Amends the senior citizens homestead exemption provisions in the Property Tax Code. Provides that beginning with assessment year 2003, for taxes payable in 2004, property that is first occupied as a residence after January 1 of any assessment year by a person who is eligible for the senior citizens homestead exemption must be granted a pro-rata exemption for the assessment year. The amount of the pro-rata exemption is the senior citizens homestead exemption allowed in the county divided by 365 and multiplied by the number of days during the year the property is occupied as a residence by a person eligible for the exemption. The chief county assessment officer must adopt reasonable procedures to establish eligibility for the pro-rata exemption. Amends the State Mandates Act to restate that the senior citizens homestead exemption is exempt from the requirements of the State Mandates Act and further amends the Property Tax Code to state that the senior citizens homestead exemption is exempt from the requirements of the State Mandates Act. Effective immediately.
Creates the Accountability for the Investment of Public Funds Act. Provides that each State agency shall make information available on the Internet concerning the investment of any public funds held by that State agency.
Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Provides that the definition of "educational employer" does include a school finance authority created under provisions of the School Code concerning downstate school finance authorities for elementary districts. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the Non-Support Punishment Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning proceedings under the Act.
Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to implement the provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Amends the School Code. Allows a school board to establish, maintain, and operate a summer kindergarten program that begins 2 months before the beginning of the regular school year and a summer kindergarten program for grade one readiness for those pupils making unsatisfactory progress during the regular kindergarten session that will continue for 2 months after the regular school year. Provides that the summer kindergarten program may be held within the school district or, pursuant to a contract that must be approved by the State Board of Education, may be operated by 2 or more adjacent school districts or by a public or private university or college. Effective immediately.
Creates the Illinois State Library Foundation Act. Authorizes the Secretary of State to create a not-for-profit corporation known as the Illinois State Library Foundation with not less than 6 nor more than 11 Directors, and with the Secretary of State serving as an ex-officio Director. The purpose of the Foundation shall be to promote library programs for all types of libraries in the State, enhancing statewide library awareness to the people of Illinois, making grants and gifts in aid and support of the goal. Authorizes the Secretary of State to adopt rules necessary to govern Foundation procedures. Provides for the disposition of funds collected by the Foundation. Effective January 1, 2004.
Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act by making it an unlawful practice to knowingly mail or send or cause to be mailed or sent a postcard or letter to a recipient in this State if the postcard or letter contains a request that the recipient call a telephone number, the postcard or letter is sent to induce the recipient to call the telephone number so that merchandise may be offered for sale to the recipient, and the postcard or letter does not disclose that merchandise may be offered for sale if the recipient calls the telephone number.
Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the city council or board of trustees, as appropriate, may create the office of internal auditor. Provides that the duties of the internal auditor shall be to report directly to the council or board regarding the state of the finances of the municipality. Provides that the internal auditor may be appointed as provided by ordinance.
Amends the School Construction Law. Requires the State Board of Education and the Capital Development Board to file with the General Assembly a comprehensive assessment report of the capital needs of all school districts in this State before January 1, 2005 and every 2 years thereafter. Effective immediately.
Amends the General Assembly Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Disqualifies persons who first become participants after the effective date from the provision allowing members with more than 20 years of service to earn 3% annual increases before withdrawal from service. Effective immediately.
