17; 100-23, eff. 7-6-17; 100-554, eff. 11-16-17; 100-581, eff. 3-12-18; 100-587, Article 95, Section 95-5, eff. 6-4-18; 100-587, Article 110, Section 110-5, eff. 6-4-18; 100-864, eff. 8-14-18; 100-1172, eff. 1-4-19.)

Section 55. The State Officials and Employees Ethics Act is amended by changing Sections 5-5, 50-5, and 70-5 and by adding Sections 5-10.10 and 5-70 as follows:

(5 ILCS 430/5-5)

Sec. 5-5. Personnel policies.

(a) Each of the following shall adopt and implement personnel policies for all State employees under his, her, or its jurisdiction and control: (i) each executive branch constitutional officer, (ii) each legislative leader, (iii) the Senate Operations Commission, with respect to legislative employees under Section 4 of the General Assembly Operations Act, (iv) the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with respect to legislative employees under Section 5 of the General Assembly Operations Act, (v) the Joint Committee on Legislative Support Services, with respect to State employees of the legislative support services agencies, (vi) members of the General Assembly, with respect to legislative assistants, as provided in Section 4 of the General Assembly Compensation Act, (vii) the Auditor General, (viii) the Board of Higher Education, with respect to State employees of public institutions of higher learning except community colleges, and (ix) the Illinois Community College Board, with respect to State employees of community colleges. The Governor shall adopt and implement those policies for all State employees of the executive branch not under the jurisdiction and control of any other executive branch constitutional officer.

(b) The policies required under subsection (a) shall be filed with the appropriate ethics commission established under this Act or, for the Auditor General, with the Office of the Auditor General.

(c) The policies required under subsection (a) shall include policies relating to work time requirements, documentation of time worked, documentation for reimbursement for travel on official State business, compensation, and the earning or accrual of State benefits for all State employees who may be eligible to receive those benefits.

No later than 30 days after November 16, 2017 (the effective date of Public Act 100-554) this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly, the policies shall include, at a minimum: (i) a prohibition on sexual harassment; (ii) details on how an individual can report an allegation of sexual harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights; (iii) a prohibition on retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under this Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and (iv) the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report. The policies shall comply with and be consistent with all other applicable laws.

No later than 30 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly, the policies shall include, at a minimum: (i) a prohibition on racial discrimination and harassment; (ii) details on how an individual can report an allegation of racial discrimination and harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights; (iii) a prohibition on retaliation for reporting racial discrimination and harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under this Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and (iv) the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on racial discrimination and harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report. The policies shall comply with and be consistent with all other applicable laws. The policies shall require State employees to periodically submit time sheets documenting the time spent each day on official State business to the nearest quarter hour; contractual State employees may satisfy the time sheets requirement by complying with the terms of their contract, which shall provide for a means of compliance with this requirement. The policies for State employees shall require those time sheets to be submitted on paper, electronically, or both and to be maintained in either paper or electronic format by the applicable fiscal office for a period of at least 2 years.

(d) The policies required under subsection (a) shall be adopted by the applicable entity before February 1, 2004 and shall apply to State employees beginning 30 days after adoption.

(Source: P.A. 100-554, eff. 11-16-17.)

(5 ILCS 430/5-10.10 new)

Sec. 5-10.10. Racial bias, discrimination, and harassment training.

(a) Each officer, member, and employee must complete, at least annually beginning in 2020, a racial bias, discrimination, and harassment training program. A person who fills a vacancy in an elective or appointed position that requires training under this Section must complete his or her initial racial bias, discrimination, and harassment training program within 30 days after commencement of his or her office or employment. The training shall include, at a minimum, the following: (i) the definitions and descriptions of racial bias, discrimination, and harassment utilizing examples; (ii) details on how an individual can report an allegation of racial discrimination or harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights; (iii) the definition and description of retaliation for reporting racial discrimination and harassment allegations utilizing examples, including availability of whistleblower protections under this Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and (iv) the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on racial discrimination or harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report. Proof of completion must be submitted to the applicable ethics officer. Racial bias, discrimination, and harassment training programs shall be overseen by the appropriate Ethics Commission and Inspector General appointed under this Act.

