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HB 3327

Relating to the eligibility of nonpublic schools and education service providers to participate in the Hope Scholarship Program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Evan Hansen and 5 co-sponsors

Expands eligibility for Early Intervention to infants under 1,000 grams and requires hospitals to refer eligible NICU infants to EI before discharge.

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Bill Summary · HB 3327

Summary — HB 3327 / Public Act 104-0294 (2025)

Title: IDEC‑EIS — Premature Infants
Public Act: 104‑0294 | Governor approved: 2025‑08‑15 | Effective date: 2026‑01‑01

Purpose

The Act strengthens early identification and referral of infants at high risk for developmental delay — especially severely premature infants — by (1) expanding eligibility for Illinois’ Early Intervention services and (2) requiring hospitals and the lead State agency to provide information and initiate referrals for eligible infants discharged from neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Key provisions

  • Expanded eligibility

    • Adds a new eligibility category: infants with a birth weight less than 1,000 grams (new subsection 3.5) are explicitly included as “eligible infants and toddlers” under the Department of Early Childhood Act. Early Intervention services are available up to the child’s third birthday (under 36 months).

  • Hospital obligations (Hospital Licensing Act — new Section 11.7a)

    • Through June 30, 2026, hospitals must provide written information (including electronic) about the Early Intervention program administered under the Early Intervention Services System Act to parents/legal guardians of children admitted to the NICU.
    • Prior to discharge, a hospital staff member familiar with Early Intervention must, with the parent/legal guardian, initiate written referrals for NICU children who qualify for Early Intervention under specified eligibility paragraphs.
    • Beginning July 1, 2026 (after the Department of Early Childhood becomes the lead agency), the same requirement applies with referrals and materials referencing the Early Intervention program administered under the Department of Early Childhood Act.

  • State agency responsibilities (Department of Early Childhood Act changes)

    • Requires the Department (as lead agency on and after July 1, 2026) to develop informational materials/handouts for hospitals describing automatic eligibility (including birth weight <1,000 g), benefits of services, regional intake contact information, and how to obtain more information.
    • Requires the statewide Early Intervention system’s public awareness program to give special focus to early identification of infants who automatically qualify (e.g., birth weight <1,000 g).
    • Directs the Department to continue implementation of an existing 5‑fiscal‑year implementation plan created by DHS, with annual reporting to the Governor and certification procedures for plan activities.

Who is affected

  • Infants born severely prematurely (<1,000 grams) and other NICU infants who meet Early Intervention eligibility criteria (developmental delay, medical/physical conditions, or at‑risk based on clinical opinion).
  • Parents and legal guardians of NICU infants (will receive informational materials and referral initiation).
  • Hospitals with NICUs (new information‑distribution and referral initiation duties).
  • Department of Early Childhood and regional Early Intervention intake/coordination entities (materials development, public awareness, plan implementation).
  • Early Intervention providers (potential increased referrals and service demand).

Timeline / procedural notes

  • Effective date of the Act: January 1, 2026.
  • Transitional dates:
    • Through June 30, 2026: references and obligations are tied to the Early Intervention Services System Act.
    • Beginning July 1, 2026: duties reference programs administered under the Department of Early Childhood Act (reflecting lead agency transition).
  • Public Act number: 104‑0294.

Likely impact

  • Expected to increase identification/referral of high‑risk infants (particularly those <1,000 g) to evidence‑based early intervention services, potentially improving developmental outcomes.
  • Imposes modest administrative duties on hospitals (distribution of materials and initiation of written referrals) and requires the Department to produce outreach/education materials and continue plan implementation; may increase demand for Early Intervention intake and services.

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

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