Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Route 25 in Aurora, running from Sullivan Road to Ashland Avenue, as the "SFC Ogden N. Thompson Memorial Highway" to honor a local soldier. The legislation directly affects the Illinois Department of Transportation, which is asked to install signs or plaques at appropriate locations to display the new name. It also requires that copies of the resolution be given to the family of the late Sergeant First Class Ogden N. Thompson, the Aurora Mayor, and the Secretary of Transportation. The bill serves as a commemorative measure recognizing Thompson's service and presumed death during the Korean War.

Urges the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to continue taking appropriate action to facilitate equitable access to adolescent and adult vaccinations, including establishing appropriate programs and initiatives to raise public awareness on the importance of adolescent and adult vaccinations. Urges the IDPH to continue working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in-state healthcare providers, and patients to implement an effective and actionable state immunization strategy that includes adult immunizations. Urges the IDPH to continue increasing community resilience to communicable and other emerging disease threats. Urges the IDPH to continue determining goals on which to center the immunization plan. Urges the IDPH to continue exploring federal funding opportunities and partnerships to support vaccine awareness and access programs aligned with the goals established in the state immunization strategy.

Maddy summaryHB 299 is a technical amendment to the Green Cleaning Schools Act that updates the bill's short title. This change does not alter the existing requirements for schools to use environmentally friendly cleaning products. The legislation affects school districts and facilities currently covered by the Green Cleaning Schools Act. It is a procedural update intended to correct the official name of the law without changing its operational provisions.

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning bullying and cyber-bullying, provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the term "cyber-bullying" includes bullying through the distribution by electronic means or the posting of a digital replica of an individual who is engaged in an activity in which the depicted individual did not engage in, including, but not limited to, sexually explicit digitized depictions of the individual. Defines "artificial intelligence", "digital replica", and "generative artificial intelligence".

Commends the Jack and Jill Chicago Chapter for its dedication and work to encourage the growth and development of African American children into future leaders.

Amends the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act. Creates the Illinois Minor League Stadium Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Allows moneys in the Fund to be used by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority for capital improvements at facilities that host professional sporting events for teams that are not in the National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, or Major League Baseball. If new stadiums or arenas for Illinois teams in the National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, or Major League Baseball are approved by the Authority, requires the Authority to include, in the final agreement for those facilities, funding for the Illinois Minor League Stadium Fund for stadiums and arenas that do not host professional sporting events for teams that play in the National Football League, the National Hockey League, National Basketball Association, or Major League Baseball. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Effective July 1, 2024.

Declares an immediate Black student enrollment crisis in the State of Illinois until enrollment at its flagship University of Illinois and all other Illinois higher education institutions reach a suitable number of Black enrolled students. Urges all Illinois higher education institutions to immediately establish an office/department with ample personnel to specifically and aggressively work in the area of Black student recruitment, immediate enrollment, and scholarships. Urges the Governor to utilize his executive powers to immediately direct funds toward emergency enrollment outreach and completion programs for Black student enrollment increases at Illinois higher education institutions.

Declares April 14 through April 20, 2024 as Harm Reduction Solidarity Week in the State of Illinois in order to raise awareness about the principles and practices of harm reduction, emphasizing its vital role in public health and safety. Encourages communities to engage in activities that promote education, dialogue, and support for harm reduction initiatives during the week. Recognizes the importance of promoting public health and safety through highlighting proactive measures like harm reduction coupled with recent legislative accomplishments. Acknowledges the dedication and contributions of harm reductionists. Reaffirms commitment to supporting evidence-based harm reduction strategies and to lead with compassion and humanity in place of perpetuating stigma and criminalization in order to greatly reduce substance use-related harm in Illinois.

Declares May 1, 2024 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day in the State of Illinois.

Creates the Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act to restore protections for wetlands and small streams that were formerly protected from pollution and destruction by the Clean Water Act. Includes provisions concerning: exemptions; wetlands delineation, classification, notification, permits and veto; general permits; appeal of final decisions made by the Department of Natural Resources and judicial review; investigation and enforcement; and county authority. Creates the Wetlands and Small Streams Advisory Committee and establishes duties and rules for the Committee. Creates the Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Fund. Provides for permit review fees. Defines terms. Makes conforming changes in the State Finance Act and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. Effective immediately.