ST DEBT COLLECTION - AUD GEN

Amends the State Finance Act and the Illinois State Collection Act of 1986. Requires that the Auditor General establish a Debt Collection Unit for the collection of overdue debts owed to the State. Authorizes the Auditor General to contract with private entities for the collection of debts. Beginning July 1, 2004, requires State agencies other than universities to determine the uncollectibility of debts using rules adopted by the Auditor General and to turn over to the Debt Collection Unit debts more than 90 days overdue. Exempts confidential debts owed to the Department of Revenue. Permits universities to use the Auditor General's rules and to turn debts over to the Debt Collection Unit. Requires that 10% of debts collected by the Debt Collection Unit be deposited into a special fund in the State treasury for payment of the Unit's administrative costs. Makes the Department of Public Aid's participation optional with regard to child support debt. Provides separate procedures for the deposit and use of collected child support. Requires the Auditor General to report semi-annually to the General Assembly and State Comptroller upon debts owed to the State and upon collection efforts. Abolishes in 2004 the Debt Collection Board, the Comptroller's use of special account receivable funds, and the use of private collection services by individual State agencies. Effective immediately.