Education Law

(Morrison, D-Deerfield; Lilly, D-Chicago) raises the age from 18 to 21 who may buy tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products. Eliminates the penalty for possession of a cigar, cigarette, smokeless tobacco, or tobacco in any of its forms by persons under 18 years of age. Passed both chambers. 

(Olsen, R-Downers Grove; Syverson, R-Rockford) provides that the court may not appoint an individual as the guardian of the person or estate of an adult with disabilities before the individual has disclosed to the court the number of adults with disabilities to which the individual is currently appointed as guardian. If the court determines that an individual is appointed guardian to more than five adults with disabilities, then then circuit court clerk must notify the Guardianship and Advocacy no later than seven days after the entry of the order. Exempts the Office of the State Guardian and public guardians from the new provisions. Passed both chambers. 

(Scott Bennett, D-Champaign; Kelly Burke, D-Oak Lawn) and House Bill 4754 (Bennett, D-Champaign; Breen, R-Lombard) provide that on the death of a designated beneficiary, proceeds from an ABLE account may be transferred to the estate of a designated beneficiary, or to an account for another eligible individual specified by the designated beneficiary, or the estate of the designated beneficiary. Amends the Trusts and Trustees Act to provide that the court or a person with a disability may irrevocably assign resources of that person to either or both of: (1) an ABLE account; or (2) a discretionary trust that complies with the Medicaid reimbursement requirements of federal law. Provides that a court may reserve the right to determine the amount, duration, or enforcement of the irrevocable assignment. Passed both chambers. 

(Scott Bennett, D-Champaign; Kelly Burke, D-Oak Lawn) adds funds invested in an ABLE Account as defined by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to the list of personal property that is exempt from judgment, attachment, or distress for rent. Passed both chambers. 

(Tracy, R-Quincy; Keith Wheeler, R-North Aurora) creates authorization for and requirements to follow using email as a method of service under this Act. Passed both chambers. 

(Morrison, D-Deerfield) allows a law enforcement office or DCFS, in consultation with the state's attorney, to transport a minor who has been taken under temporary custody under Article II to a child advocacy center or other age-appropriate facility to conduct and electronically record a forensic interview with the minor. It authorizes the law enforcement officer to consent to the recording of the interview of the minor under this Article. Assigned to Senate Criminal Law Committee for hearing next week.