IL HB5064

Adds new Section 4f to the Children and Family Services Act requiring purchase of service agencies contracted to provide transportation to children and families to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and Department rules.

Transportation agencies must certify that all drivers have received training on proper installation and operation of child restraint systems, possess valid driver's licenses with clean driving records, maintain required vehicle insurance, and operate properly maintained, clean, smoke-free vehicles with functioning climate control systems.

Individual drivers must submit signed written statements attesting to their qualifications including child restraint system knowledge, valid driver's license, clean driving record, vehicle insurance maintenance, vehicle condition standards, effective communication ability with parents and guardians, and completion of fingerprint-based criminal background checks through Illinois State Police and FBI.

Transportation agencies must provide a designated telephone number staffed at all times for drivers, parents, foster parents, and legal guardians to report late pickups or arrivals before or during scheduled transports.

Department must conduct annual compliance checks on purchase of service agencies and their drivers to ensure adherence to the new requirements and may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.