Rep. Paul D. Froehlich

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the State aid formula.

Amends the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act. Makes changes in the definitions of "low-income housing" and "moderate-income housing". Changes dates in provisions concerning the Illinois Housing Development Authority's determination of exempt local governments, affordable housing plans, and appeals to the State Housing Appeals Board. Effective immediately.

Urges the Governor to create the Working Group on Environmentally Preferable Purchasing to review State purchasing policies and to identify opportunities that would enhance the purchase of environmentally preferable products and services by State government.

Proposes to amend the Legislature Article of the Illinois Constitution. Beginning with members elected in 2006, changes the House of Representatives from a 118-member body elected from 118 districts to a 117-member body elected from 39 districts of 3 members each. Prohibits a political party from limiting its nominations to less than 3 candidates in a Representative District. Permits a voter to cast 3 votes among one, 2, or 3 candidates for Representative. Requires the Representative Districts to be redistricted in 2005 in the same manner as decennial redistricting of Legislative and Representative Districts. Effective upon being declared adopted and applies to the election of Representatives in 2006 and thereafter.

Amends the Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act. Provides that, for purposes of the Act, the State's Attorney of a county shall have the power to carry out the same functions as the Attorney General under the Act for actions brought on behalf of a school district, public community college district, municipality, municipal corporation, unit of local government, or any combination of these entities under an intergovernmental agreement that includes provisions for a governing body of the agency created by agreement, if the entity is located entirely in that county. Provides that in the case of an action by a private person brought on behalf of an entity, the State's Attorney shall have primary jurisdiction. Requires the State's Attorney to refer the matter to the Attorney General within 60 days of receiving the complaint if the State's Attorney declines involvement in the action. Provides that for any matter that is referred to the Attorney General by the State's Attorney, the Attorney General shall act in the same manner as if the action was brought on behalf of the State of Illinois or an agency of the State. Provides that the Attorney General may delegate authority to use subpoenas to the Department of State Police or, if the county State's Attorney is acting instead of the Attorney General, then to the county sheriff.

Congratulates Victor and Nancy Fachet on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mourns the death of Michael S. DeLarco of Schaumburg.

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that a licensee shall not sell alcoholic malt beverages in a container with a capacity of 2 gallons or more unless the container is labeled with certain identifying information and the purchaser pays refundable container and registration fees. Provides that tampering with a label containing the identifying information required under this amendatory Act is a Class C misdemeanor. Preempts home rule powers. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act are severable.

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Requires that State agencies purchase recycled and recyclable products to meet their procurement needs. Requires that State contractors perform State contracts with recycled and recyclable products. Exempts products for which recycled or recyclable alternatives are not adequate, reasonably available, or reasonably priced. Requires that minimum content standards be established. Designates certain products as available with significant levels of recycled or recyclable material. Imposes various related duties upon the Procurement Policy Board, chief procurement officers, State agencies, contractors, and bidders. Replaces the 10% preference for recycled materials with a 5% preference for recycled products meeting certain federal specifications. Effective January 1, 2005.

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that the provisions that prohibit a licensee from permitting a person who is under 21 years of age to enter and remain in the portion of the licensee's premises where alcoholic liquor is sold, given, or delivered and the provisions that prohibit persons under 21 years of age from entering licensed premises do not apply to persons who are at least 18 years of age under certain circumstances. Provides that a violation of those provisions by a person under 21 years of age or by a licensee is a Class A misdemeanor or, if a death occurs as a result of the violation, a Class 4 felony.