(b) Each ultimate jurisdictional authority shall submit to the applicable Ethics Commission, at least annually, or more frequently as required by that Commission, a report that summarizes the racial bias, discrimination, and harassment training program that was completed during the previous year, and lays out the plan for the training program in the coming year. The report shall include the names of individuals that failed to complete the required training program. Each Ethics Commission shall make the reports available on its website.

(5 ILCS 430/5-70 new)

Sec. 5-70. Prohibition on racial discrimination and harassment.

(a) All persons have a right to work in an environment free from racial discrimination and harassment. All persons subject to this Act are prohibited from racially discriminating against or harassing any person, regardless of any employment relationship or lack thereof.

(b) For purposes of this Act, "racial discrimination and harassment" means any actions taken, or decisions or statements made, based on an individual's actual or perceived race when such actions are taken, or decisions or statements: (i) are made in relation to an individual's employment; (ii) are used as all or part of the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or (iii) have the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. For purposes of this definition, the phrase "working environment" is not limited to a physical location an employee is assigned to perform his or her duties and does not require an employment relationship.

(5 ILCS 430/50-5)

Sec. 50-5. Penalties.

(a) A person is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if that person intentionally violates any provision of Section 5-15, 5-30, 5-40, or 5-45 or Article 15.

(a-1) An ethics commission may levy an administrative fine for a violation of Section 5-45 of this Act of up to 3 times the total annual compensation that would have been obtained in violation of Section 5-45.

(b) A person who intentionally violates any provision of Section 5-20, 5-35, 5-50, or 5-55 is guilty of a business offense subject to a fine of at least $1,001 and up to $5,000.

(c) A person who intentionally violates any provision of Article 10 is guilty of a business offense and subject to a fine of at least $1,001 and up to $5,000.

(d) Any person who intentionally makes a false report alleging a violation of any provision of this Act to an ethics commission, an inspector general, the State Police, a State's Attorney, the Attorney General, or any other law enforcement official is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(e) An ethics commission may levy an administrative fine of up to $5,000 against any person who violates this Act, who intentionally obstructs or interferes with an investigation conducted under this Act by an inspector general, or who intentionally makes a false, frivolous, or bad faith allegation.

(f) In addition to any other penalty that may apply, whether criminal or civil, a State employee who intentionally violates any provision of Section 5-5, 5-15, 5-20, 5-30, 5-35, 5-45, or 5-50, Article 10, Article 15, or Section 20-90 or 25-90 is subject to discipline or discharge by the appropriate ultimate jurisdictional authority.

(g) Any person who violates Section 5-65 or 5-70 is subject to a fine of up to $5,000 per offense, and is subject to discipline or discharge by the appropriate ultimate jurisdictional authority. Each violation of Section 5-65 or 5-70 is a separate offense. Any penalty imposed by an ethics commission shall be separate and distinct from any fines or penalties imposed by a court of law or a State or federal agency.

(h) Any natural person or lobbying entity who intentionally violates Section 4.7 or 4.8, paragraph (d) or (e) of Section 5, or subsection (a-5) of Section 11 of the Lobbyist Registration Act is guilty of a business offense and shall be subject to a fine of up to $5,000. The Executive Ethics Commission, after the adjudication of a violation of Section 4.7 of the Lobbyist Registration Act for which an investigation was initiated by the Inspector General appointed by the Secretary of State under Section 14 of the Secretary of State Act, is authorized to strike or suspend the registration under the Lobbyist Registration Act of any person or lobbying entity for which that person is employed for a period of up to 3 years. In addition to any other fine or penalty which may be imposed, the Executive Ethics Commission may also levy an administrative fine of up to $5,000 for a violation specified under this subsection (h). Any penalty imposed by an ethics commission shall be separate and distinct from any fines or penalties imposed by a court of law or by the Secretary of State under the Lobbyist Registration Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-554, eff. 11-16-17; 100-588, eff. 6-8-18.)

(5 ILCS 430/70-5)

Sec. 70-5. Adoption by governmental entities.

(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this Act, each governmental entity other than a community college district, and each community college district within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly, shall adopt an ordinance or resolution that regulates, in a manner no less restrictive than Section 5-15 and Article 10 of this Act, (i) the political activities of officers and employees of the governmental entity and (ii) the soliciting and accepting of gifts by and the offering and making of gifts to officers and employees of the governmental entity.

