Amends the School Code. Creates the Professional Teacher Standards Board consisting of 11 members appointed by the Governor to administer the Article of the School Code governing the certification of teachers and other certificated school personnel and the approval of teacher and administrator preparation programs. Gives the Professional Teacher Standards Board all powers and duties currently exercised by the State Board of Education and the State Teacher Certification Board with respect to administration of the certification and program approval process, and abolishes the State Teacher Certification Board. Authorizes the Professional Teacher Standards Board to employ an Executive Director and such other staff members as are necessary to exercise its powers and duties and carry out its functions. Provides that a Standard Certificate may be renewed based on proof of professional development (instead of on proof of continuing education or professional development). Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2003.
Sponsored bills
Amends the State Finance Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the Toll Highway Act. Requires the Governor to appoint an Inspector General to investigate waste, fraud, or financial mismanagement in Authority operations involving Authority employees or contractors. Provides that a person commits a Class A misdemeanor if he or she fails to respond to a subpoena from the Inspector General, fails to answer questions, fails to produce pertinent books or records, or knowingly gives false testimony. Provides that with respect to a proposed increase in toll rates, the Authority may not hold more than one hearing on the same day, and imposes other requirements concerning such hearings. Requires the Authority to submit a 15-year comprehensive strategic financial plan to the General Assembly by December 31, 2003. Prohibits directors of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, their employees, and agents from receiving financial benefit from the letting of Authority contracts during their terms of service and for a period of one year following termination of their positions or employment with the Authority.
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Public Aid may not establish any formulary limits on, or restrict by any prior authorization requirement, any insulin prescription drug as prescribed and determined to be medically necessary for the treatment of diabetes. Effective July 1, 2004.
Congratulates Chief Timothy F. Deutschle on his retirement from the Addison Fire Protection District #1.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that qualified applicants pay no additional original issuance fee for Bronze Star and Silver Star special license plates.
Amends the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. Provides for relinquishment of a newborn infant to a police station (in addition to a hospital, fire station, or emergency medical facility). Provides that "police station" means a municipal police station or a county sheriff's office. Provides that a police station to which a newborn infant is relinquished must arrange for the transportation of the infant to the nearest hospital as soon as transportation can be arranged. Effective immediately.
Amends the Women's Business Ownership Act. Provides that the Act is repealed on September 1, 2008 (now September 1, 2004). Effective immediately.
Designates April 2004 as Car Care Month.
Designates the portion of US Highway 12 in Illinois as the Iron Brigade Memorial Highway in honor of the members of The Iron Brigade who served in the Union army during the Civil War.