Sen. Mattie Hunter

Mourns the death of Annie Jean Cobbins of Madison, formerly of Chicago.

Designates the date of August 27, 2012 as Taiwan Relations Day in the State of Illinois in recognition of the 20th anniversary of Illinois sister statehood with the Republic of China (Taiwan). Recognizes the Republic of China (Taiwan) on its successful presidential and parliamentary elections, the re-election to a second term of President Ma Ying-jeou, and on the 20th anniversary of its participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to increase Taiwan's international space and contribution to the global community. Affirms support for the meaningful participation of Taiwan in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) with observer status.

Mourns the death of Sammie Mae Criss of Chicago.

Creates the Illinois Great Migration Centennial Commission to work toward the commemoration and celebration of the Great Migration Centennial.

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, May 10, 2012, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 12:00 o'clock noon, or until the call of the President; and when the House of Representatives adjourns on Friday, May 11, 2012, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 12:00 o'clock noon, or until the call of the Speaker.

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 post-trial proceedings; (4) be heard in person or in any other reasonable manner the victim chooses at any proceeding involving a post-arraignment release decision, plea, sentencing, post-conviction or post-adjudication release decision, or any proceeding in which a right of the victim is at issue; (5) receive a report prepared for sentencing, reduction in sentence, parole, early release, or clemency, 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 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.

Mourns the death of Teresa Lynn Bourn.

Urges President Obama and Congress to pass the $5 billion Pathways Back to Work legislation as soon as possible to create an employment program throughout the year, with a particular emphasis on the creation of summer employment for 500,000 youth and adults, by combining education and productive work in their neighborhoods.

Mourns the death of Lucille Vance Gregory Butler of Chicago.

Mourns the death of Charles Rayford Bright.