PRITZKER SIGNS BILL CREATING NEW STATE AGENCY

Illinois is expanding disability advocacy at the state level. Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed House Bill 862, transforming the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission into a cabinet-level agency: the Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship. The move is designed to give disability rights and guardianship services a stronger voice in state government. The new department will include the existing Division of Legal Advocacy and Division of Disability Rights and Protections, along with a newly created advisory council. State officials say the change will help improve coordination and representation. The department is scheduled to begin operations on July 1st, 2027.