Directs the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the State's response to the management of the COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans' Home. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Removes one of the items that the performance audit was to investigate.
Urges the President of the United States and the Congress of the United States to take all necessary measures to ensure the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II be offered a state funeral.
Expresses support for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's efforts to regain possession of the Shab-eh-nay Reservation that was illegally sold by the federal government in 1849.
Reaffirms Illinois' commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister ties between the State of Illinois and Taiwan, R.O.C. Reaffirms Illinois' support for the Taiwan Relations Act and supports Illinois businesses referring to Taiwan, R.O.C. as Taiwan. Endorses Taiwan's efforts to secure the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States and reiterates support for a closer economic and trade partnership between the State of Illinois and Taiwan. Expresses continued support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations that impact the health, safety, and well-being of the people of Taiwan and supports Taiwan's aspiration to make more contributions in international societies.
Urges the U.S. House of Representatives to approve legislation to make the Buddy Check program for veterans a federal program.
Declares the third Friday in March 2021 and March 2022 as "FIRST Robotics Day" in the State of Illinois. Recognizes the continuing importance of the National Science Foundation's math and science education programs and encourages local school districts and other educational agencies to fund afterschool robotics programs. Encourages schools and educators to observe the day with appropriate activities that teach students about robotics and engage them about the study of mathematics and science.
Amends the School Code. With respect to the daily pupil attendance calculation, provides that instead of school improvement days with students in attendance a minimum of 3 clock hours, a school district may opt to have a school improvement day without students in attendance for up to 4 times in a given school year. Provides that each such day may be counted as a day of attendance, provided that a sufficient number of clock hours have been accumulated beyond the 5 clock hours per day that students would have been in session. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-19.05 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.56 105 ILCS 5/10-20.76 new 105 ILCS 5/24-6 105 ILCS 5/34-18.77 new 110 ILCS 305/125 new 110 ILCS 520/105 new 110 ILCS 660/5-215 new 110 ILCS 665/10-215 new 110 ILCS 670/15-215 new 110 ILCS 675/20-220 new 110 ILCS 680/25-215 new 110 ILCS 685/30-225 new 110 ILCS 690/35-220 new 110 ILCS 805/3-29.15 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code and various Acts relating to the governance of public universities and community colleges in Illinois. Requires school districts and the governing board of each public university and community college district to provide paid administrative leave to an employee for purposes related to COVID-19 under specified conditions. Provides that an employee of a school district or an institution of higher education who is on paid administrative leave must receive their regular rate of pay. Sets forth other requirements. For any school closure or use of an e-learning day that is related to COVID-19 guidance, mandates, or rules, requires a school district to pay to its educational support personnel and contractors their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits. Amends sick leave provisions of the School Code to require a district to return any sick leave used during the 2021-2022 school year by a teacher or employee for reasons related to the issuance of guidance, mandates, or rules related to COVID-19 and public health. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.76 new Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.82 new 105 ILCS 5/34-85e new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code and various Acts relating to the governance of public universities and community colleges in Illinois. Requires school districts and the governing board of each public university and community college district to provide paid administrative leave to an employee for purposes related to COVID-19 under specified conditions. Provides that an employee of a school district or an institution of higher education who is on paid administrative leave must receive their regular rate of pay. Sets forth other requirements. For any school closure or use of an e-learning day that is related to COVID-19 guidance, mandates, or rules, requires a school district to pay to its educational support personnel and contractors their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits. Requires a school district to return any sick leave used during the 2021-2022 school year by a teacher or employee for reasons related to the issuance of guidance, mandates, or rules related to COVID-19 and public health. Effective immediately.
Congratulates Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness on its 50th anniversary.
Congratulates Christine J. Sobek, Ed.D., on serving as president of Waubonsee Community College for the past 20 years. Thanks her for her commitment to the community and the State of Illinois. Further wishes her continued success.
Amends the Veterans' Employment Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title. House Committee Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 330 ILCS 25/1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2805/39 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to create a Veterans' Accountability Unit (Unit) which shall receive complaints and recommendations from: (i) veterans and other Illinois residents who seek services from the Department; (ii) residents of Veterans' Homes, their families, and visitors; (iii) vendors and contractors of the Department; and (iv) staff of the Department. Requires the Governor to appoint for a 4-year term, with Senate confirmation, the Director of the Unit. Provides that the Director shall ensure that the Unit maintains regular office hours and establishes both a toll-free helpline and a dedicated electronic mail address for the purpose of accepting complaints, information, and recommendations. Provides that the Unit shall function independently of the Department. Contains provisions concerning salaries and benefits for the Unit's staff and Director; and staff access to any information, documents, and personnel of the Department that is needed to perform the duties of the Unit. Requires the Unit to ensure all complaints, allegations, or incidents of possible misconduct or violations of rules, procedures, or laws by any employee, service provider, or contractor of the Department are reported to the Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General. Requires the Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General to determine whether to investigate a complaint or make a referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requires the Unit to create annual reports that include a summary of the complaints received and actions taken in response. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall limit any investigations by the Department of Veterans' Affairs that may otherwise be required by law. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 330 ILCS 25/1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2805/39 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill but replaces all references to "Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General" with "Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor."
