Amends the School Code. Provides that a transition specialist certificate shall be issued to persons who, through their education and training, have a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for transition planning and of transition services for students with all types of disabilities and are aware of the array of options available to students with disabilities after they exit high school. Provides that before the 2006-2007 academic year, the Board of Higher Education shall, in collaboration with the Interagency Coordinating Council and the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities, develop coursework for students who want to qualify for a transition specialist certificate. Provides that those public universities that are teacher training institutions shall implement the coursework developed by the Board beginning with the 2006-2007 academic year. Effective immediately.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Adoption Act. Provides that an interim order of custody may be entered for up to 30 days (now, 10 days) if a sworn petition establishes (now, states) there is an immediate danger to the child and that irreparable harm will result if notice is given to the parent or guardian. Provides a description of irreparable harm that includes the inability of a petitioner to obtain medical insurance for the child or the absence of a temporary legal custodian for the child.
Declares November 16, 2005 and November 17, 2005 to be Digital Literacy Matters Days in Illinois.
Provides that members of the General Assembly shall participate in hearings regarding untreated drug addictions and deliver a report to the General Assembly.
Amends the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law in the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that documents, records, or other writings that may be filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission may be filed electronically under rules to be adopted by the Commission. Provides that the new rules must comply with Article 25 of the Electronic Commerce Security Act. Provides that any correspondence from the Commission is considered to have been served at the time it is sent by electronic means. Provides that the Commission may use an electronic date-and-time stamp for accepting electronic filings.
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Requires that the State Long Term Care Ombudsman be provided with (1) a copy of a notice of involuntary transfer or discharge of a resident from a nursing home, (2) notice of the emergency removal of a resident from a nursing home, and (3) notice of the voluntary closing of a nursing hame. Provides that the State Long Term Care Ombudsman shall have the opportunity to file a request for a hearing with the Department of Public Health within 10 days following receipt of a written notice of the involuntary transfer or discharge of a resident by a nursing home. Effective immediately.
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the rules and regulations for the early release of a prisoner on account of good conduct shall also provide that an additional 60 days of good conduct credit shall be awarded to any prisoner who earns a high school diploma or passes the high school level Test of General Educational Development (GED) and receives a GED certificate while the prisoner is incarcerated. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall develop and establish a program designed to increase the number of committed persons enrolled in programs to obtain a high school diploma or to pass the high school level Test of General Educational Development (GED) and receive GED certificates by at least 100% over the 4-year period following the effective date of this amendatory Act. Provides that pursuant to the program, each institution and facility shall report annually to the Director of Corrections on the number of committed persons enrolled in high school education programs and those who pass the high school level Test of General Educational Development (GED) and receive GED certificates, and the number of committed persons who are on waiting lists for those educational programs. Effective immediately.
Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law. Provides that amongst information on sarcoidosis that the Department must make available to the general public, the Department shall include the address of the National Sarcoidosis Society (now, the address of the Sarcoidosis Research Center).
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Public Aid may not impose any requirement for prior approval or any other restriction on any single-source or multi-source drug that is prescribed for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Effective immediately.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Allows the Illinois Commerce Commission to conduct official business via approved electronic methods, and requires the Commission to use the electronic processing capabilities at its disposal. In provisions concerning service of Commission orders, provides that service by electronic means shall constitute service without additional proof of a receipt of a copy of the order.