Lake County Gazette

Bob Morgan introduced HB3769 in the Illinois House on Feb. 7, 2025, during the general assembly session 104, according to the Illinois General Assembly.

According to the Illinois General Assembly site, the legislature summarized the bill's official text as follows: "Amends the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Requires a licensed occupational therapist or licensed occupational therapy assistant who intends to provide services for individuals, groups, and populations concerning occupational therapy needs without a referral to do so within the licensee's scope of practice. Provides that a referral is not required for the purpose of providing consultations, habilitation services, screenings, education, wellness services, preventions services, environmental assessments, and work-related ergonomic services. Provides that, except for occupational therapy services within the licensee's scope of practice at the time of evaluation and services provided pursuant to provisions concerning when referrals are not required, an occupational therapist shall refer a patient to the patient's treating health care professional of record, or to a health care professional of the patient's choosing if there is no health care professional of record, if the patient meets certain criteria. Provides that an occupational therapist shall refer a patient to the patient's treating health care professional of record, or to a health care professional of the patient's choosing if there is no health care professional of record if the patient does not demonstrate measurable or function improvement after 10 visits (rather than after 10 visits or 15 business days, whichever occurs first)."

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act to modify the regulations regarding referrals for occupational therapy services. Licensed occupational therapists and therapy assistants can provide services without a referral for individual, group, and population needs within their practice scope, as well as for consultation, habilitation, screening, education, wellness, prevention, environmental assessments, and ergonomic services. For children and youths in school settings or home environments, occupational therapy services can be provided without referring from a physician or healthcare provider. However, therapists must refer patients to a healthcare professional if there is no measurable improvement after 10 visits, services are sought 30 days post-discharge without a prior diagnosis, or if a medical condition is beyond the therapist's practice scope. The act will be repealed on Jan. 1, 2029, but this amendment becomes effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Bob Morgan has proposed another 24 bills since the beginning of the 104th session.

Morgan graduated from the University of Illinois in 2002 with a BA and again in 2005 from Northern Illinois University with a JD.

Bob Morgan is currently serving in the Illinois State House, representing the state's 58th House District. He replaced previous state representative Scott Drury in 2019.

Bills in Illinois follow a multi-step legislative process, beginning with introduction in either the House or Senate, followed by committee review, floor debates, and votes in both chambers before reaching the governor for approval or veto. The General Assembly operates on a biennial schedule, and while typically thousands of bills are introduced each session, only a fraction successfully pass through the process to become law.

You can read more about bills and other measures here.

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
HB3769	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Requires a licensed occupational therapist or licensed occupational therapy assistant who intends to provide services for individuals, groups, and populations concerning occupational therapy needs without a referral to do so within the licensee's scope of practice. Provides that a referral is not required for the purpose of providing consultations, habilitation services, screenings, education, wellness services, preventions services, environmental assessments, and work-related ergonomic services. Provides that, except for occupational therapy services within the licensee's scope of practice at the time of evaluation and services provided pursuant to provisions concerning when referrals are not required, an occupational therapist shall refer a patient to the patient's treating health care professional of record, or to a health care professional of the patient's choosing if there is no health care professional of record, if the patient meets certain criteria. Provides that an occupational therapist shall refer a patient to the patient's treating health care professional of record, or to a health care professional of the patient's choosing if there is no health care professional of record if the patient does not demonstrate measurable or function improvement after 10 visits (rather than after 10 visits or 15 business days, whichever occurs first).
HB3680	02/07/2025	Appropriates $18,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security for deposit into the IEMA State Projects Fund for grants and operational expenses associated with the administration of Illinois’ Not-For-Profit Security Grant Program. Effective July 1, 2025.
