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.
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 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.
Mourns the death of Maria "Tonne" Ulmer-Glover.
Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Makes it an unlawful practice to publicly post or display an individual's social security number, print an individual's social security number on any card required to access products or services, require an individual to transmit his or her social security number over the Internet, require an individual to use his or her social security number to access an Internet web site, or print an individual's social security number on materials that are mailed to the individual, subject to various exceptions. Effective July 1, 2005.
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.
Amends the Community Senior Services and Resources Act. Authorizes the Director of Aging to accept monetary bequests and gifts for deposit into the Community Senior Services and Resources Fund. Directs the Department on Aging, in conjunction with the Community Senior Services and Resource Center Advisory Committee, to design an awareness campaign that can be implemented by senior services and resource centers at their individual expense. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the fine for failing to follow proper procedures upon entering a construction or maintenance zone is not less than $100 (as well as not more than $10,000). Deletes language providing that a person charged with that offense or with failing to follow proper procedures on approaching an authorized emergency vehicle must appear in court to answer the charges. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the State aid formula.