Rep. Sandra M. Pihos

Urges Congress to continue funding the federal Violence Against Women Act.

Proclaims May of 2009 and every May thereafter to be American Stroke Month in the State of Illinois.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that the penalty for the unlawful purchase of a firearm that is used to commit an act of domestic violence as defined in Section 112A-3 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 is a Class 1 non-probationable felony. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a person who unlawfully purchases a firearm that is used to commit an act of domestic violence in violation of Section 24-3.5 of the Criminal Code of 1961 shall receive a sentence of not less than the minimum term of imprisonment set forth in the Code, but shall not receive a period of probation, a term of periodic imprisonment or conditional discharge.

Proclaims May 5, 2009 as Illinois Clean Air and Asthma Awareness Day.

Amends the Hospital Emergency Service Act and the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that if an emergency room staff member has reasonable cause to believe that (i) an individual known to him or her in the course of performing his or her duties as an emergency room staff member is a victim of domestic violence and (ii) the individual has not reported the domestic violence to a law enforcement agency, the emergency room staff member must immediately report the suspected domestic violence to a law enforcement agency. Provides that an individual or entity participating in good faith in the making of a report is immune from liability. Provides that a person who violates these provisions commits disorderly conduct, and provides criminal penalties for violations. Requires hospitals to report to the Department of Public Health by January 1, 2011 concerning their implementation of these provisions. Effective immediately.

Designates the third week of October in 2009 as "Character Counts Week" in the State of Illinois.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that in a criminal prosecution in which the defendant is accused of arson, aggravated arson, residential arson, place of worship arson, or possession of cannabis, a controlled substance, or methamphetamine with intent to deliver such cannabis, controlled substance, or methamphetamine, evidence of the defendant's commission of another offense or offenses of arson, aggravated arson, residential arson, place of worship arson, or possession of cannabis, a controlled substance, or methamphetamine with intent to deliver such cannabis, controlled substance, or methamphetamine is admissible, and may be considered for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant.

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Creates an exception in a provision prohibiting the Director of Financial and Professional Regulation of the Division of Banks and Real Estate, his or her deputies, and employees of the Division of Banks and Real Estate of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (was the Commissioner, deputy directors, and employees of the Office of Banks and Real Estate) from obtaining a loan from an entity regulated by the Act by permitting an employee of the Division to obtain a loan from a regulated entity if the loan was not offered with the intent to influence the performance of the employee's official duties and if the loan qualifies within other exceptions under federal law. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Includes disabled persons within the provisions granting an assessment freeze homestead exemption to senior citizens. Changes the name to the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (now Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption). Makes corresponding changes to a cross-reference to the exemption. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change concerning submission of the State budget.