IL HB5189

Amends the State Comptroller Act to establish a "secure check account" option allowing employees to have direct deposit funds disbursed to a third party who provides them a paper check instead of electronic deposit.

Requires State employees' payroll and expense reimbursements to be made through direct deposit, except for employees with collective bargaining agreements prohibiting direct deposit or those granted hardship exemptions.

Authorizes the Comptroller to charge a $2.50 processing fee per paper warrant when State agencies fail to comply with direct deposit mandates for employee payments or vendor payments exceeding an allowable limit (minimum 30 warrants per fiscal year).

Permits the Comptroller to deposit public aid payments for individuals receiving assistance under Articles III, IV, VI, and X of the Illinois Public Aid Code directly into electronic benefits transfer accounts at approved financial institutions.

Exempts the legislative and judicial branches of State government from these direct deposit requirements.