Rep. Janet Yang Rohr

Amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, in those cases where the injury or death for which a disability or death benefit is payable was caused under circumstances creating a legal liability on the part of some person or entity to pay damages to the policeman, then legal proceedings may be taken against such other person or entity to recover damages notwithstanding the Fund's payment of or liability to pay disability or death benefits. Provides that the Fund may intervene in any action brought by the disabled policeman or his or her personal representative. Effective immediately.

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. With respect to safety education instruction for students enrolled in prekindergarten through grade 6, adds water safety that incorporates the water safety instructional materials and resources developed by the American Red Cross and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project or by a district-approved source. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that if a respondent to an order of protection is subject to remedies prohibiting firearm possession, the order of protection shall also include an order to surrender firearms. Sets forth requirements for the surrendering of any firearm and law enforcement agencies providing statements of receipt of firearms. Provides that the failure to surrender any firearm within 24 hours to the appropriate law enforcement agency under an order to surrender firearms shall constitute contempt of court for the violation of the terms of the order of protection. Requires the Supreme Court to adopt a form for an order to surrender firearms and update any existing forms for an order of protection. Makes corresponding changes in the Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963.

Amends the Missing Persons Identification Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Recognizes the week of November 13-19, 2023 as National Apprenticeship Week.

Amends the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Cigarette Machine Operators' Occupation Tax Act, the Cigarette Tax Act, the Cigarette Use Tax Act, and the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that amounts paid as taxes under those Acts shall be deemed assessed upon the date of receipt of payment. Effective January 1, 2024.

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that in the development of the individualized education program for a student who is 17 years of age or older, or will be during that academic year, the IEP team shall consider voter registration as an appropriate goal or competency to be included in the IEP plan, and, if appropriate, when and how voter registration shall be accomplished. Provides that any resulting decisions shall be included in the IEP plan.

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Changes the effective date of the Act from January 1, 2024 to July 1, 2024. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Creates the Office of Language Equity and Access Act. Provides that the Office of Language Equity and Access is created in the Governor's Office of New Americans to ensure equitable and meaningful access to State information, services, programs, and activities for persons who have limited English proficiency. Provides that the Director of the Office shall work with State agencies and use available resources within the Office of New Americans and Office of Equity to ensure that, among other things, each State agency takes reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to services, programs, and activities by persons with limited English proficiency. Provides that the Office shall have a full-time Director who is bilingual and has experience in serving immigrant populations. Describes the duties and responsibilities of the Director. Provides that there shall be a bilingual employment plan, which would require designations of positions as bilingual and result in the hiring of qualified personnel who are bilingual. Provides that the Director shall comply with specified requirements concerning the need for interpreters and translators. Provides that the Director shall develop a template and mechanism for collecting, storing, and analyzing language access plans.