Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the exercise of "quick-take" eminent domain powers.
Amends the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Department's powers and duties.
Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the educational services block grant for a school district having a population exceeding 500,000 inhabitants, provides that the grant shall include funding for children requiring special education services. Removes the extraordinary and private tuition components of the Special Education program that the educational services block grant includes. In provisions concerning children with disabilities attending private schools, public out-of-state schools, public school residential facilities, or private special education facilities, removes the requirement that transportation to and from home to a residential school more than once each school term be subject to prior approval by the State Superintendent of Education. Replaces certain provisions in the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code concerning State reimbursement to a school district with new provisions governing payments for children requiring special education services. Effective immediately.
Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that, on March 31, 2003 or as soon as practicable thereafter, the amount of $300,000 shall be transferred from the Statistical Services Revolving Fund to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. Provides that, beginning on July 1, 2004, on the last day of each month, an amount equal to 50% of that day's beginning balance in the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund shall be transferred from the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund to the Statistical Services Revolving Fund. Provides that these transfers shall continue until the cumulative total of transfers executed from the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund to the Statistical Services Revolving Fund equals $300,000. Effective immediately.
Amends the Historic Preservation Agency Act. Creates the Freedom Trail Commission. Contains provisions concerning the membership and duties of the commission. Provides that the commission must prepare a master plan to promote and preserve the history of the freedom trail and underground railroad in the State; work in conjunction with State and federal authorities to sponsor commemorations, linkages, seminars, and public forums on the freedom trail and underground railroad in the State and in neighboring states; assist and promote the making of applications for inclusion in the national and State register of historic places for significant historic places related to the freedom trail and the underground railroad in the State; assist and develop partnerships to seek public and private funds to carry out activities to protect, preserve, and promote the legacy of the freedom trail and underground railroad in the State; and work with the Illinois State Board of Education to evaluate, conduct research concerning, and develop a curriculum for use in Illinois public schools regarding the underground railroad, with emphasis on the activities of the underground railroad within this State. Provides that the commission must report its activities and findings to the General Assembly by February 1, 2004. Effective immediately.
Amends the Counties Code. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning venue of actions by or against counties.
Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to implement the provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Creates the Illinois Early Learning Council Act. Establishes the Illinois Early Learning Council to coordinate existing State programs and services for children from birth to 5 years of age in order to better meet the early learning needs of children and their families. Provides for the appointment of members to the Council who represent both public and private organizations and who shall serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis.
Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Makes grammatical changes in the statute relating to the unlawful delivery of a controlled substance to a pregnant woman.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a public utility may not disconnect for nonpayment service during the period from December 1 through March 31 to a residential customer who is eligible for assistance under the Energy Assistance Act of 1989. Effective immediately.
