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Bill

SB 2194

DHS-2-1-1 SERVICE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Dan Didech and 4 co-sponsors

Illinois establishes 2-1-1 hotline service to connect residents with fragmented social services including housing, food assistance, and healthcare through centralized access.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0138
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Bill Summary · SB 2194

Legislative bill overview

SB 2194 establishes the DHS-2-1-1 Service, a comprehensive information and referral system operated by the Department of Human Services to connect Illinois residents with social services, health resources, and community support programs. The bill designates 2-1-1 as the official access number for these services and requires the DHS to maintain, promote, and coordinate the service statewide.

Why is this important

The 2-1-1 service creates a single point of entry for vulnerable populations—including low-income families, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness—to access fragmented social services that are otherwise difficult to navigate. By standardizing access through a well-known hotline number, the bill aims to reduce barriers to critical resources including housing assistance, food programs, healthcare, and emergency services.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding requirements: The bill does not clearly specify ongoing funding mechanisms, raising questions about whether existing DHS budgets will be redirected or if new appropriations are needed to sustain the service long-term.
  • Service quality and accessibility: Success depends on adequate staffing, multilingual support, and database accuracy; inadequate implementation could render the service ineffective despite legislative intent.
  • Coordination challenges: Effective operation requires cooperation among multiple state agencies and community organizations, which may create implementation delays or inconsistent service delivery across regions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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