Rep. Lou Lang

Amends the Real Estate Transfer Tax Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that the tax is also imposed on the privilege of transferring a controlling interest in a real estate entity. Imposes the tax whether or not a document is recorded. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code and the Counties Code with respect to home rule real estate transfer taxes. Provides that those taxes may be imposed or increased by referendum to the same extent as the State tax. Amends the Stock, Commodity, or Options Transactions Tax Exemption Act. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to prohibit or otherwise invalidate any real estate transfer tax or fee authorized or permitted by law. Effective immediately.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the quarterly reports on State-operated facilities for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled shall include adverse federal certification or accreditation findings. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2005, the Department of Human Services shall adopt model protocol and forms for recording all patient diagnosis, care, and treatment at every facility under the jurisdiction of the Department. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2005, every facility under the jurisdiction of the Department and all services provided in those facilities shall comply with all of the applicable standards adopted by the Social Security Administration under the Medicare Subchapter of the federal Social Security Act. Makes various changes concerning pre-discharge determinations, discharge records, visits following placement, reports and evaluations, treatment plans, quality assurance for certain persons in long term care facilities, resident assessment, and other matters. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Requires hospitals to have a written policy to address the use of restraints and seclusion in the hospital. Amends the Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Reporting Act. Provides that the Inspector General shall function independently within the Department of Human Services with respect to the operations of the office. Eliminates sunset language for the Office of the Inspector General. Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Makes changes with respect to the use of restraints and drug treatment. Amends the Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing Act to make changes in the definition of "registered professional nursing practice". Makes other changes. Provides for an immediate effective date for specified portions of the bill.

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the powers and duties delegated to the Board.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in the statute concerning first degree murder.

Mourns the death of Harriet Cahnmann of Chicago.

Urges Congress to support House Resolution 303.

Congratulates Carolyn Anthony on being named Librarian of the Year in Illinois for 2003.

Amends the Cigarette Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Removes language that terminates the earned income tax credit with taxable years ending on or before December 31, 2002. Exempts the credit from the sunset requirements. Effective immediately.

Amends the Historic Preservation Agency Act. Creates the Freedom Trail Commission. Contains provisions concerning the membership and duties of the commission. Provides that the commission must prepare a master plan to promote and preserve the history of the freedom trail and underground railroad in the State; work in conjunction with State and federal authorities to sponsor commemorations, linkages, seminars, and public forums on the freedom trail and underground railroad in the State and in neighboring states; assist and promote the making of applications for inclusion in the national and State register of historic places for significant historic places related to the freedom trail and the underground railroad in the State; assist and develop partnerships to seek public and private funds to carry out activities to protect, preserve, and promote the legacy of the freedom trail and underground railroad in the State; and work with the Illinois State Board of Education to evaluate, conduct research concerning, and develop a curriculum for use in Illinois public schools regarding the underground railroad, with emphasis on the activities of the underground railroad within this State. Provides that the commission must report its activities and findings to the General Assembly by February 1, 2004. Effective immediately.