Rep. Timothy L. Schmitz

Amends the School Code. In provisions authorizing a student in grade 7 or 8 to enroll in a high school course, allows the student to participate in the course where the student attends school as long as the course is taught by a certified high school teacher who teaches in a high school of the school district where the student will attend when in high school and no high school students are enrolled in the course. Effective July 1, 2009.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Deletes provisions requiring a 100% disability and eligibility for the purchase of a vehicle by the federal government as conditions for eligibility for disabled veterans' registration plates. Replaces the deleted provisions with provisions requiring that the veteran hold proof of a service-connected disability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and that a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse has certified that the veteran qualifies for issuance of registration plates or decals to a person with disabilities. Repeals a provision that authorized the issuance of handicapped veterans' registration plates to disabled veterans who have less than 100% disability and are eligible for the purchase of a vehicle by the federal government. Deletes cross-references to the repealed provision.

Amends the Public University Energy Conservation Act. Provides that "energy conservation measure" includes construction of a new building or facility that is designed to reduce energy consumption or operating costs.

Recognizes February 26, 2009 as Elgin Day in the State of Illinois.

Amends the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act. Permits a unit of local government to require homeowners who maintain a private sewage disposal system within the unit of local government to provide verification, on an annual basis, to the unit of local government of a valid contract with a licensed private sewage disposal system installation contractor. Effective immediately.

Amends the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act. Makes a technical change in the Section concerning definitions.

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Authorizes a public body to hold a closed meeting with a professional facilitator or planner to consider the subject of self evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics. Specifies the conditions under which a public body may contract with a facilitator or planner.

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 school supplies that are purchased from 12:01 a.m. on the first Thursday in August through midnight of the Sunday that follows 10 days later. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall define "qualified school supplies" by rule. Sets forth criteria for transactions to qualify for the exemption. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Revenue to conduct a study to determine the effects and feasibility of assessing property in the State at 100% rather than at 33 1/3% of its fair cash value. Requires the Department to submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than January 1, 2009 concerning the study. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders to the extent that the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders are not already covered by the policy or plan. Provides that this coverage shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year, but shall not be subject to any limits on the number of visits to an autism service provider. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.