Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Allows the Department to implement and administer a pilot program during fiscal years 2010 and 2011 to encourage businesses to restore, refurbish, and retrofit existing buildings that have been vacant for at least 90 continuous days so that a business is able to occupy the building as a retail, professional, corporate, manufacturing, assembly, or distribution business. Subject to appropriation, allows the Department may make interest free loans for this purpose, but loans may not be made for any building that would be used for residential purposes. Provides that loans shall be for a term of 10 years, and the borrower must repay at least 5% of the original principal amount of the loan each year and the balance at the end of the term. On or before April 1, 2011, requires the Department to report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the pilot program and recommend whether it should be extended. Effective July 1, 2009.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code and the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. Provides that for purposes of the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act, "fire station" means a fire station with at least one staff person (instead of that is staffed with at least one full-time emergency medical professional). Provides that "newborn infant" means a child who a licensed physician reasonably believes is 30 (instead of 7) days old or less. Defines "safe haven" to mean a hospital, fire station, police station, or emergency medical facility at which a newborn infant may be relinquished. Provides that any public reporting of information required in connection with the relinquishment of a newborn infant, including, but not limited to, reporting required under the Vital Records Act or under any other law, shall identify the mother of the relinquished newborn infant and the infant as "unknown". Makes changes concerning the information packet that a hospital or other facility must offer to a person who relinquishes a newborn infant. Provides that a relinquished newborn infant's mother, as well as the infant, are eligible for medical assistance under the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services shall notify a hospital to whom a newborn infant has been relinquished of the name of the child-placing agency authorized by the Department to take custody of the infant from the hospital. Provides that if a relinquished newborn infant was born in a hospital and was relinquished to the hospital without having left the hospital, the Department need not verify that the infant is not a missing child before filing a petition for termination of parental rights.
Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that the homeowner notice attached to the summons in a residential mortgage foreclosure action shall include directions concerning giving written notice to any tenants about the foreclosure and the tenant's right to remain on the premises. Provides that an occupant may file an action for failure to provide notice and recover $200 plus actual damages, attorney's fees, and costs. Provides that a purchaser of property in a foreclosure must give notice to any occupants of the property that he or she has acquired the mortgaged real estate. Provides that a mortgagor in a foreclosure must notify any occupant or potential occupant of the foreclosure action. Provides that the purchaser of property sold at a court foreclosure sale must provide a notice of rights to occupants of the property within 7 days after the confirmation of the sale. Provides that until the rights of possession of all occupants of foreclosed property have been terminated, the purchaser of foreclosed property must maintain the property in a condition that is safe, healthful, and fit for occupancy. Provides that a receiver shall give similar written notices and may not increase the rent without leave of court. Provides that the court may allow a rent increase by a receiver or a mortgagee in possession if it finds that an increase is necessary to operate the property, after notice to all occupants affected by an increase, but nothing in the Act shall alter the lease. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning definitions.
Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code and the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Provides that a charter school shall comply with all provisions of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act; which is declaratory of existing law. Provides that "educational employer" under the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act includes the governing body of a charter school; which is declaratory of existing law.
Amends the School Code. Establishes the Illinois Hope and Opportunity Pathways through Education (IHOPE) Program to develop a comprehensive system in this State to re-enroll significant numbers of high school dropouts in programs that will enable them to earn their high school diploma. Requires the State Board of Education to implement and administer the IHOPE Program. Provides that the IHOPE Program shall award grants to educational service regions and the Chicago school district from appropriated funds to assist in establishing instructional programs and other services designed to re-enroll high school dropouts. Provides that the IHOPE Program shall provide incentive grant funds for regional offices of education and the Chicago school district to develop partnerships with school districts, public community colleges, and community groups to build comprehensive plans to re-enroll high school dropouts in their regions or districts. Sets forth requirements for programs funded through the IHOPE Program. Provides for an IHOPE Plan, sub-grants, how funding is distributed, State aid, categories of programming, the evaluation of programs, and rules. Effective July 1, 2009.
Amends the Illinois Migrant Labor Camp Law. Provides that licenses shall be issued prior to operation (instead of upon a calendar year basis). Effective immediately.
Mourns the death of Willie David Cooper.
Appoints the Committee to approve the Senate Journals of the First Special Session.
Informs the Governor that the First Special Session is now in session and ready to receive any messages he may desire to submit.