Rep. Jack D. Franks

Amends the State Finance Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Universal Telephone Service Protection Law of 1985 in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that if a non-residential customer's service is interrupted for a period of 4 or more continuous hours during normal business hours, then the telecommunications carrier that provides that service must credit the customer with an amount equal to 20% of the customer's monthly fee. Provides that if a non-residential customer's service is interrupted for a period of 8 or more continuous hours during a 24-hour period, then the telecommunications carrier that provides that service must credit the customer with an amount equal to 50% of the customer's monthly fee. Provides that specified provisions do not apply to service interruptions that are the result of weather damage or an accident that is not the fault of the telecommunications carrier.

Amends the Cemetery Care Act to require a cemetery association holding $75,000 or less in its care funds to file a report with the Comptroller in lieu of other annual report requirements and to require that the Comptroller examine at least annually every licensee who holds $750,000 or more (now, $250,000 or more) in its care funds. Effective immediately.

Amends the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning prohibited inquiries.

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning powers of the Toll Highway Authority.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning boards of education.

Encourages units of local government with red light cameras to not use the cameras to issue tickets to motorists who properly execute right turns at a red light.

Amends the Minimum Wage Law. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that no tax is imposed under the Acts upon the privilege of using in this State (for the Use Tax Act) or persons engaged in the business of selling at retail (for the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act) qualified merchandise that is purchased from 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August through midnight of the Sunday that follows 9 days later. Defines "qualified merchandise" as any article of clothing or footwear or computer that is sold at or below certain selling prices. Sets forth criteria for transactions to qualify for the exemption. Effective immediately.

Creates the Community Services to the Severely Mentally Ill Care Act. Provides that community-based mental health organizations accredited, certified, or licensed by the Department of Human Services that provide services to the severely mentally ill shall be regulated by a newly created Division of Community Services to the Severely Mentally Ill within the Department of Public Health. Authorizes promulgation of administrative rules concerning regulation, violations, penalties, and remedies. Provides for pre-admission screening, criminal history analysis, and notification of identified offenders. Creates a pilot program in Cook County and requires tracking of services and costs. Provides for reporting, privacy rights, and voluntary participation. Effective immediately.