HB2146 - Community-Based Foster Care Organization Safety Net Act

• Establishes a state indemnification program requiring Illinois to cover damages exceeding $2,000,000 for tort claims arising from foster care services provided by community-based organizations contracted with the Department of Children and Family Services.

• Damages, court costs, litigation expenses, and attorney's fees must be presented to the Court of Claims under existing Court of Claims Act procedures, with claimants required to file copies of final judgments or settlements exceeding $2,000,000 within 60 days.

• Applies to all judgments or settlements finalized on or after the Act's effective date of April 1, 2023, and to any proceedings pending on that date.

• Indemnification covers employees acting within the scope of their employment but does not apply when the organization or employee is involved in criminal proceedings as a defendant, is the target of a criminal investigation, or when claims do not arise from foster care services.

• Allows community-based foster care organizations to provide legal representation to employees who are witnesses in criminal matters related to their employment, and amends the Court of Claims Act to add indemnification claims under this Act to the court's exclusive jurisdiction.