Sen. Mattie Hunter

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that where traffic signals are not in place, vehicles must stop and yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk rather than yielding the right-of-way by slowing down or stopping if need be. Provides that on a school day when children are present and so close that a potential hazard exists because of the close proximity of the motorized traffic and when traffic signals are not in place or in operation, vehicles must stop and yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk rather than yielding the right-of-way by slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield. Effective immediately.

Creates the Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act. Provides that a person with a disability: has the same right as a nondisabled person to the full use of the streets and public places; is entitled to full and equal accommodations of all common carriers, public conveyances, or modes of transportation, and places of public accommodation subject only to the conditions established by law and applicable to all persons; and, if the person has a service or support animal, has the right to be accompanied by the animal in any of the places listed without being required to pay an extra charge provided that the person shall be liable for any damage done by the animal. Provides that a vehicle operator shall accommodate a pedestrian with a disability who is using a mobility device, service animal, or white cane and take all necessary precautions to avoid injury. Provides that any person who interferes with the rights of a person with a disability under the Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $500 per violation. Provides that each year the Governor is authorized and requested to proclaim Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Day. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Requires the Secretary of State to revise its publications, including the Illinois Rules of the Road, and the drivers license examination to reflect the provisions of the Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act. Contains other provisions. Effective July 1, 2010.

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services shall maintain all unfounded reports, with some exceptions, for 12 months following the date of a final finding. Provides that unfounded reports may only be made available to the subject of the report, provided the Department has not expunged the file in accordance with certain provisions of the Act (rather than provided that the subject requests the report within 60 days of being notified that the report was unfounded). Effective immediately.

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Requires hospitals to provide, free of charge, information and instructional materials regarding sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), explaining the medical effects upon infants and young children and emphasizing measures that may reduce the risk. Provides that such information and materials shall be provided to parents or legal guardians of each newborn, upon discharge from the hospital, and that prior to discharge, a nurse or appropriate staff person shall review the proffered materials with the infant's parents or legal guardian and shall discuss best practices to reduce the incidence of SIDS as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Amends the Sex Offender Registration Act. Provides that a person convicted of certain additional sex offenses against victims under 18 years of age is also defined as a sexual predator. Effective January 1, 2011.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Increases the penalty for a parent, legal guardian, or other person who is 18 years of age or older who brings a person under 13 years of age to a dog fighting show, exhibition, program, or other activity from a Class 4 to a Class 3 felony for a first violation and from a Class 3 to a Class 2 felony for a second or subsequent violation. Provides that a person is guilty of a Class 3 (rather than a Class 4) felony for a first violation and a Class 2 felony for a second or subsequent violation if the person conducts the dog fighting show within 1,000 feet of a school, public park, playground, child care institution, day care center, part day child care facility, day care home, group day care home, or a facility providing programs or services exclusively directed toward persons under 18 years of age. Provides that a person who ties or attaches or fastens any live animal to any machine or device propelled by any power for the purpose of causing the animal to be pursued by a dog or dogs is guilty of a Class 4 felony for a first violation and a Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent violation, and may be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000.

Amends the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act. Provides that a "mandated reporter" under the Act includes (i) any bank, savings and loan, or credit union officer, trustee, or employee and (ii) any ambulatory currency exchange or community currency exchange, as defined in the Currency Exchange Act, or an employee of such a currency exchange.

Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Provides that the Attorney General may establish a crime victim and witness notification system to assist public officials in carrying out their duties to notify and inform crime victims and witnesses under certain provisions of the Sex Offender Community Notification Law (rather than just under the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act).

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that a person also commits sexual exploitation of a child if he or she in the presence or virtual presence, or both, of a child engages in the sexual act or exposure of his or her sex organs, anus, or breast for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of one whom he or she believes to be a child if the person has the intent or knowledge that one whom he or she believes to be a child would view his or her acts. Defines "virtual presence".

Amends the School Code. Provides that in addition to other topics at in-service training programs, school guidance counselors, teachers, principals, and other school personnel who work with pupils in grades 7 through 12 shall be trained for at least 2 hours in suicide prevention and to identify the warning signs of suicidal behavior in adolescents and teens and shall be taught appropriate intervention and referral techniques. Provides that the education may be accomplished through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials. Effective immediately.