Sen. Kwame Raoul

Amends the Railroad Police Act. Requires allegations of abuse of authority or misconduct by members of a railroad police force to be investigated by the Illinois State Police. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Exempts elected representatives of rail employers from the restrictions concerning trespassing on railroad property. Provides that the listed persons shall be exempt from the restrictions while performing required duties in accordance with reasonable rail carrier company guidelines, engaging in safety inspections, or exercising a right under the federal Railway Labor Act (instead of only while performing required duties in accordance with reasonable rail carrier company guidelines).

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Cook County Forest Preserve District.

Amends the Illinois Economic Opportunity Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act, the Children's Health Insurance Program Act, the Covering ALL KIDS Insurance Act, the Illinois Public Aid Code, and the Veterans' Health Insurance Program Act. Provides that the fee schedule for each of these programs must be competitive with those of non-governmental, third-party health insurance programs. Provides that (i) reimbursement for any service must not be lower than Medicare reimbursement in effect on January 1, 2007; (ii) the fee schedule must be decreased or increased every January 1 corresponding to the decrease or increase in the Consumer Price Index for medical care published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, but in no case more than 4% per year; and (iii) payment for services must be made within 30 days after receipt of a bill or claim for payment. Effective July 1, 2007.

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services must establish and implement a program to monitor the minor children of incarcerated parents. Sets forth the objectives of the program.

Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Removes braiding from the list of practices that constitute the practice of cosmetology. Adds an Article concerning hair braiders. Provides that beginning 9 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, no person may operate or be employed as a hair braider in this State unless he or she possesses a valid certificate of health, safety, and hygiene instruction issued by the Department. Sets forth requirements for the issuance of the certificate. Grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Creates the Judicial Campaign Reform Act and amends the Election Code, the State Finance Act, the Illinois Income Tax Act, and the Clerks of Courts Act. Creates a voluntary program of public financing of election campaigns for the offices of judges of the Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Courts, administered by the State Board of Elections. Establishes funding mechanisms and provides penalties for violations. Sets mandatory contribution limits with respect to all judicial election campaigns. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2009.

Amends the Special Session Act. Provides that on each day that both houses of the General Assembly are convened in special session, (i) the Governor, President of the Senate, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, and House Minority Leader must meet at the State Capitol and discuss the purpose for which the special session was called, including proposed and pending legislation to resolve the situation, and other relevant pending legislative matters and (ii) after the Governor and leaders have met, the 2 houses must convene in joint session. Further provides that the Governor, President of the Senate, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, and House Minority Leader must attend the joint session, each must brief the members of the General Assembly concerning the discussion at their meeting on that day, and each must take questions from the members of the General Assembly concerning all relevant legislative matters then pending, whether within the specific purpose of the special session or not, for as long as any member has a question. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning State universities.

Amends the Labor Dispute Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.