HB0101 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 04261 KTG 14279 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB0101

Introduced 1/14/2021, by Rep. Jonathan Carroll

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

5 ILCS 70/1.43 new
5 ILCS 70/1.44 new
50 ILCS 750/2	from Ch. 134, par. 32
50 ILCS 750/6.1	from Ch. 134, par. 36.1
105 ILCS 5/2-3.83	from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.83
105 ILCS 5/14-11.02	from Ch. 122, par. 14-11.02
220 ILCS 5/13-213	from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 13-213
425 ILCS 60/3	from Ch. 127 1/2, par. 803
510 ILCS 5/15	from Ch. 8, par. 365
510 ILCS 5/15.1
510 ILCS 70/7.15
775 ILCS 5/8-102	from Ch. 68, par. 8-102
775 ILCS 30/3	from Ch. 23, par. 3363

Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act, the School Code, the Public Utilities Act, the Smoke Detector Act, and other Acts by replacing all references to "hearing impaired" with "deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind". Amends the Statutes in Statutes. Defines "DeafBlind". Provides that, except where the context indicates otherwise, in any rule, contract, or other document a reference to the term "hearing impaired" shall be considered a reference to the term "deaf" or "hard of hearing". Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind.

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

Section 5. The Statute on Statutes is amended by adding Sections 1.43 and 1.44 as follows:

(5 ILCS 70/1.43 new)

Sec. 1.43. Hearing impaired. Except where the context indicates otherwise, in any rule, contract, or other document a reference to the term "hearing impaired" shall be considered a reference to the term "deaf" or "hard of hearing". The use of either "hearing impaired", "deaf", or "hard of hearing" shall not invalidate any rule, contract, or other document.

(5 ILCS 70/1.44 new)

Sec. 1.44. DeafBlind. "DeafBlind" means a person who may be born without significant use of visual and auditory senses or may experience progressive loss of both senses over a period of a lifetime. A DeafBlind person may use touch as his or her primary sense in order to engage with his or her physical and social environment. A DeafBlind person's touch senses may be enhanced through the use of low-tech and high-tech solutions such as white canes, braille, and electronics, also known as adaptive technologies. Communication may involve spoken, written, signed, and touch languages. Services may include intervenors for educational development, support service providers for access to non-touch-accessible interactions, and tactile interpreting, as well as transitional services for those experiencing progressive loss.

Section 10. The Emergency Telephone System Act is amended by changing Sections 2 and 6.1 as follows:

(50 ILCS 750/2) (from Ch. 134, par. 32)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on December 31, 2021)

Sec. 2. Definitions. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

"9-1-1 network" means the network used for the delivery of 9-1-1 calls and messages over dedicated and redundant facilities to a primary or backup 9-1-1 PSAP that meets P.01 grade of service standards for basic 9-1-1 and enhanced 9-1-1 services or meets national I3 industry call delivery standards for Next Generation 9-1-1 services.

"9-1-1 system" means the geographic area that has been granted an order of authority by the Commission or the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator to use "9-1-1" as the primary emergency telephone number.

"9-1-1 Authority" includes an Emergency Telephone System Board, Joint Emergency Telephone System Board, and a qualified governmental entity. "9-1-1 Authority" includes the Department of State Police only to the extent it provides 9-1-1 services under this Act.

"Administrator" means the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator.

"Advanced service" means any telecommunications service with or without dynamic bandwidth allocation, including, but not limited to, ISDN Primary Rate Interface (PRI), that, through the use of a DS-1, T-1, or other un-channelized or multi-channel transmission facility, is capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency.

"ALI" or "automatic location identification" means, in an E9-1-1 system, the automatic display at the public safety answering point of the caller's telephone number, the address or location of the telephone, and supplementary emergency services information.

"ANI" or "automatic number identification" means the automatic display of the 9-1-1 calling party's number on the PSAP monitor.

"Automatic alarm" and "automatic alerting device" mean any device that will access the 9-1-1 system for emergency services upon activation.

"Backup PSAP" means a public safety answering point that serves as an alternate to the PSAP for enhanced systems and is at a different location and operates independently from the PSAP. A backup PSAP may accept overflow calls from the PSAP or be activated if the primary PSAP is disabled.

"Board" means an Emergency Telephone System Board or a Joint Emergency Telephone System Board created pursuant to Section 15.4.

"Carrier" includes a telecommunications carrier and a wireless carrier.

"Commission" means the Illinois Commerce Commission.

"Computer aided dispatch" or "CAD" means a computer-based system that aids PSAP telecommunicators by automating selected dispatching and recordkeeping activities.

"Direct dispatch method" means a 9-1-1 service that provides for the direct dispatch by a PSAP telecommunicator of the appropriate unit upon receipt of an emergency call and the decision as to the proper action to be taken.

"Department" means the Department of State Police.

"DS-1, T-1, or similar un-channelized or multi-channel transmission facility" means a facility that can transmit and receive a bit rate of at least 1.544 megabits per second (Mbps).

"Dynamic bandwidth allocation" means the ability of the facility or customer to drop and add channels, or adjust bandwidth, when needed in real time for voice or data purposes.

"Enhanced 9-1-1" or "E9-1-1" means a telephone system that includes network switching, database and PSAP premise elements capable of providing automatic location identification data, selective routing, selective transfer, fixed transfer, and a call back number, including any enhanced 9-1-1 service so designated by the Federal Communications Commission in its report and order in WC Dockets Nos. 04-36 and 05-196, or any successor proceeding.

"ETSB" means an emergency telephone system board appointed by the corporate authorities of any county or municipality that provides for the management and operation of a 9-1-1 system.

"Deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind Hearing-impaired individual" means a person with a permanent hearing loss who can regularly and routinely communicate by telephone only through the aid of devices which can send and receive written messages over the telephone network.

"Hosted supplemental 9-1-1 service" means a database service that:

(1) electronically provides information to 9-1-1 call takers when a call is placed to 9-1-1;

(2) allows telephone subscribers to provide information to 9-1-1 to be used in emergency scenarios;

(3) collects a variety of formatted data relevant to 9-1-1 and first responder needs, which may include, but is not limited to, photographs of the telephone subscribers, physical descriptions, medical information, household data, and emergency contacts;

(4) allows for information to be entered by telephone subscribers through a secure website where they can elect to provide as little or as much information as they choose;

(5) automatically displays data provided by telephone subscribers to 9-1-1 call takers for all types of telephones when a call is placed to 9-1-1 from a registered and confirmed phone number;

(6) supports the delivery of telephone subscriber information through a secure internet connection to all emergency telephone system boards;

(7) works across all 9-1-1 call taking equipment and allows for the easy transfer of information into a computer aided dispatch system; and

(8) may be used to collect information pursuant to an Illinois Premise Alert Program as defined in the Illinois Premise Alert Program (PAP) Act.

