Reauthorizes the Long-Term Prisoners Study Committee created by House Joint Resolution 80 of the 94th General Assembly. Provides that the Committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before December 31, 2007.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning State goals and assessment.
Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services must establish and implement a program to monitor the minor children of incarcerated parents. Sets forth the objectives of the program.
Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that if a defendant does not file a direct appeal, a post-conviction petition shall be filed no later than 10 years from the date of sentencing (rather than 3 years from the date of conviction). Provides that if the defendant files a direct appeal, the petition may be filed no later than 10 years after sentencing or 6 months after conclusion of proceedings in the United States Supreme Court or 6 months after the period for filing a certiorari petition if a petition for certiorari is not filed, whichever expires later. Provides that these provisions shall be applied retroactively to petitions for post-conviction relief that were dismissed as untimely before the effective date of the amendatory Act but would have been timely if filed on or after that time. Provides that such a petitioner has 2 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act to file his or her post-conviction petition.
Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that immediately upon the filing of a petition for a detention or shelter care hearing in the case of a minor retained in custody, the court shall cause counsel to be appointed to represent the minor. Provides that a detention or shelter care hearing may not be held until the minor has had adequate opportunity to consult with counsel.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Allows taxpayers to deduct from their base income an amount equal to the lesser of $1,500 or 10% of the purchase price of a flexible-fuel vehicle purchased during the taxable year. Sets forth requirements for the deduction. Creates a credit, for taxpayers who are motor-fuel retailers who purchase and install storage and dispensing equipment for alternative fuel. Sets forth the amounts of the credit, including maximum aggregate amounts for all credits. Provides that the credit may be transferred. Provides that the credit may be carried forward for 2 years. Creates a credit for taxpayers who purchase at least 250 gallons of E85 motor fuel. Sets forth the amounts of the credit, including maximum aggregate amounts for all credits. Provides that the credit is refundable. Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Exempts flexible-fuel vehicles from taxation under the Acts. Effective immediately.
Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code. Establishes the Illinois Charter Public School Commission as an independent, State-level, charter school authorizing entity working in collaboration with the State Board of Education. Includes provisions concerning membership, funding, staff, and powers and duties; Illinois Schools of Excellence charter school applications; limiting a school board's authority to authorize charter schools; the approval of cosponsors, a cosponsor agreement, the duties of a sponsor, and sponsor immunity; and an annual report to the General Assembly and the State Board. Provides that every 2 years (instead of annually), the State Board shall compile evaluations of charter schools received from school boards. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Changes the amount of a widow's annuity for a deceased fireman that was receiving a retirement annuity at the time of his death to the greater of 50% of the amount of such retirement annuity at the time of the fireman's death or the salary of an active firefighter with 5 years of service at the time of the fireman's death. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.
