Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that bonds issued in accordance with the Act may be designated by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission as guaranteed by the State of Illinois. Provides that this guarantee shall constitute a general obligation of the State of Illinois, with the full faith, credit, and resources of the State of Illinois irrevocably pledged for the punctual payment of the principal of, interest on, and premium, if any, on any such bond. Provides that these provisions are irrepealable until all such bonds are paid in full as to both principal and interest. Provides that any bonds designated pursuant to these provisions shall be issued by the Commission on or prior to December 31, 2009 and shall be limited in aggregate principal issuance amount to not greater than $50,000,000. Sets forth provisions concerning appropriations for insufficient amounts, a continuing appropriation for insufficient appropriations, the rights and powers of the Commission not being impaired, and allowing a civil action to compel payment. Effective immediately.
Sponsored bills
Makes FY09 appropriations to the State Comptroller for expenses related to court reporting. The sum of $3,633,750 is appropriated for official court reporting. The sum of $760,000 is appropriated for State contributions to the State Employees Retirement System and $356,250 for State contributions to Social Security. Effective immediately.
Mourns the death of Hugh T. Smith, Sr., of Chicago.
Mourns the death of Erin Brigid McEldowney.
Amends the Tobacco Accessories and Smoking Herbs Control Act. Provides that a person may not knowingly sell, distribute, or offer for sale or distribution in this State or to any person in this State any tobacco product or any component part thereof (including but not limited to the tobacco, paper, or filter, and any components for roll-your-own cigarettes), which contains a constituent (including a smoke constituent) or additive or artificial or natural flavoring that produces a characterizing flavor. Provides that a violation is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning making rules and regulations.
Amends the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning exemption from taxation.
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Raises the maximum age of a dependent child that a policy of accident and health insurance may insure, originally or by subsequent amendment, upon the application of an adult member of a family who shall be deemed the policyholder, from 19 to 24. Provides that if the limiting age under the policy is less than 25 years of age, then the insurer shall, upon application of the dependent child, provide coverage after that specific age, until the dependent child is 25 years of age.
Resolves that the Board of Higher Education undertake a master plan for Illinois higher education through the creation of a Task Force on Higher Education and the Economy to study the challenges and opportunities facing higher education, the State's workforce needs, demographic trends, and higher education funding and student financial aid.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning a high school equivalency testing program.