Amends the School Code. Provides that if the General Assembly fails to make a Common School Fund appropriation to the State Board of Education in any fiscal year sufficient to fund all tax equivalent grants for that fiscal year, then the amendatory Act constitutes an irrevocable and continuing appropriation from the Common School Fund of all amounts necessary for this purpose. Effective immediately.
Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law. Excludes the amount of taxes abated by a taxing district on certain property used for commercial and industrial purposes, horse racing, auto racing , academic or research institutes, housing for older persons, recreation facilities, or relocated corporate headquarters from the amount not included in the aggregate extension base when computing the limiting rate. Effective immediately.
Urges the State Board of Education, the soft drink industry, and the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance to eliminate soft drink beverage sales and junk food products from school settings by substituting sugar-laden products with healthy drinks and products.
Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides a minimum widow's annuity for the widow of a fireman who dies on or after July 1, 1997 while an active fireman with at least 10 years of creditable service. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.
Amends the Day and Temporary Labor Services Act. Makes a stylistic change in provisions concerning violations.
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning legislative findings.
Amends the School Code. Allows certain boards of education to give cumulative voting rights in the election of board members, in which case each elector may cast a specified number of votes, equal to the number of members to be elected at that election, for one candidate or distribute them equally among no more than the number of candidates that equals the number of members to be elected, and the candidates highest in votes shall be declared elected.
Amends the Jury Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title of the Act.
Creates the Electricians Licensing Act. Provides for regulation of electricians and electrical contractors. Establishes fines for violations of the Act. Provides for concurrent exercise by home rule units. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to repeal this Act January 1, 2014. Effective January 1, 2004.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning instructional materials.
Amends the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act. Requires each food service establishment to maintain and make available upon a customer's request a notice of food ingredients to alert a food allergy sufferer to any potential reaction from consuming a particular menu item. Requires each food service establishment to post a sign informing the customers of their right to obtain that list upon request.
Amends the Toll Highway Act. Requires the Governor to appoint an Inspector General to investigate waste, fraud, or financial mismanagement in Authority operations involving Authority employees or contractors. Provides that a person commits a Class A misdemeanor if he or she fails to respond to a subpoena from the Inspector General, fails to answer questions, fails to produce pertinent books or records, or knowingly gives false testimony. Provides that with respect to a proposed increase in toll rates, the Authority may not hold more than one hearing on the same day, and imposes other requirements concerning such hearings. Requires the Authority to submit a 15-year comprehensive strategic financial plan to the General Assembly by December 31, 2003. Prohibits directors of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, their employees, and agents from receiving financial benefit from the letting of Authority contracts during their terms of service and for a period of one year following termination of their positions or employment with the Authority.