"Interconnected voice over Internet protocol provider" or "Interconnected VoIP provider" has the meaning given to that term under Section 13-235 of the Public Utilities Act.

"Joint ETSB" means a Joint Emergency Telephone System Board established by intergovernmental agreement of two or more municipalities or counties, or a combination thereof, to provide for the management and operation of a 9-1-1 system.

"Local public agency" means any unit of local government or special purpose district located in whole or in part within this State that provides or has authority to provide firefighting, police, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services.

"Mechanical dialer" means any device that either manually or remotely triggers a dialing device to access the 9-1-1 system.

"Master Street Address Guide" or "MSAG" is a database of street names and house ranges within their associated communities defining emergency service zones (ESZs) and their associated emergency service numbers (ESNs) to enable proper routing of 9-1-1 calls.

"Mobile telephone number" or "MTN" means the telephone number assigned to a wireless telephone at the time of initial activation.

"Network connections" means the number of voice grade communications channels directly between a subscriber and a telecommunications carrier's public switched network, without the intervention of any other telecommunications carrier's switched network, which would be required to carry the subscriber's inter-premises traffic and which connection either (1) is capable of providing access through the public switched network to a 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System, if one exists, or (2) if no system exists at the time a surcharge is imposed under Section 15.3, that would be capable of providing access through the public switched network to the local 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System if one existed. Where multiple voice grade communications channels are connected to a telecommunications carrier's public switched network through a private branch exchange (PBX) service, there shall be determined to be one network connection for each trunk line capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises traffic to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency. Where multiple voice grade communications channels are connected to a telecommunications carrier's public switched network through centrex type service, the number of network connections shall be equal to the number of PBX trunk equivalents for the subscriber's service or other multiple voice grade communication channels facility, as determined by reference to any generally applicable exchange access service tariff filed by the subscriber's telecommunications carrier with the Commission.

"Network costs" means those recurring costs that directly relate to the operation of the 9-1-1 network as determined by the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator with the advice of the Statewide 9-1-1 Advisory Board, which may include, but need not be limited to, some or all of the following: costs for interoffice trunks, selective routing charges, transfer lines and toll charges for 9-1-1 services, Automatic Location Information (ALI) database charges, independent local exchange carrier charges and non-system provider charges, carrier charges for third party database for on-site customer premises equipment, back-up PSAP trunks for non-system providers, periodic database updates as provided by carrier (also known as "ALI data dump"), regional ALI storage charges, circuits for call delivery (fiber or circuit connection), NG9-1-1 costs, and all associated fees, taxes, and surcharges on each invoice. "Network costs" shall not include radio circuits or toll charges that are other than for 9-1-1 services.

"Next generation 9-1-1" or "NG9-1-1" means an Internet Protocol-based (IP-based) system comprised of managed ESInets, functional elements and applications, and databases that replicate traditional E9-1-1 features and functions and provide additional capabilities. "NG9-1-1" systems are designed to provide access to emergency services from all connected communications sources, and provide multimedia data capabilities for PSAPs and other emergency services organizations.

"NG9-1-1 costs" means those recurring costs that directly relate to the Next Generation 9-1-1 service as determined by the Statewide 9-1-1 Advisory Board, including, but not limited to, costs for Emergency System Routing Proxy (ESRP), Emergency Call Routing Function/Location Validation Function (ECRF/LVF), Spatial Information Function (SIF), the Border Control Function (BCF), and the Emergency Services Internet Protocol networks (ESInets), legacy network gateways, and all associated fees, taxes, and surcharges on each invoice.

"Private branch exchange" or "PBX" means a private telephone system and associated equipment located on the user's property that provides communications between internal stations and external networks.

"Private business switch service" means network and premises based systems including a VoIP, Centrex type service, or PBX service, even though key telephone systems or equivalent telephone systems registered with the Federal Communications Commission under 47 C.F.R. Part 68 are directly connected to Centrex type and PBX systems. "Private business switch service" does not include key telephone systems or equivalent telephone systems registered with the Federal Communications Commission under 47 C.F.R. Part 68 when not used in conjunction with a VoIP, Centrex type, or PBX systems. "Private business switch service" typically includes, but is not limited to, private businesses, corporations, and industries where the telecommunications service is primarily for conducting business.

"Private residential switch service" means network and premise based systems including a VoIP, Centrex type service, or PBX service or key telephone systems or equivalent telephone systems registered with the Federal Communications Commission under 47 C.F.R. Part 68 that are directly connected to a VoIP, Centrex type service, or PBX systems equipped for switched local network connections or 9-1-1 system access to residential end users through a private telephone switch. "Private residential switch service" does not include key telephone systems or equivalent telephone systems registered with the Federal Communications Commission under 47 C.F.R. Part 68 when not used in conjunction with a VoIP, Centrex type, or PBX systems. "Private residential switch service" typically includes, but is not limited to, apartment complexes, condominiums, and campus or university environments where shared tenant service is provided and where the usage of the telecommunications service is primarily residential.

"Public agency" means the State, and any unit of local government or special purpose district located in whole or in part within this State, that provides or has authority to provide firefighting, police, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services.

"Public safety agency" means a functional division of a public agency that provides firefighting, police, medical, or other emergency services to respond to and manage emergency incidents. For the purpose of providing wireless service to users of 9-1-1 emergency services, as expressly provided for in this Act, the Department of State Police may be considered a public safety agency.

"Public safety answering point" or "PSAP" is a set of call-takers authorized by a governing body and operating under common management that receive 9-1-1 calls and asynchronous event notifications for a defined geographic area and processes those calls and events according to a specified operational policy.

"Qualified governmental entity" means a unit of local government authorized to provide 9-1-1 services pursuant to this Act where no emergency telephone system board exists.

"Referral method" means a 9-1-1 service in which the PSAP telecommunicator provides the calling party with the telephone number of the appropriate public safety agency or other provider of emergency services.

