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SB 3954

ILLINOIS PEDIATRIC CANCER FUND

104th Regular Session Introduced by Erica Harriss

Creates a dedicated Illinois Pediatric Cancer Fund to grant money for pediatric cancer research, prevention, and treatment with strict use, administration, and reporting rules.

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Bill Summary · SB 3954

Summary: SB 3954 (Illinois Pediatric Cancer Fund)

Session: 104th General Assembly | Jurisdiction: Illinois | Introduced: Feb 6, 2026
Sponsor: Sen. Erica Harriss

Purpose and Intent

  • Create the Illinois Pediatric Cancer Fund as a dedicated special fund in the State Treasury.
  • Provide a mechanism to support pediatric cancer research, prevention, and treatment through grants to eligible recipients.
  • Establish reporting, administration, and rules to implement a pediatric cancer grant program.

Key Provisions and Changes

Fund Creation and Scope

  • Establishes the Illinois Pediatric Cancer Fund (a special fund in the State Treasury).
  • The Fund may receive:
    • General Assembly appropriations.
    • Donations or other money from any source designated for the Fund.
  • The Fund is dedicated solely to pediatric cancer activities.

Eligible Uses

  • Grants to eligible people, institutions, and organizations for:
    • Pediatric cancer research.
    • Prevention and treatment of pediatric cancer.
  • The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (the Department) may also use Fund money for administration of the Fund.

Administration

  • The Department of Healthcare and Family Services administers the Fund.
  • Use of Fund money is limited to the purposes specified (pediatric cancer research, prevention, treatment, and administration). Funds used for research are supplemental and not a substitute for standard department funding.

Distribution Rules

  • Annual distributions may be made to a promotional account dedicated to a State-based childhood cancer organization.
    • Purpose: promote donations to the Fund and educate the Illinois scientific community about opportunities for childhood cancer research through the Fund.
    • Maximum promotional distributions: up to 5% of the Fund’s money.

Grants and Eligible Recipients

  • Remaining Fund dollars after promotional distributions are to be used to provide grants to:
    • Physicians, hospitals, laboratories.
    • Educational institutions and other organizations and persons.
  • Restrictions on grant use:
    • Grants may not cover institutional overhead expenses.
    • Grants may not cover organizational expenses not directly related to pediatric cancer research.
    • Grants may not fund expenses arising from community-based support services.

Reporting and Transparency

  • Annual reporting requirement:
    • By August 31, 2027, and each year thereafter, the Department must report to the General Assembly on the Fund’s administration.
    • Reports must include:
    • Description of promotional efforts funded by the Fund.
    • Detailed accounting of the Fund’s use.

Rules and Implementation

  • The Department shall adopt rules to implement the pediatric cancer grant program under this provision.

Unspent Funds

  • Any unspent portions of the Fund shall remain in the Fund and may not revert to any other State fund.

Who/What Is Affected

  • State Government:
    • Department of Healthcare and Family Services (administration and rulemaking).
    • General Assembly (receives annual reports).
  • Eligible Recipients for Grants:
    • Physicians, hospitals, laboratories, educational institutions, and other organizations and individuals engaged in pediatric cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
  • State-based Childhood Cancer Organization:
    • May receive promotional funds to raise donations and awareness.

Timing and Procedural Notes

  • Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the text provided; bill is introduced in 2025-2026 session and would become law upon passage and signature.
  • First fiscal year actions:
    • Department can begin administering the Fund upon creation (subject to approvals and rules).
  • Reporting:
    • By August 31, 2027, and annually thereafter, ongoing reporting to the General Assembly.

Potential Impact

  • Creates a dedicated funding source for pediatric cancer activities in Illinois.
  • Encourages philanthropic support through promotional allocations aimed at increasing donations.
  • Establishes a structured grant program to support research and treatment while prohibiting use of funds for overhead or non-research-related costs.
  • Improves transparency via annual reporting on Fund administration and promotional activities.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison to similar funds in other states or provide a one-page briefing for policymakers.

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

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