Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that any gas utility may enter into a contract for up to 20 years of supply with any company for the purchase of synthetic natural gas (rather than a 20-year supply contract with any company for synthetic natural gas) produced from coal through the gasification process if the company has commenced construction of a coal gasification facility by July 1, 2009 (rather than July 1, 2008). Makes changes in factors used to determine whether the cost for synthetic natural gas is reasonable and prudent. Effective immediately.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Downstate Police and Downstate Firefighter Articles of the Illinois Pension Code to provide that an employing municipality shall have the right to participate in any board hearing related to the granting of line of duty disability pension benefits. Effective immediately.
Mourns the death of United States Army Corporal James M. Hale.
Mourns the death of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Tony Mihalo.
Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that if a defendant is accused of child pornography or aggravated child pornography or the defendant is accused of first degree murder or second degree murder when the commission of the offense involves sexual penetration or sexual conduct, evidence of the defendant's commission of another such offense or evidence to rebut that proof or an inference from that proof, may be admissible (if that evidence is otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence) and may be considered for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant. Provides that (1) testimony by the victim of an out of court statement made by the victim that he or she complained of such act to another; and (2) testimony of an out of court statement made by the victim describing any complaint of such act or matter or detail pertaining to any act which is an element of an offense which is the subject of a prosecution for a sexual or physical act against that victim are admissible as exceptions to the hearsay rule in prosecutions for any sex offense as defined in the Sex Offender Registration Act.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the definition of "conviction".
Congratulates Candice Parker on the occasion of being the first player drafted in the 2008 WNBA Draft.
Creates the Green Governments Illinois Act. Provides for the creation of the Green Governments Coordinating Council and sets out the composition and responsibilities of the Council. Gives the Council the authority to solicit and receive grants to fulfill the Council's functions and to solicit, use, and publish advice and information to assist in the Council's duties. Provides that participation in the Green Governments Illinois program by units of State and local government and educational institutions is voluntary. Sets out responsibilities of State agencies under the Act. Provides that a member of the Lieutenant Governor's staff shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a Green Governments Illinois website with specified content. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and the State Finance Act. Creates the Rotary Club Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides for the issuance of Rotary Club license plates. Provides that in addition to the appropriate registration fees, an applicant for the special plate shall be charged a fee of $25 at original issuance and for each renewal. Provides that $10 of the additional original issuance fee and $23 of the renewal fee shall be deposited into the Rotary Club Fund. Provides that $15 of the original issuance fee and $2 of the renewal fee shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Provides that, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and approval by the Secretary of State, the moneys in the Rotary Club Fund shall be paid as grants for charitable purposes sponsored by the Rotary Club.
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that, in the development of the individualized education program for a student who has a disability on the autism spectrum, the IEP team shall consider and shall specifically address certain factors. Provides that consideration of these factors shall result in the clarification of a school district's responsibility to deliver appropriate educational services for children with disabilities on the autism spectrum, but shall not be construed to require or mandate any specific services. Effective January 1, 2008.