Rep. Deborah Mell

Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning claims liability.

Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning office hours for filing nomination petitions.

Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning deposits with the Director of Insurance.

Amends the Sex Offender Community Notification Law. Provides that if a sex offender resides in a multi-unit dwelling, the owner, landlord, or management of the multi-unit dwelling shall notify residents of the multi-unit dwelling that sex offenders reside in the multi-unit dwelling. Provides that if a sex offender intends to reside in the multi-unit dwelling, notice shall be given before the sex offender moves into the multi-unit dwelling. Provides that it is the duty of the owner, landlord, or management of the multi-unit dwelling to periodically check the Statewide Sex Offender Database to determine if sex offenders reside within the multi-unit dwelling. Provides that an owner, landlord, or management of a multi-unit dwelling is immune from criminal or civil liability for an act or omission made in good faith in reliance on the information in the Statewide Sex Offender Database.

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services shall provide a voucher in the amount of $50 to low-income families to be applied to the purchase of a child restraint system that meets the requirements of the Child Passenger Protection Act. Defines "low-income family" to mean a family with household income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish and administer an Organic Farming at Schools Grant Program. Provides that under the program, the State Board shall award grants, subject to appropriation, to school districts for the creation and support of organic farming at schools programs. Effective July 1, 2009.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the alternative general homestead exemption applies on a permanent basis. Effective immediately.

Creates the Menu Labeling Act. Requires food service establishments that are one of a group of 15 or more food service establishments doing business nationally, offering for sale substantially the same menu items in servings that are standardized, and that operate under common ownership or control, or as franchised outlets to list the total number of calories for each menu item on all menu boards and menus. Provides that the Act does not apply to menu items that are listed on a menu or menu board for less than 30 days in a calendar year. Provides that calorie content values shall be based upon a verifiable analysis of the menu item. Provides that food items with a food item tag shall display the calorie content on the food item tag. Provides that calorie content values at drive-through windows shall be displayed on either (i) the drive through menu board or (ii) an adjacent stanchion. Sets forth requirements for listing the calorie content of menu items that have a range of calorie content values for different flavors, varieties, or combinations. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall adopt rules to administer and enforce the Act.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Allows a designated domestic partner to qualify as a surviving spouse for purposes of survivor and death benefits. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Provides that as a prerequisite to being promoted to the next higher grade level and to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil in grades 9 through 12 must complete at least 15 hours of community service each school year. Allows up to 5 of these 15 hours of community service to be performed by the parent or guardian of the pupil if the parent or guardian performs the community service with and at the same time as the pupil. Effective immediately.