HB3681	02/07/2025	Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Respiratory Care Practice Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Respiratory Care Practice Act. Adds provisions concerning address of record and email address of record. Removes the requirement that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation maintain a roster of the names and addresses of all licenses and all persons whose licenses have been suspended, revoked, or denied renewal for cause within the previous calendar year. Changes the membership of the Respiratory Care Board to 5 persons of which 3 members shall be currently engaged in the practice of respiratory care and one member who is a hospital administrator (rather than 7 persons of which 4 members shall be currently engaged in the practice of respiratory care and two members who are hospital administrators). Provides that a majority of the Board members (rather than 4) shall constitute a quorum. Provides that an applicant shall include the applicant's Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in an application to the Department (rather than only the applicant's Social Security Number). Provides that the Department shall provide a certified shorthand reporter to take down the testimony and preserve the record of all proceedings at a formal hearing (rather than the Department preserving the record). Provides that provisions concerning the repeal date of the Act are effective immediately. Makes other changes.
HB3682	02/07/2025	Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning on July 1, 2025, "prescription and nonprescription medicines and drugs" includes cannabis purchased by a qualified registered patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver from a dispensing organization registered under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act or the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Adds, changes, and provides for the repeal of certain definitions. Makes conforming changes to terms in the Act. Sunsets certain provisions on June 30, 2025. Adds references to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, supplanting certain provisions in the Act on July 1, 2025. Provides for repeal of certain provisions on January 1, 2026, subjecting certain activities to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Repeals certain provisions. Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Adds and changes definitions. Makes conforming changes to terms in the Act. Removes certain references and provides for repeal of certain provisions related to the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Makes provisions regarding mergers of certain licenses and medical patient prioritization. Provides for Adult Use Dispensing Organization licensee relocation. Provides for rescission of a conditional license, with certain requirements. Makes changes to provisions regarding Adult Use Dispensing Organization Licenses. Adds to requirements for Responsible Vendor Program Training modules. Adds new prohibitions and exceptions to provisions regarding changes to a dispensing organization. Requires prioritizing qualifying patients, provisional patients, and dedicated caregivers, with certain requirements. Adds certain State agencies and local health officials to provisions regarding investigations. Makes changes to provisions regarding Cultivation Center Licenses. Makes other changes.
HB3683	02/07/2025	Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to change the repeal date of the Illinois Physical Therapy Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Changes references from "Director" to "Secretary". Makes changes in provisions concerning legislative intent; definitions; physical therapy services; dry needling; licensure requirements; powers and duties of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act; duties and functions of the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Physical Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board; qualifications for licensure; license applications; examinations; restoration of expired licenses; inactive licenses; fees and returned checks; disciplinary actions; violations; investigations and hearings; confidentiality; and temporary suspension of a license. Adds provisions concerning the applicant's or licensee's address of record and email address of record. Makes other changes. Provides that the provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.
HB3684	02/07/2025	Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Defines "email address of record", "licensed continuing education sponsor", "licensed school", and "public member". Makes changes in provisions concerning the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act; an applicant's address of record; licensure requirements for each profession; unlicensed practice; abnormal skin growth education; display of a license; teacher education; examination of applicants for each profession; the practices that constitute cosmetology; inactive status of a license; the practices that constitute esthetics; investigations by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; requisites for ownership or operation of a school under the Act; the periodic review of schools for each profession; enrollment agreements; school rules and refunds; grounds for disciplinary action; exceptions for public schools; licensure renewal; requisites for ownership or operation of cosmetology, esthetics, hair braiding, and nail technology salons and barber shops; powers and duties of the Department; the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Board; applications; the issuance of a license; fees; refusal, suspension, and revocation of licenses; practice without a license or after suspension or revocation thereof; hearings; record of proceedings; citations; and certifications of record. Makes conforming and other changes. Provides that the provisions concerning the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.
HB3770	02/07/2025	Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Removes a prohibition against performance of a physical examination by a health care professional under the Act by remote means, including telemedicine.
HB3789	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Athletic Trainers Practice Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
HB3799	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that specified notices of cancellation of insurance must be mailed at least 30 days prior to the effective date of cancellation to the named insured if the effective date of cancellation is within the first 60 days of coverage. Provides that, after the coverage has been effective for 61 days or more, all notices must be mailed at least 60 days prior to the effective date of cancellation. Makes conforming changes. Creates the Climate Risk Disclosure Article. Provides that the Article applies to all companies licensed in Illinois under Classes 2 and 3 that write $100,000,000 or more annually in premiums. Allows the monetary threshold to be altered by rule. Requires all insurers subject to the Article to, upon direction from the Department of Insurance, participate in National Association of Insurance Commissioners issued climate surveys and Department issued climate surveys.
