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HB 2905

Mental health; Oklahoma Mental Health Reform Act of 2025; effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tammy Townley

DHS may fund higher home-based supports for adults with mental disabilities beyond current caps if need determinations and appropriations justify it, to keep them in the community.

Second Reading referred to Rules
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Bill Summary · HB 2905

Summary — HB 2905 (Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act amendment)

Status: Enacted (signed by Governor 2025-04-01)
Statute amended: 405 ILCS 80/2-6 (Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act)
Effective date: Upon becoming law

Purpose

To allow the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide higher levels of home‑based services funding for adults with mental disabilities when their assessed service and support needs require more than the existing statutory monthly caps — subject to legislative appropriation and DHS determinations — and to clarify how those funds may be used and administered.

Key provisions

  • Retains the statutory framework that bases monthly home‑based service funding on an individual service plan, and preserves existing caps unless the exceptions below apply. Historically those caps were defined as:
    • Up to 300% of the monthly federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment for an individual residing alone (when not enrolled in a special education program), or
    • Up to 200% of the monthly SSI payment for an individual residing alone (when enrolled in a special education program).
  • New exception (subsection (b)): Subject to appropriation for these purposes, DHS may exceed the statutory funding limits for an adult with a mental disability when a need‑determination (administered by DHS or its service coordination agent) shows the person requires a higher level of funding.
    • The higher funding must be reflected in the individual’s service plan and must align with criteria adopted by DHS.
    • DHS may limit use of the additional funds to the specific services and supports needed to allow the person to continue living in the community (i.e., to avoid institutionalization).
    • Grants DHS rulemaking authority to implement the subsection.
  • Confirms existing subsection (c): DHS may authorize the monthly home‑based service amount (in whole or part) to be used as a one‑time or ongoing payment to the eligible adult or their guardian to buy tangible items directly related to meeting basic needs tied to the person’s mental disability (examples: adaptive equipment, medication not covered by other payors, nutritional supplements, residential modifications).

Who is affected

  • Adults with mental disabilities who are program participants under the Act and whose assessed needs exceed current statutory funding caps.
  • DHS and its service coordination agents (responsible for need determinations and implementing rules).
  • State budget/appropriations process, since increased funding is allowed only if appropriated.

Potential impact

  • Enables targeted increases in community‑based supports for higher‑need adults, potentially reducing institutional placements and improving stability and independence.
  • Fiscal impact depends on subsequent appropriations and how DHS applies the new criteria; could increase state expenditures if funds are appropriated.
  • Allows DHS discretion via rulemaking to define criteria and limits, which will shape rollout and eligibility in practice.

Legislative timeline (selected)

  • Filed/introduced: Early February 2025 (Rep. Terra Costa Howard)
  • Passed both chambers: February–March 2025
  • Transmitted to Governor: 2025-03-28
  • Signed by Governor: 2025-04-01

(Statutory reference: amendment to Section 2‑6 of the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act, 405 ILCS 80/2‑6.)

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

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