Rep. Jerry L. Mitchell

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In connection with the medical assistance program, provides that on and after July 1, 2008, the minimum inpatient per diem rate to be paid to a hospital for psychiatric services shall be no less than the highest per diem base rate established by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for any hospital that newly qualifies to deliver psychiatric inpatient services on or after December 31, 2006. Effective immediately.

Amends the Shaken Baby Prevention Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Creates the Illinois Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission to commemorate the 100th birthday of the visionary former President.

Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Provides that if any State officer or employee of the executive or legislative branch is placed on administrative leave, either voluntarily or involuntarily, pending the outcome of a criminal investigation or prosecution and that officer or employee is removed from office or employment for one or more reasons directly related to that criminal matter, then the officer or employee is indebted to the State for all compensation and the value of all benefits received during the administrative leave and must forthwith pay the full amount to the State. As a matter of law, applies similar restrictions on officers and employees of units of local government and school districts. Effective immediately.

Creates the War on Terrorism Veterans Act. Provides that a memorial honoring persons who earned the Southwest Asia Service Medal serving in either Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom may be constructed by a private entity on a portion of the State property in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Effective immediately.

Honors John "J.R." Rohwer on the occasion of his outstanding career and for his contributions to Illinois broadcasting.

Honors John "J.R." Rohwer on the occasion of his outstanding career and for his contributions to Illinois broadcasting.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Adds a Section concerning the assessment of certain timberland. Contains only a caption.

Amends the School Code and the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall create a P-20 Council. Sets forth the membership of the Council. Provides that the Council shall (1) coordinate prekindergarten through grade 20 education in this State; (2) begin the process of aligning educational programs; (3) articulate a framework for systemic educational improvement that will enable every student to meet or exceed Illinois learning standards and be well-prepared to succeed in the workforce and community; (4) coordinate and leverage strategies, actions, legislation, and resources of all stakeholders to support fundamental and lasting improvement in this State's public schools, community colleges, and universities; (5) meet to discuss issues that are vital to educational reform in this State; (6) provide recommendations on subjects related to education; (7) make recommendations for improving academic standards; (8) develop consensus on educational policy reforms and innovations; and (9) align university teaching programs with the needs of Illinois schools. Abolishes the Joint Education Committee on the effective date of the amendatory Act; makes related changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that "person subject to involuntary admission" includes (i) a person with mental illness and who because of his or her illness is reasonably expected to engage in dangerous conduct (instead of reasonably expected to inflict serious physical harm upon himself or herself or another in the near future) and (ii) a person with mental illness who, because of the nature of his or her illness, is unable to understand his or her need for treatment and who, if not treated, is reasonably expected to suffer or continue to suffer mental deterioration or emotional deterioration, or both, to the point that the person is reasonably expected to engage in dangerous conduct. Defines "dangerous conduct" as threatening behavior or conduct that places another individual in reasonable expectation of being harmed, or a person's inability to provide, without the assistance of family or outside help, for his or her basic physical needs so as to guard himself or herself from serious harm.