Rep. Jay Hoffman

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act in the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the redevelopment project in the TIF District created by an ordinance adopted on December 29, 1986 by the City of Collinsville must be completed by December 31 of the 35th year (now, the 23rd year) after the year in which the ordinance was adopted. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning elements of the Medicaid payment rate for nursing homes, provides that a nursing home may at any time submit information to the Department of Public Aid to supplement the facility's most recent cost report to document its increased allowable costs of providing services resulting from capital improvements made by the facility that have not been considered in the payment rates in effect for that facility for the current fiscal year. Requires prompt verification by the Department and prompt adjustment of the facility's payment rates. Makes implementation subject to appropriations. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Public Aid may not establish any formulary limits on, or restrict by any prior authorization requirement, any insulin prescription drug as prescribed and determined to be medically necessary for the treatment of diabetes. Effective July 1, 2004.

Amends the Recreational Trails of Illinois Act. With respect to the Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Fund, provides that at least 92% (now 60%) shall be allocated for motorized recreation and not more than 8% may be used for administration, enforcement, planning, and implementation costs. Effective immediately.

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Makes a technical change to a Section concerning the Self-Insurers Advisory Board.

Creates the Department of Education Act and amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Illinois State Auditing Act, the Illinois Pension Code, and the School Code. Creates the Department of Education, with a Secretary of Education as its head. Provides that all of the rights, powers, duties, and functions vested by law in the State Board of Education or the State Superintendent of Education (except the State Board of Education's duty under the Illinois Constitution to appoint a chief State educational officer) are transferred to the Department of Education on July 1, 2005. Provides for the transfer of personnel and property. Requires the Auditor General to conduct a financial audit of the State Board of Education. Provides that the State Board of Education's powers and duties are limited by law, as provided in the Illinois Constitution, to only the following: (i) the State Board of Education shall research current educational best practices and policies and shall report its findings to the Department of Education, (ii) the State Board of Education shall provide suggestions to the Department of Education as to the long-range implications of the practices and policies, and (iii) the State Board of Education shall consult with the Department of Education on all matters related to education-related topics. Makes other changes. Certain provisions effective July 1, 2004; other provisions effective July 1, 2005.

Creates the Public Service Accountability Act. Sets out the requirements for privatization contracts between contractors and State agencies. Provides for the monitoring and enforcement of privatization contracts. Establishes fines and prison sentences for a violation of certain Sections of the Act. Effective immediately.

Creates the Comprehensive Housing, Health, and Supportive Services for Older Adults Act and amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act, the State Finance Act, and the Nursing Home Care Act. Requires the Director of Public Health, in coordination with the Director of Aging and the Director of Public Aid, to monitor and analyze the distribution of housing and services for older adults in the different geographic areas of the State and implement corrective action plans by July 1, 2005. Provides for a program for conversion of nursing homes to assisted living or shared housing establishments; makes such conversions exempt from the requirements of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act, and provides for transition planning grants to nursing homes making such conversions. Creates special funds in the State treasury for use in implementing the Comprehensive Housing, Health, and Supportive Services for Older Adults Act. Provides for transfers from the Long Term Care Monitor/Receiver Fund to the new Nursing Home Conversion Fund and the new Nursing Home Transition Planning Grant Fund. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Sex Offender Registration Act. Makes a technical change to the penalty Section.

Amends the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act. Provides that if a person has been committed as a sexually violent person and has not been discharged, the Department of Human Services shall submit a written report to the court (rather than conduct an examination) on his or her mental condition within 6 months after an initial commitment and then at least once every 12 months thereafter. Provides that any examiner conducting an examination of the person shall prepare a written report of the examination no later than 30 days after the date of the examination. Provides that if a detainee or civilly committed sexually violent person escapes, dies, or is subject to any court-ordered change in custody status of the detainee or sexually violent person, the Department of Human Services shall make a reasonable attempt to notify, if he or she can be found, all of the following persons, if applicable, who request notification under the Act or under the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act: (1) the victim of the act of sexual violence; (2) an adult member of the victim's family, if the victim died as a result of the act of sexual violence; (3) the victim's parent or legal guardian, if the victim is younger than 18 years old; and (4) the Department of Corrections. Effective immediately.