No later than 60 days after November 16, 2017 (the effective date of Public Act 100-554) this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly, each governmental unit shall adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing a policy to prohibit sexual harassment. The policy shall include, at a minimum: (i) a prohibition on sexual harassment; (ii) details on how an individual can report an allegation of sexual harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights; (iii) a prohibition on retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under this Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and (iv) the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report.

No later than 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly, each governmental unit shall adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing a policy to prohibit racial discrimination and harassment. The policy shall include, at a minimum: (i) a prohibition on racial discrimination and harassment; (ii) details on how an individual can report an allegation of racial discrimination and harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights; (iii) a prohibition on retaliation for reporting racial discrimination and harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under this Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and (iv) the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on racial discrimination and harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report.

(b) Within 3 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly, the Attorney General shall develop model ordinances and resolutions for the purpose of this Article. The Attorney General shall advise governmental entities on their contents and adoption.

(c) As used in this Article, (i) an "officer" means an elected or appointed official; regardless of whether the official is compensated, and (ii) an "employee" means a full-time, part-time, or contractual employee.

(Source: P.A. 100-554, eff. 11-16-17.)

Section 60. The Secretary of State Act is amended by changing Section 14 as follows:

(15 ILCS 305/14)

Sec. 14. Inspector General.

(a) The Secretary of State must, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint an Inspector General for the purpose of detection, deterrence, and prevention of fraud, corruption, mismanagement, gross or aggravated misconduct, or misconduct that may be criminal in nature in the Office of the Secretary of State. The Inspector General shall serve a 5-year term. If no successor is appointed and qualified upon the expiration of the Inspector General's term, the Office of Inspector General is deemed vacant and the powers and duties under this Section may be exercised only by an appointed and qualified interim Inspector General until a successor Inspector General is appointed and qualified. If the General Assembly is not in session when a vacancy in the Office of Inspector General occurs, the Secretary of State may appoint an interim Inspector General whose term shall expire 2 weeks after the next regularly scheduled session day of the Senate.

(b) The Inspector General shall have the following qualifications:

(1) has not been convicted of any felony under the laws of this State, another State, or the United States;

(2) has earned a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education; and

(3) has either (A) 5 or more years of service with a federal, State, or local law enforcement agency, at least 2 years of which have been in a progressive investigatory capacity; (B) 5 or more years of service as a federal, State, or local prosecutor; or (C) 5 or more years of service as a senior manager or executive of a federal, State, or local agency.

(c) The Inspector General may review, coordinate, and recommend methods and procedures to increase the integrity of the Office of the Secretary of State. The duties of the Inspector General shall supplement and not supplant the duties of the Chief Auditor for the Secretary of State's Office or any other Inspector General that may be authorized by law. The Inspector General must report directly to the Secretary of State.

(d) In addition to the authority otherwise provided by this Section, but only when investigating the Office of the Secretary of State, its employees, or their actions for fraud, corruption, mismanagement, gross or aggravated misconduct, or misconduct that may be criminal in nature, the Inspector General is authorized:

(1) To have access to all records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations, or other materials available that relate to programs and operations with respect to which the Inspector General has responsibilities under this Section.

(2) To make any investigations and reports relating to the administration of the programs and operations of the Office of the Secretary of State that are, in the judgment of the Inspector General, necessary or desirable.

(3) To request any information or assistance that may be necessary for carrying out the duties and responsibilities provided by this Section from any local, State, or federal governmental agency or unit thereof.

(4) To require by subpoena the appearance of witnesses and the production of all information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers, and other data and documentary evidence necessary in the performance of the functions assigned by this Section, with the exception of subsection (c) and with the exception of records of a labor organization authorized and recognized under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act to be the exclusive bargaining representative of employees of the Secretary of State, including, but not limited to, records of representation of employees and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. A subpoena may be issued under this paragraph (4) only by the Inspector General and not by members of the Inspector General's staff. A person duly subpoenaed for testimony, documents, or other items who neglects or refuses to testify or produce documents or other items under the requirements of the subpoena shall be subject to punishment as may be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, unless (i) the testimony, documents, or other items are covered by the attorney-client privilege or any other privilege or right recognized by law or (ii) the testimony, documents, or other items concern the representation of employees and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements by a labor organization authorized and recognized under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act to be the exclusive bargaining representative of employees of the Secretary of State. Nothing in this Section limits a person's right to protection against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution or Article I, Section 10, of the Constitution of the State of Illinois.

