Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that it is an affirmative defense to a violation of the unlawful use of weapons statute or the aggravated unlawful use of a weapon statute relating to the unlawful carrying or possession of a firearm in a vehicle or concealed on or about one's person if, at the time of the violation, the individual who is charged with the violation: (1) possessed a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card, and had successfully completed a gun safety course approved by the Department of State Police that meets specified statutory requirements or (2) possessed a valid concealed carry license or permit issued by another state. Establishes the requirements for the gun safety courses and the qualifications of instructors. Effective immediately.
Sponsored bills
Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act and the State Property Control Act. Requires the Executive Ethics Commission to adopt rules for the use of and travel on State aircraft that supersede any such rules applicable to the executive branch of State government adopted by the State's various travel control boards or the Travel Regulation Council. Provides that 3 executive aircraft and 2 helicopters owned by the State and not designated for emergency use are surplus property and must be sold by a competitive sealed bid method (now, a transferable airplane may be disposed of only if (i) it is no longer needed, (ii) it will not be used as a trade-in, and (iii) a public university or college offering aviation-related instruction or training has not listed its need for an airplane). Requires that the sale proceeds be deposited into the General Revenue Fund. Effective immediately.
Appropriates $2 from the General Revenue Fund to the Office of the State Appellate Defender for its FY13 ordinary and contingent expenses. Effective July 1, 2012.
Urges Congress to pass federal funds on to States via block grants to be used for public welfare and Medicaid purposes.
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that eligibility criteria for voluntary populations to receive medical assistance approved under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including previously ineligible individuals with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level, shall not be expanded. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, students in grade 6 must successfully complete at least one semester of a civics education course that includes the roles and responsibilities of federal, State, and local governments; the structures and functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government; and the meaning and significance of historic documents, such as the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States. Requires the State Board of Education to develop a statewide, standardized, end-of-course assessment in civics education for 6th grade students enrolled in a civics education course. Provides that (i) during the 2012-2013 school year, the end-of-course assessment in civics education must be administered as a field test; (ii) during the 2013-2014 school year, each student's performance on the end-of-course assessment in civics education shall constitute 30% of the student's final course grade; and (iii) beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, a student must earn a passing score on the end-of-course assessment in civics education in order to pass the course and receive course credit and in order to be promoted to the next higher grade level.
Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the board of health of a county, multi-county health department, or municipality, as applicable, shall issue a permit for the operation of a seasonal food service establishment. Sets forth procedures concerning the renewal of a license. Provides that "seasonal food service establishment" means a food establishment, other than a mobile food establishment, that is operated for no more than 5 months in a licensing period. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Defines "recreational vehicle for hire" as a camping trailer, motor home, mini motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or van camper owned by a commercial business and rented to individuals for personal recreational use. Provides that the owner of a recreational vehicle for hire may, upon payment of a the applicable fee, apply to the Secretary of State for and be issued vanity or personalized license plates.
Repeals the Film Production Services Tax Credit Act of 2008.
Amends the Covering ALL KIDS Health Insurance Act. Changes the definition of resident to mean a person who meets the residency requirements as defined in the provision concerning residence of the Illinois Public Aid Code (instead of an individual (i) who is in the State for other than a temporary or transitory purpose during the taxable year or (ii) who is domiciled in the State but is absent from the State for a temporary or transitory purpose during the taxable year).