Rep. Elga L. Jefferies

Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Provides that the Department of Professional Regulation shall not refuse to issue a license to an ex-offender that may be refused a license under specified provisions of the Act if the ex-offender learned the licensable trade while incarcerated. Provides that references in this Act (i) to the Department of Professional Regulation are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and (ii) to the Director of Professional Regulation are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Appropriates $100,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a community-based summer jobs program for teenagers. Effective July 1, 2008.

Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Requires that a special government agent file his or her statement of economic interests within 60 days after assuming responsibilities as a special government agent (now, within 30 days after making an ex parte communication). Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Prohibits all State employees from obtaining State contracts (now, those earning more than 60% of the Governor's compensation). Requires that a waiver from the prohibition against obtaining State contracts must be filed within the earlier of 60 days after it is issued or when contract performance begins, and provides that the contract is voidable if the waiver is not filed within that period. Prohibits the State from entering into a contract with respect to the issuance of bonds or other securities with an entity that uses an independent consultant. Defines an independent consultant. Requires that a State contract with an entity subject to certain Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board requirements for reporting political contributions must include a certification of compliance during the contract with those requirements. Provides that violation makes the contract voidable by the State and bars the entity from State contracts with respect to issuance of bonds or other securities for 10 years. Permanently bars an entity found guilty of violating the rules’ prohibitions against obtaining or retaining securities business and making political contributions or payments. Effective immediately.

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2007, the tax with respect to textbooks required for use at State universities and public community colleges or certain other institutions of higher learning is imposed under these Acts at the rate of 1.25% (eliminating the State's portion of the tax). Authorizes the Department of Revenue to adopt rules. Amends the State Finance Act to adjust the distribution with respect to this tax. Effective immediately.

Creates the Judicial Campaign Reform Act and amends the Election Code, the State Finance Act, the Illinois Income Tax Act, and the Clerks of Courts Act. Creates a voluntary program of public financing of election campaigns for the offices of judges of the Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Courts, administered by the State Board of Elections. Establishes funding mechanisms and provides penalties for violations. Sets mandatory contribution limits with respect to all judicial election campaigns. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2009.

Amends the Mercury-added Product Prohibition Act. Provides that no person shall distribute or sell any cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances containing mercury. Provides that any person who knowingly sells or distributes mercury-containing cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances in this State commits a petty offense and shall be fined up to $500. Provides that a manufacturer that distributes cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances containing mercury to persons in this State must disclose the level of mercury in its cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances. A manufacturer who fails to disclose the level of mercury in its cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances commits a business offense and shall be fined $10,000. Effective January 1, 2009.

Congratulates Timuel D. Black, Jr. on the occasion of being the recipient of the Legacy Award from the Black United Fund of Illinois.

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 School Code. Adds homeownership, including the basic process of obtaining a mortgage and the concepts of fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, subprime loans, and predatory lending, as part of the financial literacy component of consumer education.

Mourns the death of Virgie Louise Brooks Harris of Chicago.