Rep. Carolyn H. Krause

Amends the Lobbyist Registration Act. Changes the required annual lobbyist registration with a $50 fee to a semi-annual registration with a $25 fee. Increases the information to be disclosed on the registration form, including client identity and types of lobbying. Requires the filing of an amended registration when information substantially changes. Increases the information to be included in a lobbyist's expenditure report, including the agencies lobbied and the outcomes sought. Removes the option to not itemize expenditures under $100. Requires the Secretary of State to allow reports to be filed electronically.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Public Aid may not establish any formulary limits on, or restrict by any prior authorization requirement, any insulin prescription drug as prescribed and determined to be medically necessary for the treatment of diabetes. Effective July 1, 2004.

Creates the Comprehensive Housing, Health, and Supportive Services for Older Adults Act and amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act, the State Finance Act, and the Nursing Home Care Act. Requires the Director of Public Health, in coordination with the Director of Aging and the Director of Public Aid, to monitor and analyze the distribution of housing and services for older adults in the different geographic areas of the State and implement corrective action plans by July 1, 2005. Provides for a program for conversion of nursing homes to assisted living or shared housing establishments; makes such conversions exempt from the requirements of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act, and provides for transition planning grants to nursing homes making such conversions. Creates special funds in the State treasury for use in implementing the Comprehensive Housing, Health, and Supportive Services for Older Adults Act. Provides for transfers from the Long Term Care Monitor/Receiver Fund to the new Nursing Home Conversion Fund and the new Nursing Home Transition Planning Grant Fund. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Creates the Cancer Trial Discrimination Prohibition Law. Contains only a short title provision. Effective immediately.

Urges the Federal Railroad Administration to exempt certain highway-rail crossings in Northeastern Illinois from the horn-sounding requirement.

Proclaims June 2004 as Northwest Suburban Cook County Mosaic Book of the Year month to raise awareness of and help reduce prejudice and racism.

Urges and supports efforts by the United States Congress to repeal provisions contained in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 that limit the ability of states to operate effective Long Term Care Partnership programs.

Congratulates Dave Morrison on being named Illinois Teacher of the Year.

Congratulates Arlington Police Chief Rodney L. Kath on his retirement after 39 years with the Arlington Heights Police Department.

Congratulates Nelson Westerberg, Inc. on celebrating its 100th anniversary in September 2004.