Sen. Don Harmon

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that under the medical assistance program, beginning January 1, 2009, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may reimburse a skilled nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or institution for mental diseases providing long-term care services, based upon patient days reported in the facility's most recent cost report, for spending incurred to provide health care benefits to its employees serving the vulnerable populations residing in the facility, in order to attract and retain a qualified and healthy workforce. Provides that subject to available appropriations, the reimbursement shall be made according to certain criteria. Provides that the reimbursement is subject to audit by the Department and shall be reduced or eliminated in the case of any facility that does not honor its commitment to increase spending to improve the health of its employees or that decreases such spending. Effective July 1, 2009.

Amends the Interest Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the adoption of certain rules.

Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the continuation of prior laws.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Provides that beginning on the effective date of this amendatory Act, implementation of any amendments, additions, subtractions, or changes to an EMS System's Program Plan shall be delayed for a period of 180 days to allow for a hearing and final approval by the Department of Public Health. Effective immediately.

Creates the Non-Recourse Civil Litigation Funding Act. Provides that all contracts for non-recourse civil litigation funding must meet specified criteria. Provides that the contract shall provide that the consumer may cancel the contract within 5 business days following the consumer's receipt of funds, without penalty or further obligation. Specifies the notice requirements for contracts. Contains provisions concerning the dispute of contracts. Provides that each non-recourse civil litigation funding company shall adhere to specified best practices. Contains provisions concerning (1) the sale and assignment of proceeds of legal claims and (2) the requirements for non-recourse civil litigation funding companies by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that the Department shall maintain a list of all non-recourse civil litigation funding companies. Contains provisions concerning the power of the Department to issue cease and desist orders. Specifies penalties for violation of the Act. Contains provisions concerning judicial review and application of the Act. Amends the Consumer Installment Loan Act to exclude non-recourse civil litigation funding. Contains a severability clause. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax. Provides that for persons dying after December 31, 2010 (instead of December 31, 2009) the "State tax credit" is the amount of the federal credit for state tax allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. Effective immediately.

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services shall be responsible for receiving and investigating reports of abuse or neglect, or both, of adult residents. Defines the term "adult resident" to mean any person 18 years of age or older who resides in a Department-licensed residential care facility.

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that the Chicago Board of Education has the power to contract with third parties for services otherwise performed by employees, excluding (instead of including) those in a bargaining unit. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the Comprehensive Regional Planning Fund to the Department of Transportation for regional planning purposes. Effective immediately.