"Regular service" means any telecommunications service, other than advanced service, that is capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency.

"Relay method" means a 9-1-1 service in which the PSAP telecommunicator takes the pertinent information from a caller and relays that information to the appropriate public safety agency or other provider of emergency services.

"Remit period" means the billing period, one month in duration, for which a wireless carrier remits a surcharge and provides subscriber information by zip code to the Department, in accordance with Section 20 of this Act.

"Secondary Answering Point" or "SAP" means a location, other than a PSAP, that is able to receive the voice, data, and call back number of E9-1-1 or NG9-1-1 emergency calls transferred from a PSAP and completes the call taking process by dispatching police, medical, fire, or other emergency responders.

"Statewide wireless emergency 9-1-1 system" means all areas of the State where an emergency telephone system board or, in the absence of an emergency telephone system board, a qualified governmental entity, has not declared its intention for one or more of its public safety answering points to serve as a primary wireless 9-1-1 public safety answering point for its jurisdiction. The operator of the statewide wireless emergency 9-1-1 system shall be the Department of State Police.

"System" means the communications equipment and related software applications required to produce a response by the appropriate emergency public safety agency or other provider of emergency services as a result of an emergency call being placed to 9-1-1.

"System provider" means the contracted entity providing 9-1-1 network and database services.

"Telecommunications carrier" means those entities included within the definition specified in Section 13-202 of the Public Utilities Act, and includes those carriers acting as resellers of telecommunications services. "Telecommunications carrier" includes telephone systems operating as mutual concerns. "Telecommunications carrier" does not include a wireless carrier.

"Telecommunications technology" means equipment that can send and receive written messages over the telephone network.

"Transfer method" means a 9-1-1 service in which the PSAP telecommunicator receiving a call transfers that call to the appropriate public safety agency or other provider of emergency services.

"Transmitting messages" shall have the meaning given to that term under Section 8-11-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code.

"Trunk line" means a transmission path, or group of transmission paths, connecting a subscriber's PBX to a telecommunications carrier's public switched network. In the case of regular service, each voice grade communications channel or equivalent amount of bandwidth capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency shall be considered a trunk line, even if it is bundled with other channels or additional bandwidth. In the case of advanced service, each DS-1, T-1, or other un-channelized or multi-channel transmission facility that is capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency shall be considered a single trunk line, even if it contains multiple voice grade communications channels or otherwise supports 2 or more voice grade calls at a time; provided, however, that each additional increment of up to 24 voice grade channels of transmission capacity that is capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency shall be considered an additional trunk line.

"Unmanned backup PSAP" means a public safety answering point that serves as an alternate to the PSAP at an alternate location and is typically unmanned but can be activated if the primary PSAP is disabled.

"Virtual answering point" or "VAP" means a temporary or nonpermanent location that is capable of receiving an emergency call, contains a fully functional worksite that is not bound to a specific location, but rather is portable and scalable, connecting emergency call takers or dispatchers to the work process, and is capable of completing the call dispatching process.

"Voice-impaired individual" means a person with a permanent speech disability which precludes oral communication, who can regularly and routinely communicate by telephone only through the aid of devices which can send and receive written messages over the telephone network.

"Wireless carrier" means a provider of two-way cellular, broadband PCS, geographic area 800 MHZ and 900 MHZ Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS), Wireless Communications Service (WCS), or other Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS), as defined by the Federal Communications Commission, offering radio communications that may provide fixed, mobile, radio location, or satellite communication services to individuals or businesses within its assigned spectrum block and geographical area or that offers real-time, two-way voice service that is interconnected with the public switched network, including a reseller of such service.

"Wireless enhanced 9-1-1" means the ability to relay the telephone number of the originator of a 9-1-1 call and location information from any mobile handset or text telephone device accessing the wireless system to the designated wireless public safety answering point as set forth in the order of the Federal Communications Commission, FCC Docket No. 94-102, adopted June 12, 1996, with an effective date of October 1, 1996, and any subsequent amendment thereto.

"Wireless public safety answering point" means the functional division of a 9-1-1 authority accepting wireless 9-1-1 calls.

"Wireless subscriber" means an individual or entity to whom a wireless service account or number has been assigned by a wireless carrier, other than an account or number associated with prepaid wireless telecommunication service.

(Source: P.A. 99-6, eff. 1-1-16; 100-20, eff. 7-1-17.)

(50 ILCS 750/6.1) (from Ch. 134, par. 36.1)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on December 31, 2021)

Sec. 6.1. Every 9-1-1 system shall be readily accessible to deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, hearing-impaired and voice-impaired individuals through the use of telecommunications technology for deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals.

(Source: P.A. 99-6, eff. 1-1-16; 100-20, eff. 7-1-17.)

Section 15. The School Code is amended by changing Sections 2-3.83 and 14-11.02 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.83) (from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.83)

Sec. 2-3.83. Individual transition plan model pilot program.

(a) The General Assembly finds that transition services for special education students in secondary schools are needed for the increasing numbers of students exiting school programs. Therefore, to ensure coordinated and timely delivery of services, the State shall establish a model pilot program to provide such services. Local school districts, using joint agreements and regional service delivery systems for special and vocational education selected by the Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, shall have the primary responsibility to convene transition planning meetings for these students who will require post-school adult services.

(b) For purposes of this Section:

(1) "Post-secondary Service Provider" means a provider of services for adults who have any developmental disability as defined in Section 1-106 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code or who are persons with one or more disabilities as defined in the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act.

(2) "Individual Education Plan" means a written statement for an exceptional child that provides at least a statement of: the child's present levels of educational performance, annual goals and short-term instructional objectives; specific special education and related services; the extent of participation in the regular education program; the projected dates for initiation of services; anticipated duration of services; appropriate objective criteria and evaluation procedures; and a schedule for annual determination of short-term objectives.

(3) "Individual Transition Plan" (ITP) means a multi-agency informal assessment of a student's needs for post-secondary adult services including but not limited to employment, post-secondary education or training and residential independent living.

(4) "Developmental Disability" means a disability which is attributable to: (a) an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or autism; or to (b) any other condition which results in impairment similar to that caused by an intellectual disability and which requires services similar to those required by persons with an intellectual disability. Such disability must originate before the age of 18 years, be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitute a substantial disability.

