IL HB5173

Requires the Department of Human Services to distribute Section 14(c) transition program grants equitably across all geographic regions, provider sizes, and transition needs, avoiding concentration of funding among limited recipients

Mandates that every applicant meeting grant criteria receive funding, and requires grant recipients to submit progress reports twice annually (by October 31st and April 30th) detailing employment outcomes, wage data, hours worked, and expenditures

Requires DHS to aggregate and publicly release non-identifiable transition data annually beginning January 1, 2027, to track statewide progress toward eliminating subminimum wage certificates by December 31, 2029

Directs DHS to provide project management for statewide implementation of the Dignity in Pay Act multi-year plan and ensure ongoing technical assistance to Section 14(c) certificate holders through December 31, 2029

Authorizes funds appropriated for Section 14(c) transition purposes to be used for transition grants, statewide project management and coordination, and technical assistance and capacity-building supports