Rep. Ron Stephens

Names September 21, 2003 as Myositis Day in the State of Illinois.

Amends the State Prompt Payment Act. Defines "qualified goods or services" as goods or services for which reimbursement is paid by the Illinois Department of Public Aid under Article V of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that a bill or invoice for qualified goods or services provided to a recipient of medical assistance under Article V of the Illinois Public Aid Code must be given priority in processing and that a voucher meeting these criteria submitted by an official or agency to the Comptroller for payment must be given priority in payment. Provides that the processing and payment of (i) debt service obligations of the State, (ii) payroll obligations of the State, and (iii) payments to school districts shall have priority over the processing and payment of items as required by these provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Creates the offense of facilitating theft of on-line services. Penalty is a Class A misdemeanor when the aggregate value of service obtained is less than $300 and a Class 4 felony when the aggregate value of service obtained is $300 or more. A second or subsequent offense is a Class 2 felony.

Amends the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act. Provides that an alderman of any city or a member of the board of trustees of any village or incorporated town (instead of a city, village, or incorporated town with fewer than 2,500 inhabitants) may also hold the office of member of the board of education, regional board of school trustees, board of school directors, or board of school inspectors. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person required to post security after an accident is exempt from that requirement while serving in the United States Armed Forces outside of the United States.

Amends the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act. Subject to appropriation, requires the Department of Human Services to create a pilot program to provide community-based residential services to individuals with severe autism who are 21 years of age or older. Requires establishment of the program in the Chicago metropolitan area and in a county outside Cook and the collar counties with a population in excess of 250,000. Sets forth the Department's responsibilities concerning screening, training and supports, and vocational opportunities. Effective immediately.

Amends the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning navigation.

Creates the Illinois Opportunity Fund Act. Contains provisions intended to increase the availability and facilitate the delivery of institutional venture capital to emerging and expanding enterprises in the State of Illinois. Defines the role of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Creates the Illinois Opportunity Fund and provides for the creation of the Illinois Capital Investment Corporation. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Illinois Opportunity Special Projects Fund. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Designates the portion of Illinois Route 162 in Troy commencing at its intersection with U.S. 40 and ending at its intersection with Formosa Road as the Paul Simon Parkway.

Creates the Freedom to Be a Patriot Act. Provides that the display of the American flag may not be prohibited in buildings owned, leased, or controlled by the State.