Rep. Cynthia Soto

Creates the Illinois Family and Medical Leave Act. Contains provisions similar to those in the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, except that it applies to employers with 25 or more (instead of 50 or more) employees and some of the provisions of the Federal law pertaining to federal employees and federal matters have been deleted or changed. Effective 6 months after becoming law.

Amends the Election Code. Requires that the State Board of Elections adopt, and election authorities implement, rules for the casting and counting of provisional ballots by persons whose valid voter registration cannot be verified at the polling place on election day. Establishes standards for attempting to verify registration before the ballot is cast and standards for verifying registration before the ballot is counted. Requires that a person whose provisional ballot is not counted because he or she lacks valid registration must be notified of the steps necessary to properly register.

Creates the Short-term Loan Act. Provides that a short-term loan is a loan that has both a term of not more than 30 days and an interest rate of more than 36%, that is secured by a post-dated check or motor vehicle title, and that is made by a lender that does not accept insured deposits. Requires lenders to disclose a toll-free telephone number for the Department of Financial Institutions. Provides that the appraisal of motor vehicles that secure loans may not exceed the vehicle's "blue book" value. Requires lenders to provide debt management counseling information to defaulting borrowers. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Changes the date of political party county conventions from the second Monday after the general primary election to the 29th day after that primary election. Changes the canvassing period for county canvassing boards to 21 days (now, 7) after an election. Changes the canvassing period for other canvassing boards to 31 days after an election (now, 20 days for the State Board of Elections and 7 for all others). Effective immediately.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act to designate March 31 as a legal holiday to be known as Cesar Chavez Day. Prohibits requiring officers and employees of the State to work on Cesar Chavez Day except as necessary for law enforcement, for fire protection, and for public health and safety. Requires courts to designate Cesar Chavez Day as a court holiday. Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Office of Banks and Real Estate Act, and the State Universities Civil Service Act to make conforming changes. Amends the School Code to designate Cesar Chavez Day as a special commemorative holiday that school boards are permitted to designate as a legal school holiday. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that in a court action to enforce support under the Code, the Department of Public Aid may appoint an individual to accompany the process server for the purpose of locating or identifying the respondent. The individual may include, but need not be limited to, a member of the family of the respondent responsible relative from whom support is sought. Effective immediately.

Amends the Cook County Forest Preserve District Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the application of the Act.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act and the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health to each submit a report to the General Assembly concerning funding targeted to impact teen birth rates. Sets forth the requirements for the report. Effective immediately.

Amends the Sex Offender and Child Murderer Community Notification Law. Provides that a manager of a condominium or of an apartment building shall post in a conspicuous place in the common areas of the condominium or apartment building a notice as to how a unit owner or renter can obtain information about persons who are registered as sex offenders under the Sex Offender Registration Act, including how to access information maintained in the Statewide Sex Offender Database that is posted on the Department of State Police Web site. Effective immediately.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act and the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides for a $500 income tax deduction for a person holding a teaching certificate issued under the School Code and employed as a teacher in a public school district governed by the School Code. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to request an appropriation each year to sufficiently fund at least 25 teacher shortage scholarships. Requires the Commission to establish a loan forgiveness program for person's teaching in a public school in this State in an area of identified staff shortage. Effective July 1, 2003.