(5) "Exceptional Characteristic" means any disabling or exceptional characteristic which interferes with a student's education including, but not limited to, a determination that the student has a severe or profound mental disability, has mental disability but is trainable, is DeafBlind deaf-blind, or has some other health impairment.

(c) The model pilot program required by this Section shall be established and administered by the Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities in conjunction with the case coordination pilot projects established by the Department of Human Services pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Community Services Act, as amended.

(d) The model pilot program shall include the following features:

(1) Written notice shall be sent to the student and, when appropriate, his or her parent or guardian giving the opportunity to consent to having the student's name and relevant information shared with the local case coordination unit and other appropriate State or local agencies for purposes of inviting participants to the individual transition plan meeting.

(2) Meetings to develop and modify, as needed, an Individual Transition Plan shall be conducted annually for all students with a developmental disability in the pilot program area who are age 16 or older and who are receiving special education services for 50% or more of their public school program. These meetings shall be convened by the local school district and conducted in conjunction with any other regularly scheduled meetings such as the student's annual individual educational plan meeting. The Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities shall cooperate with and may enter into any necessary written agreements with the Department of Human Services and the State Board of Education to identify the target group of students for transition planning and the appropriate case coordination unit to serve these individuals.

(3) The ITP meetings shall be co-chaired by the individual education plan coordinator and the case coordinator. The ITP meeting shall include but not be limited to discussion of the following: the student's projected date of exit from the public schools; his projected post-school goals in the areas of employment, residential living arrangement and post-secondary education or training; specific school or post-school services needed during the following year to achieve the student's goals, including but not limited to vocational evaluation, vocational education, work experience or vocational training, placement assistance, independent living skills training, recreational or leisure training, income support, medical needs and transportation; and referrals and linkage to needed services, including a proposed time frame for services and the responsible agency or provider. The individual transition plan shall be signed by participants in the ITP discussion, including but not limited to the student's parents or guardian, the student (where appropriate), multi-disciplinary team representatives from the public schools, the case coordinator and any other individuals who have participated in the ITP meeting at the discretion of the individual education plan coordinator, the developmental disability case coordinator or the parents or guardian.

(4) At least 10 days prior to the ITP meeting, the parents or guardian of the student shall be notified in writing of the time and place of the meeting by the local school district. The ITP discussion shall be documented by the assigned case coordinator, and an individual student file shall be maintained by each case coordination unit. One year following a student's exit from public school the case coordinator shall conduct a follow up interview with the student.

(5) Determinations with respect to individual transition plans made under this Section shall not be subject to any due process requirements prescribed in Section 14-8.02 of this Code.

(e) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/14-11.02) (from Ch. 122, par. 14-11.02)

Sec. 14-11.02. Notwithstanding any other Sections of this Article, the State Board of Education shall develop and operate or contract for the operation of a service center for persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind. For the purpose of this Section, persons with DeafBlindness deaf-blindness are persons who have both auditory and visual impairments, the combination of which causes such severe communication and other developmental, educational, vocational and rehabilitation problems that such persons cannot be properly accommodated in special education or vocational rehabilitation programs solely for persons with both hearing and visual disabilities.

To be eligible for DeafBlind deaf-blind services, a person must have (i) a visual impairment and an auditory impairment, or (ii) a condition in which there is a progressive loss of hearing or vision or both that results in concomitant vision and hearing impairments and that adversely affects educational performance as determined by the multidisciplinary conference. For purposes of this paragraph and Section:

(A) A visual impairment is defined to mean one or more of the following: (i) corrected visual acuity poorer than 20/70 in the better eye; (ii) restricted visual field of 20 degrees or less in the better eye; (iii) cortical blindness; (iv) does not appear to respond to visual stimulation, which adversely affects educational performance as determined by the multidisciplinary conference.

(B) An auditory impairment is defined to mean one or more of the following: (i) a sensorineural or ongoing or chronic conductive hearing loss with aided sensitivity of 30dB HL or poorer; (ii) functional auditory behavior that is significantly discrepant from the person's present cognitive and/or developmental levels, which adversely affects educational performance as determined by the multidisciplinary conference.

The State Board of Education is empowered to establish, maintain and operate or contract for the operation of a permanent state-wide service center known as the Philip J. Rock Center and School. The School serves eligible children between the ages of 3 and 21; the Center serves eligible persons of all ages. Services provided by the Center include, but are not limited to:

(1) Identifying and case management of persons who are auditorily and visually impaired;

(2) Providing families with appropriate counseling;

(3) Referring persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind to appropriate agencies for medical and diagnostic services;

(4) Referring persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind to appropriate agencies for educational, training and care services;

(5) Developing and expanding services throughout the State to persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind. This will include ancillary services, such as transportation so that the individuals can take advantage of the expanded services;

(6) Maintaining a residential-educational training facility in the Chicago metropolitan area located in an area accessible to public transportation;

(7) Receiving, dispensing, and monitoring State and Federal funds to the School and Center designated for services to persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind;

(8) Coordinating services to persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind through all appropriate agencies, including the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Human Services;

(9) Entering into contracts with other agencies to provide services to persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind;

(10) Operating on a no-reject basis. Any individual referred to the Center for service and diagnosed as DeafBlind deaf-blind, as defined in this Act, shall qualify for available services;

(11) Serving as the referral clearinghouse for all persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind, age 21 and older; and

(12) Providing transition services for students of Philip J. Rock School who are DeafBlind deaf-blind and between the ages of 14 1/2 and 21.

The Advisory Board for Services for Persons who are DeafBlind Deaf-Blind shall provide advice to the State Superintendent of Education, the Governor, and the General Assembly on all matters pertaining to policy concerning persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind, including the implementation of legislation enacted on their behalf.

Regarding the maintenance, operation and education functions of the Philip J. Rock Center and School, the Advisory Board shall also make recommendations pertaining to but not limited to the following matters:

(1) Existing and proposed programs of all State agencies that provide services for persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind;

(2) The State program and financial plan for DeafBlind deaf-blind services and the system of priorities to be developed by the State Board of Education;

(3) Standards for services in facilities serving persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind;

(4) Standards and rates for State payments for any services purchased for persons who are DeafBlind deaf-blind;

(5) Services and research activities in the field of DeafBlindness deaf-blindness, including evaluation of services; and

(6) Planning for personnel/preparation, both preservice and inservice.

