Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz

Amends the State Parks Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with representatives of federally recognized indigenous tribes, shall create land acknowledgments for each of the State parks. Provides that these land acknowledgments shall be physically displayed in a prominent place within the State park, as well as on the State park page of the website of the Department of Natural Resources.

Recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year to Asian American communities. Expresses the deepest respect for Asian Americans and people throughout Illinois and the world who celebrate the Lunar New Year, and wishes those who celebrate a happy and prosperous new year.

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Makes a technical change in the short title Section.

Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that if a respondent to an order of protection is subject to remedies prohibiting firearm possession, the order of protection shall also include an order to surrender firearms. Sets forth requirements for the surrendering of any firearm and law enforcement agencies providing statements of receipt of firearms. Provides that the failure to surrender any firearm within 24 hours to the appropriate law enforcement agency under an order to surrender firearms shall constitute contempt of court for the violation of the terms of the order of protection. Requires the Supreme Court to adopt a form for an order to surrender firearms and update any existing forms for an order of protection. Makes corresponding changes in the Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963.

Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Cigarette Machine Operators' Occupation Tax Act, the Cigarette Tax Act, the Cigarette Use Tax Act, and the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that amounts paid as taxes under those Acts shall be deemed assessed upon the date of receipt of payment. Effective January 1, 2024.

Amends the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. Provides that unless otherwise required by State or federal law, an employer shall not voluntarily enroll in the E-Verify program or a similar Electronic Employment Verification System. Provides that if an employer is required to participate in the E-Verify program or a similar Electronic Employment Verification System and receives notification from the Social Security Administration of a discrepancy between an employee's name or social security number and the Social Security Administration's records, an employer must provide the employee with specified information or grant the employee no less than 30 days of unpaid leave to correct any verification discrepancy. Provides for additional rights and protections granted to an employee following the notification from the Social Security Administration of a discrepancy. Makes corresponding changes.

Amends the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Creates the Office of Language Equity and Access Act. Provides that the Office of Language Equity and Access is created in the Governor's Office of New Americans to ensure equitable and meaningful access to State information, services, programs, and activities for persons who have limited English proficiency. Provides that the Director of the Office shall work with State agencies and use available resources within the Office of New Americans and Office of Equity to ensure that, among other things, each State agency takes reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to services, programs, and activities by persons with limited English proficiency. Provides that the Office shall have a full-time Director who is bilingual and has experience in serving immigrant populations. Describes the duties and responsibilities of the Director. Provides that there shall be a bilingual employment plan, which would require designations of positions as bilingual and result in the hiring of qualified personnel who are bilingual. Provides that the Director shall comply with specified requirements concerning the need for interpreters and translators. Provides that the Director shall develop a template and mechanism for collecting, storing, and analyzing language access plans.