Amends the Attorney Act. Deletes language providing that no person shall be entitled to receive a license to practice law unless the person is a citizen of the United States or unless the person has made a declaration of intention to become a citizen or unless, having made such declaration of intention, he or she has filed a petition for naturalization within thirty days after becoming eligible to do so and until he shall have obtained a certificate of good moral character from a circuit court. Provides instead that no person shall be prohibited from receiving a license solely because he or she is not a citizen of the United States. Provides that the Illinois Supreme Court may grant a license to a person who, in addition to fulfilling the requirements to practice law within this State, satisfies the following requirements: (1) the United States Department of Homeland Security has approved the person's request for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; (2) the person's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has not expired or has been properly renewed; and (3) the person has a current and valid employment authorization document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. Provides that the provisions concerning the issuance of a license to a person granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a state law for purposes of the federal statute governing the eligibility of nonresident aliens for state and local public benefits. Requests that the Illinois Supreme Court promulgate any orders or rules necessary to implement the amendatory Act.
Sponsored bills
Creates the Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated Women Act. Creates within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity the Task Force on Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated Women. Provides for the composition of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall strategize and design a plan for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to partner and outsource with State and local governmental agencies, companies, and organizations that aid in helping formerly incarcerated women and their families become successful productive citizens. Provides that the Task Force shall focus on specific targeted areas of assistance and outsourcing. Provides that the Task Force shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly on its activities, and shall make recommendations for legislation or rulemaking to facilitate its work in the targeted areas of assistance and outsourcing.
Amends the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. In a provision allowing students in the public schools to voluntarily engage in individually initiated, non-disruptive prayer, provides that such praying may take place at any time during the school day. Effective immediately.
Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Creates the Military Prior Learning Assessment Task Force within the Board of Higher Education to study and make recommendations on how to best effectuate the recognition of military learning for academic credit, industry-recognized credentials, and college degrees through the use of the Prior Learning Assessment. Sets forth the membership of the task force and what the task force's study must include. Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations on or before December 1, 2016. Repeals these provisions on December 1, 2017. Effective immediately.
Creates the Smart Phone Theft Protection Act. Requires wireless communications device dealers to maintain a written record of every purchase or acquisition of a used wireless communications device for resale. Sets forth information that must be included in the written record. Provides that a law enforcement agency that has probable cause to believe a device has been stolen or is evidence of a crime may place an investigative hold on or confiscate the device. Requires the installation of video security cameras at a dealer's physical location. Provides that a violation of the Act is a Class B misdemeanor. Provides exemption from the application of the Act, including dealers who acquire devices for trade-in, or repair and refurbishment programs.
Amends the Department of State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of State Police shall develop a coordinated program for a statewide emergency alert system when a person 21 years old or older who is believed to have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias is reported missing. Provides that the system shall be referred to as the Silver Alert system and shall include, but is not limited to, an electronic message sent to all law enforcement agencies; use of the emergency alert system; the use of electronic billboards and message signs in coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation if a vehicle is involved; posting of the Silver Alert message on Illinois Lottery terminals; the designation by the Department of a contact name and toll-free telephone number for tips and information; blast email and fax messages to media outlets; activation of a local reverse 911 systems to all businesses and residents if the person is on foot. Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall coordinate with the Department of State Police in the use of electronic message signs on roads and highways to immediately provide critical information to the public concerning missing persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. Amends the Missing Persons Identification Act to make conforming changes.
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to federal approval if required, a household that includes an elderly, blind, or disabled person shall be considered categorically eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the gross income of such household is at or below 200% of the nonfarm income poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902(2); and a household that does not include an elderly, blind, or disabled person shall be considered categorically eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the gross income of such household is at or below 165% of those nonfarm income poverty guidelines. Effective January 1, 2016.
Amends the State Treasurer Act. Creates the "Achieving a Better Life Experience" or "ABLE" account program to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting persons with disabilities in endeavors to maintain health, independence, and quality of life, and to provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, federal and State medical and disability insurance, the beneficiary's employment, and other sources. Provides that the State Treasurer shall be primarily responsible for the plan but shall work with the Illinois State Board of Investment. Sets forth the requirements of the plan. Requires the State Treasurer to adopt rules to implement the program. Defines required terms.
Amends the School Code. With regard to recognition standards for student performance and school improvement, prohibits the State Board of Education from having separate performance standards for students based on race or ethnicity.
Congratulates Mollie Plummer-Whitman on her 105th birthday.