SB1688 Summary

• Creates the Department of Health and Human Services by consolidating the Department of Human Services, Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and Department on Aging effective July 1, 2020.

• Abolishes the three predecessor departments and transfers all their functions, powers, duties, funding mechanisms, employees, records, and unexpended appropriations to the new consolidated department.

• Establishes the Secretary of Health and Human Services as the head of the new department, appointed by the Governor with Senate consent, with authority to create divisions and reorganize functions as needed.

• Requires the Secretary to implement administrative efficiencies, staff reductions, cost containment, and resource reallocation, with a report due to the General Assembly and Governor by December 31, 2020.

• Makes conforming amendments throughout Illinois law to replace references to the three abolished departments and their directors with references to the Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary of Health and Human Services.