Amends the Bi-State Development Agency Act. Provides that upon the expiration of a term or of a vacancy in the office of commissioner, the County Board Chairman of either Madison County or St. Clair County (instead of the Governor) shall appoint a replacement. Provides procedures for appointments.
Amends the State Lawsuit Immunity Act. Provides that an employee, former employee, or prospective employee of the State who is aggrieved by any conduct or action or inaction of the State that would constitute a violation of the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 may bring a civil action under that Act against the State. Provides that an employee of the State who is aggrieved by any conduct or action or inaction of the State that would constitute a violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 may bring a civil action under that Act against the State.
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 Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that one of the 10 members of the Board of Higher Education that is appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, must be a faculty member at a public university.
Amends the Military Leave of Absence Act. Provides that any full-time employee of the State, a unit of local government, or a school district (instead of just the State), other than an independent contractor, who is a member of the armed forces shall be granted leave from his or her public employment for any period actively spent in military service. Makes technical changes. Preempts home rule powers. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.
Amends the State Designations Act. Designates popcorn as the official State snackfood of the State of Illinois.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that public schools and educational facilities may not contract with an entity engaged in giving instruction in the driving of motor vehicles or in the preparation of an applicant for the Secretary of State's driver's license examination unless that entity is licensed by the Secretary of State. Increases the amount of the surety bond required to operate a driver training school to $20,000 (from $10,000). Raises the application and renewal fees for a license to operate a driver training school. Removes historical language concerning an impact report on driver training courses for students or high school dropouts. Includes a fingerprint based background check investigation to the list of requirements for qualifying for a license as an instructor for a driving school. Changes language concerning how information obtained as a result of the application for a license can be used or maintained. Extends the expiration date for driver training schools or instructors to 24 months (from 12 month) from the date of issuance. Effective immediately.
Amends the Open Meetings Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the Illinois Violence Prevention Act of 1995. Makes a technical change in the purpose Section.
Amends the School Code and the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. Requires the State Board of Education, regional superintendents of schools, school boards (and their schools), and nonpublic schools that receive funds for free or reduced-price lunches under the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act to agree in writing with the Department of Public Aid to share with the Department information on applicants for free or reduced-price lunches. Provides that the sharing of information shall be for the sole purpose of helping the Department identify and enroll children in the State Medical Assistance Program or the State Children's Health Insurance Program or both as allowed and under the restrictions set forth in federal law. Provides that before an entity shares with the Department of Public Aid information on an applicant, that entity must obtain the consent of the applicant's parent or legal guardian. Effective July 1, 2003.
Amends the Secretary of State Merit Employment Code. Increases to 10 (now, 3) the number of persons ranking highest on the appropriate eligible list who must be considered for an appointment to fill a vacancy. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Requires every public elementary school and high school to include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian History, including South Asia and the Pacific Islands. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective July 1, 2003.
