Rep. Elizabeth Coulson

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act to provide coverage for habilitative services, including, but not limited to occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy, for children under the age of 19 with congenital or genetic defects existing at or from birth. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that no tax is imposed under the Acts upon the use or purchase of energy-efficient products that qualify as an "Energy Star" product under the federal Energy Star Program and that are purchased at a price of $1,500 or less during a tax holiday. Defines "tax-holiday" as the periods each year: (1) beginning at 12:01 a.m. on November 1st and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on November 7th; and (2) beginning at 12:01 a.m. on April 22nd and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on April 28th. Sets forth criteria for transactions to qualify for the exemption. Effective immediately.

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 Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. In connection with the issuance of a license under the Act, requires that all employees (instead of only direct care staff) meet the requirements of the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Southern Illinois University Management Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning creation of the Board of Trustees.

Amends the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act. Provides that coverage under the Plan shall automatically terminate as of the effective date of any medical assistance, except in cases where the effective date of the medical assistance is the date that the application for medical assistance was submitted to the Department of Human Services and that date is different than the date that the applicant is determined to be eligible for medical assistance. Provides that in that circumstance, coverage under the plan shall terminate on the date that the applicant was determined to be eligible for medical assistance. Effective immediately.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Congratulates the staff of the Gertrude B. Nielsen Child Care and Learning Center in Northbrook on the 20th anniversary of the facility.

Congratulates Manny Shellist for the successful creation and touring of his Gettysburg Address wood carving.