Sen. Linda Holmes

Amends the School Code. Establishes the Physical Development and Health Task Force to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on certain goals of the Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health. Requires the task force to focus on updating the standards based on research in neuroscience that impacts the relationship between physical activity and learning. Provides that on or before August 31, 2013, the task force must vote on its recommendations and file a report with the Governor and the General Assembly. Repeals these provisions on September 1, 2013. Effective immediately.

Creates the Consumer Alternatives Program Act. Directs the Department of Human Services to implement the Consumer Alternatives Program to prevent or avoid the unnecessary institutional care treatment of individuals with mental disorders or a co-occurring disorder of mental illness and substance abuse or addiction and to provide cost effective, community alternatives and supports that enable these individuals to live successfully in the community. Requires implementation of the Program during fiscal year 2013. Makes implementation of the Program dependent upon funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Provides that participants in the program may receive certain services such as a comprehensive evaluation that includes an assessment of skills, abilities, and potential for living in the community and work placement; family or individual support services; case coordination services; and vocational training. Prohibits the denial of program services because of age, sex, ethnic origin, marital status, ability to pay (except when contrary to law), degree of disability, or illness. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to assist the Department of Human Services in developing housing assistance programs aimed at promoting the ability of individuals with a mental disorder to move from institutions to the most integrated community residence. Effective July 1, 2012.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the following changes made by Public Act 97-224 apply only to personal injury liability insurance policies issued or renewed on and after July 1, 2012: (i) adding a first division vehicle including a taxi which is used for a purpose that requires a school bus driver permit to the list of certain vehicles required to carry personal injury liability insurance; and (ii) increasing the required amount of insurance to $1,000,000 (instead of $25,000) for any one person in any one accident and $5,000,000 (instead of $100,000) for two or more persons in any one accident. Effective immediately.

Creates the External Auditing and Standards Board Act. Provides that the Board shall consist of 8 members, and sets forth the membership of the Board. Provides that the Board shall assist the Legislative Audit Commission, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Governor in improving the timeliness, transparency, and process of financial reporting by State agencies. Provides that the Board has certain powers, including the power to suspend or dismiss an internal auditor of any State agency who is deemed unqualified by the Board based on current best practices and qualifications. Requires the Board to develop a certification program for all internal and external auditors. Requires the Board to submit certain reports to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the State agency.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that all property upon which the first installment of taxes remains unpaid on the first installment date (now, June 1) shall be deemed delinquent and shall bear interest after the first installment date (now, June 1). Provides that all property upon which the second installment of taxes remains due and unpaid on the second installment date (now, September 1) shall be deemed delinquent and shall bear interest after the second installment date (now, September 1). Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that the statute of limitations for a prosecution for involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, or trafficking in persons for forced labor or services may be commenced within one year of the victim attaining the age of 18 years. Provides that in no case shall the time period for prosecution of those offenses expire sooner than 3 years after the commission of the offense. Includes in the offense of involuntary servitude using a scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause the person to believe that, if the person did not perform that labor or services, that person or another person would suffer serious harm or physical restraint. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that in prosecutions for involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, and trafficking in persons, when the offense involves sexual activity, the prior sexual activity or the reputation of the alleged victim or corroborating witness is inadmissible except under certain circumstances. Amends the Sex Offender Registration Act. Includes in the definition of "sex offense" trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and related offenses, provided the offense involved commercial sexual activity, a sexually-explicit performance, or the production of pornography. Also includes in the definition of "sex offense", involuntary sexual servitude of a minor.

Amends the State Comptroller Act. Prohibits the Comptroller from making deductions from payments to be disbursed from the Child Support Enforcement Trust Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning legislative findings.

Amends the School Code. Provides that after June 1, 2012 persons may not be nominated for General Assembly scholarships and that General Assembly scholarships may not be awarded after that date unless the nomination is made prior to that date. Prevents both second nominations for any lapsed General Assembly scholarship and nominating persons to the unused or unexpired parts of any vacated General Assembly scholarship after June 1, 2012. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Deletes the requirement that the Department of Veterans Affairs conduct an annual review that compares benefits received by Illinois veterans with the benefits received by veterans in all other states and U.S. territories. Provides that if the Department determines that the appropriations for the purposes of the provision concerning the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Outpatient Counseling Program are not sufficient to support all of the requirements of that provision, then the Department shall have the discretion to provide only those services set forth in that provision that the Department determines the appropriation can support. Effective immediately.