WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1916

LOCAL GOV-LIFT-ASSIST SERVICES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Amy Elik and 5 co-sponsors

HB 1916 authorizes Illinois municipalities to provide lift-assist services for residents needing help with falls or mobility, reducing unnecessary emergency calls while improving community support access.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1916

Legislative bill overview

HB 1916 appears to establish or regulate local government provision of lift-assist services, likely referring to emergency medical assistance programs where trained personnel help lift or move individuals who have fallen or need physical support. The bill would authorize municipalities to provide these services, potentially defining operational standards and liability protections for local governments offering this support.

Why is this important

Lift-assist programs reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and ambulance dispatches for non-injury falls or mobility assistance, lowering healthcare costs while improving response times for genuine emergencies. For elderly and disabled residents, accessible local lift-assist services can enable faster help while maintaining dignity and independence, particularly in communities where 911 response times are lengthy.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability and training standards: Unclear whether the bill establishes minimum training requirements and liability protections for municipal workers performing lift-assist services, which could expose cities to legal risk if injuries occur
  • Funding mechanism: No publicly available details on how local governments would finance these services or whether state funding is provided, potentially creating unfunded mandates
  • Scope and eligibility: The bill's definition of qualifying situations for lift-assist (injury vs. non-injury falls, mobility challenges, etc.) will determine whether services are narrowly targeted or broadly available

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

Sign in to ask a question.