Declares May 29, 2021 as College Savings Day in the State of Illinois to help raise awareness about the escalating costs of higher education and the importance of saving for college with the help of 529 college savings plans.
Designates February 2021 as Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate Career and Technical Education across the State of Illinois
Amends the Conversion and Formation of School Districts Article of the School Code. Creates the School District Efficiency Commission. Provides for the membership and support of the Commission. Requires the Commission to make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on the number of school districts in this State, the optimal amount of enrollment for a school district, and where reorganization and realignment of school districts would be beneficial. Sets forth what areas the recommendations must focus on, including drafting specific propositions to reduce the statewide total number of school districts by no less than 25% through the reorganization of school districts into unit districts. Provides that, on or before May 1, 2022, the Commission must vote on its recommended propositions and file a report with the Governor and the General Assembly. Provides that if the Commission adopts the report by an affirmative vote of at least 11 of its members, then the Commission's specific propositions for reorganization of school districts into unit districts shall be filed with the appropriate regional superintendent of schools. Sets forth the regional superintendent's and State Superintendent of Education's duties with respect to the propositions. Repeals these provisions on January 31, 2023, and exempts these provisions from certain financial incentives. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/11E-135 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill with the following changes. Changes the name to the Efficient School District Commission (instead of the School District Efficiency Commission). Makes changes to the membership of the Commission. Requires the Commission to provide recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the electorate (rather than make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly). Makes changes concerning the Commission's recommendations. Provides that, on or before May 1, 2022 (rather than May 1, 2024), the Commission must vote on its recommendations (rather than recommended propositions). Requires the Commission to adopt the recommendations (rather than report) by an affirmative vote of at least 13 (rather than 11) of its members. Changes provisions relating to notice. Removes provisions relating to administrative review. Provides for repeal on January 31, 2025 (rather than January 31, 2023). Makes other changes, including with respect to incentive payments. Effective immediately.
Amends the Election Code. Provides that in distribution of the remaining funds received under the federal Help America Vote Act, the State Board of Elections may make such funds available to election authorities for the maintenance of secure collection sites for the return of vote by mail ballots. Allows election authorities to establish curb-side voting for individuals to cast a ballot during early voting or on election day. Provides that an election authority's curb-side voting program shall designate at least 2 election judges from opposite parties per vehicle and the individual must have the option to mark the ballot without interference from the election judges. Requires election authorities to accept any vote by mail ballot returned, including ballots returned with insufficient or no postage. Allows election authorities to establish secure collection sites for postage-free return of vote by mail ballots. Provides for the collection and processing of vote by mail ballots submitted to collection sites. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall establish additional guidelines for the security of collection sites. Effective immediately.
Amends the Counties Code. Provides that if an ordinance or resolution imposing a tax under the County Cannabis Retailers' Occupation Tax Law was adopted on or before October 1, 2020 and a certified copy thereof was filed with the Department of Revenue on or before November 1, 2020, then the Department shall proceed to administer and enforce this Section as of May 1, 2021 for such ordinances or resolutions. Effective immediately.
Proposes to amend the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that the oath of office for each prospective holder of a State office shall include an affirmation to protect and honor the diversity of the people of Illinois. Effective upon being declared adopted.
Proposes to amend the Bill of Rights Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that the right to reproductive healthcare is a fundamental right held by all citizens. Further specifies rights concerning reproductive healthcare. Effective upon being declared adopted.
Condemns the conduct of Illinois State Representative Chris Miller.
Commends Assistant Doorkeeper Wayne Padget of the Illinois House of Representatives for his quick thinking and decisive action on the House floor on January 10, 2021 and for his unflinching dedication to the Illinois House of Representatives.
Congratulates Aurora Deputy Mayor Chuck Nelson on his retirement.
