Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Imposes an assessment for various human trafficking offenses be collected and distributed in accordance with the Specialized Services for Survivors of Human Trafficking Fund. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Makes changes concerning forfeiture for individuals convicted of keeping a place of prostitution. Modifies the allocation percentages of moneys and sale proceeds forfeited by individuals convicted of involuntary servitude and trafficking of persons. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary may issue special registration plates designated as "Support Survivors of Human Trafficking" license plates. Sets forth registration and fee requirements.

Creates the Smoke-Free Campus Act. Sets forth the General Assembly's findings. Provides that beginning on July 1, 2014, smoking is prohibited on each campus of a State-supported institution of higher education. Provides that on or before December 31, 2013, each State-supported institution of higher education shall establish a community task force for the purpose of coordinating with community and campus leaders for the implementation of the Act. Provides that the governing board of each State-supported institution of higher education shall implement the Act and shall promulgate all policies and regulations necessary for this purpose, including, but not limited to, disciplinary action, fines, and an appeals process. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Deletes existing provisions regarding school counseling services in public schools. Provides that school counseling services in public schools may be provided by school counselors, as defined under the Code, or by individuals who hold a Professional Educator License with a school support personnel endorsement in the area of school counseling under the Code. Sets forth a list of school counseling services. Provides that school districts may employ a sufficient number of school counselors to maintain the national and State recommended student-counselor ratio of 250 to 1. Further provides that school districts may have counselors spend at least 80% of their work time in direct contact with students. Provides that none of the provisions added by the amendatory Act prohibits other qualified professionals, including other endorsed school support personnel, from providing the listed services. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act. Provides that members appointed on and after the effective date of the Act shall be confirmed by the Senate. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that person with disabilities parking placards or decals that are issued to veterans with a permanent disability shall not require evidence of disability for renewal.

Amends the School Code. Allows a teacher who teaches physical education or health education in the public schools to meet the requirements for highly qualified status that apply to teachers who teach in core academic subjects pursuant to the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. Replaces the term "hearing-impaired" with "deaf or hard of hearing" throughout the Act. Provides that a business organization, before dispensing a hearing instrument, shall inform the prospective user of the hearing instrument that an earmold impression taken by a licensed hearing instrument dispenser or licensed audiologist (rather than an earmold impression taken only by a licensed hearing instrument dispenser) is needed for proper fitting. Adds certification by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and has been actively practicing for a minimum of 5 years to the list of criteria for license reciprocity. Makes changes to the application qualifications under the Act; provides that an applicant shall hold an associate's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or meets the U.S. Department of Education equivalency as determined through a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member, and that the applicant is required to obtain a license within 12 months after passing either the written or practical examination, whichever is passed first (rather than both). Provides that a trainee license expires 12 months from the date of issue (rather than 6 months from the date of issue).

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning court costs.

Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that provisions barring certain persons from receiving any property, benefit, or other interest by reason of the death of an elderly person or person with a disability apply also to persons who have been found liable for financial exploitation, abuse, or neglect of an elderly person or a person with a disability by a preponderance of evidence in a civil proceeding. Provides that a civil action against a person for financial exploitation, abuse, or neglect of an elderly person or a person with a disability may be brought after the death of the victim or during the lifetime of the victim if the victim is adjudicated disabled. Provides that the court may, in its discretion, consider such facts and circumstances as it deems appropriate to allow the person found liable for financial exploitation, abuse, or neglect of an elderly person or a person with a disability to receive a reduction in interest or benefit rather than no interest or benefit.

Amends the School Code. Allows 2 or more (instead of 4 or more) contiguous school districts with all or a portion of their territory located within the geographic boundaries of the same municipality to jointly operate, through an institution of higher education located in the municipality, a science and mathematics partnership school for serving some or all of grades kindergarten through 8. Effective immediately.