Creates the High Speed Internet Services and Information Technology Law and amends the State Finance Act. Provides that the Lieutenant Governor, with the advice of the Broadband Deployment Council, shall enlist a nonprofit corporation to implement a comprehensive, statewide high speed Internet deployment strategy and adoption initiative. Specifies the duties of the nonprofit organization. Provides that nothing in the High Speed Internet Services and Information Technology Law shall be construed as giving the Lieutenant Governor, the Broadband Deployment Council, the nonprofit organization, or other entities any additional authority, regulatory or otherwise, over providers of telecommunications, broadband, and information technology. Creates the High Speed Internet Services and Information Technology Fund as a special fund in the State treasury, to be used, subject to appropriation, by the Lieutenant Governor for purposes of providing grants to the nonprofit organization enlisted under the Law. Provides that on the effective date of the Law, all moneys in the Digital Divide Elimination Infrastructure Fund which have not already been distributed or ordered distributed by the Illinois Commerce Commission shall be transferred to the High Speed Internet Services and Information Technology Fund. Contains other provisions concerning local governmental entities who undertake local broadband projects. Amends the Universal Telephone Service Protection Law of 1985 in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a telecommunications carrier that is not subject to regulation under an alternative regulation plan pursuant to specified provisions may reduce the rate or charge for a noncompetitive service, service element, feature, or functionality offered to customers on a separate, stand-alone basis or as part of a bundled service offering by filing with the Commission a tariff that shows the reduced rate or charge and all applicable terms and conditions of the noncompetitive service, service element, feature, or functionality or bundled offering. Provides that provisions concerning basic local exchange service quality and the consumer complaint resolution process do not apply to telephone cooperatives. Changes the repeal date of the Universal Telephone Service Protection Law of 1985 from July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2009.
Sponsored bills
Resolves that the State of Illinois, in all housing, community development, and economic development grants and programs, shall promote fair housing, enforce fair housing laws, and apply an affirmative standard to assure compliance with state and federal requirements.
Congratulates the Village of Forest Park on the occasion of their Village centennial.
Congratulates Shirley Antwi-Barfi on her retirement from the Jens Jensen Math, Science, Tech Scholastic Academy and the Dorie Miller Child Parent Center.
Amends the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Persons Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
Congratulates Lula Bronson on her retirement from SEIU Local 880.
Congratulates Tom and Lois Miller on their golden wedding anniversary.
Opposes any portion of the Real ID Act that violates the rights and liberties guaranteed under the Illinois Constitution or the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, and urges the Illinois Congressional delegation in the United States Congress to support measures to repeal the Real ID Act of 2005.
Honors Helen Miller, President of Service Employees International Union Local 880.
Creates the Commission to Study the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Past and Present Effects on African-Americans.