Commissions a bi-partisan task force on the status of underrepresented minorities in higher education to evaluate the status of traditionally underrepresented populations, specifically African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans, in this State's public and private institutions of higher education.
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, each State Scholar who enrolls or is enrolled in an institution of higher learning in this State shall also receive a one-time grant of $1,000 to be applied to tuition and mandatory fees and paid directly to the institution of higher learning. Adds a provision concerning the rulemaking authority of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission as it relates to the State Scholar Program.
Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Provides that the Department on Aging may operate a 24-hour emergency home response service designed to connect the client with a professionally staffed support center via a two-way voice communication system. Provides that the Department may create a demonstration program that allows participants to receive automated calls on a daily or weekly basis.
Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law. Subject to appropriation, directs the Department to establish a statewide network of cord blood stem cell banks. Sets forth requirements and duties of donor banks. Creates an advisory committee to advise the Department concerning administration of the network. Effective immediately.
Mourns the death of Robert V. Marks Sr. of Aurora.
Urges the federal government to meet all of the financial obligations of the GI Bill.
Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Requires that the police training curriculum include cultural sensitivity training.
Amends the Statewide Organized Gang Database Act. Requires the Department of State Police to develop a statewide, web-based organized gang information sharing system. Provides that all law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the State shall be given access to the information sharing system after its completion.
Urges the Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide technical and financial services to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.
Amends the State Finance Act, the Counties Code, and the Clerks of Courts Act. Creates the Married Families Domestic Violence Fund and Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Fund as special funds in the State treasury. Provides that moneys in the new funds shall be used, subject to appropriation and subject to approval by the Attorney General, for specified purposes related to free domestic violence legal advocacy, assistance, or services. Provides that the Attorney General shall adopt rules concerning application for and disbursement of the moneys in the new funds. Provides that certain provisions regarding transfers to the General Revenue Fund do not apply to the new funds. Increases marriage license fees and specified court filing fees and provides for the deposit of a specified amount from each such fee into one of the new funds.
