Declares June 10, 2024 as FarmWeek Appreciation Day. Congratulates FarmWeek on its 50th anniversary and wishes the publication continued success.
Declares March 3 through March 9, 2024 as Illinois Soil Health Week in the State of Illinois. Encourages the celebration of Soil Health Week and its related activities to increase the awareness of Illinois farmers, eaters, and those involved in agribusiness of the importance of the air and water quality environment for all citizens of this State.
Commends Deputy John Forlenza and Police K9 Dax for their honorable service and dedication to their community, the State as a whole, and the nation.
Creates the Endow Illinois Tax Credit Act. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall award income tax credits to taxpayers who provide an endowment gift to a permanent endowment fund during the taxable year and receive a certificate of receipt for that gift. Provides that the credit is equal to 25% of the endowment gift. Contains provisions setting forth maximum credit amounts. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to require an addition modification equal to the amount of any federal deduction claimed for an endowment gift for which a taxpayer receives a credit under the Endow Illinois Tax Credit Act. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Southern Illinois University Management Act. In provisions concerning the members of the Illinois Ethanol Research Advisory Board, provides that the Board may be composed of designees of the members. Effective immediately.
Declares December 26, 2023 and December 26, 2024 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day in honor of the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that any person convicted of a first offense of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer is guilty of a Class 2 felony (instead of a Class 4 felony). Provides that any person convicted of a second or subsequent offense of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer is guilty of a Class 1 felony (instead of a Class 3 felony).
Amends the School Code. By December 31, 2023, requires the State Board of Education to create a Parent Advisory Committee for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations to the State Board with respect to the State Board's process of adopting new teaching or learning standards. Requires the State Board to review and consider the recommendations made by the committee prior to adopting a proposed teaching or learning standard, but does not require the State Board to accept any of the recommendations. Sets forth the membership of the committee; requires all committee members to be the parent of a student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in this State. Provides that members shall serve without compensation. Sets forth provisions concerning vacancies on the committee and committee meetings. Requires the State Board to provide administrative support to the committee. In provisions concerning school boards, requires a school board to adopt a policy to ensure that the parent or guardian of a student is provided with an opportunity to review the curricula and learning material used in the student's classroom at any point during the school year if the parent or guardian requests to review the curricula and learning material. Requires the policy to be published in the student handbook and on the school district's Internet website if one is maintained. Effective July 1, 2023.
Amends the School Code. Provides that, in consultation with education stakeholders, the State Board of Education shall develop a comprehensive literacy plan for the State that, at a minimum, addresses specified areas. Provides that the State Board shall develop and adopt a comprehensive literacy plan for the State on or before January 31, 2024. Provides that the State Board shall adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall establish and maintain a Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Program to assist qualified participants in acquiring a Professional Educator License. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may establish and adopt any rules necessary to implement this program, including the standards that a qualified participant must meet to receive a Professional Educator License. Sets forth the requirements to complete the program. Provides that upon completing the requirements of the program, a qualified participant is eligible for a Professional Educator License. Makes related changes. Provides that a foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who provides satisfactory evidence that he or she meets specified requirements. Provides that the foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations is valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years of the endorsement being issued and may be renewed. Provides that an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may teach a course on the foreign language for which the foreign language endorsement is issued. Provides that an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations but does not hold a bachelor's degree may substitute teach in foreign language classrooms. Effective July 1, 2023.
