Rep. Fred Crespo

Declares February 18-24, 2008 as Girls' Hockey Week in the State of Illinois.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the duties of public utilities.

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In awarding contracts, requires that a preference, not to exceed 10%, be given to a bidder or offeror that spends a specified amount on health insurance premiums for its employees.

Amends the School Code. Provides that, in accordance with guidelines that the State Board of Education must develop, in every public school there must be instruction for both teachers and students on Internet safety (including without limitation how and to whom to report suspicious online encounters), illegal downloading, plagiarism, and other topics related to the Internet.

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2007, the tax with respect to textbooks required for use at State universities and public community colleges or certain other institutions of higher learning is imposed under these Acts at the rate of 1.25% (eliminating the State's portion of the tax). Authorizes the Department of Revenue to adopt rules. Amends the State Finance Act to adjust the distribution with respect to this tax. Effective immediately.

Amends the Conveyances Act. Makes a technical change to a Section concerning deeds, mortgages, and other instruments.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act and the Illinois Income tax Act. Authorizes the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish systems and programs to encourage employers to match employee contributions to prepaid programs of college savings by making donations to the Commission for prepaid programs of college savings and its programs of grants and loans to make higher education affordable for all residents of the State and to receive, hold, and disburse all such funds made available through those programs for the purposes for which they are authorized by rule or by law. Creates an income tax credit for employers who, during the taxable year, make a matching donation to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission on behalf of an employee. Provides that the credit is 25% of the matching donation, but not to exceed $500 per employee. Provides that the credit may be carried forward for 3 taxable years. Effective immediately.

Congratulates Tim Reiter of Streamwood on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Requires the Department to include mental health awareness, education, and outreach materials within its public health promotion programs and information to be directed toward minority population groups in Illinois. Provides that this information shall inform members of minority communities about mental illness, the types of services and supports available, and how treatment may be obtained. Requires the Department to collaborate with community-based mental health agencies in the delivery of the information to community leaders and other interested parties in minority communities.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plan Act to provide coverage for eating disorder treatments.