IL HB2721

Extends the sunset date of the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984 from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2024 by moving it from Section 4.24 to newly created Section 4.34 of the Regulatory Sunset Act.

Increases civil penalties for unlicensed shorthand reporting practice from $5,000 to $10,000 per offense and requires assessment of costs under Section 23.3.

Changes terminology throughout the Act to replace "Director" with "Secretary" of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Increases the retention period for shorthand notes from 5 years to 10 years from the date notes or transcripts were taken.

Adds new disciplinary grounds including gifts to attorneys exceeding $100 annually, mental illness/disability affecting practice, practicing under false names, and cheating on licensing exams; establishes new procedures for mental/physical examinations and confidentiality of investigation records.