Rep. Raymond Poe

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.

Amends the Election Code. Eliminates the requirement that a voter declare party affiliation when voting at a primary election. Provides that the voter shall receive the primary ballot of each of the established political parties nominating candidates for office at the primary election but may cast a ballot of only one political party, except in certain cases involving statewide political parties and political parties established only within a political subdivision.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In connection with the medical assistance program, provides that on and after July 1, 2008, the minimum inpatient per diem rate to be paid to a hospital for psychiatric services shall be no less than the highest per diem base rate established by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for any hospital that newly qualifies to deliver psychiatric inpatient services on or after December 31, 2006. Effective immediately.

Amends the Shaken Baby Prevention Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the State aid formula.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that an officer of a fire department, in the performance of his or her official duties, has the authority to close to traffic a highway, or a lane or lanes of a highway, as necessary to protect the safety of persons or property. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Increases the penalties for the offense of reckless homicide if the offense is committed as a result of failing to follow the procedures required when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle. Further increases the penalties if the defendant causes the deaths of 2 or more persons as part of a single course of conduct.

Creates the War on Terrorism Veterans Act. Provides that a memorial honoring persons who earned the Southwest Asia Service Medal serving in either Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom may be constructed by a private entity on a portion of the State property in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Effective immediately.

Amends the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act. Extends the repeal date of the Act from September 6, 2008 to June 30, 2010. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning financial exploitation of an elderly person.

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that an Internet gaming service provider that provides service to a consumer, for home and personal use, for a stated term that is automatically renewed for another term unless a consumer cancels the service must give a consumer who is an Illinois resident: (1) a secure method at the Internet gaming service provider's web site that the consumer may use to cancel the service, which method shall not require the consumer to make a telephone call or send U.S. Postal Service mail to effectuate the cancellation; and (2) instructions that the consumer may follow to cancel the service at the Internet gaming service provider's web site. Makes it an unlawful business practice for an Internet gaming service provider to violate the new provisions.