The Advisory Board shall consist of 3 persons appointed by the Governor; 2 persons appointed by the State Superintendent of Education; 4 persons appointed by the Secretary of Human Services; and 2 persons appointed by the Director of Children and Family Services. The 3 appointments of the Governor shall consist of a senior citizen 60 years of age or older, a consumer who is DeafBlind deaf-blind, and a parent of a person who is DeafBlind deaf-blind; provided that if any gubernatorial appointee serving on the Advisory Board on the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1991 is not either a senior citizen 60 years of age or older or a consumer who is DeafBlind deaf-blind or a parent of a person who is DeafBlind deaf-blind, then whenever that appointee's term of office expires or a vacancy in that appointee's office sooner occurs, the Governor shall make the appointment to fill that office or vacancy in a manner that will result, at the earliest possible time, in the Governor's appointments to the Advisory Board being comprised of one senior citizen 60 years of age or older, one consumer who is DeafBlind deaf-blind, and one parent of a person who is DeafBlind deaf-blind. One person designated by each agency other than the Department of Human Services may be an employee of that agency. Two persons appointed by the Secretary of Human Services may be employees of the Department of Human Services. The appointments of each appointing authority other than the Governor shall include at least one parent of an individual who is DeafBlind deaf-blind or a person who is DeafBlind deaf-blind.

Vacancies in terms shall be filled by the original appointing authority. After the original terms, all terms shall be for 3 years.

Except for those members of the Advisory Board who are compensated for State service on a full-time basis, members shall be reimbursed for all actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Each member who is not compensated for State service on a full-time basis shall be compensated at a rate of $50 per day which he spends on Advisory Board duties. The Advisory Board shall meet at least 4 times per year and not more than 12 times per year.

The Advisory Board shall provide for its own organization.

Six members of the Advisory Board shall constitute a quorum. The affirmative vote of a majority of all members of the Advisory Board shall be necessary for any action taken by the Advisory Board.

(Source: P.A. 88-670, eff. 12-2-94; 89-397, eff. 8-20-95; 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)

Section 20. The Public Utilities Act is amended by changing Section 13-213 as follows:

(220 ILCS 5/13-213) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 13-213)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on December 31, 2021)

Sec. 13-213. "Hearing-aid compatible telephone" means a telephone so equipped that it can activate an inductive coupling hearing-aid or which will provide an alternative technology that provides equally effective telephone service and which will provide equipment necessary for the deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind hearing impaired to use generally available telecommunications services effectively or without assistance.

(Source: P.A. 100-20, eff. 7-1-17.)

Section 25. The Smoke Detector Act is amended by changing Section 3 as follows:

(425 ILCS 60/3) (from Ch. 127 1/2, par. 803)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 100-200)

Sec. 3. (a) Every dwelling unit or hotel shall be equipped with at least one approved smoke detector in an operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. The detector shall be installed on the ceiling and at least 6 inches from any wall, or on a wall located between 4 and 6 inches from the ceiling.

(b) Every single family residence shall have at least one approved smoke detector installed on every story of the dwelling unit, including basements but not including unoccupied attics. In dwelling units with split levels, a smoke detector installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level if the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level; however, if there is an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke detector shall be installed on each level.

(c) Every structure which (1) contains more than one dwelling unit, or (2) contains at least one dwelling unit and is a mixed-use structure, shall contain at least one approved smoke detector at the uppermost ceiling of each interior stairwell. The detector shall be installed on the ceiling, at least 6 inches from the wall, or on a wall located between 4 and 6 inches from the ceiling.

(d) It shall be the responsibility of the owner of a structure to supply and install all required detectors. The owner shall be responsible for making reasonable efforts to test and maintain detectors in common stairwells and hallways. It shall be the responsibility of a tenant to test and to provide general maintenance for the detectors within the tenant's dwelling unit or rooming unit, and to notify the owner or the authorized agent of the owner in writing of any deficiencies which the tenant cannot correct. The owner shall be responsible for providing one tenant per dwelling unit with written information regarding detector testing and maintenance.

The tenant shall be responsible for replacement of any required batteries in the smoke detectors in the tenant's dwelling unit, except that the owner shall ensure that such batteries are in operating condition at the time the tenant takes possession of the dwelling unit. The tenant shall provide the owner or the authorized agent of the owner with access to the dwelling unit to correct any deficiencies in the smoke detector which have been reported in writing to the owner or the authorized agent of the owner.

(e) The requirements of this Section shall apply to any dwelling unit in existence on July 1, 1988, beginning on that date. Except as provided in subsections (f) and (g), the smoke detectors required in such dwelling units may be either battery powered or wired into the structure's AC power line, and need not be interconnected.

(f) In the case of any dwelling unit that is newly constructed, reconstructed, or substantially remodelled after December 31, 1987, the requirements of this Section shall apply beginning on the first day of occupancy of the dwelling unit after such construction, reconstruction or substantial remodelling. The smoke detectors required in such dwelling unit shall be permanently wired into the structure's AC power line, and if more than one detector is required to be installed within the dwelling unit, the detectors shall be wired so that the actuation of one detector will actuate all the detectors in the dwelling unit.

In the case of any dwelling unit that is newly constructed, reconstructed, or substantially remodeled on or after January 1, 2011, smoke detectors permanently wired into the structure's AC power line must also maintain an alternative back-up power source, which may be either a battery or batteries or an emergency generator.

(g) Every hotel shall be equipped with operational portable smoke-detecting alarm devices for the deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind and hearing impaired of audible and visual design, available for units of occupancy.

Specialized smoke detectors smoke-detectors for the deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind and hearing impaired shall be available upon request by guests in such hotels at a rate of at least one such smoke detector per 75 occupancy units or portions thereof, not to exceed 5 such smoke detectors per hotel. Incorporation or connection into an existing interior alarm system, so as to be capable of being activated by the system, may be utilized in lieu of the portable alarms.

Operators of any hotel shall post conspicuously at the main desk a permanent notice, in letters at least 3 inches in height, stating that smoke detector alarm devices for the deaf , hard of hearing, and DeafBlind and hearing impaired are available. The proprietor may require a refundable deposit for a portable smoke detector not to exceed the cost of the detector.

(g-5) A hotel, as defined in this Act, shall be responsible for installing and maintaining smoke detecting equipment.

