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HB 2479

Relating to Management and control of county authority vested in board

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Browning and 9 co-sponsors

House Bill 2479 ensures Illinois police officers denied reinstatement due to incapacity receive disability benefits, streamlining access and reducing barriers.

Chapter 67, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
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Bill Summary · HB 2479

Summary of House Bill 2479

Bill Number: HB 2479
Title: Relating to Management and Control of County Authority Vested in Board
Status: Chapter 67, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
Introduced: February 3, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Counties

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2479 aims to amend the Illinois Pension Code, specifically regarding the management of disability benefits for police officers. The bill establishes clearer guidelines for the presumption of disability for officers who have been denied reinstatement due to physical or mental incapacity. It seeks to ensure that eligible officers receive disability benefits without undue barriers.

Key Provisions

  1. Presumption of Disability:

    • Police officers applying for disability benefits who have been denied reinstatement due to incapacity are presumed to be disabled.
    • Officers cannot be denied disability benefits unless they are reinstated or offered a limited-duty position.

  2. Entitlement to Benefits:

    • Officers denied disability benefits without an offer of reinstatement or limited-duty position after the bill's effective date are entitled to receive those benefits.

  3. Administrative Review:

    • If an officer's application for disability benefits is denied or terminated by the Board of Trustees, and they successfully challenge this decision in an administrative review, they are entitled to recover court costs and reasonable attorney's fees from the Fund.

  4. State Mandates Act Amendment:

    • The bill amends the State Mandates Act to specify that the implementation of these provisions does not require state reimbursement.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this bill are police officers in Illinois who are seeking disability benefits due to incapacitating conditions.
    • The bill also impacts the Board of Trustees responsible for managing these benefits, as it alters the criteria under which benefits are granted or denied.

  • Procedural Aspects:

    • The bill took effect immediately upon becoming law, following its approval by the Governor on April 25, 2025.
    • The legislative process included multiple readings, committee reviews, and amendments before final passage.

Legislative Actions Timeline

  • February 3, 2025: Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit.
  • February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.
  • March 12, 2025: Passed by the Appropriations-Pensions & Personnel Committee.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed the Senate and House with amendments.
  • April 25, 2025: Approved by the Governor and became law.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2479, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the impact it will have on police officers and the management of disability benefits in Illinois.

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

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