State Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin) passed three bills through the Illinois Senate this week that focus on helping vulnerable citizens of Illinois, including veterans, children with disabilities, and recipients of mental health and substance abuse services.

House Bill 1260 would prevent an electric or gas public utility from disconnecting service for nonpayment to a customer who has notified the utility he or she is a service member or veteran. It specifies the utility would not be permitted to stop service if gas or electric is the primary power source of heating the home during winter months.

"As a veteran, I know catching up on obligations after serving or recovering from service can be financially challenging," Noland said. "Veterans and their families deserve support in keeping their homes warm while they rebound from financial difficulties related to recent deployment."

The second Noland bill approved by the Senate improves access to hospital or home instruction for children with disabilities. House Bill 1706 would cut the time for a child with a medical condition to qualify for instruction at home or in the hospital. With a physician’s statement, instruction could begin at home or at a hospital within no more than five days, allowing the child to stay current with scheduled lessons and maintain a more normal routine.

House Bill 2084 sets up a task force to coordinate mental health and developmental disabilities planning with alcohol and substance abuse treatment. The task force would be composed of representatives of agencies and consumer groups who serve individuals with mental illness, substance abuse issues, or both, and would develop a five-year comprehensive strategic plan to serve children and adult clients. After the recommended plans are presented to the Governor and the General Assembly, the General Assembly may vote to make the recommendations law.

"Children with disabilities who are ill and people with mental health and substance abuse issues deserve our best efforts to see that their needs for education and assistance are met," Noland said. "These efficiency measures provide better coordination and more timely service for them without any additional cost to the state."

House Bills 1260, 1706, and 2084 all passed the House in April; they will go to Governor Quinn next for his consideration.