Proposes to amend the Bill of Rights Article of the Illinois Constitution concerning crime victim's rights. Provides that in addition to other rights provided in the Constitutional provision, a crime victim has the right to: (1) be free from harassment, intimidation, and abuse; (2) refuse to disclose information that is privileged or confidential by law; (3) timely notification of all court proceedings; (4) be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arraignment release decision, plea, sentencing, post-conviction or post-adjudication release decision, and any post-arraignment proceeding in which a right of the victim is at issue; (5) receive a report related to the defendant's sentence when available to the accused; and (6) have the safety of the victim and the victim's family considered in denying or fixing the amount of bail, determining whether to release the defendant, and setting conditions of release after arrest and conviction. Provides that a victim, victim's lawyer, or the prosecuting attorney may assert the victim's constitutional rights in court. Provides that nothing in this Constitutional provision creates any cause of action for compensation or damages against the State, any political subdivision of the State, any officer, employee, or agent of the State or of any of its political subdivisions, or any officer or employee of the court. Effective upon being declared adopted.
Sponsored bills
Expresses solidarity with the North Korean refugees in their quest for relief from hunger and persecution. Articulates support for development of a Human Rights and Democracy program and calls upon the United States government to take a leadership role in forming an international framework for resettlement of North Korean refugees both here and abroad.
Extends the Task Force on Charter School Funding, requiring the submission of a report no later than February 15, 2014.
Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal of the Registered Surgical Assistant and Registered Surgical Technologist Title Protection Act from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2024. Amends the Registered Surgical Assistant and Registered Surgical Technologist Title Protection Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions, the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, registration applications, application of the Act, registration requirements, supervision requirement, inactive status, fees, disciplinary action, suspension of registration, cease and desist orders, investigations, hearings, record of proceedings, restoration of registration, and civil penalties. Provides that all information collected by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in the course of an examination or investigation of a registrant or applicant shall be maintained for the confidential use of the Department and shall not be disclosed. Effective December 31, 2013.
Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal of the Electrologist Licensing Act from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2024. Amends the Electrologist Licensing Act. Makes changes to provisions concerning definitions, application for licensure, the Administrative Procedure Act, licensure by endorsement, renewal of licenses, inactive status and restoration of licenses, fees, grounds for discipline, violations of the Act, investigations, notice, hearings, findings and recommendations, summary suspension, records, unlicensed practice, and civil penalties. Provides that all information collected by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in the course of an examination or investigation of a licensee or applicant shall be maintained for the confidential use of the Department and shall not be disclosed. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Establishes the State Seal of Biliteracy program to recognize public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. Provides that the State Seal of Biliteracy shall be awarded by the State Board of Education beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. Provides that school district participation in this program is voluntary. Sets forth the purposes of the State Seal of Biliteracy. Sets forth requirements for the State Board of Education and participating school districts. Provides that no fee shall be charged to a pupil. Effective July 1, 2013.
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act with respect to the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program. Provides that the transition period for the consolidation of the Illinois Future Teacher Corps Program and the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program into one program shall end no later than the last day (instead of end on the last day) of the 2013 fiscal year. Provides that no later than the last day of the 2013 fiscal year, the Illinois Future Teacher Corps Program shall no longer exist as a separate existing program. Provides that during the transition period, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission may (instead of shall) establish rules. Provides that for Fiscal Year 2013 and any subsequent fiscal year (instead of just for Fiscal Year 2013), the entire appropriation under these provisions shall be designated for the Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching. For Fiscal Year 2014 and for each fiscal year thereafter, provides that all amounts appropriated to the Commission for the Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching shall be used by the Golden Apple Foundation for the Golden Apple Scholars for Illinois Program or for such other purposes and programs as are determined by the Golden Apple Foundation for the Foundation's stated purposes and to develop and support teacher excellence in this State, especially in schools of need; requires the Auditor General to prepare an annual audit. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code and the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Makes changes to provide that each class or course in comprehensive sex education offered in any of grades 6 through 12 shall include instruction on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Makes changes to provide that all classes that teach sex education and discuss sexual intercourse in grades 6 through 12 shall emphasize that abstinence from sexual intercourse is a responsible and positive decision and is the only protection that is 100% effective against unwanted teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) when transmitted sexually. Makes changes to provide that all classes that teach sex education and discuss sexual intercourse in grades 6 through 12 shall satisfy specified criteria. Provides that an opportunity shall be afforded to individuals (not just parents or guardians) to examine the instructional materials to be used in the class or course. Provides that the State Board of Education shall make available resource materials. Provides that school districts that do not currently provide sex education are not required to teach sex education. Provides that if a sex education class or course is offered in any of grades 6 through 12, the school district may choose and adapt the developmentally and age-appropriate, medically accurate, evidence-based, and complete sex education curriculum that meets the specific needs of its community. Provides that the Comprehensive Health Education Program shall include the educational area of evidence-based and medically accurate information regarding sexual abstinence (instead of the area of sexual abstinence until marriage).
Amends the Criminal Identification Act and the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that upon a petition by a person who has been convicted of a Class 3 or Class 4 felony and who has served in the United States Armed Forces or in the National Guard of this or another state and has received an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces or National Guard and who meets specified requirements, the Prisoner Review Board shall hear by at least 3 members and, with the unanimous vote of a panel of 3 members, issue a certificate of eligibility for expungement recommending that the court order the expungement of all official records of the arresting authority, the circuit court clerk, and the Department of State Police concerning the arrest and conviction for the Class 3 or 4 felony. Excludes a person convicted of a sex offense, crime of violence, or firearm offense. Provides that if a person has applied to the Board for a certificate of eligibility for expungement and the Board denies the certificate, the person must wait at least 4 years before filing again or filing for a pardon with authorization for expungement from the Governor unless the Governor or Chairman of the Prisoner Review Board grants a waiver. Effective immediately.
Amends the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.