(h) Compliance with an applicable federal, State, or local law or building code which requires the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors in a manner different from this Section, but providing a level of safety for occupants which is equal to or greater than that provided by this Section, shall be deemed to be in compliance with this Section, and the requirements of such more stringent law shall govern over the requirements of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 96-1292, eff. 1-1-11; 97-447, eff. 1-1-12; revised 8-19-20.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 100-200)

Sec. 3. (a) Every dwelling unit or hotel shall be equipped with at least one approved smoke detector in an operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. The detector shall be installed on the ceiling and at least 6 inches from any wall, or on a wall located between 4 and 6 inches from the ceiling.

(b) Every single family residence shall have at least one approved smoke detector installed on every story of the dwelling unit, including basements but not including unoccupied attics. In dwelling units with split levels, a smoke detector installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level if the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level; however, if there is an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke detector shall be installed on each level.

(c) Every structure which (1) contains more than one dwelling unit, or (2) contains at least one dwelling unit and is a mixed-use structure, shall contain at least one approved smoke detector at the uppermost ceiling of each interior stairwell. The detector shall be installed on the ceiling, at least 6 inches from the wall, or on a wall located between 4 and 6 inches from the ceiling.

(d) It shall be the responsibility of the owner of a structure to supply and install all required detectors. The owner shall be responsible for making reasonable efforts to test and maintain detectors in common stairwells and hallways. It shall be the responsibility of a tenant to test and to provide general maintenance for the detectors within the tenant's dwelling unit or rooming unit, and to notify the owner or the authorized agent of the owner in writing of any deficiencies which the tenant cannot correct. The owner shall be responsible for providing one tenant per dwelling unit with written information regarding detector testing and maintenance.

The tenant shall be responsible for replacement of any required batteries in the smoke detectors in the tenant's dwelling unit, except that the owner shall ensure that such batteries are in operating condition at the time the tenant takes possession of the dwelling unit. The tenant shall provide the owner or the authorized agent of the owner with access to the dwelling unit to correct any deficiencies in the smoke detector which have been reported in writing to the owner or the authorized agent of the owner.

(e) The requirements of this Section shall apply to any dwelling unit in existence on July 1, 1988, beginning on that date. Except as provided in subsections (f) and (g), the smoke detectors required in such dwelling units may be either: battery powered provided the battery is a self-contained, non-removable, long-term long term battery, or wired into the structure's AC power line, and need not be interconnected.

(1) The battery requirements of this Section shall apply to battery-powered battery powered smoke detectors that: (A) are in existence and exceed 10 years from the date of their being manufactured; (B) fail fails to respond to operability tests or otherwise malfunction malfunctions; or (C) are newly installed.

(2) The battery requirements of this Section do not apply to: (A) a fire alarm, smoke detector, smoke alarm, or ancillary component that is electronically connected as a part of a centrally monitored or supervised alarm system; (B) a fire alarm, smoke detector, smoke alarm, or ancillary component that uses: (i) a low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal, or (ii) Wi-Fi or other wireless Local Area Networking capability to send and receive notifications to and from the Internet, such as early low battery warnings before the device reaches a critical low power level; or (C) such other devices as the State Fire Marshal shall designate through its regulatory process.

(f) In the case of any dwelling unit that is newly constructed, reconstructed, or substantially remodelled after December 31, 1987, the requirements of this Section shall apply beginning on the first day of occupancy of the dwelling unit after such construction, reconstruction or substantial remodelling. The smoke detectors required in such dwelling unit shall be permanently wired into the structure's AC power line, and if more than one detector is required to be installed within the dwelling unit, the detectors shall be wired so that the actuation of one detector will actuate all the detectors in the dwelling unit.

In the case of any dwelling unit that is newly constructed, reconstructed, or substantially remodeled on or after January 1, 2011, smoke detectors permanently wired into the structure's AC power line must also maintain an alternative back-up power source, which may be either a battery or batteries or an emergency generator.

(g) Every hotel shall be equipped with operational portable smoke-detecting alarm devices for the deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind and hearing impaired of audible and visual design, available for units of occupancy.

Specialized smoke detectors smoke-detectors for the deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind and hearing impaired shall be available upon request by guests in such hotels at a rate of at least one such smoke detector per 75 occupancy units or portions thereof, not to exceed 5 such smoke detectors per hotel. Incorporation or connection into an existing interior alarm system, so as to be capable of being activated by the system, may be utilized in lieu of the portable alarms.

Operators of any hotel shall post conspicuously at the main desk a permanent notice, in letters at least 3 inches in height, stating that smoke detector alarm devices for the deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind and hearing impaired are available. The proprietor may require a refundable deposit for a portable smoke detector not to exceed the cost of the detector.

(g-5) A hotel, as defined in this Act, shall be responsible for installing and maintaining smoke detecting equipment.

(h) Compliance with an applicable federal, State, or local law or building code which requires the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors in a manner different from this Section, but providing a level of safety for occupants which is equal to or greater than that provided by this Section, shall be deemed to be in compliance with this Section, and the requirements of such more stringent law shall govern over the requirements of this Section.

(i) The requirements of this Section shall not apply to dwelling units and hotels within municipalities with a population over 1,000,000 inhabitants.

(Source: P.A. 100-200, eff. 1-1-23; revised 8-19-20.)

Section 30. The Animal Control Act is amended by changing Sections 15 and 15.1 as follows:

(510 ILCS 5/15) (from Ch. 8, par. 365)

Sec. 15. (a) In order to have a dog deemed "vicious", the Administrator, Deputy Administrator, or law enforcement officer must give notice of the infraction that is the basis of the investigation to the owner, conduct a thorough investigation, interview any witnesses, including the owner, gather any existing medical records, veterinary medical records or behavioral evidence, and make a detailed report recommending a finding that the dog is a vicious dog and give the report to the State's Attorney's Office and the owner. The Administrator, State's Attorney, Director or any citizen of the county in which the dog exists may file a complaint in the circuit court in the name of the People of the State of Illinois to deem a dog to be a vicious dog. Testimony of a certified applied behaviorist, a board certified veterinary behaviorist, or another recognized expert may be relevant to the court's determination of whether the dog's behavior was justified. The petitioner must prove the dog is a vicious dog by clear and convincing evidence. The Administrator shall determine where the animal shall be confined during the pendency of the case.

