Rep. Sue Scherer

Mourns the death of Clinton J. Hornbuckle of Taylorville.

Recognizes Bishop James Alvin Wills Sr.

Recognizes President Barack Obama launching his historic 2008 presidential campaign with a speech at the Old State Capitol and his momentous speech before the Illinois General Assembly during his final year in office in 2016.

Creates the Fiscal Impact Statement Act. Provides that every executive order of the Governor, the purpose or effect of which is to expend any State funds or to increase or decrease the revenues of the State, either directly or indirectly, shall include a fiscal impact statement, and that the fiscal impact statement shall contain a reliable estimate of the anticipated change in State expenditures or revenues and a reliable estimate of the fiscal impact. Provides that, if an executive order affects bond authority or bond rates, the fiscal impact statement shall be prepared by the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, shall specify the estimated total effect on principal and interest, and shall include the total principal on all other then-outstanding bonds of the State. Provides for the preparation, filing, and publication of fiscal impact statements. Effective immediately.

Creates the Mahomet Aquifer Protection Task Force Act. Creates the Mahomet Aquifer Protection Task Force to address the issue of maintaining the clean drinking water of the Mahomet Aquifer. Contains provisions concerning the appointment of members, compensation, and the duties of the Task Force. Provides that on or before July 1, 2018 that the Mahomet Aquifer Protection Task Force shall report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor. Provides for the Act's repeal on July 1, 2019. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that whenever a school bus is operated for the purpose of transporting passengers other than persons in connection with an activity of the school or religious organization which owns the bus or whenever a school district or a school bus company under contract with a school district discards a school bus through sale or donation, the "SCHOOL BUS" signs and any other insignia or words indicating that the vehicle is a school bus shall be removed, covered, or concealed, the stop signal arm and flashing signal system shall not be operable through normal controls, and the bus shall be painted a color different from the colors required for a school bus under the Code.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State shall immediately revoke the license, permit, or driving privileges of any driver who commits aggravated overtaking or passing of a school bus. Creates the offense of aggravated overtaking or passing of a school bus. Adds to the definition of "medical examiner's certificate" an electronic submission of results of an examination conducted by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of a driver to medically qualify him or her to drive. Provides that beginning June 22, 2018, the Secretary shall post to a Commercial Driver License Information System driver record within one business day of electronic receipt from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration certain information about a driver who has certified himself or herself as non-excepted interstate. Provides that the Secretary may waive a general knowledge test waiver for an applicant of a commercial learner's permit if the applicant: (1) is a current resident of this State; (2) is a current or former member of the military services; (3) within one year prior to the application, has been regularly employed in a military position that requires the operation of large trucks; (4) has received formal military training in the operation of a vehicle similar to the commercial motor vehicle the applicant expects to operate; and (5) provides the Secretary with a general knowledge test waiver form certifying that the applicant qualifies for the general knowledge test waiver. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Mourns the death of Ella Mae Currie.

Recognizes the Rev. Robert Freeman as he departs Springfield for First United Methodist Church in Urbana.

Amends the School Code. Provides that for an applicant seeking a professional educator license who is enrolled in a program of study in an area of career or technical education defined as an area of identified staff shortages, as defined in the Higher Education Student Assistance Act, or a career and technical educator endorsement on an educator license with stipulations, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall adopt a test of work proficiency.