Rep. Charles E. Jefferson

Creates the Retail Sale and Distribution of Novelty Lighters Prohibition Act. Defines a "novelty lighter" as a mechanical or electrical device typically used for lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes that is designed to appear to be a toy, features a flashing light, or makes musical sounds. Prohibits the sale and distribution of novelty lighters. Sets forth exceptions to the prohibition. Imposes a petty offense of not to exceed $500 for each violation. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. With respect to the Early Childhood Education Block Grant, provides that not less than 11% (instead of exactly 11%) of the grant shall be used to fund programs for children ages 0-3. Provides that this percentage shall increase to at least 20% by Fiscal Year 2015, except that if, in a given fiscal year, the amount appropriated for the Early Childhood Education Block Grant is insufficient to increase the percentage of the grant to fund programs for children ages 0-3 without reducing the amount of the grant for existing providers of preschool education programs, then the percentage of the grant to fund programs for children ages 0-3 may be held steady instead of increased. Effective July 1, 2009.

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act in the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the redevelopment project in the TIF district created by an ordinance that was adopted on December 16, 1986 by the City of Macomb must be completed by December 31 of the 35th year (now, the 23rd year) after the year in which the ordinance was adopted. Includes revisory changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Establishes the Illinois Hope and Opportunity Pathways through Education (IHOPE) Program to develop a comprehensive system in this State to re-enroll significant numbers of high school dropouts in programs that will enable them to earn their high school diploma. Requires the State Board of Education to implement and administer the IHOPE Program. Provides that the IHOPE Program shall award grants to educational service regions and the Chicago school district from appropriated funds to assist in establishing instructional programs and other services designed to re-enroll high school dropouts. Provides that the IHOPE Program shall provide incentive grant funds for regional offices of education and the Chicago school district to develop partnerships with school districts, public community colleges, and community groups to build comprehensive plans to re-enroll high school dropouts in their regions or districts. Sets forth requirements for programs funded through the IHOPE Program. Provides for an IHOPE Plan, sub-grants, how funding is distributed, State aid, categories of programming, the evaluation of programs, and rules. Effective July 1, 2009.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, in addition to the 8 previously designated counties, the counties of Champaign, DeKalb, La Salle, McLean, Peoria, Sangamon, Vermilion, and Winnebago, and the municipalities within those counties, may establish an automated traffic law enforcement system with one or more motor vehicle sensors working in conjunction with a red light signal to produce recorded images of motor vehicles entering an intersection against a red signal indication. Effective immediately.

Congratulates the congregation of the St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Rockford on the occasion of the church's 100th anniversary.

Congratulates the members of the NAACP on the occasion of the organization's 100th anniversary.

Congratulates Rockford Alderman Victory Bell on the occasion of his retirement and thanks him for his many years of service to the citizens of Rockford and the State of Illinois.

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that persons under 18 years of age (rather than under 17 years of age) who commit offenses are subject to the proceedings under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 for delinquent minors. Effective January 1, 2010.

Creates the Joint Committee on Government Reform to stand ready to work with the Governor and others to restore integrity to State government.