103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB3858
 
Introduced 2/17/2023, by Rep. Dave Vella
 
SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 

 
305 ILCS 5/12-4.57 new

     Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to funds appropriated for the specific purpose, to assist with child-related necessities such as diapers, the Department of Human Services may make additional monthly payments to applicants with children under the age of 3 who are otherwise eligible for and receiving benefits under the Women,

Infant, and Children (WIC) program. Requires the Department to set the benefit amounts in rule in accordance with available funds appropriated for the purpose of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Department shall make reasonable efforts to ensure timely communication to families of the new subsidy at implementation and as the diaper subsidy eligibility changes. Effective September 1, 2023.
  


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A BILL FOR
 

  
HB3858LRB103 27665 KTG 54042 b


  
1    AN ACT concerning public aid.
  
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
 
3represented in the General Assembly:
  
 
 
4    Section 5. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended  by 
5adding Section 12-4.57 as follows:
 
6    (305 ILCS 5/12-4.57 new)
7    Sec. 12-4.57. Diaper allowance; WIC recipients. 
8    (a)  Findings and intent.
9        (1)  The General Assembly finds that diapers are a 
10    necessity for every infant. Additionally, the majority of 
11    early child care programs require an adequate supply of 
12    diapers for child attendance, but, with the exception of 
13    early head start, do not provide diapers to families in 
14    need.
15        (2) The General Assembly further finds that families 
16    unable to afford an adequate supply of diapers may provide 
17    less frequent diaper changes to their child to maximize 
18    their supply of diapers. The failure to provide adequate 
19    diaper changes is associated with an increased rate of 
20    diaper dermatitis and urinary tract infection.  Further, 
21    there are links between diaper need and increased 
22    parenting stress. Children whose parents manifest high 
23    levels of stress or depression are at greater risk of 
 
 
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1    social, emotional, and behavioral problems.
2        (3) Therefore, the General Assembly intends to reduce 
3    parenting stress and increase parenting sense of 
4    competency by directing the Department of Human Services 
5    to provide a monthly diaper subsidy to families with 
6    children under 3 years of age who are otherwise eligible 
7    for benefits under the Women,

Infant, and Children (WIC) 
8    program, thereby improving parenting quality and overall 
9    child outcomes.
10    (b) Subject to funds appropriated for this specific 
11purpose, to assist with child-related necessities such as 
12diapers, the Department of Human Services may make additional 
13monthly payments to applicants with children under the age of 
143 who are otherwise eligible for and receiving benefits under 
15the Women,

Infant, and Children (WIC) program.
16    The Department shall set the benefit amounts in rule in 
17accordance with available funds appropriated for this purpose. 
18The Department shall make reasonable efforts to ensure timely 
19communication to families of the new subsidy at implementation 
20and as the diaper subsidy eligibility changes.
  
 
21    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect 
22September 1, 2023.