Creates the Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act. Provides that, if a repair is required under a residential lease agreement or required under a law, rule, or ordinance and the reasonable cost of the repair does not exceed the lesser of $500 or one-half of the monthly rent, the tenant may notify the landlord in writing of the tenant's intention to have the repair made at the landlord's expense. Provides that, if the landlord fails to make the repair within 14 days or more promptly in an emergency the tenant may have the repair made and, after submitting a paid bill to the landlord, deduct from his or her rent the amount of the bill, subject to specified limitations. Sets forth exceptions and provisions concerning mechanics lien laws. Provides that a home rule unit may not regulate residential lease agreements in a manner that diminishes the rights of tenants under the Act.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Nursing Education Scholarship Law. Authorizes scholarships for registered nurses pursuing graduate degrees in nursing and to students in areas identified as designated shortage areas. Provides that 20% of scholarships shall be for recipients pursuing graduate degrees and reduces percentages for other recipients. Removes provisions concerning scholarships for pursuing a hospital-based diploma in nursing.
Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that proof that a minor was present in a structure or vehicle in which the minor's parent, custodian, or guardian was involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine constitutes prima facie evidence of abuse and neglect.
Creates the African-American Family Commission Act. Establishes a 15-member African-American Family Commission to serve as a coordinating and advocating body that acts on behalf of the interests of African-Americans in the State. Provides that members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Governor and serve 2-year terms. Provides that the Commission shall submit an annual report of its activities to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31 each year. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Commission and its Director. Provides that the Commission may accept offers, gifts, or grants from federal, State, local, or private sources and may expend these receipts on projects that it deems suitably related to performance of Commission duties. Provides that the Department of Central Management Services shall provide the Commission the same type and level of services it provides to other State agencies.
Amends the School Code. Creates a K-3 class size reduction grant program to be implemented and administered by the State Board of Education. Provides that only those schools that are on the early academic warning list or academic watch list and that maintain grades K-3 are grant eligible. Limits use of the grant funds to operating and maintaining classes in grades K-3 with a class size of no more than 20 pupils. Effective immediately.
Amends the Agricultural Production Contract Code. Provides that a production contract must have a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score no higher than the twelfth grade. Provides that this requirement does not apply to a document attached to the contract if the contractor, affiliate, or subsidiary is not the original publisher of the document. Provides that the fine for a violation may not be more than $10,000. Effective January 1, 2005.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the State aid formula.
Amends the Office of Banks and Real Estate Act. Requires the Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate to work in cooperation with the Director of Aging to ensure that all financial institutions regulated by the Office of Banks and Real Estate participate fully in the Department on Aging's financial exploitation of the elderly intervention program. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. With respect to the small business preference, changes the maximum annual sales or receipts for a business to qualify as small to $10,000,000 (now $7,500,000) for a wholesaler and $6,000,000 (now $1,500,000) for a retailer.
Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that a person or entity may not print an individual's social security number on an insurance card that is used to establish the eligibility of an individual or his or her dependents to receive health, dental, optical, or accident insurance benefits, prescription drug benefits, or benefits under a managed care plan or a plan provided by a health maintenance organization, a health services plan corporation, or a similar entity. Provides that existing insurance cards with an individual's social security number must be replaced with insurance cards without the individual's social security number. Provides that a violation constitutes an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act. Effective January 1, 2005.