Rep. Daniel J. Burke

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that no person may knowingly beat, cruelly treat, torment, starve, overwork, or otherwise abuse any companion animal in the presence of a minor. Provides that any person convicted of this violation shall be subject to a fine of $250 and ordered to perform community service for not less than 200 hours, if community service is available in the jurisdiction, in addition to any other authorized penalties. Provides that, at the discretion of the court, a defendant convicted of this offense shall be liable for the cost of any counseling required for the minor.

Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Provides that no board member may receive more than one per diem, stipend, or other similar form of compensation for meetings that are held on consecutive days unless: (i) each meeting is more than 4 hours long, or (ii) in the case of an emergency. Defines "board" to include a board, commission, authority, task force, or other similar body to which one or more members are appointed by the Governor.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a court services fee shall not exceed $25 unless the fee is set according to an acceptable cost study under the Code.

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to publish on its Internet website the exemption from immunization data it receives from schools. Provide that parents or legal guardians who object to health, dental, or eye examinations or immunizations on religious grounds must present to the appropriate local school authority a Department of Public Health objection form, detailing the grounds for the objection and signed by the parent or legal guardian, as well as a religious official attesting to a bona fide religious objection whose signature must be notarized (instead of presenting a signed statement of objection detailing the grounds for the objection). Requires the Department of Public Health to develop and publish a uniform objection form for this particular use. Provides that if the physical condition of a child is such that any one or more of the immunizing agents should not be administered, the child's parent or legal guardian must present to the appropriate local school authority a statement signed by the child's regular examining physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant attesting to that fact. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall assess high school students using a college and career ready determination that shall be accepted by this State's public institutions of higher education for the purpose of student application or admissions consideration.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that any earned sick pay which is payable by an employer shall be considered pensionable earnings as provided by Section 17-134 and the charter school shall certify the number of sick days being paid. Also provides that any sum paid by a charter school employer before or after the school year shall be considered pensionable earnings if the payment is conditioned in any way on service being performed by the contributor. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that payment for services rendered by a registered surgical assistant who is neither an employee of an ambulatory surgical treatment center nor an employee of a hospital shall be paid at the appropriate non-physician modifier rate if the payor would have made payment had the same services been provided by a physician. Makes conforming changes in the Registered Surgical Assistant and Registered Surgical Technologist Title Protection Act.

Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Authorizes the Secretary of State, in addition to county clerks, to institute an Internet-based system for the filing of statements of economic interests. Provides that all Internet-based systems for the filing of statements of economic interests shall set forth and provide a means of generating a printable receipt page acknowledging filing. Makes other changes to be consistent with the requirements of the amendatory Act. Effective July 1, 2015.

Congratulates Albert G. D'Ottavio on completing the 107th Chicago to Mackinac Island Sailboat Race.

Congratulates Jose Barrera on his retirement as principal of Columbia Explorers Academy.