Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro opposes SB3255, seeking to postpone direct support professional credential pilot

Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro (R-48th) cast a No vote on SB3255, a proposal delaying the initiation of a direct support professional credential pilot program, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois House. The measure was approved in a 77-39 vote.

The bill's official summary states: "DHS-DSP PILOT PROGRAM."

Our breakdown of the bill, derived from the actual bill text, clarifies its key elements.

The bill changes the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act to postpone the direct support professional credential pilot program's start from state fiscal year 2025 to state fiscal year 2028. Led by the Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities, the pilot will still run for three years and involve licensed and certified providers. The program is designed to gauge whether a state credential improves staff recruitment and retention, raises competency, enhances care quality, and supports the well-being of people with developmental disabilities. The legislation is effective immediately.

For SB3255, the official action recorded was 'Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed.'

Sanalitro, a Republican elected to the Illinois State House in 2023, represents the 48th House District following the tenure of Terra Costa Howard.

Illinois bills undergo a multi-step legislative process beginning with introduction, proceeding through committee consideration, floor debate, and votes by both chambers, before advancing to the governor for approval or veto. The General Assembly operates on a biennial session, with only a portion of the bills introduced advancing to become law.