A dog may not be declared vicious if the court determines the conduct of the dog was justified because:

(1) the threat, injury, or death was sustained by a person who at the time was committing a crime or offense upon the owner or custodian of the dog, or was committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises or property owned or occupied by the owner of the animal;

(2) the injured, threatened, or killed person was abusing, assaulting, or physically threatening the dog or its offspring, or has in the past abused, assaulted, or physically threatened the dog or its offspring; or

(3) the dog was responding to pain or injury, or was protecting itself, its owner, custodian, or member of its household, kennel, or offspring.

No dog shall be deemed "vicious" if it is a professionally trained dog for law enforcement or guard duties. Vicious dogs shall not be classified in a manner that is specific as to breed.

If the burden of proof has been met, the court shall deem the dog to be a vicious dog.

If a dog is found to be a vicious dog, the owner shall pay a $100 public safety fine to be deposited into the county animal control fund, the dog shall be spayed or neutered within 10 days of the finding at the expense of its owner and microchipped, if not already, and the dog is subject to enclosure. If an owner fails to comply with these requirements, the animal control agency shall impound the dog and the owner shall pay a $500 fine plus impoundment fees to the animal control agency impounding the dog. The judge has the discretion to order a vicious dog be euthanized. A dog found to be a vicious dog shall not be released to the owner until the Administrator, an Animal Control Warden, or the Director approves the enclosure. No owner or keeper of a vicious dog shall sell or give away the dog without approval from the Administrator or court. Whenever an owner of a vicious dog relocates, he or she shall notify both the Administrator of County Animal Control where he or she has relocated and the Administrator of County Animal Control where he or she formerly resided.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any dog which has been found to be a vicious dog unless the dog is kept in an enclosure. The only times that a vicious dog may be allowed out of the enclosure are (1) if it is necessary for the owner or keeper to obtain veterinary care for the dog, (2) in the case of an emergency or natural disaster where the dog's life is threatened, or (3) to comply with the order of a court of competent jurisdiction, provided that the dog is securely muzzled and restrained with a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length, and shall be under the direct control and supervision of the owner or keeper of the dog or muzzled in its residence.

Any dog which has been found to be a vicious dog and which is not confined to an enclosure shall be impounded by the Administrator, an Animal Control Warden, or the law enforcement authority having jurisdiction in such area.

If the owner of the dog has not appealed the impoundment order to the circuit court in the county in which the animal was impounded within 15 working days, the dog may be euthanized.

Upon filing a notice of appeal, the order of euthanasia shall be automatically stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. The owner shall bear the burden of timely notification to animal control in writing.

Guide dogs for the blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind or hearing impaired, support dogs for persons with physical disabilities, accelerant detection dogs, and sentry, guard, or police-owned dogs are exempt from this Section; provided, an attack or injury to a person occurs while the dog is performing duties as expected. To qualify for exemption under this Section, each such dog shall be currently inoculated against rabies in accordance with Section 8 of this Act. It shall be the duty of the owner of such exempted dog to notify the Administrator of changes of address. In the case of a sentry or guard dog, the owner shall keep the Administrator advised of the location where such dog will be stationed. The Administrator shall provide police and fire departments with a categorized list of such exempted dogs, and shall promptly notify such departments of any address changes reported to him.

(c) If the animal control agency has custody of the dog, the agency may file a petition with the court requesting that the owner be ordered to post security. The security must be in an amount sufficient to secure payment of all reasonable expenses expected to be incurred by the animal control agency or animal shelter in caring for and providing for the dog pending the determination. Reasonable expenses include, but are not limited to, estimated medical care and boarding of the animal for 30 days. If security has been posted in accordance with this Section, the animal control agency may draw from the security the actual costs incurred by the agency in caring for the dog.

(d) Upon receipt of a petition, the court must set a hearing on the petition, to be conducted within 5 business days after the petition is filed. The petitioner must serve a true copy of the petition upon the defendant.

(e) If the court orders the posting of security, the security must be posted with the clerk of the court within 5 business days after the hearing. If the person ordered to post security does not do so, the dog is forfeited by operation of law and the animal control agency must dispose of the animal through adoption or humane euthanization.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16; 100-787, eff. 8-10-18.)

(510 ILCS 5/15.1)

Sec. 15.1. Dangerous dog determination.

(a) After a thorough investigation including: sending, within 10 business days of the Administrator or Director becoming aware of the alleged infraction, notifications to the owner of the alleged infractions, the fact of the initiation of an investigation, and affording the owner an opportunity to meet with the Administrator or Director prior to the making of a determination; gathering of any medical or veterinary evidence; interviewing witnesses; and making a detailed written report, an animal control warden, deputy administrator, or law enforcement agent may ask the Administrator, or his or her designee, or the Director, to deem a dog to be "dangerous". No dog shall be deemed a "dangerous dog" unless shown to be a dangerous dog by a preponderance of evidence. The owner shall be sent immediate notification of the determination by registered or certified mail that includes a complete description of the appeal process.

(b) A dog shall not be declared dangerous if the Administrator, or his or her designee, or the Director determines the conduct of the dog was justified because:

(1) the threat was sustained by a person who at the time was committing a crime or offense upon the owner or custodian of the dog or was committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises or property occupied by the owner of the animal;

(2) the threatened person was abusing, assaulting, or physically threatening the dog or its offspring;

(3) the injured, threatened, or killed companion animal was attacking or threatening to attack the dog or its offspring; or

(4) the dog was responding to pain or injury or was protecting itself, its owner, custodian, or a member of its household, kennel, or offspring.

(c) Testimony of a certified applied behaviorist, a board certified veterinary behaviorist, or another recognized expert may be relevant to the determination of whether the dog's behavior was justified pursuant to the provisions of this Section.

(d) If deemed dangerous, the Administrator, or his or her designee, or the Director shall order (i) the dog's owner to pay a $50 public safety fine to be deposited into the county animal control fund, (ii) the dog to be spayed or neutered within 14 days at the owner's expense and microchipped, if not already, and (iii) one or more of the following as deemed appropriate under the circumstances and necessary for the protection of the public:

(1) evaluation of the dog by a certified applied behaviorist, a board certified veterinary behaviorist, or another recognized expert in the field and completion of training or other treatment as deemed appropriate by the expert. The owner of the dog shall be responsible for all costs associated with evaluations and training ordered under this subsection; or

(2) direct supervision by an adult 18 years of age or older whenever the animal is on public premises.

