Rep. Mary Flowers

Congratulates Valerie J. Van Meter on being awarded the 2012 Circle of Friends Award.

Mourns the death of Jean Joseph Salomon.

Mourns the death of Geraldine Mardis of Chicago.

Amends the Criminal Identification Act, the Criminal Code of 1961, the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, and the Unified Code of Corrections. Creates Offender Initiative Probation. Provides that whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of, or placed on probation or conditional discharge for, any felony offense, other than a violent offense, under the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, or the laws of the United States, pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, a probationable felony offense of theft, retail theft, forgery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of cannabis, possession of a controlled substance, or possession of methamphetamine, the court, with the consent of both the defendant and the State's Attorney, may, without entering a judgment, sentence the defendant to probation. Establishes the terms and conditions of the probation. Provides that upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions of probation, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person. Provides that upon violation of a term or condition of probation, the court may enter a judgment on its original finding of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided by law.

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the licensing requirements.

Congratulates James and Martha McCoy on their 60th wedding anniversary.

Amends the School Code. Allows the Chicago Board of Education to develop a plan for implementing a program that seeks to establish common bonds between youth of various backgrounds and ethnicities, which may be similar to that of the Challenge Day organization.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that beginning 90 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act, (i) no denial of a request for approval for payment of non-emergency transportation by means of ground ambulance service, and (ii) no approval of non-emergency transportation by means of ground ambulance service at a level of service that entitles the ground ambulance service provider to a lower level of compensation from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services than would have been received at the level of service requested by the ground ambulance service provider, may be issued by the Department or its agent except pursuant to criteria established by administrative rules adopted pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Adds an optometrist to the State Board of Health.

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that no county or municipality may prohibit a charitable organization from soliciting for charitable purposes, including solicitations taking place on public roadways from passing motorists, if certain requirements are met. Sets forth requirements regarding the groups involved, applications and liability insurance. Defines "local agency" to mean a municipality, county, special district, fire district, joint powers of authority, or other political subdivision of the State of Illinois. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Effective immediately.