Metro East Sun

State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has successfully advanced legislation to improve visitation rights for residents in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA). House Bill 57, which he filed, seeks to amend the Essential Support Person Act of 2023 by including CILAs under its provisions. The bill has passed both houses and now awaits the governor's signature.

Rep. Schmidt stated, "My bill aligns CILAs with state-run facilities and it breaks a barrier that has excluded certain community-integrated living arrangements from visitation rights." He expressed satisfaction with the bill's progress through the General Assembly.

CILAs are living arrangements designed for adults with developmental disabilities, accommodating up to eight individuals in settings such as group homes or apartments. These residents receive personalized support services managed by a local community support team.

Previously, CILAs were not covered under the Essential Support Person Act due to their licensing by the Illinois Department of Human Services rather than the Illinois Department of Public Health. HB57 aims to rectify this exclusion.

For further details, Rep. Schmidt's office can be contacted at (618)-215-1050. Schmidt represents Illinois' 114th District, which includes part of St. Clair County.