Rep. Wyvetter H. Younge

Amends the School Code to require the State Board of Education to provide after-school program grants to qualifying school districts for the purpose of providing academic assistance at the end of the regular day of instruction or on non-school days for students and their families at school sites. Provides that a school district qualifies and may apply for a grant if the district contains one or more schools in which at least two-fifths of the students at the school fail to meet State academic standards. Establishes requirements for the grants. Effective immediately.

Amends the Credit Card Issuance Act. Provides that a credit card issuer who offers to an Illinois resident a credit card with a fixed annual percentage rate may not increase the annual percentage rate or rates of interest applicable to that credit card account, or prematurely remove or increase any introductory annual percentage rate or rates of interest applicable to the account, for reasons other than actions or omissions of the card holder that are directly related to the account and that are clearly and conspicuously described to the card holder at the time the credit card is issued. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Identification Act and the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that if a conviction or sentence has been set aside on direct review or on collateral attack and the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was factually innocent of the charge, then the court shall enter an order expunging the record of arrest from the official records of the arresting authority and order that the records of the clerk of the circuit court and Department of State Police be sealed until further order of the court upon good cause shown and the name of the defendant obliterated from the official index kept by the circuit clerk. Amends the State Appellate Defender Act. Provides that the State Appellate Defender shall establish, maintain, and carry out an Expungement Program to provide information and assistance to persons eligible to have their arrest or criminal history record information ordered expunged, sealed, or impounded. Provides that the State Appellate Defender shall develop brochures, pamphlets, and other materials in printed form and through the agency's World Wide Web site that include at a minimum the following information: (1) an explanation of the State's expungement process; (2) the circumstances under which expungements may occur; (3) the criminal offenses that may be expunged; (4) the steps necessary to initiate and complete the expungement process; and (5) directions on how to contact the State Appellate Defender. Provides that the State Appellate Defender shall establish and maintain a statewide toll-free telephone number that a person may use to receive information or assistance concerning the expungement or sealing of arrest or criminal history record information. Provides that the State Appellate Defender shall compile a statewide list of volunteer attorneys willing to assist eligible individuals through the expungement process. Provides that the Program shall be implemented from funds appropriated to the State Appellate Defender for this purpose. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the legislative purpose of the Act.

Congratulates Reverend Clyde Williams on the occasion of his retirement from East St. Louis School District #189.

Recognizes the contributions of African-American Attorney Noah Parden.

Recognizes former State Representative Coy Pugh for his efforts against the death penalty and his many years of dedicated service to the citizens of the State of Illinois.

Mourns the death of Mother Addie Jones of East St. Louis.