Rep. Suzanne Bassi

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Increases the additional fine for domestic battery from $10 to $200. Also provides that this additional fine applies to the offenses of assault and aggravated assault when the victim and the offender are family or household members and to the offense of aggravated domestic battery. Provides that the additional fines shall be deposited into the Domestic Violence Shelter and Service Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the State Finance Act, the Criminal Code of 1961, the Unified Code of Corrections, the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963, and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, and provides that the Act may be referred to as the Cindy Bischof Law. Provides that the Department of State Police shall develop a protocol to coordinate actions of the courts and law enforcement agencies to implement the domestic violence surveillance program created by the amendatory Act. Creates the Domestic Violence Surveillance Fund in the State treasury. Provides that the offense of violation of an order of protection includes the respondent's failure to attend and complete partner abuse intervention programs. Provides that in addition to any other penalties, the court may, after consultation with the petitioner, order the respondent to carry or wear a global positioning system device. Provides that in domestic violence cases, the court shall order the respondent to attend and complete partner abuse intervention programs. Adds to every penalty imposed upon a plea of guilty or finding of guilty resulting in a judgment of conviction of a violation of an order of protection an additional fine in an amount not less than $200 to be set at the discretion of the court which shall be deposited into the Domestic Violence Surveillance Fund. Makes other changes.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Increases the amount of the earned income tax credit from 5% of the federal credit to: (i) 7.5% of the federal tax credit for taxable years ending in calendar year 2007; and (ii) 10% of the federal tax credit for taxable years ending in calendar year 2008 or thereafter. Effective immediately.

Amends the Regional Planning Act. Provides for a review process for Projects of Regional Significance. Imposes a fee on counties and municipalities to be used to promote comprehensive land use and transportation planning. Provides for the General Assembly to match the fees. Requires the Board to review and make recommendations to designate a Metropolitan Planning Organization to coordinate decision-making. Contains other provisions.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning Medicaid rates for nursing homes, provides that for facilities licensed by the Department of Public Health under the Nursing Home Care Act as skilled nursing facilities or intermediate care facilities, the support component of the rates taking effect on July 1, 2008 shall be computed using the most recent cost reports on file with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services no later than April 1, 2006, updated for inflation to January 1, 2007. Provides that facilities shall have the support component of their Medicaid rate computed every year using the most recent cost reports on file with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services no later than April 1, 2 years prior to the year in which the new rate takes effect, updated for inflation to January 1 of the year prior to the year in which the new rate takes effect. Effective immediately.

Amends the Governor's Office of Management and Budget Act. Requires GOMB to establish a single updated searchable database website accessible by the public at no cost that includes information concerning each entity that receives Illinois funding. Requires GOMB to report to the General Assembly concerning the website. Effective immediately.

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act and the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that an animal control officer or a humane society investigator with reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child is being abused or neglected or is in danger of being abused or neglected must immediately make a written or oral report to the Department of Children and Family Services. Provides that any person required to report suspected child abuse or neglect under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act must also immediately report suspected animal abuse or neglect or danger of animal abuse or neglect to the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Welfare. Preempts the exercise of home rule powers. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.

Amends the Governor's Office of Management and Budget Act. Requires GOMB to establish a single updated searchable database website accessible by the public at no cost that includes information concerning each entity that receives Illinois funding. Requires GOMB to report to the General Assembly concerning the website. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Pension Funds Continuing Appropriation Act. Provides for appropriation of $13,000,000 on a continuing annual basis from the General Revenue Fund to the State Comptroller for deposit into the Teacher Health Insurance Security Fund in State fiscal years 2009 through 2011. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Provides that any individual, with exceptions, who begins serving as a superintendent in this State on or after July 1, 2008 and has not previously served as a school district superintendent in this State shall participate in a new superintendent mentoring program, established by the State Board of Education, for the duration of his or her first 2 school years as a superintendent. Contains provisions concerning program requirements, who may apply to be a mentor, mentoring training, assignment of a mentor by a provider selected by the State Board, identification of areas for improvement, a survey of progress, an annual report to the State Board, and a verification form. Provides that mentors of certified staff are protected from suit. Effective immediately.