Proclaims June 3, 2004, as "National Hunger Awareness Day" in Illinois to help secure additional resources to help end child hunger.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person who holds an instruction permit, or a person who has held a driver's license for less than one year, may not use a wireless telephone while driving a vehicle. Provides that a person who is not subject to those prohibitions may use a wireless telephone while driving if he or she obeys all traffic laws. Provides that if a person permitted to use a wireless telephone commits a traffic violation while using a wireless telephone, he or she is guilty of an additional violation and subject to an additional fine. Provides that a violation is a petty offense punishable by a fine of not more than $79. Provides that a violation of the provision or a similar provision of a local ordinance is an offense against laws or ordinances regulating the movement of traffic. Provides that the provision does not apply to the use of a wireless telephone for emergency purposes.
Amends the Open Meetings Act. Redefines a "public body" subject to the Act to exclude certain drug enforcement task forces. Effective immediately.
Amends the State Police Act. Provides that no person may be retained in service as a State Policeman after he or she has reached the age of 63 (now 60).
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning defaulting on a loan.
Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Makes a technical change in a Section defining "lobbyist".
Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. In each of the definitions of "aggregate extension" excludes extensions made to fund the district's expenses to provide joint recreational programs for the handicapped under the Park District Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Effective immediately.
Congratulates the Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois State Lodge, as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary.
Creates the Nutrition Outreach and Public Education Act. Establishes a nutrition outreach and public education program within the Department of Public Health to enroll targeted populations in federal food and nutrition assistance programs and to promote the fuller implementation and utilization of such programs in unserved or underserved areas. Authorizes grants to community-based organizations for outreach activities. Requires an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Removes language that terminates the earned income tax credit with taxable years ending on or before December 31, 2002. Exempts the credit from the sunset requirements. Effective immediately.
