Sen. Sue Rezin

Amends the School Code. Provides that after June 1, 2012 persons may not be nominated for General Assembly scholarships and that General Assembly scholarships may not be awarded after that date unless the nomination is made prior to that date. Prevents both second nominations for any lapsed General Assembly scholarship and nominating persons to the unused or unexpired parts of any vacated General Assembly scholarship after June 1, 2012. Effective immediately.

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.

Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Changes the definition of "ocular pharmaceutical agents" to mean any pharmaceutical agent or other substance germane to the treatment of the eye or its adnexa, except oral steroids. Provides that oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be prescribed only in a quantity sufficient to provide treatment for up to 72 hours. Removes a provision concerning the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation notifying the Director of Public Health as to the categories of ocular pharmaceutical agents permitted for use by an optometrist.

Amends the Counties Code. Changes numerous Sections to provide that a county may deposit public funds into credit unions (currently, only banks or savings and loan associations). Further provides that county moneys may be invested in dividend-bearing share accounts, share certificate accounts, or class of share accounts of a credit union, provided the accounts of that credit union are insured and the credit union's principal office is located within the State of Illinois. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the regulation of the acquisition, possession, transportation, storage, purchase, selling, and dealing in rifles and shotguns legally purchased or possessed under federal and State law and their ammunition, components, accessories, and accoutrements is an exclusive State power and function and may not be exercised by units of local government, including home rule units. Provides that the regulation by units of local government, including home rule units, of gun shows and firearm sales to gun club members is limited to imposing licensing fees and occupation and use taxes that are the same for other sporting goods businesses.