- Published: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 11:11 AM
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) sponsored two bills that passed the Senate on Monday aimed at protecting adults with disabilities, children and individuals with severe intellectual disabilities.
Adult protective services update
The Illinois Senate approved follow-up legislation Monday to a 2013 reform package that overhauled protections for adults with disabilities.
The plan – sponsored Haine – protects the Illinois Department on Aging from being sued for enforcing the Adult Protective Services Act.
“This is follow through. We passed these safeguards last year, and we’re continuing to fine-tune protections for this at-risk population,” Haine said.
Last year’s legislation was triggered by a series of Belleville News Democrat stories reporting the failure of state agencies to protect against abuses of disabled adults.
One feature of the Adult Protective Services Act was an online registry of healthcare workers who have previously abused, neglected or financial explicated disabled adults under their care.
These workers are banned from being caregivers employed by the state or by organizations regulated by the state.
Haine’s proposal shields the Department and its employees from legal liability for posting healthcare workers information to the registry.
The plan, House Bill 4327, passed the Senate by a 50-0 vote. It now returns to the House for a concurrence vote.
New penalties for severe child, disabled abuse
Police in Illinois would be free to seize property of adults who severely abuse children younger than 13 years old under a plan approved by the State Senate on Monday.
Haine’s proposal gives police the authority to seize cars, boats or aircraft in cases where the owner causes bodily harm or disability or disfigurement to child or person with severe intellectual disabilities.
“Police and sheriff departments can already seize property for severe offenses. This plan extends it to some of the most deplorable types of crime,” Haine said.
The plan, House Bill 5523, passed the Senate by a 50-0 vote. It now returns to the House for a concurrence vote.