(e) The Administrator may order a dangerous dog to be muzzled whenever it is on public premises in a manner that will prevent it from biting any person or animal, but that shall not injure the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration.

(f) Guide dogs for the blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind or hearing impaired, support dogs for persons with a physical disability, and sentry, guard, or police-owned dogs are exempt from this Section; provided, an attack or injury to a person occurs while the dog is performing duties as expected. To qualify for exemption under this Section, each such dog shall be currently inoculated against rabies in accordance with Section 8 of this Act and performing duties as expected. It shall be the duty of the owner of the exempted dog to notify the Administrator of changes of address. In the case of a sentry or guard dog, the owner shall keep the Administrator advised of the location where such dog will be stationed. The Administrator shall provide police and fire departments with a categorized list of the exempted dogs, and shall promptly notify the departments of any address changes reported to him or her.

(g) An animal control agency has the right to impound a dangerous dog if the owner fails to comply with the requirements of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 100-787, eff. 8-10-18.)

Section 35. The Humane Care for Animals Act is amended by changing Section 7.15 as follows:

(510 ILCS 70/7.15)

Sec. 7.15. Guide, hearing, and support dogs.

(a) A person may not willfully and maliciously annoy, taunt, tease, harass, torment, beat, or strike a guide, hearing, or support dog or otherwise engage in any conduct directed toward a guide, hearing, or support dog that is likely to impede or interfere with the dog's performance of its duties or that places the blind, deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, hearing impaired, or person with a physical disability being served or assisted by the dog in danger of injury.

(b) A person may not willfully and maliciously torture, injure, or kill a guide, hearing, or support dog.

(c) A person may not willfully and maliciously permit a dog that is owned, harbored, or controlled by the person to cause injury to or the death of a guide, hearing, or support dog while the guide, hearing, or support dog is in discharge of its duties.

(d) A person convicted of violating this Section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation is a Class 4 felony. A person convicted of violating subsection (b) or (c) of this Section is guilty of a Class 4 felony if the dog is killed or totally disabled, and may be ordered by the court to make restitution to the person with a disability having custody or ownership of the dog for veterinary bills and replacement costs of the dog.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

Section 40. The Illinois Human Rights Act is amended by changing Section 8-102 as follows:

(775 ILCS 5/8-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-102)

Sec. 8-102. Powers and duties. In addition to the other powers and duties prescribed in this Act, the Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(A) Meetings. To meet and function at any place within the State.

(B) Offices. To establish and maintain offices in Springfield and Chicago.

(C) Employees. To select and fix the compensation of such technical advisors and employees as it may deem necessary pursuant to the provisions of the Personnel Code.

(D) Hearing Officers. To select and fix the compensation of hearing officers who shall be attorneys duly licensed to practice law in this State and full-time employees of the Commission.

A formal and unbiased training program for hearing officers shall be implemented. The training program shall include the following:

(1) substantive and procedural aspects of the hearing officer position;

(2) current issues in human rights law and practice;

(3) lectures by specialists in substantive areas related to human rights matters;

(4) orientation to each operational unit of the Department and Commission;

(5) observation of experienced hearing officers conducting hearings of cases, combined with the opportunity to discuss evidence presented and rulings made;

(6) the use of hypothetical cases requiring the hearing officer to issue judgments as a means to evaluating knowledge and writing ability;

(7) writing skills;

(8) computer skills, including, but not limited to, word processing and document management.

A formal, unbiased and ongoing professional development program including, but not limited to, the above-noted areas shall be implemented to keep hearing officers informed of recent developments and issues and to assist them in maintaining and enhancing their professional competence.

(E) Rules and Regulations. To adopt, promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(F) Compulsory Process. To issue and authorize requests for enforcement of subpoenas and other compulsory process established by this Act.

(G) Decisions. Through a panel of 3 members designated by the Chairperson on a random basis, to hear and decide by majority vote complaints filed in conformity with this Act and to approve proposed settlements. Decisions by commissioners must be based strictly on neutral interpretations of the law and the facts.

(H) Rehearings. To order, by a vote of 3 members, rehearing of its decisions by the entire Commission in conformity with this Act.

(I) Judicial Enforcement. To authorize requests for judicial enforcement of its orders in conformity with this Act.

(J) Opinions. To publish each decision within 180 days of the decision to assure a consistent source of precedent. Published decisions shall be subject to the Personal Information Protection Act.

(K) Public Grants; Private Gifts. To accept public grants and private gifts as may be authorized.

(L) Interpreters. To appoint at the expense of the Commission a qualified sign language interpreter whenever a deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind hearing impaired person is a party or witness at a public hearing.

(M) Automated Processing Plan. To prepare an electronic data processing and telecommunications plan jointly with the Department in accordance with Section 7-112.

The provisions of Public Act 89-370 amending subsection (G) of this Section apply to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

(Source: P.A. 100-1066, eff. 8-24-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

Section 45. The White Cane Law is amended by changing Section 3 as follows:

(775 ILCS 30/3) (from Ch. 23, par. 3363)

Sec. 3. The blind, persons who have a visual disability, the deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind hearing impaired, persons who are subject to epilepsy or other seizure disorders, and persons who have other physical disabilities have the same right as the able-bodied to the full and free use of the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities and other public places.

The blind, persons who have a visual disability, the deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind hearing impaired, persons who are subject to epilepsy or other seizure disorders, and persons who have other physical disabilities are entitled to full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of all common carriers, airplanes, motor vehicles, railroad trains, motor buses, street cars, boats or any other public conveyances or modes of transportation, hotels, lodging places, places of public accommodation, amusement or resort and other places to which the general public is invited, subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all persons.

Every totally or partially blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind or hearing impaired person, person who is subject to epilepsy or other seizure disorders, or person who has any other physical disability or a trainer of support dogs, guide dogs, seizure-alert dogs, seizure-response dogs, or hearing dogs shall have the right to be accompanied by a support dog or guide dog especially trained for the purpose, or a dog that is being trained to be a support dog, guide dog, seizure-alert dog, seizure-response dog, or hearing dog, in any of the places listed in this Section without being required to pay an extra charge for the guide, support, seizure-alert, seizure-response, or hearing dog; provided that he shall be liable for any damage done to the premises or facilities by such dog.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other Public Act.

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