HB3800	02/07/2025	Amends the Burn Victims Relief Act. Dissolves the George Bailey Memorial Fund on June 30, 2025, or as soon thereafter as practical, and assigns any future deposits due to that Fund to the General Revenue Fund. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Requires every company licensed to do business in this State that is transacting the kind or kinds of business under Class 1, 2, or 3, as defined in the Code, to establish a customer affairs and information department to respond to policyholder inquiries and complaints. In provisions concerning kinds of agreements requiring approval, provides that the Director of Insurance has the right to request additional filing review and approval of all contracts that contribute to the statutory threshold trigger. Removes provisions concerning a working group related to the treatment and coverage of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders. Makes other changes. Amends the Dental Care Patient Protection Act. Makes changes concerning preemption of provisions. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Provides that health maintenance organizations are subject to provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code requiring coverage for certain at-home pregnancy tests and certain medically necessary treatments to address a major injury to the jaw. Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act to make technical and combining changes to conform the changes made by Public Act 103-777 and 103-650. Amends the Limited Health Service Organization Act to make conforming changes. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the definition of "insurance company". Effective immediately, except that certain changes to the Illinois Insurance Code are effective January 1, 2026 and certain other changes to the Illinois Insurance Code are effective 60 days after becoming law.
HB2969	02/06/2025	Creates the Balanced Earnings And Record Standards (BEARS) and Stadium Oversight and Expectations Act. Sets forth the purpose of the Act. Defines terms. Provides that, to be eligible for public financing, a professional sports team must have achieved a 0.500 record in at least 3 out of the last 5 regular seasons. Provides that the eligibility requirement applies to all requests for public financing related to: (1) stadium construction; (2) stadium renovation; and (3) stadium maintenance. Provides that teams that have been in existence for fewer than 5 years are exempt from the eligibility requirement but must demonstrate competitive performance by achieving a 0.500 or above record in at least 2 out of the team's first 5 seasons before applying for additional public financing. Provides that the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority shall issue a public report confirming the team's eligibility before any consideration of public financing by the State or a unit of local government. Provides that, prior to any public hearing on a proposal for public financing, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority shall publish a report detailing: (1) the team's performance record over the last 5 seasons; (2) the total amount of public financing requested; and (3) the projected economic impact of the proposed financing on the local community. Requires the report to be made publicly available on the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority website at least 30 days prior to the public hearing. Provides that any team found to have intentionally misrepresented its performance record or eligibility criteria shall be subject to: (1) a fine of up to $500,000; and (2) a ban on applying for public financing for a period of 5 years. Allows the Attorney General to pursue legal action to enforce the penalties. Includes a severability clause. Effective immediately.
HB2922	02/05/2025	Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Adds infection preventionists, minimum data set assessment nurses, other social workers, certified nursing assistant interns, and medication aides to the list of direct care staff used to compute staff to resident ratios. Provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, 100% of the hours worked by the specified staff shall be counted toward the staff to resident ratio. Provides that no monetary penalties shall be imposed unless the variance between a facility's minimum staffing ratios and the Department of Public Health's computations exceeds 20%. Removes a provision prohibiting waiver of a monetary penalty for non-compliance. In provisions concerning reporting requirements for facilities that violate the minimum staffing requirements, provides that the facility must have a variance that exceeds 20% of the requirements. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
HB2923	02/05/2025	Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. In provisions requiring a law enforcement agency to report misconduct committed by the agency's police officers, provides that the chief administrator of the law enforcement agency may be brought before the Certification Review Panel if the law enforcement agency fails to comply with the provisions. Provides that, upon a recommendation of the Panel, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board may suspend the chief administrator's law enforcement certification for a period of no less than 30 days. Allows the Board to bring a discretionary decertification action against the chief administrator for a second or subsequent violation of the provisions. Effective immediately.
