Rep. Jack D. Franks

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a person convicted of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual abuse, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse, when the victim of any of these offenses was under 18 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense, and the defendant used force or the threat of force in the commission of the offense shall, as a condition of parole, mandatory supervised release, or probation (if probation is available for such offense) wear an approved electronic monitoring device that has Global Positioning System (GPS) capability for the duration of the defendant's natural life.

Creates the Judicial Campaign Reform Act and amends the Election Code, the State Finance Act, the Illinois Income Tax Act, and the Clerks of Courts Act. Creates a voluntary program of public financing of election campaigns for the offices of judges of the Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Courts, administered by the State Board of Elections. Establishes funding mechanisms and provides penalties for violations. Sets mandatory contribution limits with respect to all judicial election campaigns. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2009.

Congratulates Lieutenant Colonel John W. Amberg II on his retirement from the United States Army and declares September 30, 2008 as Lieutenant Colonel John Amberg Day in the State of Illinois.

Amends the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Mercury-added Product Prohibition Act. Provides that no person shall distribute or sell any cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances containing mercury. Provides that any person who knowingly sells or distributes mercury-containing cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances in this State commits a petty offense and shall be fined up to $500. Provides that a manufacturer that distributes cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances containing mercury to persons in this State must disclose the level of mercury in its cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances. A manufacturer who fails to disclose the level of mercury in its cosmetics, toiletries, or fragrances commits a business offense and shall be fined $10,000. Effective January 1, 2009.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act and the Illinois Income tax Act. Authorizes the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish systems and programs to encourage employers to match employee contributions to prepaid programs of college savings by making donations to the Commission for prepaid programs of college savings and its programs of grants and loans to make higher education affordable for all residents of the State and to receive, hold, and disburse all such funds made available through those programs for the purposes for which they are authorized by rule or by law. Creates an income tax credit for employers who, during the taxable year, make a matching donation to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission on behalf of an employee. Provides that the credit is 25% of the matching donation, but not to exceed $500 per employee. Provides that the credit may be carried forward for 3 taxable years. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In connection with the medical assistance program, provides that on and after July 1, 2008, the minimum inpatient per diem rate to be paid to a hospital for psychiatric services shall be no less than the highest per diem base rate established by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for any hospital that newly qualifies to deliver psychiatric inpatient services on or after December 31, 2006. Effective immediately.

Amends the Shaken Baby Prevention Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Requires the Department to include mental health awareness, education, and outreach materials within its public health promotion programs and information to be directed toward minority population groups in Illinois. Provides that this information shall inform members of minority communities about mental illness, the types of services and supports available, and how treatment may be obtained. Requires the Department to collaborate with community-based mental health agencies in the delivery of the information to community leaders and other interested parties in minority communities.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that the offense of making a terrorist threat or an attempt to commit the offense of making a terrorist threat is non-bailable, where the proof is evident or the presumption great that the defendant is guilty of the offense and where the court, after a hearing, determines that the release of the defendant would pose a real and present threat to the physical safety of any person and denial of bail is necessary to prevent fulfillment of that threat. Provides that when a person is charged with the offense of making a terrorist threat or an attempt to commit the offense of making a terrorist threat and bail has been set, the court may require the defendant to deposit a sum equal to 100% of the bail. Effective immediately.