(5) To have direct and prompt access to the Secretary of State for any purpose pertaining to the performance of functions and responsibilities under this Section.

(d-5) In addition to the authority otherwise provided by this Section, the Secretary of State Inspector General shall have jurisdiction to investigate complaints and allegations of wrongdoing by any person or entity related to the Lobbyist Registration Act. When investigating those complaints and allegations, the Inspector General is authorized:

(1) To have access to all records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations, or other materials available that relate to programs and operations with respect to which the Inspector General has responsibilities under this Section.

(2) To request any information or assistance that may be necessary for carrying out the duties and responsibilities provided by this Section from any local, State, or federal governmental agency or unit thereof.

(3) To require by subpoena the appearance of witnesses and the production of all information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers, and other data and documentary evidence necessary in the performance of the functions assigned by this Section. A subpoena may be issued under this paragraph (3) only by the Inspector General and not by members of the Inspector General's staff. A person duly subpoenaed for testimony, documents, or other items who neglects or refuses to testify or produce documents or other items under the requirements of the subpoena shall be subject to punishment as may be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, unless the testimony, documents, or other items are covered by the attorney-client privilege or any other privilege or right recognized by law. Nothing in this Section limits a person's right to protection against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution or Section 10 of Article I of the Constitution of the State of Illinois.

(4) To have direct and prompt access to the Secretary of State for any purpose pertaining to the performance of functions and responsibilities under this Section.

(5) As provided in subsection (d) of Section 5 of the Lobbyist Registration Act, to review allegations that an individual required to be registered under the Lobbyist Registration Act has engaged in one or more acts of sexual harassment. Upon completion of that review, the Inspector General shall submit a summary of the review to the Executive Ethics Commission. The Inspector General is authorized to file pleadings with the Executive Ethics Commission, through the Attorney General, if the Attorney General finds that reasonable cause exists to believe that a violation regarding acts of sexual harassment has occurred. The Secretary shall adopt rules setting forth the procedures for the review of such allegations.

(6) As provided in subsection (e) of Section 5 of the Lobbyist Registration Act, to review allegations that an individual required to be registered under the Lobbyist Registration Act has engaged in one or more acts of racial discrimination and harassment. Upon completion of that review, the Inspector General shall submit a summary of the review to the Executive Ethics Commission. The Secretary shall adopt rules setting forth the procedures for the review of such allegations.

(e) The Inspector General may receive and investigate complaints or information concerning the possible existence of an activity constituting a violation of law, rules, or regulations; mismanagement; abuse of authority; or substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety. Any person who knowingly files a false complaint or files a complaint with reckless disregard for the truth or the falsity of the facts underlying the complaint may be subject to discipline as set forth in the rules of the Department of Personnel of the Secretary of State or the Inspector General may refer the matter to a State's Attorney or the Attorney General.

The Inspector General may not, after receipt of a complaint or information, disclose the identity of the source without the consent of the source, unless the Inspector General determines that disclosure of the identity is reasonable and necessary for the furtherance of the investigation.

Any employee who has the authority to recommend or approve any personnel action or to direct others to recommend or approve any personnel action may not, with respect to that authority, take or threaten to take any action against any employee as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector General, unless the complaint was made or the information disclosed with the knowledge that it was false or with willful disregard for its truth or falsity.

(f) The Inspector General must adopt rules, in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, establishing minimum requirements for initiating, conducting, and completing investigations. The rules must establish criteria for determining, based upon the nature of the allegation, the appropriate method of investigation, which may include, but is not limited to, site visits, telephone contacts, personal interviews, or requests for written responses. The rules must also clarify how the Office of the Inspector General shall interact with other local, State, and federal law enforcement investigations.

Any employee of the Secretary of State subject to investigation or inquiry by the Inspector General or any agent or representative of the Inspector General concerning misconduct that is criminal in nature shall have the right to be notified of the right to remain silent during the investigation or inquiry and the right to be represented in the investigation or inquiry by an attorney or a representative of a labor organization that is the exclusive collective bargaining representative of employees of the Secretary of State. Any investigation or inquiry by the Inspector General or any agent or representative of the Inspector General must be conducted with an awareness of the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement that applies to the employees of the Secretary of State and with an awareness of the rights of the employees as set forth in State and federal law and applicable judicial decisions. Any recommendations for discipline or any action taken against any employee by the Inspector General or any representative or agent of the Inspector General must comply with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement that applies to the employee.

