Rep. Sandra M. Pihos

Creates the Illinois Early Learning Council Act. Establishes the Illinois Early Learning Council to coordinate existing State programs and services for children from birth to 5 years of age in order to better meet the early learning needs of children and their families. Provides for the appointment of members to the Council who represent both public and private organizations and who shall serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a public utility may not disconnect for nonpayment service during the period from December 1 through March 31 to a residential customer who is eligible for assistance under the Energy Assistance Act of 1989. Effective immediately.

Creates the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Transportation Act. Creates the Illinois Coordinating Committee on Transportation to foster the coordination of public and private transportation services and establishes its membership, duties, and powers. Provides that the Governor or his or her designee shall serve as chairperson, and that the Secretary of Transportation and a representative of a community based organization in transportation, or their designees, shall serve as vice-chairpersons and be responsible for staff support for the Committee. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that a person who, while in the course of committing kidnapping against a child under 16 years of age, commits a forcible felony against the child or who commits any of certain enumerated violations of the Code is not eligible for probation. Provides that a person who, while committing one of certain forms of child abduction, commits a forcible felony against the child or commits any of certain enumerated violations of the Code commits a Class 2, non-probationable felony (now Class 4 felony for the first offense and Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent offense).

Congratulates Eagle Scout Andrew S. Gounardes of Boy Scout Troop 715, in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, New York on the many honors he has earned as an Eagle Scout.

Congratulates Andrew S. Gounardes on the occasion of his graduation from Fort Hamilton High School in New York.

Creates the Equal Pay Act of 2003. Provides that no employer may discriminate between employees on the basis of sex by paying wages solely on the basis of the employee's gender. Prohibits retaliatory discharge or discrimination against an employee on the basis of the employee's use of the Act and provides for penalties for violations of the Act, including a Class B misdemeanor for retaliatory discharge or discrimination by the employer. Provides that the Director of Labor shall administer and enforce the Act. Provides that every employer subject to the Act shall preserve specified records for not less than 3 years. Provides that every employer covered by the Act shall post a notice summarizing the requirements of the Act. Provides that the Department of Labor shall conduct ongoing outreach and education efforts concerning the Act.