HB2924	02/05/2025	Amends the Business Corporation Act of 1983. Provides that the articles of incorporation of any corporation (currently, any corporation incorporated after December 31, 1981) may limit or eliminate cumulative voting rights in all or specified circumstances, or may limit or deny voting rights or may provide special voting rights as to any class or classes or series of shares of such corporation.
HB2925	02/05/2025	Amends the Whistleblower Act. Prohibits retaliation by an employer or third party related to a past, current, or future activity that the employee has a good-faith belief violates a municipal, county, State, or federal law, rule, or regulation or poses a substantial and specific danger to employees, public health, or safety. Changes the damages an employee may receive for violations of the Act to include compensatory damages.
HB2926	02/05/2025	Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Provides that all cannabis products purchased by a qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver from a licensed dispensing organization shall be lawful products (rather than all medical cannabis products purchased by a qualifying patient at a licensed dispensing organization shall be lawful products and a distinction shall be made between medical and non-medical uses, with other requirements). Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Changes and adds definitions. Makes changes to provisions regarding operational requirements and prohibitions. Provides that a dispensing organization shall not sell cannabis or cannabis-infused products to a purchaser unless the purchaser has been verified to be 21 years of age or older, or the person is verified to be a registered qualified patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver (removing requirements referencing the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program). Removes prohibitions for a dispensing organization to operate drive-through windows. Provides an exception to the prohibition for a dispensing organization to transport cannabis for delivery. In provisions regarding an inventory control system, adds that all dispensing organizations shall maintain internal, confidential records of all deliveries to any registered qualified patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver, with certain requirements. In provisions regarding dispensing cannabis, adds a requirement that the agent verify the qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver registration card, if applicable. Provides that a dispensing organization may offer pickup or drive-through for cannabis or cannabis-infused products to purchasers over 21 years of age and certain patients and caregivers. Provides that a dispensing organization may offer delivery for cannabis or cannabis-infused products to certain patients and caregivers. Adds requirements to provisions regarding security for a dispensing organization. Adds provisions permitting delivery by dispensing organizations to the residence of a qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver, with certain requirements.
HB1804	01/27/2025	Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Specifies that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security shall not award grants from the IEMA State Projects Fund to those entities whose primary purpose is to provide reproductive health care services (rather than medical or mental health services). Effective immediately.
HB1805	01/27/2025	Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Illinois Dental Practice Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Adds a definition for "email address of record". Provides that all applicants and licensees shall provide a valid address and email address to the Department upon application for licensure or renewal of a license and inform the Department of any change in the applicant or licensee's address of record or email address of record within 14 days after such change. Adds Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to provisions concerning information that an applicant must include in an application to the Department. Adds concealment in the application for a license under the Act to causes that allow the Department to take action on a license. Provides that the Department may subpoena the dental records of individual patients of dentists and dental hygienists under the Act, upon a determination that reasonable cause exists, without patient consent. Removes provision that states that exhibits in a judicial review proceeding shall be certified without cost. Adds a definition of "agent of a dentist" to provisions concerning third-party financing for dental services. Makes conforming and other changes. Provides that the changes to the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.
HB1806	01/27/2025	Creates the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act. Defines terms. Provides that an individual, corporation, or entity may not provide, advertise, or otherwise offer therapy or psychotherapy services to the public in the State unless the therapy or psychotherapy services are conducted by an individual who is a licensed professional. Provides that a licensed professional may use an artificial intelligence system only to the extent the use of the artificial intelligence system meets the definition of permitted use of artificial intelligence systems. Provides that a licensed professional may not use an artificial intelligence system in therapy or psychotherapy services to make independent therapeutic decisions, directly interact with clients in any form of therapeutic communication, or generate therapeutic recommendations or treatment plans without the review and approval by a licensed professional. Provides that any individual, corporation, or entity found in violation of the Act shall pay a civil penalty to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per violation, as determined by the Department, with penalties assessed based on the degree of harm and the circumstances of the violation. Provides that the civil penalty shall be assessed by the Department after a hearing is held in accordance with the Department of Professional Regulation Law. Requires that an individual, corporation, or entity found in violation of the Act shall pay the civil penalty within 60 days after the date of an order by the Department imposing the civil penalty. Provides that the Department shall have authority to investigate any actual, alleged, or suspected violations of the Act. Effective immediately.