(g) On or before January 1 of each year, the Inspector General shall report to the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives on the types of investigations and the activities undertaken by the Office of the Inspector General during the previous calendar year.

(Source: P.A. 100-554, eff. 11-16-17; 100-588, eff. 6-8-18.)

Section 65. The Lobbyist Registration Act is amended by changing Sections 5 and 10 and by adding Section 4.8 as follows:

(25 ILCS 170/4.8 new)

Sec. 4.8. Prohibition on racial discrimination and harassment.

(a) All persons have the right to work in an environment free from racial discrimination and harassment. All persons subject to this Act shall refrain from racial discrimination and harassment of any person.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2020, each natural person required to register as a lobbyist under this Act must complete, at least annually, a racial bias, discrimination, and harassment training program provided by the Secretary of State. A natural person registered under this Act must complete the training program no later than 30 days after registration or renewal under this Act. This requirement does not apply to a lobbying entity or a client that hires a lobbyist that (i) does not have employees of the lobbying entity or client registered as lobbyists, or (ii) does not have an actual presence in Illinois.

(c) No later than January 1, 2020, each natural person and any entity required to register under this Act shall have a written racial discrimination and harassment policy that shall include, at a minimum: (i) a prohibition on racial discrimination and harassment; (ii) details on how an individual can report an allegation of racial discrimination and harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights; (iii) a prohibition on retaliation for reporting racial discrimination and harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under the State Officials and Employee Ethics Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and (iv) the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on racial discrimination and harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report.

(d) For purposes of this Act, "racial discrimination and harassment" means any actions taken, or decisions or statements made, based on an individual's actual or perceived race when such actions are taken, or decisions or statements: (i) are made in relation to an individual's employment; (ii) are used as all or part of the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or (iii) have the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. For purposes of this definition, the phrase "working environment" is not limited to a physical location an employee is assigned to perform his or her duties and does not require an employment relationship.

(e) The Secretary of State shall adopt rules for the implementation of this Section. In order to provide for the expeditious and timely implementation of this Section, the Secretary of State shall adopt emergency rules under subsection (ff) of Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act for the implementation of this Section no later than 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly.

(25 ILCS 170/5)

Sec. 5. Lobbyist registration and disclosure. Every natural person and every entity required to register under this Act shall before any service is performed which requires the natural person or entity to register, but in any event not later than 2 business days after being employed or retained, file in the Office of the Secretary of State a statement in a format prescribed by the Secretary of State containing the following information with respect to each person or entity employing, retaining, or benefitting from the services of the natural person or entity required to register:

(a) The registrant's name, permanent address, e-mail address, if any, fax number, if any, business telephone number, and temporary address, if the registrant has a temporary address while lobbying.

(a-5) If the registrant is an entity, the information required under subsection (a) for each natural person associated with the registrant who will be lobbying, regardless of whether lobbying is a significant part of his or her duties.

(b) The name and address of the client or clients employing or retaining the registrant to perform such services or on whose behalf the registrant appears. If the client employing or retaining the registrant is a client registrant, the statement shall also include the name and address of the client or clients of the client registrant on whose behalf the registrant will be or anticipates performing services.

(c) A brief description of the executive, legislative, or administrative action in reference to which such service is to be rendered.

(c-5) Each executive and legislative branch agency the registrant expects to lobby during the registration period.

(c-6) The nature of the client's business, by indicating all of the following categories that apply: (1) banking and financial services, (2) manufacturing, (3) education, (4) environment, (5) healthcare, (6) insurance, (7) community interests, (8) labor, (9) public relations or advertising, (10) marketing or sales, (11) hospitality, (12) engineering, (13) information or technology products or services, (14) social services, (15) public utilities, (16) racing or wagering, (17) real estate or construction, (18) telecommunications, (19) trade or professional association, (20) travel or tourism, (21) transportation, (22) agriculture, and (23) other (setting forth the nature of that other business).

