Rep. La Shawn Ford

Amends the Law Enforcement Camera Grant Act. Defines "law enforcement officer" or "officer" as any person employed by a unit of local government (rather than a county, municipality, or township) or an Illinois public university as a policeman, peace officer or in some like position involving the enforcement of the law and protection of the public interest at the risk of that person's life. Provides that "unit of local government" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution. Effective immediately.

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Urges the United States Congress to make available to schools and law enforcement agencies federal grants which support the teaching of critical race theory.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section granting a homestead exemption to veterans with disabilities, provides that property that is used as a qualified residence by a veteran who was a member of the United States Armed Forces during World War II is exempt from taxation regardless of the veteran's level of disability. Provides that a veteran who qualifies as a result of his or her service in World War II need not reapply for the exemption. Effective immediately.

Amends the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act by reinstituting the pharmaceutical assistance program that was eliminated by Public Act 97-689 and changing the short title to the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act. Makes conforming changes in various Acts.

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Anthony Gay Law. Creates the Isolated Confinement Restriction Act. Provides that a committed person may not be placed in isolated confinement for more than 10 consecutive days. Provides that a committed person may not be placed in isolated confinement for more than 10 days in any 180-day period. Provides that while out of cell, committed persons may have access to activities, including, but not limited, to: job assignments, educational classes, vocational classes, meals, recreation, yard or gymnasium, day room, medical appointments, visits, and group therapy. Provides exceptions. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall post on the Department's official website quarterly reports on the use of isolated confinement. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2022, except that some provisions are effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the definition of "felony".

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that anything said or done during or in preparation for a restorative justice practice or as a follow-up to that practice, or the fact that the practice has been planned or convened, is privileged and cannot be referred to, used, or admitted in any civil, criminal, juvenile, or administrative proceeding unless the privilege is waived, during the proceeding or in writing, by the party or parties protected by the privilege. Provides that the legitimacy of a restorative justice practice, if challenged in any civil, juvenile, criminal, or administrative proceeding, shall be determined by a judge. Provides that the privilege does not apply when: (1) disclosure is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or the commission of a crime; (2) necessary to comply with another law; or (3) a court, tribunal, or administrative body requires a report on a restorative justice practice, but such report shall be limited to the fact that a practice has taken place, an opinion regarding the success of the practice, and whether further restorative justice practices are expected. Effective immediately.

Creates the Blight Mitigation Act. Provides that a property owner that lives within one-fourth of a mile of and on the same street as residential real property that has been abandoned may, after the property has been continuously abandoned for 12 months, petition the court for title to the land. Provides that the court shall order that title to the real property be transferred to the petitioner if the petitioner presents clear and convincing evidence that: (1) the property is abandoned; (2) the owner of the property has been made a party to the action in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure and court rules; and (3) the property is not: listed for sale on a multiple listing service; being maintained in receivership status; or under contract for sale.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the powers and duties of the State Board of Education.