Rep. Robert F. Flider

Amends the Public University Energy Conservation Act. Requires each university to contract to have an independent energy conservation audit performed with respect to all buildings and facilities owned or operated by the university. If the audit reveals that energy conservation measures should be implemented with respect to any building or facility and those measures will provide long-term operating cost reductions, then requires the university to implement the measures within 10 years after the audit is completed.

Urges the State Board of Education, in developing its 5-year comprehensive strategic plan for elementary and secondary education, to address as soon as possible the unique needs of rural school districts and school reorganization issues.

Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the School Code, various Acts relating to the governance of the public universities in Illinois, and the Public Community College Act. Prohibits a school district, university, or community college from selling a student's name, address, telephone number, social security number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information to a business organization or financial institution that issues credit or debit cards. Effective July 1, 2003.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that all special plates that may be issued only to veterans manufactured after January 1, 2005 must be manufactured in the United States and, if a suitable manufacturing facility is available in this State, must be manufactured in this State.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall create a database where child care providers receiving funds from the child care assistance program under the Illinois Public Aid Code may report that a person who receives assistance from the State has outstanding bills for child care and has switched to an alternative child care provider.

Amends the Downstate Teachers Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Extends the deadline for application for early retirement without discount from June 30, 2005 to June 30, 2010; also reduces the required contribution for some members. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that a Section of the Election Code concerning vacancies in elective offices does not apply to any elected or appointed officers or officials of municipalities. Amends the Municipal Code. Provides that a person is not eligible for an elective municipal office unless that person is a qualified elector of the municipality and has resided in the municipality at least one year preceding the election (now, one year next preceding the election). Sets requirements and procedures for filling vacancies. Effective on January 1, 2004.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, during the period beginning on August 15 and ending on December 15 of any year, a vehicle or combination of vehicles whose gross weight does not exceed 80,000 pounds and that does not exceed existing length and width limits may use highways under the jurisdiction of local authorities to transport agricultural products from the field to grain bins or a grain elevator or from grain bins to a grain elevator. Requires the motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles to use the most direct route available to reach its destination. Provides that the exemption does not apply to weight limits imposed for bridges, or to vehicles operated on interstate highways, and does not provide a waiver of a manufacturer's recommendations for the safe operation of equipment.

Amends the Government Buildings Energy Cost Reduction Act of 1991. Makes a technical change in a Section containing the short title.