Creates the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission Act. Creates the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission as an independent commission under the Illinois Human Rights Commission for administrative purposes. Provides that the Commission shall conduct inquiries into claims of torture with priority to be given to those cases in which the convicted person is currently incarcerated solely for the crime with respect to which he or she claims torture by Jon Burge or officers under his command, or both. Provides that if the Commission concludes there is sufficient evidence of torture to merit judicial review, the Chair of the Commission shall request the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County for assignment to a trial judge for consideration. Provides that the Act applies to claims of torture filed not later than 5 years after the effective date of the Act. Effective immediately.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Condominium Property Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the applicability of the Act.
Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that the Department shall cooperate with the Department of Corrections, community-based organizations, and social service providers to make information available to children of incarcerated parents. Provides that the Department of Human Services must make information for families and children of incarcerated parents available on its website and through its existing toll-free telephone numbers. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall provide inmates with a sealed envelope containing information about programs for families and children of incarcerated parents so that the inmate may send the materials to the guardian of his or her children. Provides that postage shall be paid by the inmate, but the Department of Corrections shall pay the postage if the inmate is indigent. Effective immediately.
Supports the survivors of the 1921 Tulsa, Oklahoma race riot.
Proclaims March 25, 2009 as Kappa Alpha Psi Day in the State of Illinois.
Mourns the death of former Chicago Alderman Leon Despres.
Mourns the death of Sam Ackerman of Hyde Park.
Resolves that Illinois is committed to closing the gap in teaming achievement levels between low income and middle-income or upper-income children and youth and the Elev8 initiative seeks to rectify this disparage by creating dynamic integration of services within schools, one of the principal environments in which young people spend their time.
Creates the 2016 Olympic Games Act. Contains only a short title provision.
Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2009, the social security offset shall no longer be applied to specified widow's or survivor's annuities. Provides that the retirement contribution for covered employees is increased 0.5% to remove the Social Security offset from their widow's or survivor's annuity, thus making their total contribution for that purpose 1.0%. Provides that, on or before January 1, 2009 and at future dates as established by the State Employees' Retirement System of Illinois, the covered employee may elect not to increase or to decrease his or her contribution, thus making his or her widow's or survivor's annuity subject to the Social Security offset. Provides that, after January 1, 2009, any contributions already made to the System for the purpose of removing the Social Security offset shall not be refunded and any election with reference to the Social Security offset shall be made within the limitations specified by the System. Specifies that the increased contributions are included in certain refunds. Specifies the required funding for the new benefit increase; specifies the effects of expiration if the General Assembly fails to extend the new benefit increase. Effective immediately.