Rep. Calvin L. Giles

Amends the Eliminate the Digital Divide Law. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning legislative findings.

Amends the School Code. In the State aid formula provisions, provides that a school district with an annual high school dropout rate of at least 10% shall receive an incentive weighting of 2 times the foundation level of support for each high school dropout who has been reenrolled in a small school, if the small school meets certain standards. Requires the school district to provide the same local and other funding for each reenrolled dropout that is provided for other students already enrolled in the district. Provides that the reenrolled dropout must not be counted by a school district with respect to State test reporting and enrollment and dropout rate reporting for federal, State, and local purposes. Effective July 1, 2005.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning implementing the provisions of Public Act 87-559.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning State goals and assessment.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that certificates of purchase from a scavenger sale in counties of 3,000,000 or more inhabitants must be registered. Increases the automation fee for assignments of certificates of purchase in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants from $10 to $50. Sets forth procedures for the assignment or transfer of scavenger sale certificates of purchase. Increases the minimum bid at a sale to $500 (now, $250) or one-half of the tax if the total liability is less than $1,000 (now, $500). Provides that the changes made by this amendatory Act apply only to certificates of purchase that are purchased after the effective date of this amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning compulsory attendance.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning charter schools.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides an early retirement incentive program for certain teachers who terminate service on or after February 1, 2007 and on or before June 30, 2007 or on or after February 1, 2008 and on or before June 30, 2008. Allows the purchase of up to 5 years of age enhancement and creditable service. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Authorizes the Board of Education of the City of Chicago to levy a Public School Teachers' Pension and Retirement Fund and Pension Contribution Tax. Provides that proceeds of the tax may be used by the Board of Trustees of the Public School Teachers' Pension and Retirement Fund of Chicago for the purpose of making employer pension contributions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Re-enacts the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. The exemption was created by Public Act 88-669, which has been held to be unconstitutional as a violation of the single subject clause of the Illinois Constitution. Includes validation provisions. Effective immediately.