(d) A confirmation that the registrant has a sexual harassment policy as required by Section 4.7, that such policy shall be made available to any individual within 2 business days upon written request (including electronic requests), that any person may contact the authorized agent of the registrant to report allegations of sexual harassment, and that the registrant recognizes the Inspector General has jurisdiction to review any allegations of sexual harassment alleged against the registrant or lobbyists hired by the registrant.

(e) A confirmation that the registrant has a racial discrimination and harassment policy as required by Section 4.7, that such policy shall be made available to any individual within 2 business days upon written request (including electronic requests), that any person may contact the authorized agent of the registrant to report allegations of racial discrimination and harassment, and that the registrant recognizes the Inspector General has jurisdiction to review any allegations of racial discrimination and harassment alleged against the registrant or lobbyists hired by the registrant.

Every natural person and every entity required to register under this Act shall annually submit the registration required by this Section on or before each January 31. The registrant has a continuing duty to report any substantial change or addition to the information contained in the registration.

The Secretary of State shall make all filed statements and amendments to statements publicly available by means of a searchable database that is accessible through the World Wide Web. The Secretary of State shall provide all software necessary to comply with this provision to all natural persons and entities required to file. The Secretary of State shall implement a plan to provide computer access and assistance to natural persons and entities required to file electronically.

All natural persons and entities required to register under this Act shall remit a single, annual, and nonrefundable $300 registration fee. Each natural person required to register under this Act shall submit, on an annual basis, a picture of the registrant. A registrant may, in lieu of submitting a picture on an annual basis, authorize the Secretary of State to use any photo identification available in any database maintained by the Secretary of State for other purposes. Each registration fee collected for registrations on or after January 1, 2010 shall be deposited into the Lobbyist Registration Administration Fund for administration and enforcement of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-554, eff. 11-16-17.)

(25 ILCS 170/10) (from Ch. 63, par. 180)

Sec. 10. Penalties.

(a) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Act, except for a violation of Section 4.7 or 4.8 or paragraph (d) or (e) of Section 5, shall be guilty of a business offense and shall be fined not more than $10,000 for each violation. Every day that a report or registration is late shall constitute a separate violation. In determining the appropriate fine for each violation, the trier of fact shall consider the scope of the entire lobbying project, the nature of activities conducted during the time the person was in violation of this Act, and whether or not the violation was intentional or unreasonable.

(a-5) A violation of Section 4.7 or 4.8 or paragraph (d) or (e) of Section 5 shall be considered a violation of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, subject to the jurisdiction of the Executive Ethics Commission and to all penalties under Section 50-5 of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.

(b) In addition to the penalties provided for in subsections (a) and (a-5) of this Section, any person convicted of any violation of any provision of this Act is prohibited for a period of three years from the date of such conviction from lobbying.

(c) There is created in the State treasury a special fund to be known as the Lobbyist Registration Administration Fund. All fines collected in the enforcement of this Section shall be deposited into the Fund. These funds shall, subject to appropriation, be used by the Office of the Secretary of State for implementation and administration of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-554, eff. 11-16-17.)

Section 70. The Illinois Human Rights Act is amended by adding Section 2-108 as follows:

(775 ILCS 5/2-108 new)

Sec. 2-108. Hotline to Report Racial Discrimination and Harassment.

(a) The Department shall, no later than 3 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly, establish and maintain a racial discrimination and harassment hotline. The Department shall help persons who contact the Department through the hotline find necessary resources, including counseling services, and assist in the filing of racial discrimination and harassment complaints with the Department or other applicable agencies. The Department may recommend that an individual seek private counsel, but shall not make recommendations for legal representation. The hotline shall provide the means through which persons may anonymously report racial discrimination and harassment in both private and public places of employment. In the case of a report of racial discrimination and harassment by a person subject to Article 20 or 25 of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the Department shall, with the permission of the reporting individual, report the allegations to the Executive Inspector General or Legislative Inspector General for further investigation.

(b) The Department shall advertise the hotline on its website and in materials related to racial discrimination and harassment, including posters made available to the public, and encourage reporting by both those who are subject to racial discrimination and harassment and those who have witnessed it.

(c) All communications received by the Department via the hotline or Internet communication shall remain confidential and shall be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

(d) As used in this Section, "hotline" means a toll-free telephone with voicemail capabilities and an Internet website through which persons may report instances of racial discrimination and harassment.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.