SB1564 amends the Illinois Lottery Law to create a new special instant scratch-off game tied to developmental disabilities services. If an existing scratch-off game is discontinued, the Department of the Lottery would be required to launch a replacement scratch-off game benefiting the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Services Scratch-Off Fund, with the game beginning as soon as practical after the discontinuation and running for five years. The bill also directs that net revenue from the game be deposited into the new fund and authorizes the Department to adopt rules to administer the program.
The bill creates the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Services Scratch-Off Fund and assigns the Department of Human Services responsibility for administering it. Money in the fund would be distributed as grants for services provided by Independent Service Coordination agencies, which help connect individuals with developmental disabilities to needed services. The measure also makes conforming changes to the Illinois Lottery Law, the Department of Human Services Act, and the State Finance Act, and it takes effect immediately if enacted.
Impact
SB1564 would add a new dedicated funding stream within state law for developmental disabilities services by linking lottery scratch-off sales to the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Services Scratch-Off Fund. It would amend the Illinois Lottery Law to require the Lottery to offer a special game when a scratch-off is discontinued, define how net revenue is calculated and deposited, and place the fund under the Department of Human Services for grants to Independent Service Coordination agencies. The bill also adds the new fund to the State Finance Act and makes related conforming changes to existing statutes governing lottery proceeds and human services administration.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed positively and as a targeted support for developmental disabilities services. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, so there is no documented opposition or support to gauge from legislative debate. The caption and structure suggest a policy approach intended to generate dedicated revenue for a specific disability-related purpose rather than a broad restructuring of lottery policy.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the use of lottery proceeds and the requirement that the Lottery launch a special game whenever a scratch-off is discontinued, which could raise operational or revenue-allocation concerns for the Department of the Lottery. Another possible issue is whether the new fund and dedicated game would meaningfully increase resources for developmental disabilities services or simply redirect existing lottery marketing and proceeds. No specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are included in the provided record.