Advisory Bodies

Has the state established an advisory body for settlement funds?

Yes. There are two state-level advisory bodies:

. Illinois’ required the creation of the (IORAB),[1] and the IORAB was formally established by in 2022.[2] The IORAB is a sub-committee of the (Steering Committee),[3] and its role is to provide “non-binding recommendations regarding the administration and distribution of the Illinois Remediation Fund.”[4] These recommendations are presented to the greater Steering Committee, which is ultimately responsible for making “the final determination as to the uses of Fund monies.”[5]
- “Equitable allocation.” When recommending expenditures, the IORAB is required to work toward “ensur[ing] an equitable allocation of resources to all parts of the State” by taking rates of overdose death, opioid use disorder (OUD) rates, and other factors into account.[6]
- Working groups. The IORAB may establish working groups to support its efforts.[7] Working groups are chaired by IORAB members and may contain both IORAB members and other individuals appointed by the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services “in consultation with” the Illinois Attorney General.[8] As of September 1, 2024, the IORAB has three working groups: the ,[9] the ,[10] and the .[11] Details on prior and upcoming meetings of these workgroups are available on their respective websites, and all provide space for public participation.
- OOSA. The Office of Opioid Settlement Administration (OOSA), housed within the Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Substance Use, Prevention and Recovery, supports the IORAB with its duties.[12] The OOSA is responsible for presenting to the IORAB an “integrated and complementary approach to opioid use disorder and reduce and address trauma within [Illinois’] communities,” and to use technical assistance providers to engage “individuals with lived expertise, subject-matter experts, and other interested parties to develop a comprehensive [opioid abatement] plan for [IORAB’s] consideration.”[13]
- Term limits. Excepting certain initial appointments, terms for IORAB members are generally four years.[14]
. The (Steering Committee) was established by in 2020 in order to guide the work of the (Council), to liaise between Council stakeholders and the governor’s office, and to oversee the implementation of the Statewide Opioid Action Plan (SOAP).[15] The Steering Committee receives non-binding recommendations from the IORAB and makes the ultimate decisions on expenditures from the 55% Remediation Fund Share.[16]
- Duties beyond opioid settlements. More broadly, the Steering Committee’s duties include working with state agencies and other stakeholders to establish local recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC) councils in communities disproportionately impacted by the overdose crisis, evaluating existing and recommending new harm reduction strategies for inclusion in subsequent SOAPs, working with the Council’s to address social and racial disparities, and creating a comprehensive website that consolidates state agencies’ OUD resources, among other duties.[17]
- Term limits. Steering Committee members are not subject to explicit term limits.

Is the state advisory body required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

It varies.

The : No. The IORAB is not required to include a member with lived and/or living experience.[18]
: Yes. The Steering Committee must include “[a] person with lived experience of OUD, to be appointed by the Governor and compensated appropriately for their time devoted to the work of the Steering Committee.”[19]

What is the overall membership of the state advisory body?

The 11 non-voting members are directors of state agencies or appointees of legislative leadership.[21]

Lieutenant Governor or their designee[23]
Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services or their designee[24]
Directors of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and Illinois State Police or their designees[25]
A person with lived experience of OUD who is appointed by the Governor[27]

Are local governments required to establish a settlement advisory body? If so, are local advisory bodies required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

No (up to each locality). Local governments in Illinois are not required to establish opioid settlement advisory bodies to recommend uses of their combined 25-33% share. However, localities may independently choose to establish advisory councils that include members with lived and/or living experience to help ensure that settlement spending reflects community priorities.

What else should I know?

Not applicable.

Citations

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Last updated 4 months ago