Rep. Jim Watson

Proposes to amend the Finance Article of the Illinois Constitution. Requires that, during each fiscal year, State revenues in excess of the Bureau of the Budget's revenue estimates must be deposited into a special fund in the State treasury. Requires the approval of at least three-fifths of the General Assembly to appropriate from that special fund. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act, various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois, and the Public Community College Act. Requires public institutions of higher education to establish a policy regarding currently enrolled students who are called to or enlist in active military service. Requires the policy to provide that any student enrolled in a course or courses at the institution shall not incur academic or financial penalties by virtue of performing military service on behalf of the United States. Provides that the student must be permitted the option of either completing the course or courses at a later date without penalty or withdrawing from the course or courses with a full refund of fees paid. Provides that if the student chooses to withdraw, the student's record shall reflect that the withdrawal is due to active military service. Effective July 1, 2004.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning defaulting on a loan.

Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Makes a technical change in a Section defining "lobbyist".

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the additional charge for commissary goods shall be up to 35% for tobacco products and 25% for non-tobacco products. Provides that the additional charge shall be based upon the amount necessary to cover wages and benefits of employees of commissaries who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Provides that 40% of the profits on sales from commissary stores shall be expended by the Department of Corrections for a special benefit of committed persons. Provides that the remainder must be used first to pay for wages and benefits of commissary employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and then to pay to costs of dietary staff. Prohibits the Department from entering into a contract with a private contractor or vendor to perform commissary services at a prison facility.

Creates the Budget Stabilization Act and amends the State Finance Act. Limits appropriations from the State's general funds in fiscal years when estimated general funds revenues exceed certain previous fiscal years' general funds revenues. Requires the State Comptroller to transfer from the General Revenue Fund into the Budget Stabilization Fund or Early Debt Retirement Fund an amount equal to the fiscal year's unappropriated general funds revenues. Establishes appropriation limits and a transfer schedule. Specifies the purpose of the Budget Stabilization Fund and requires that earnings on its investment remain in the Fund. Creates the Early Debt Retirement Fund as a special fund within the State treasury for payment of certain liabilities. Effective immediately.

Recognizes the Morgan County Sheriff's Office which on December 11, 2003 will graduate its 5000th D.A.R.E. student through the Morgan County D.A.R.E. Program.

Congratulates Raymond J. Menke of Brussels on his 50 years of service as the Clerk of the Village of Brussels.

Amends the Cigarette Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Military Leave of Absence Act. Requires payment of State compensation and benefits to full-time State employees while on active duty with the Illinois National Guard, the United States Armed Forces reserves, or the Illinois State Militia reserves. Reduces the employee's State compensation by the amount of active duty pay. Requires the Department of Central Management Services and the State Comptroller to coordinate in the development of applicable procedures.