Sen. Mattie Hunter

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions relating to bullying prevention and the definition of "policy on bullying", provides that bullying shall also include bullying based on physical appearance, socioeconomic status, academic status, pregnancy, parenting status, homelessness. Provides that a bullying prevention policy must include procedures for informing parents or guardians of all students involved in the alleged incident of bullying within 24 hours after the school's administration is made aware of the incident (instead of procedures for promptly informing parents or guardians of all students involved in the alleged incident of bullying). Provides that the bullying prevention policy shall also require all individual instances of bullying, as well as all threats, suggestions, or instances of self-harm to be reported to the parents or legal guardians of those involved under the guidelines provided. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop a template for a model bullying prevention policy. Provides that schools shall develop the bullying prevention policy for the school based on the model provided by the State Board of Education. Provides that school districts shall collect, maintain, and submit to the State Board of Education non-identifiable data regarding allegations and instances of bullying within the school district. Provides that upon the request of a parent or legal guardian of a child enrolled in a school district within the State, the State Board of Education must provide non-identifiable data of the number of bullying allegations and incidents in a given year at the school district to the requesting parent or legal guardian. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Makes other changes.

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. In the definition of "child welfare services", provides that one of the purposes of the Department of Children and Family Services is to place children in suitable permanent family arrangements (rather than in suitable adoptive homes), in cases where restoration to the biological family is not safe, possible, or appropriate. Removes language providing that one of the purposes of the Department's child welfare services is to assure safe and adequate care of children away from their homes, in cases where the child cannot be returned home or cannot be placed for adoption. Repeals a provision requiring the Department of Children and Family Services to establish the Governor's Youth Services Initiative.

Creates the Electric Vehicle Charging Act. Provides that the Act applies to new single-family homes and newly constructed or renovated multi-unit residential buildings that have parking spaces and are constructed or renovated after the effective date of the Act. Defines terms. Provides that a new single-family residence or a small multifamily residence shall have at least one electric vehicle capable parking space for each residential unit that has dedicated parking, unless any subsequently adopted building code requires additional electric vehicle capable parking spaces or installed electric vehicle supply equipment. Includes electric vehicle parking space requirements for a new, large multifamily residential building or a large multifamily residential building being renovated by a developer converting the property to an association. Includes electric vehicle parking space requirements for affordable housing and for an existing multi-unit residential building subject to an association that undertakes renovation. Includes electric vehicle charging station policies for unit owners and for renters.

Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Cooperative Housing Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Directs the Illinois Housing Development Authority to use appropriated moneys from the Fund to award grants to various organizations for cooperative housing developments. Allows only $5,000,000 in these grants to be issued by the Authority in each fiscal year. Defines "cooperative housing". Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that if gas or electricity is used as the only source of space cooling or to control or operate the only space cooling equipment at a residence, then a utility may not terminate gas or electric utility service to a residential user for nonpayment of bills: (1) on any day when the National Weather Service forecast for the following 24 hours covering the area of the utility in which the residence is located includes a forecast that the temperature will be 85 degrees (rather than 95 degrees) Fahrenheit or above; (2) on any day preceding a holiday or weekend when the National Weather Service for the following 24 hours covering the area of the utility in which the residence is located includes a forecast that the temperature will be 85 degrees (rather than 95 degrees) Fahrenheit or above during the holiday or weekend; or (3) when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning covering the area of the utility in which the residence is located.

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, and the Service Occupation Tax Act to update a cross reference. Effective immediately.

Urges the Illinois Department of Agriculture to study the effects and the types of land loss to Black farmers. Calls for state support and capacity building for Black farming communities across the state and a dedication to helping grow agriculture in rural, urban, and suburban areas. States that Black farmers can play a leading role in our local healthy food system and create regional networks of jobs, food, and opportunities.

Declares the month of May 2023 as Foster Care Awareness Month in the State of Illinois.

Declares May of 2023 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in honor of the contributions made by Asian American and Pacific Island residents and communities across Illinois.

Declares May 2023 as "Liver Disease Awareness Month" in the State of Illinois.