Sen. Kimberly Lightford

Creates the Bridge Program for Underrepresented Students Act. Defines terms. Provides that each public university in this State may establish a Bridge Program for underrepresented students. Specifies program requirements. Provides that a public university that establishes a Bridge Program shall, on or before September 1, 2019 and on or before September 1 of each subsequent year, publish on its website and make available to the public a report on the Program. Effective immediately.

Amends the Minimum Wage Law. Increases the minimum wage from $8.25 to $9.00 beginning July 1, 2017 and increases it by $0.50 each July 1 until July 1, 2021, at which point the minimum wage will be $11.00. Preempts home rule powers, except that the limitation on home rule powers does not apply to specified ordinances adopted by the City Council of City of Chicago or the Cook County Board of Commissioners. 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, but this Act does not take effect at all unless Senate Bills 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the 100th General Assembly become law.

Amends the School Construction Law. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning referendum requirements.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the State Board of Education.

Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code. Provides that, in Chicago, a 4-year university may serve as the authorizer for a multi-site charter school devoted exclusively to re-enrolled high school dropouts.

Amends the Consumer Installment Loan Act. Defines "title-secured loan". Provides that for title-secured loans entered into or renewed on or after the effective date of the Act: (i) a licensee shall not contract for or receive a charge exceeding 36% annual percentage rate on the unpaid balance of the amount financed for a title-secured loan; (ii) the loan contract shall provide for repayment of the principal and charges within specified maximum loan terms; (iii) upon or after default, a licensee shall not charge a borrower any finance charges, interest, fees, or charges of any kind; and (iv) the loan may be refinanced if the original principal of the loan has been reduced by at least 60%. Provides that nothing in these provisions abrogates a borrower's right to collect any surplus arising from the sale of a motor vehicle under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the State Board of Education.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the School Code. In the Article governing children with disabilities, provides that, amongst other meanings, a "school psychologist" means a person who holds a valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential (rather than certificate). Removes from the definition of "school psychologist" the requirement that a psychologist have additional qualifications as may be required by the State Board of Education. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that beginning in State fiscal year 2018, the State shall make annual contributions to the Chicago Public School Teachers' Pension and Retirement Fund. Provides that for State fiscal year 2018, the contribution shall be $456,500,000 and that for each year thereafter, the Board of Trustees of the Fund shall certify to the Governor by January 15th the amount of the required State contribution to the Fund for the coming fiscal year. Requires the certified contribution to be equal to 10% of the contribution certified by the board of trustees of the downstate teachers retirement system for the coming fiscal year. Effective immediately.