Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning previous collective bargaining agreements.
Creates the Health Care Justice Act. Provides that the State of Illinois shall implement a health care plan that provides access to a full range of preventive, acute, and long-term health care services. Establishes the Bipartisan Health Care Reform Commission with members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. Provides for public hearings and a report by the Commission. Requires a preliminary report by February 1, 2005 and a final report by February 1, 2006. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Makes a technical change to a Section concerning social security numbers on license applications.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2006 registration year, a person who has been approved for benefits (rather than a person who has claimed and received a grant) under the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act, or the spouse of one of those persons, shall pay $24, rather than the usual fee, for a vehicle displaying specified registration plates. Makes corresponding changes in provisions regarding Purple Heart and Korean War Veteran plates. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Public Accounting Act. Provides for expiration and renewal of certified public accounting certificates. Provides grounds for discipline for a holder of a certified public accounting certificate. In provisions concerning certificates issued under prior laws, provides that the certificates shall be valid and in force, unless suspended or revoked under the disciplinary provisions. In the definition of "certified public accountant" and in titling provisions, provides that a certificate must be current, registered, and unrevoked. Provides that the Board of Examiners shall report annually on its activities. Provides that, on and after July 1, 2004, applicants are required to pass an examination on the rules of professional conduct before they may be awarded a certificate as a certified public accountant. Provides that the files of the Board relating to the investigation of possible instances of professional misconduct or any other ground for discipline shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure at the request of any person, except upon the order of a court in a pending action or proceeding or in certain other instances. Provides that at least 4 continuing education hours shall be courses covering the subject of professional ethics. Provides that the files of the Board relating to the investigation of possible instances of professional misconduct or any other ground for discipline shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure at the request of any person, except upon the order of a court in a pending action or proceeding or in certain other instances. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
Mourns the death of John J. Sexton of Chicago.
Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Makes a technical change in a Section defining "economic opportunity".
Creates the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Prescription Drug Discount Program Act. Provides that the Program shall be administered by the Department of Central Management Services to enable eligible senior citizens and disabled persons to purchase prescription drugs at discounted prices and that the Department shall (i) enroll eligible seniors and disabled persons into the Program, (ii) enter into rebate agreements with drug manufacturers, either itself or through an agent, and (iii) reimburse pharmacies for the cost of providing discounts using the proceeds from the manufacturer rebate agreements. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Prescription Drug Discount Program Fund into which rebate payments and enrollment fees shall be deposited. Provides for an initial transfer from the General Revenue Fund into the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Prescription Drug Discount Program Fund of $27,000,000 to be repaid to the General Revenue Fund out of rebate payments. Amends the Department of Central Management Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department shall establish a Prescription Drug Purchasing Policy Office to determine and implement strategies for best price purchasing practices for State agencies that pay for prescription drugs by direct purchase or by other arrangements. Effective July 1, 2003.
Amends the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Provides that the Board, through the budget process and with a 2/3 vote, may set the compensation of its members elected in November, 2004 and thereafter. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
