Amends the Election Code. Requires that a judicial retention declaration be filed 6 months before the next scheduled general election before the expiration of the judge's term (now, on or before the first Monday in December before the general election before the expiration of the judge's term).
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code provision regarding Education license plates. Provides that 5% of the moneys in the Illinois Teacher Corps Scholarship Fund shall be appropriated to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (rather than to the State Board of Education) for grants to the Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching. Effective July 1, 2007.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that any gas utility may enter into a contract for up to 20 years of supply with any company for the purchase of synthetic natural gas (rather than a 20-year supply contract with any company for synthetic natural gas) produced from coal through the gasification process if the company has commenced construction of a coal gasification facility by July 1, 2009 (rather than July 1, 2008). Makes changes in factors used to determine whether the cost for synthetic natural gas is reasonable and prudent. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning State goals and assessment.
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In connection with the medical assistance program, provides that on and after July 1, 2008, the minimum inpatient per diem rate to be paid to a hospital for psychiatric services shall be no less than the highest per diem base rate established by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for any hospital that newly qualifies to deliver psychiatric inpatient services on or after December 31, 2006. Effective immediately.
Amends the Shaken Baby Prevention Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that if a defendant is accused of child pornography or aggravated child pornography or the defendant is accused of first degree murder or second degree murder when the commission of the offense involves sexual penetration or sexual conduct, evidence of the defendant's commission of another such offense or evidence to rebut that proof or an inference from that proof, may be admissible (if that evidence is otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence) and may be considered for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant. Provides that (1) testimony by the victim of an out of court statement made by the victim that he or she complained of such act to another; and (2) testimony of an out of court statement made by the victim describing any complaint of such act or matter or detail pertaining to any act which is an element of an offense which is the subject of a prosecution for a sexual or physical act against that victim are admissible as exceptions to the hearsay rule in prosecutions for any sex offense as defined in the Sex Offender Registration Act.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that an officer of a fire department, in the performance of his or her official duties, has the authority to close to traffic a highway, or a lane or lanes of a highway, as necessary to protect the safety of persons or property. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Increases the penalties for the offense of reckless homicide if the offense is committed as a result of failing to follow the procedures required when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle. Further increases the penalties if the defendant causes the deaths of 2 or more persons as part of a single course of conduct.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning financial exploitation of an elderly person.
Amends the Burn Injury Reporting Act. Repeals a Section of the Act that would have repealed the Act on January 1, 2009. Effective immediately.
