Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB2906

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision concerning the development of an employability plan for recipients of public aid who participate in the Department of Human Services' education, training, and employment program, requires the employability plan to include a description of Core and Non-Core activities the recipient will undertake to achieve his or her employment goal. Requires the Department to define, by rule, the hour requirements regarding Core and Non-Core activities. Provides that Core activities shall consist of employment, participation in the Work First program, vocational training, participation in an associate or bachelor's degree program, and other activities. Provides that Non-Core activities shall consist of job skills training related to employment and education directly related to employment, including, but not limited to: adult basic education and English as a Second Language classes. Provides that high school and high school equivalency programs shall constitute a Core activity for clients when they initially qualify for assistance; however, the Department may define, by rule, when high school and high school equivalency programs may constitute a Non-Core activity for clients who may not finish programs within the time limits of their eligibility.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions requiring the Department of Human Services to develop an employment plan for recipients of public aid who participate in the Department's education, training, and employment program, provides that the Department shall treat participation in high school and high school equivalency programs as a core activity and count participation in high school and high school equivalency programs toward the first 20 hours per week of participation. Requires the Department to approve participation in high school or high school equivalency programs upon written or oral request of the participant if he or she has not already earned a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate. Provides that participation in high school or high school equivalency programs may be delayed as part of an applicant's or recipient's personal plan for achieving employment and self-sufficiency if it is determined that the benefit from participating in another activity, such as, but not limited to, treatment for substance abuse or an English proficiency program, would be greater to the applicant or recipient than participation in high school or a high school equivalency program. Requires the Department to treat such activities as a core activity as long as satisfactory progress is made, as determined by the high school or high school equivalency program.

×