HB1365	01/14/2025	Amends the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act, the Music Therapy Licensing and Practice Act, and the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. Allows an applicant for licensure under those Acts to temporarily practice under supervision while the applicant's application for licensure is pending under specified circumstances. Removes good moral character standards as qualification requirements for the licensing of social workers and music therapists. Creates procedures for placing a license on inactive status for social workers and professional counselors. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must allow reasonable exam accommodations for licensed marriage and family therapists and clinical psychologists whose primary language is not English if a test in the therapist's or psychologist's primary language is not available.
HB0033	01/09/2025	Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act concerning the Firearm Transfer Inquiry Program. Provides that the Illinois State Police may charge a fee not to exceed $10 and any processing fee. Provides that the processing fees shall be limited to charges by the State Treasurer for using the electronic online payment system. Provides that $4 from each fee collected under this provision shall be deposited into the State Police Revocation Enforcement Fund. Currently, the Illinois State Police may use existing technology which allows the caller to be charged a fee not to exceed $2.
HB0034	01/09/2025	Amends the Election Code. Provides that any person who carries or possesses a firearm while present in a polling place, except a peace officer in the performance of his or her official duties, shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
HB0035	01/09/2025	Creates the Artificial Intelligence Systems Use in Health Insurance Act. Provides that the Department of Insurance's regulatory oversight of insurers includes oversight of an insurer's use of AI systems to make or support adverse determinations that affect consumers. Provides that any insurer authorized to operate in the State is subject to review by the Department in an investigation or market conduct action regarding the development, implementation, and use of AI systems or predictive models and the outcomes from the use of those AI systems or predictive models. Provides that an insurer authorized to do business in Illinois shall not issue an adverse consumer outcome with regard to the denial, reduction, or termination of insurance plans or benefits that result solely from the use or application of any AI system or predictive model. Provides that any decision-making process for the denial, reduction, or termination of insurance plans or benefits that results from the use of AI systems or predictive models shall be meaningfully reviewed, in accordance with review procedures determined by Department rules, by an individual with authority to override the AI systems and determinations. Authorizes the Department to adopt emergency rules to implement the Act and to adopt rules concerning standards for full and fair disclosure of an insurer's use of AI systems. Makes a conforming change in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.
HB0039	01/09/2025	Amends the Time Standardization Act. Provides that daylight saving time shall be the year-round standard time of the entire State. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
HB0040	01/09/2025	Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall conduct or approve training programs in crimes motivated by bias. Includes requirements for the training programs. Requires the training for new law enforcement officers and allows continuing education credits for current law enforcement officers who complete the training.
HB0043	01/09/2025	Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Creates the Task Force on Firearm Insurance to review current and potential future insurance policy offerings for the safe and legal possession of firearms and to offer policymaking recommendations related to the use of that insurance. Provides that the Department of Insurance shall provide administrative support for the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall be composed of specified members. Provides that the Task Force shall elect a chairperson from its membership. Provides that appointments shall be made within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that members shall serve without compensation. Provides that the Task Force shall submit a report of findings, recommendations, and other information to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2026. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.
HB0062	01/09/2025	Creates the Junk Fee Ban Act. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for a person to: (1) offer, display, or advertise an amount a consumer may pay for merchandise without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the total price; (2) fail, in any offer, display, or advertisement that contains an amount a consumer may pay, to display the total price more prominently than any other pricing information; (3) misrepresent the nature and purpose of any amount a consumer may pay, including the ability to refund the fees and the identity of any merchandise for which fees are charged; (4) fail to disclose clearly and conspicuously before the consumer consents to pay, the nature and purpose of any amount a consumer may pay that is excluded from the total price, including the ability to refund the fees and the identity of any merchandise for which fees are charged; or (5) offer, display, or advertise, including through direct offerings, third-party distribution, or metasearch referrals, a total price for a place of short-term lodging that does not include all required fees. Requires total price disclosures for retail mercantile establishments and food service establishments; and the disclosure of delivery fees. Provides for limitations of the Act. Provides that the Attorney General may enforce violations of the Act as an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Preempts home rule.