Rep. Will Davis

Amends various Acts relating to the governance of the public universities in Illinois. Subject to certain other admission requirements, requires a university to admit an applicant for admission to the university as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% percent of the student's high school graduating class. Requires the university, after admitting the applicant, to review the applicant's record and any other factor the university considers appropriate to determine whether the applicant may require additional preparation for college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a retention program.

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that the extensions of certain library taxes are not limited under certain provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law to the extent that the limitation would cause the actual levied rate of the tax to fall below the minimum library rate. Defines "actual levied rate" as the rate calculated by dividing: (i) the amount that would be extended if the limitations applied; by (ii) the value of all the taxable property in the taxing district. Defines "minimum library rate" as (i) the rate set forth by the governing body of the taxing district if that rate is 0.15% or less; or (ii) 90% of the rate set forth by the governing body of the taxing district if that rate exceeds 0.15% and was approved by the voters of the taxing district. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person is not a repairer under the Code if he or she is solely engaged in the business of repairing dents or other damage to a vehicle surface, the dents or other damaged areas measure less than 2 inches across, and the person does not otherwise restore, mend, straighten, replace, or alter essential parts. Provides that, if an applicant for a certificate of title for a rebuilt vehicle states either that he or she personally rebuilt the vehicle or that he or she personally supervised its rebuilding, the applicant must affirm in writing that he or she is a licensed rebuilder. Provides that, if the applicant states that he or she has contracted for rebuilding with a licensed rebuilder, the applicant shall submit a statement from the rebuilder, in the form designated by the Secretary of State, stating that all of the supporting documentation and the contents of the application are, to the best of the rebuilder's knowledge and belief, complete, true, and correct.

Applauds the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for agreeing to facilitate public hearings on the critical issue of extreme poverty in Illinois and urges members of the General Assembly and local stakeholders to attend the hearings.

Amends the Eminent Domain Act. Provides that, if a State agency acquires property of a unit of local government by condemnation or otherwise necessitating the relocation of infrastructure owned by the unit of local government, the State agency and the unit of local government agree after 2004 to an amount to be paid by the State agency to the unit of local government for the relocation, and the actual cost of relocation of infrastructure exceeds the agreed amount, the condemning authority shall pay to the unit of local government, in addition to the agreed amount, the difference between the actual cost of relocation and the agreed amount.

Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that certain payments for medical and child care services may be paid out of appropriations for those purposes for a fiscal year if the services were rendered in that fiscal year (now, without regard to the fiscal year in which rendered). Allows payment during a 4-month lapse period after the end of the fiscal year. Effective July 1, 2008.

Proposes to amend Section 1 of Article X of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that a fundamental right (instead of goal) of the People of the State is the educational development of all persons to the limits of their capacities. Provides that it is the paramount duty of the State to provide for a thorough and efficient system of high quality public education institutions and services and to guarantee equality of educational opportunity as a fundamental right of each citizen (instead of requiring the State to provide for an efficient system of high quality public education institutions and services). Provides that the State has the preponderant financial responsibility (instead of the primary responsibility) for financing the system of public education. Effective upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act.

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Public Health to designate a staff person to handle issues related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Specifies the staff person's duties. Effective immediately.

Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law and the Environmental Impact Fee Law. Requires certain taxpayers and receivers under the Acts to file monthly returns with the Department of Revenue and to make quarter-monthly payments. Effective immediately.

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Makes a technical change to a Section concerning the definitions of "Director" and "Department".