Creates the Securing All Futures through Equitable Reinvestment (SAFER) Communities and Small Business Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish and administer a SAFER Communities Wage Subsidy Pilot Program. Provides that the wage subsidy shall apply to no more than 6,000 participants. Requires the Department to maintain a database of all participants for the duration of the incentive period. Provides that individuals seeking to participate in the pilot program shall register with the Department on or after January 1, 2024. Requires the Department to verify individuals' eligibility to participate in the pilot program by checking their employment and felony conviction history. Contains provisions concerning certificates of eligibility for wage subsidies under the pilot program; the monetary amount of monthly wage subsidy payments awarded under the pilot program; certain conditions program participants must satisfy to receive monthly wage subsidy payments; the maximum amount of wage subsidies allowed under the pilot program; promotion efforts for the pilot program conducted by the Department of Corrections; and other matters. Requires the Department to establish a Returning Citizen and Small Business Grant Program. Sets forth requirements a small business must meet to be eligible for a grant under the program. Provides that an eligible small business shall be awarded grants in the amount of $2,500 per new qualifying returning citizen hired. Limits the total annual amount in grants an eligible small business may receive under the grant program. Contains provisions concerning data collection and reporting requirements for the Secretary of Human Services. Provides that implementation of the Act is subject to appropriation. Permits the Department of Human Services to use State or federal funding to administer the SAFER Communities Wage Subsidy Pilot Program and the Returning Citizen and Small Business Grant Program. Grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Human Services and the Department of Corrections. Provides that the Act is repealed on December 31, 2029. Effective immediately.
House Committee Amendment No. 1: Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Securing All Futures through Equitable Reinvestment (SAFER) Communities Act. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall create a program to award grants to Navigators for specified purposes, including wage reimbursements for employers that employ certain formerly incarcerated individuals. Contains provisions concerning requirements for wage reimbursements. Provides that "Navigator" means an entity that has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in administering workforce development programs for formerly incarcerated participants and is certified by the Department as a Navigator. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to adopt emergency rules to implement the Securing All Futures through Equitable Reinvestment (SAFER) Communities Act. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Repeals a tax credit for wages paid to ex-felons, and establishes a credit for wages paid to ex-offenders. Effective immediately.

Statutes affected:
Engrossed: 5 ILCS 100/5, 35 ILCS 5/216