Illinois establishes Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship

by: Brian Weckerly

Gov. JB Pritzker signed House Bill 862 into law June 17, creating the Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship (IDAG).

According to a release:

Through its three primary divisions, the department will continue to provide critical support to thousands of individuals with disabilities across Illinois. The Division of State Guardian will serve as guardian of last resort for nearly 5,000 adults with disabilities.

The Division of Legal Advocacy will continue to provide legal counsel to thousands of Illinoisians each year in cases of involuntary treatment and related court proceedings, and the Division of Disability Rights and Protections will continue to investigate disability rights violations impacting thousands of Illinois Citizens with Disabilities. A newly-established Advisory Council consisting of leaders from across Illinois will provide valuable ongoing input into the department’s work.

“By establishing the Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship, we are making it crystal clear that disability rights are a priority in Illinois,” Pritzker said. “I am proud to establish this agency, and I will continue to fight hard to empower people with disabilities and their families all across our state.”

The new department will begin operations on July 1, 2027. 

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Illinois establishes Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship