Policy & advocacy
Policy & advocacy at NAMI Chicago
At NAMI Chicago, we are grassroots advocates working to advance policies and system innovations that improve the mental health of people across Cook County, especially those affected by mental health conditions. We know that when people have access to health, home, community, purpose, and equity, they can and do recover.
Together, we can ensure people get help early, people receive the best possible care, and people are not harmed, locked up, or left without a place to live because they are living with a mental health condition.
NAMI Chicago works across Cook County to move mental health policy forward. We bring together people with lived experience, providers, organizations, fellow NAMI affiliates, and community allies to fight stigma and support recovery.
Policymakers need to hear from you about what can make a difference. Join us in building a healthier, more just future.
Moving Chicago beyond crisis
Chicago has made important investments in crisis response, but responding to crisis alone is not enough. Too many people living with serious behavioral health conditions continue to cycle through emergency rooms, hospitals, jails, homelessness, and unstable housing because our systems of care remain fragmented.
The Beyond Crisis Mental Health Summit, taking place in July, will bring together people with lived experience, providers, policymakers, funders, and community leaders to move Chicago from conversation to coordinated action.
The summit will launch the Beyond Crisis Coalition, a cross-sector effort to strengthen prevention, improve post-crisis recovery supports, and build a more coordinated system of community-based care across the city.
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Stay informed about policy developments and opportunities to take action in Chicago, throughout Illinois, and across the country.
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Read our latest policy updates
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Our policy priority areas
Insurance & Access
Policies that improve access to mental health and substance-use treatment and strengthen insurance coverage.
Mental Health Crisis Continuum
Community Wellbeing
Research and Innovation
Coalitions & committees
Read past policy updates
Our Policy Updates break down what’s happening in mental health policy at the local, state, and national levels. We share what our Policy Team is working on and highlight opportunities to take action.
Current legislation we are tracking
IL HB4568 - $DHS-HOME ILLINOIS PROGRAM (In Committee)
Appropriates $352,200,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for grants and administrative expenses of the Home Illinois Program. Effective July 1, 2026.
05/21/2026: House Appropriations-Health and Human Services Committee Hearing
IL HB4812 - $DHS-HOUSING IS RECOVERY (In Committee)
Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the Housing is Recovery program. Effective July 1, 2026.
05/21/2026: House Appropriations-Health and Human Services Committee Hearing
IL HB4982 - PHARMACIES-9-8-8 INFORMATION (Crossed Over)
Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that every licensed pharmacy directly serving patients at a physical location shall conspicuously post a sign provided by the Department of Human Services that contains the following: (i) a statement…
05/19/2026: Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **
IL SB3798 - MENTAL HEALTH 9-1-1 CALLS (Crossed Over)
Reinserts the provisions of Senate Amendment No. 1 with the following changes. In provisions amending the Emergency Telephone System Act, provides that the Office of the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator shall, with input from the Statewide 9-1-1…
05/19/2026: Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
IL HB5468 - MENTAL HEALTH 9-1-1 CALLS (In Committee)
Amends the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. Replaces all references to the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services with the Department of Human Services throughout the Act. Provides that 9-1-1 public safety…
05/15/2026: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kevin John Olickal
IL SB3165 - $DHS-HOUSING RECOVERY PROGRAM (In Committee)
Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the Housing is Recovery Program to support rental assistance for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges who are experiencing…
05/15/2026: Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established
IL HB4495 - MEDICAID-MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS (In Committee)
Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Strengthen Linkage to Follow-Up Care after a Behavioral Health Crisis Act. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for purposes of timely…
05/14/2026: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin
IL HB4448 - MEDICAID-BEHAVIORAL HLTH SRVCS (In Committee)
Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Safe Place to Go Act. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in collaboration with the Department of Human…
05/13/2026: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kevin John Olickal
IL HB4785 - DHS-BEHAVIORAL HLTH SURCHARGE (In Committee)
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Beginning January 1, 2027, requires each covered entity to pay to the Department of Insurance a behavioral health emergency services covered lives assessment for deposit into the Behavioral Health Emergency…
05/13/2026: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kevin John Olickal
IL HJR0052 - PERSON-CENTERED MENTAL HEALTH (In Committee)
Reaffirms the State’s steadfast commitment to promoting a person-centered, community-based mental health and substance use treatment system that is evidence-backed and recognizes each person’s dignity, humanity, and autonomy in determining the…
05/07/2026: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael Crawford
IL HB4449 - DHFS-DHS-DIRECT SUPPORT WAGE (In Committee)
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish reimbursement rates that build toward livable wages for frontline personnel in residential and day programs and…
04/24/2026: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Amy Elik
IL HB1429 - BILL OF RIGHTS-HOMELESS (In Committee)
Amends the Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act. Prohibits the State or a unit of local government from creating or enforcing policies or ordinances imposing fines or criminal penalties against people experiencing unsheltered homelessness for…
04/17/2026: House Floor Amendment No. 3 Rule 19(c)
IL HB3027 - HARMFUL SUPPLEMENTS FOR MINORS (In Committee)
Creates the Ban on Harmful Supplements for Minors Act. Prohibits the sale of diet pills or dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building to any person under 18 years of age, unless that individual has a prescription. Provides for responsibil…
04/17/2026: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
IL HB4585 - INS CD-SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT (In Committee)
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that coverage for treatment in a residential treatment center shall include residential coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders. Provides that this coverage shall include…
04/17/2026: House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c)
Government resources
State of Illinois
City of Chicago
Cook County
Federal
Issue-area resources
Insurance & Access
Mental Health Crisis Continuum
