Sen. Pat McGuire

Mourns the death of Joanne M. "Jodie" Adler.

Mourns the death of Raymond R. Suste.

Amends the Tax Shelter Voluntary Compliance Law. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Permits a licensed optometrist to prescribe Dihydrocodeinone (Hydrocodone) with one or more active, non-narcotic ingredients only in a quantity sufficient to provide treatment for up to 72 hours, and only if such formulations are reclassified as Schedule II by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Amends the General Assembly Operations Act. Provides that the printer's copy shall be furnished and delivered to the Secretary of State by the Enrolling and Engrossing Department of the 2 Houses, in such format as the Secretary of State and the Enrolling and Engrossing Departments may agree. Provides that electronic copies of the bound volumes of the session laws of the General Assembly may be made available upon agreement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Premises Liability Act. In a Section concerning off-road riding facilities, exempts owners or operators from civil and criminal liability arising out of or as a consequence of noise or sound emissions resulting from the use (instead of "normal use") of the off-road riding facility.

Creates the Higher Education Distance Learning Act. Provides that in recent years, distance education offered by institutions of higher learning has been increasing, with such distance education being offered on an interstate basis by many institutions. Provides that the provision of distance education is declared to affect the public safety and welfare and shall be subject to regulation and control in the public interest. Provides that the Board of Higher Education is authorized to participate in a state authorization reciprocity agreement on behalf of this State. Provides that the Board of Higher Education shall be the lead agency in coordinating interstate reciprocity for distance learning for participating institutions in this State. Sets forth provisions governing agreements where Illinois is the home state or the reciprocal state. Provides that this Act applies only to distance learning programs and authorizes the Board of Higher Education to adopt rules for the execution of its powers and duties under the Act. Creates the Distance Learning Fund to supplement support for the administration and enforcement of the Act. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Distance Learning Fund.

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to distribute to each school board information on screening instruments available to identify students who exhibit potential indicators of dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Requires a school board to select and implement age-appropriate screening instruments for the early diagnosis of dyslexia and other reading disabilities and to ensure that each kindergarten student enrolled in the school district is screened for dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Requires the State Board to develop and distribute to each school board guidance on appropriate intervention strategies for students diagnosed with dyslexia or other reading disabilities. Provides that, in the event that a student is determined to exhibit potential indicators of dyslexia or another reading disability, the school board shall ensure that the student receives a comprehensive assessment for the learning disorder and, in the event that a diagnosis is confirmed, the school board shall provide appropriate intervention strategies to the student. Sets forth requirements concerning professional development related to reading disabilities, the incorporation of the International Dyslexia Association's definition of dyslexia into administrative rules, and an additional written test for certain educator licensure candidates. Effective immediately.

Mourns the death of Louis A. Ciuffini of Lockport.

Mourns the death of Norbert R. Cora of Joliet.