Sen. Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that workers at a facility dedicated exclusively, or nearly so, to performance of the contract or project and located in such proximity to the actual construction location that it would be reasonable to include them, or that perform work specifically designated for installation on a public works project, shall be deemed to be employed on public works. Provides for coverage of the transportation of aggregate materials to or from the job site. Provides that workers who are paid a set amount for truck expense and take-home wage and who are deemed to be employed on the public works project are entitled to the proper prevailing wage for the equipment being operated. Makes other changes.

Amends the IMRF Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Changes the vesting requirement for a retirement annuity from 8 years to 5. Makes a corresponding change in one part of the retirement formula. Changes the service requirement for being a member of the Board of Trustees from 8 years to 5. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Department's powers and duties.

Amends provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code setting forth coverage requirements that apply to programs of health benefits and benefits for State, municipal, county, and school employees, group or individual policies of accident and health insurance, managed care plans, and health services plan corporations. Requires coverage for an examination and laboratory test screening for the early detection of cervical cancer. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Requires coverage for an annual cervical smear, examination, and laboratory test screening for the early detection of cervical cancer for women and an annual digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test for men. Effective immediately.

Creates a study committee to investigate and hold public hearings about the effects of U.S. trade policy on Illinois jobs and farms.

Creates the Public Service Accountability Act. Sets out the requirements for privatization contracts between contractors and State agencies. Provides for the monitoring and enforcement of privatization contracts. Establishes fines and prison sentences for a violation of certain Sections of the Act. Effective immediately.

Creates the Health Care Justice Act. Provides that the State of Illinois shall implement a health care plan that provides access to a full range of preventive, acute, and long-term health care services. Establishes the Bipartisan Health Care Reform Commission with members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. Provides for public hearings and a report by the Commission. Requires a preliminary report by February 1, 2005 and a final report by February 1, 2006. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination within the Department of Public Health. Requires the task force to examine the prevalence and burden of cervical cancer, raise public awareness concerning the causes and nature of cervical cancer, identify prevention and control strategies and technologies, and perform other functions. Requires the task force to develop a statewide comprehensive cervical cancer prevention plan and to make annual reports. Provides for expiration of the task force on April 1, 2009 or upon the task force's submission of its final report, whichever is earlier. Effective immediately.

Creates the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Act. Establishes an Energy Efficient Commercial Building Code that applies to commercial buildings in this State. Provides for technical assistance to certain design professions to explain the requirements of the Code. Preempts home rule powers. Effective one year after becoming law.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that child support enforcement proceedings, either civil or criminal, by a state's attorney or the Attorney General in a case referred by the Department of Public Aid under the Illinois Public Aid Code are an exception from the requirement that all information received by the Department of Revenue from income tax returns or from any investigation shall be confidential. Effective immediately.