Sen. Mattie Hunter

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2015 (rather January 1, 2010), the Department of Children and Family Services shall (rather than may) implement a 3-year (rather than a 5-year) demonstration of a "differential response program" in accordance with criteria, standards, and procedures prescribed by rule. Provides that the program shall (rather than may) provide that, upon receiving a report, the Department shall determine whether to conduct a family assessment or an investigation as appropriate to prevent or provide a remedy for child abuse or neglect. In a provision concerning an independent evaluation of the differential response program, requires (i) the independent evaluator to collect appropriate data about the differential response program and (ii) the Department to provide annual reports and a final report to the General Assembly and to the Governor regarding the differential response program. Requires the Department to adopt any necessary administrative rules for the execution of certain provisions. Provides that the differential response program shall become a permanent program on January 1, 2018 (rather than on January 1, 2015), upon completion of the demonstration project period. Effective immediately.

Amends the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision concerning eligibility for benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, provides that the Department of Human Services shall disregard the value of all assets held by the family. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that parties to a dissolution proceeding may enter into a written (instead of "written or oral") agreement containing provisions for disposition of any property, maintenance, and support, custody, and visitation of children. Provides that the agreement shall be signed by both parties.

Amends the Interstate Library Compact Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the compact administrator.

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Creates the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Syrups, and Powder Tax Law. Imposes a tax on distributors of bottled sugar-sweetened beverages, syrups, or powders. Provides that the tax is imposed at the rate of $0.01 per ounce of bottled sugar-sweetened beverages sold or offered for sale to a retailer for sale in the State to a consumer. Provides that the distributor shall add the amount of the tax to the price of sugar-sweetened beverages sold to a retailer, and the retailer shall pass the amount of the tax through to the consumer. Requires those distributors to obtain permits. Contains provisions concerning the distribution of the proceeds. Effective January 1, 2015.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision concerning income thresholds for determining income eligibility for child care benefits, provides that beginning in fiscal year 2014, the specified threshold must be no less than 200% of the then-current federal poverty level for each family size. In a provision concerning the establishment of a co-payment scale that provides for cost sharing by families that receive child care services, provides that beginning in fiscal year 2014, the co-payment shall be no more than 3% of all income that is not more than 100% of the federal poverty level; 7% of all income that is more than 100% but not more than 150% percent of the federal poverty level; and 12% of all income that is more than 150% but not more than 200% of the federal poverty level. Requires the Department of Human Services to adjust the co-payment scale annually, at the beginning of each fiscal year, to incorporate updates to the federal poverty level as determined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Provides that families with income that is not more than 50% of the federal poverty level shall pay no more than $1 per week. Removes provisions requiring the Department, in consultation with its Child Care and Development Advisory Council, to develop a plan to revise the child care assistance program's co-payment scale and requiring the plan to be completed no later than February 1, 2008. Effective immediately.

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Act.

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Department of Public Health.

Appropriates $2 from the General Revenue Fund to the AAA for its FY14 ordinary and contingent expenses. Effective July 1, 2013.