Sen. Michael Bond

Mourns the death of Glenn Dunning of Zion.

Mourns the death of James T. Manczko of Antioch.

Mourns the death of Judith Drury of Winthrop Harbor.

Mourns the death of John W. Rudd of Gurnee.

Mourns the death of Robert A. Keller of Lake Villa.

Creates the Advance Science Zones Act. Sets forth procedures for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to certify areas in the State as Advanced Science Zones. Sets forth procedures for the administration of the Zones. Requires the Department to establish several programs with respect to the Zones including a loan program, a financial-assistance program, a transferable investment tax credit, and a tax-deduction certification. Contains other provisions. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make corresponding changes concerning the tax credits and deductions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Requires an electric utility to procure or obtain renewable energy resources in amounts equal to provided quantities. Requires an electric utility to report to the Illinois Commerce Commission regarding compliance with renewable energy resource standards by April 1 of each year beginning in 2008. Provides penalties for an electric utility that fails to procure or obtain the full amount of renewable energy resources as required by specified provisions. Provides that the Commission shall adopt rules as necessary within 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act to assist in implementing methods of procurement, accounting, tracking, and reporting in order to achieve the stated objectives. Provides that electric utilities may enter into long-term contracts of up to 20 years with providers of renewable energy resources. Provides that the provisions shall not prohibit an electric utility from issuing a competitive solicitation for renewable energy resources in order to meet the required standards. Effective immediately.

Creates the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program Act. Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program to increase the number of veterinarians practicing in designated veterinary resource shortage areas in the State by providing educational loan repayment assistance grants to veterinarians. Sets forth eligibility requirements under the Program and the service obligation required for assistance under the Program. Provides for the assessment of damages by the Department upon the failure of a recipient to fulfill the terms of the service obligation. Requires the Department to submit an annual report. Creates the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Amends the State Finance Act to establish the Fund. Effective July 1, 2008.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the annual budgets of school districts other than the Chicago school district.

Creates the Identity Protection Act. Prohibits a State or local government agency from using an individual's social security number in certain ways, subject to various exceptions. Requires each State or local government agency to develop and implement an identity protection plan. Provides that any employee of a State or local government agency who intentionally violates the provisions of the Act is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Preempts the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.