Urges the Department of Public Health to develop a model community coalition effort to combat methamphetamine abuse.
Creates the Rural Water Task Force to study ways to improve access to rural water infrastructure funds.
Amends the Teacher Certification Article of the School Code. Provides that the successful completion of a course in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or the use of an automated external defibrillator constitutes a professional leadership experience related to improving a teacher's knowledge and skills as a teacher for continuing professional development purposes. Effective immediately.
Establishes a Task Force on One-to-One Mentoring Programs. Requires the Task Force to hold hearings concerning the best course of action to maximize the potential of at-risk youth and to report its recommendations to the House of Representatives no later than January 1, 2006.
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Makes changes concerning veteran grants with regard to who qualifies for assistance, the type of assistance, notification to the postsecondary institution, and administration of the program. Makes changes concerning the Illinois National Guard grant program with regard to who is eligible for a grant and what the grant covers. Effective July 1, 2005.
Amends the State Finance Act. At the end of each fiscal year when the State has a cash balance in excess of $750,000,000, requires that the excess be transferred into the Budget Stabilization Fund. Conditions the State Comptroller's authority to use the Fund to meet deficits and shortfalls upon the agreement of the State Treasurer and advance approval of the General Assembly by adoption of a joint resolution. Effective immediately.
Amends the Election Code. Provides that the presidential elector with the highest number of votes in a congressional district casts an electoral vote for the presidential and vice presidential candidates of his or her political party. Provides that an at large presidential elector who receives the highest or second highest number of votes statewide casts an electoral vote for the candidates of his or her party.
Creates the State Economic Assistance Accountability Act. States the requirements for State economic assistance in the form of tax credits, tax exemptions, grants, and loans provided to business organizations by DCCA. Provides that such assistance must be based on a written incentive agreement, and requires that such an agreement contain certain provisions concerning the consequences of a business organization's failure to make the requisite level of capital investment or to create or retain the specified number of jobs within the specified time period. Provides that the Act applies to all State economic assistance given by DCCA on or after the Act's effective date. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Provides that no one may be certified to teach or supervise in the public schools unless the person is at least 18 (now, 19) years of age.
Amends the State Finance Act. Requires that State revenues in excess of estimates published by the Bureau of the Budget must be transferred into the Budget Stabilization Fund each fiscal year. Removes (i) the authorization for the State Comptroller to direct payments from the Fund from time to time and (ii) the requirement that the Fund be repaid. Effective immediately.
