Sen. Kirk W. Dillard

Amends the School Code. Sets forth provisions concerning education programs for gifted and talented children. Includes provisions concerning early identification, eligibility, program supervision, monitoring, and oversight, school improvement plans, an advisory council, grants for services and materials, contracts for experimental projects and institutes, and professional development for teachers as it relates to the education of gifted and talented children. Grants rulemaking authority to the State Board of Education. Effective July 1, 2005.

Amends the Technology Development Act. Creates a Technology Development Fund for use by the State Treasurer in paying the expenses of investments from the Technology Development Account. Permits the State Treasurer to use any excess for grants to schools to buy computers and to upgrade technology. Permits the State Treasurer to deposit up to 10% of the earnings on Account investments into the Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and the State Finance Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2006, all diesel powered vehicles owned or operated by the State, any county or unit of local government, any school board, or any State College or University must use a blend containing at least 50% biodiesel fuel. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall reimburse those entities one cent for each gallon consumed, to be paid from the Energy Independence Fund, a special fund created in the State treasury. Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law. Beginning January 1, 2006, increases from 19 cents to 19.1 cents the tax imposed per gallon of motor fuel. Provides that, of the 19.1 cents per gallon tax, the equivalent of one-tenth of one cent per gallon shall be deposited into the Energy Independence Fund. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Transportation shall use all moneys in that fund for the required reimbursement. Provides that the Secretary of Transportation shall adopt rules for implementing the Vehicle Code provision. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Increases the penalty for official misconduct committed by a public officer or employee from a Class 3 felony to a Class 2 felony. Creates the offense of public contractor misconduct. Defines the offense. Provides that a violation is a Class 2 felony.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change to a Section concerning the intent and purpose of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program.

Amends the Sex Offender Registration Act. Defines "sex offender" to include custodial sexual misconduct (rather than custodial sexual misconduct committed on or after August 22, 2002). Defines as a "sexual predator" a person convicted of a violation or attempted violation of criminal sexual assault regardless of the age of the victim. Establishes procedures for a sex offender to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency within 5 days after ceasing to have a fixed residence. Changes certain registration periods from 10 days to 5 days. Provides that a second or subsequent violation of this Act is a Class 2 felony.

Renames the Tri-County State Park located in DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties as the James "Pate" Philip State Park and designates the park's visitor's center as the James "Pate" Philip State Park Visitor Center.

Mourns the death of John Chonko of Downers Grove.

Mourns the death of E. Lawrence "Larry" Young, Jr., of Wheaton.

Mourns the death of Roger Allen Anderson of Burr Ridge, formerly of Hinsdale.