Sen. Elgie Sims

Creates the Law Enforcement Information Technology Task Force Act. Creates the Law Enforcement Information Technology Task Force to analyze, study, and make recommendations regarding the criminal discovery process, information sharing by law enforcement agencies, and other matters. Contains provisions concerning membership. Provides that the Task Force shall issue a final report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before January 10, 2017. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 11, 2017. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Lottery Law. Provides that the Quality of Life scratch-off game shall be discontinued on December 31, 2025 (rather than December 31, 2017). Effective immediately.

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that, for the purposes of defining "day care center", "special activities programs" includes programs or portions of programs that: (1) serve school-age children only; (2) are operated by an entity that is a local affiliate of a national organization and a non-profit as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and (3) meet appropriate State or local health and fire safety standards and those of its associated national entity, including performing background checks on employees. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the members of the State Board of Education.

Creates the Child Bereavement Leave Act and amends the State Finance Act. Provides that an employee may use specified amounts of bereavement leave to grieve the death of the employee's child, attend services in relation to the death of the employee's child, or make arrangements necessitated by the death of the employee's child. Provides for enforcement by the Department of Labor. Provides for civil penalties. Authorizes the Attorney General to collect penalties. Creates the Child Bereavement Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Creates the College Affordability Board to research and recommend to the General Assembly innovative tuition and financial aid policies to keep postsecondary education affordable for Illinois students. Sets forth provisions concerning the members of the Board, meetings of the Board, support from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and an annual report to the General Assembly.

Creates the Youth Unemployment Task Force Act. Creates the Youth Unemployment Task Force, who shall serve without compensation. Provides for the membership of the Task Force. Provides that the Secretary of Human Services, or his or her designee, shall serve as chairperson of the Task Force, and that the Department of Human Services shall provide technical support and assistance to the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force may consult with any persons or entities it deems necessary to carry out its purposes. Provides that the Task Force shall examine the State-wide youth unemployment crisis, and its particular effect on young people of color, including recommendations on how to improve employment among young people of color. Requires the Task Force to submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor on or before January 1, 2017. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2018. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the organization of the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Mourns the death of Wesley Nelson, Jr.

Recognizes and honors the 2016 Alpha Phi Alpha Day held at the Illinois State Capitol and welcomes the members of Alpha Phi Alpha to the Capitol. Designates the date of May 4, 2016 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day in the State of Illinois in honor of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.