Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions requiring notices of assignment, transfer, renewal, or cancellation of a policy, provides the respective parties with the option to accept notification electronically. Effective immediately.
Amends the Property Tax Code with respect to the valuation of open space land. Provides that, in determining the historic nature of land for which an application has been submitted for special valuation as open space land because it preserves historic sites, the chief county assessment officer may consider the land's inclusion in or consistency with a federal, State, regional, or local government policy or plan for the preservation of historic sites. Provides that a parcel of land is not considered used for open space purposes if the outside boundaries of the parcel completely enclose a separate parcel used for residential or commercial purposes.
Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Prohibits a victim of domestic violence from furnishing any part of any security for bail in a criminal case or proceeding for any person alleged to have caused the abuse against the victim and from acting as surety for the alleged abuser admitted to bail. Provides that the provision is applicable even if an order of protection has not been issued against the abuser.
Amends the Counties Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the intent of the title regarding the site remediation program.
Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that an investigative entity must turn over to the prosecutor all information, whether incriminating or exculpatory, gathered in an investigation. Adds provisions for a petition for a new trial based on an independent claim of actual innocence based on newly discovered evidence. Adds provisions for the actual innocence hearing. Requires that the defendant establish his or her innocence by clear and convincing evidence before the court may order a new trial.
Amends the General Obligation Bond Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the short title of the Act.
Amends the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act. Creates a Legislative Contract Compliance Oversight Panel, consisting of members of the General Assembly, to oversee the compliance of the Illinois Department of Transportation with the goals and requirements of the Act in awarding State construction contracts involving federal funds. Requires the Department to provide certain information to the Panel and to report to the Panel quarterly on the Department's progress in complying with the Act. Requires the Panel to conduct public forums on the Department's compliance and to report its findings and recommendations to the Business Enterprise Council for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities. Effective immediately.
Appropriates $2 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Community College Board for its FY05 ordinary and contingent expenses. Effective July 1, 2004.
Amends the Recreational Trails of Illinois Act with respect to the Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Fund. Provides that not more than 5% of the moneys from the Fund may be used for administration, enforcement, planning, and implementation. Effective immediately.
Amends the Election Code and the School Code. Provides for a State Board of Education consisting of 7 members elected on a nonpartisan basis at the general election in 2004 and every 6 years thereafter (now, the Board consists of 9 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate). Provides that 3 members shall be elected from the First Judicial District (one of whom shall be a resident of the City of Chicago and 2 of whom shall be residents of that part of the First Judicial District that lies outside the city limits of Chicago), one member shall be elected from each of the 4 other judicial districts, and 2 members shall be elected as members-at-large. Terminates the term of each member of the Board who is in office on January 1, 2005 when all of the new elected members take office. Provides that when the new elected members take office and every 2 years thereafter, one member of the Board shall be elected by the members of the Board to serve as chairperson (now, the chairperson is selected by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate). Makes other related changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Metropolitan Civic Center Support Act to provide for payment of bonds to be made by the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (rather than the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity). Effective immediately.
