Rep. Sharon Chung

Declares August of 2023 as Illinois Nature Preserve Month in the State of Illinois.

Mourns the death of Chicago police officer Aréanah Preston.

Amends the Township Open Space Article of the Township Code. Reduces the acreage that constitutes open land or open space under the Article to 25 acres (currently, 50 acres). Provides, in the definition of "open space purposes", that development includes development for agricultural purposes. Provides that a township board may lease open space for open space purposes and may not lease any part of open space to anyone other than the federal government, a state government, or a local government. Provides that leased open space may be used for agricultural purposes. Provides that the township board may not sell, convey, donate, or otherwise dispose of open space without referendum approval by the majority of the voters of the township at a regular election, and provides that the board may certify the question of disposition of property to the appropriate election authority only if the board approves the question by at least a two-thirds majority of the board members. Provides that, if a township dissolves or is consolidated or merged or the boundaries of the township are altered, any affected open space shall continue to be used as required in the open space plan unless the open space is disposed of is approved by a two-thirds vote of the board of the unit of local government in control of that open space and after referendum of the voters of the unit of local government.

Creates the College Insurance Program Task Force to study the College Insurance Program and present policy and legislative recommendations to the General Assembly to ensure the program remains a viable and healthy benefit.

Urges the National Baseball Hall of Fame Golden Days Era committee to vote to enshrine Walter William "Billy" Pierce in his rightful place as a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Resolves that Billy Pierce is deserving of the honor and recognition that accrues to those whose names are called to membership in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Recognizes Billy Pierce on his accomplishments and accolades achieved throughout his life.

Creates the Literary and Justice for All Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement evidence-based, culturally inclusive core reading instruction programs, a template to develop literacy plans, and guidance on evidence-based practices. Requires the State Board to develop training opportunities in teaching reading and a comprehensive literacy plan for this State. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, the requirements to receive a Professional Educator License, taking a test in reading foundations for certain licensure, and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, all internships for school social workers must be paid internships. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall award competitive grants on an annual basis to school districts to assist in the funding of these paid internships. Provides that the State Board of Education shall annually disseminate a request for applications to the grant program. Provides that higher priority shall be given to schools that demonstrate a shortage of school social workers, which is determined by the average ratio of school social workers to students in the target school district over the preceding 3 school years. Provides that the State Board of Education shall produce an annual report on the program. Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Board of Higher Education shall award competitive grants on an annual basis to colleges and universities in this State to fund field placements for social workers. Provides that, subject to appropriation, colleges and universities shall annually disseminate a request for applications from students under the grant program. Provides that colleges and universities, upon receiving funding, shall provide applications to students eligible for this funding. Provides that a college or university shall give priority to applicants who are members of a racial minority. Provides that each college or university that receives funds shall provide an annual report to the Board of Higher Education, and the Board of Higher Education shall post those reports on the Board's website. Effective immediately.

Creates the Educational Credit for Election Judges Act. Provides that each institution of higher education shall adopt a policy regarding its awarding of academic credit for election judges. Provides that the policy shall apply to any individual who has been an election judge while enrolled in the institution of higher education. Provides that each institution of higher education shall submit its policy for awarding academic credit for election judges to the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board, if applicable, before June 30, 2024 and before June 30 of every other year thereafter. Amends the Election Code. Provides that if an election judge receives academic credit, the judge may not be compensated under the Election Code.

Congratulates the Bradley Braves men's basketball team on being named the Missouri Valley Conference regular season champions.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. In the Sex Offenses Article of the Code, defines "coercive control" as direct or implied threat of danger, or retribution sufficient to coerce a reasonable person of ordinary susceptibilities to perform an act that otherwise would not have been performed, or acquiesce in an act to which one otherwise would not have submitted. Provides that a person commits criminal sexual assault if that person commits an act of sexual penetration and uses coercive control. Provides that a person commits criminal sexual abuse if that person commits an act of sexual conduct by the use of coercive control.