Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that no later than June 30, 2017, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall issue a report evaluating whether the provisions of the Act are sufficient to allow consideration and, where appropriate, implementation of technological and other innovations that benefit electric utility customers. Effective immediately.
Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that the Board of Higher Education shall require all public and private institutions of higher education located in this State to submit an annual report on or before April 15, 2016 and on or before each April 15 thereafter, in a searchable Adobe PDF format, on all procurement goals and actual spending for female-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and small business enterprises in the previous calendar year. Provides that each institution shall include certain information in its annual report. Provides that the Board and all institutions shall hold an annual workshop open to the public in July of 2016 and each July thereafter on the state of supplier diversity to collaboratively seek solutions to structural impediments to achieving stated goals. Sets forth other Board requirements. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Requires each pupil entering the 9th grade in the 2015-2016 school year or a subsequent school year, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, to successfully complete one year chosen from music, art, or vocational education and 2 years of foreign language (instead of just one year chosen from music, art, foreign language, or vocational education). Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the State Board of Education.
Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that no later than June 30, 2017, the Illinois Power Agency shall issue a report evaluating the implementation of the electric supply procurement requirements and processes set forth in the Act through the period ending May 31, 2016. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the members of the State Board of Education.
Amends the Minimum Wage Law. Increases the minimum wage from $8.25 to $9.00 beginning July 1, 2015 and increases it by $0.50 each July 1 until July 1, 2019, at which point the minimum wage will be $11.00. Provides that the establishment of a minimum wage that employers must pay their employees is an exclusive power and function of the State and is a denial and limitation of the home rule powers and functions, except that the limitation on home rule powers does not apply to a specified ordinance adopted by the City Council of City of Chicago. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a credit against the withholding tax liability of employers with fewer than 50 employees, calculated based on the increase in the minimum wage. Effective immediately.
Mourns the death of Joe W. Freelon Sr., the first African American Mayor of Maywood.
Encourages the Illinois State Board of Education to work with school districts to inform all students with developmental disabilities and their parents that the Prioritization for Urgency of Needs for Services database is a resource that can assist them in obtaining services for their needs. Encourages local school districts to direct parents and students to the Prioritization for Urgency of Needs for Services website for information annually during the Individualized Education Plan process.
Amends the Early Intervention Services System Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Early Intervention Services Revolving Fund.
