Rep. Jack McGuire

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Subject to appropriations, requires the Department to pay veterans service organizations for services provided by veterans service officers in processing claims and other benefits for veterans and their spouses or other beneficiaries residing in Illinois. Requires payment at the rate of $0.010 for each dollar of benefits obtained for veterans or their spouses or other beneficiaries. Sets forth criteria that a veterans service organization must meet.

Creates the National Guard Veterans Exposure to Hazardous Materials Act. Provides that on and after October 1, 2007, the Adjutant General shall assist any member of the Illinois National Guard who served in the Persian Gulf War or in an area designated as a combat zone by the President of the United States during Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom who (i) has been assigned a risk level I, II, or III for depleted uranium exposure by his or her branch of service, (ii) is referred by a military physician, or (iii) has reason to believe that he or she was exposed to depleted uranium during such service, in obtaining federal treatment services, including a best practice health screening test for exposure to depleted uranium. Provides that no State funds shall be used to pay for such tests or other federal treatment services. Requires the Adjutant General to submit a report to the General Assembly by October 1, 2007. Creates a task force to: (1) initiate a health registry for veterans and military personnel returning from Afghanistan, Iraq, or other countries in which depleted uranium or other hazardous materials may be found; (2) develop a plan for outreach to and follow-up of military personnel; (3) prepare a report for service members concerning potential exposure to depleted uranium and other toxic chemical substances and the precautions recommended under combat and noncombat conditions while in a combat zone; and (4) make other recommendations. Requires the task force to submit a report to the General Assembly by January 31, 2008, and terminates the task force on the date that it submits the report or on January 31, 2008, whichever is earlier. Effective immediately.

Creates the Veterans Assistance Act. Contains only a short title provision.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State may defer the expiration of the driver's license of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of the spouse or a dependent child living with a member of the Armed Forces, for an additional 90 (rather than 45) days after that member of the Armed Forces has completed active duty service outside of the State of Illinois. Effective immediately.

Creates the School Health Center Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to initiate 20 new school health centers over a 5-year period beginning July 1, 2007, and build capacity with existing school health centers in the State. Effective immediately.

Amends the IMRF Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Increases the amount of creditable service a participating employee may be granted for service in the armed forces of the United States from 24 months to 48 months. Provides that, if payment is made during the 6-month period that begins one month after the effective date, the required interest shall be at the rate of 2.5% per year, compounded annually; otherwise, the required interest shall be calculated at the regular interest rate. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a judgment order of forfeiture, order of restitution, or any installment thereof may be collected by any and all means authorized for the collection of money judgments. Provides that the State's Attorney of the county in which the judgment order of forfeiture or order of restitution was imposed may retain attorneys and private collection agents for the purpose of collecting any default in payment of any order of forfeiture, order of restitution, or installment thereof.

Amends the Autism Spectrum Disorders Reporting Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act. Provides that there shall be no more than 10 birth center alternative health care models in the demonstration program authorized under the Act. Sets forth requirements for the location of the centers and for services and standards of the centers. Requires the Department of Public Health to adopt rules for the operation and research protocols of birth centers. Makes other changes.

Amends the Secretary of State Act. Makes a technical change in a Section regarding the oath of office.