Sen. Barack Obama

Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that (i) on or before January 1, 2005, the Commuter Rail Division shall install restrooms on all commuter trains, and (ii) beginning no later than 60 days after the effective date, the Commuter Rail Division shall not require any commuter to purchase a ticket before boarding a commuter train. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State.

Designates April 7, 2004 as World Health Day in the State of Illinois.

Creates the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act. Provides that an employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, or who has a family or household member who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence whose interests are not adverse to the employee, may take leave from work to address domestic or sexual violence by: (A) seeking medical attention for, or recovering from, physical or psychological injuries caused by domestic or sexual violence to the employee or the employee's family or household member; (B) obtaining services from a victim services organization for the employee or the employee's family or household member; (C) obtaining psychological or other counseling for the employee or the employee's family or household member;(D) participating in safety planning, temporarily or permanently relocating, or taking other actions to increase the safety of the employee or the employee's family or household member from future domestic or sexual violence or ensure economic security; or (E) seeking legal assistance or remedies to ensure the health and safety of the employee or the employee's family or household member, including preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal legal proceeding related to or derived from domestic or sexual violence. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Permits a an employer to receive a tax credit due to paid leave paid to employees due to domestic or sexual violence and for domestic and sexual violence safety and education costs paid for or incurred by the employer. Effective immediately.

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Department of Public Health.

Proposes to amend the Bill of Rights Article of the Illinois Constitution to provide that the State shall enact on or before May 31, 2006 a plan for universal health care coverage for all persons. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the executive committee of domestic mutual companies.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the general powers and duties of the Department.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Adds a caption to the definitions Section.

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education, in coordination with the Illinois Board of Higher Education, shall implement a Giant Steps Autism Center for Excellence program for the study and evaluation of autism and to provide related teacher training and other services. The program shall be operated over a period of 3 school years, beginning with the 2004-2005 school year. The State Board of Education is authorized to make grants to school districts that apply to participate in the Giant Steps Autism Center for Excellence program. The State Board of Education shall by rule provide the form of application and criteria to be used and applied in selecting participating school districts. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the short title.