Sen. Dave Koehler

Maddy summaryThis bill makes technical adjustments to the Educational Partnership Act, which governs how universities and community colleges partner with local school districts. The primary change involves updating the State Board of Education's authority to accept private funding or resources to support high-impact tutoring programs. These programs allow college students and pre-service teachers to provide academic help in reading and math to K-12 students while receiving academic credit or tuition waivers. The bill also clarifies that these tutoring services must be conducted by qualified individuals assigned to specific school districts under the supervision of district representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public Utilities Act to rename it the Wetlands Protection Act and establish a comprehensive state framework for protecting Illinois' wetlands and small streams. It defines various types of wetlands, such as bogs and bottomland hardwoods, and creates a permit system managed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency or approved local districts to regulate activities that could harm these areas. The legislation aims to restore protections for water bodies that may no longer be covered by federal laws following recent Supreme Court rulings, ensuring continued benefits like flood control, water filtration, and habitat preservation.

Amends the Lobbyist Registration Act. Directs the Secretary of State to grant a waiver of the lobbyist registration fee for any not-for-profit entity with an annual budget of less than $5,000,000 that is classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including a waiver for any lobbyist that exclusively lobbies on behalf of such an entity.

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to include information on how a parent or guardian can safely store any firearms at home where other policies, rules, and standards concerning student conduct are posted and made available to parents and guardians.

Appropriates $9,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Public Health for continued funding to the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. Effective July 1, 2024.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that, except during the 27 days immediately preceding any election, the State Board of Elections may furnish electronic voter registration records at a reasonable cost to any person who makes a sworn affidavit. Sets forth restrictions on the information that may be disclosed. Provides that voter registration records or data shall be limited to bona fide election purposes and shall not be used for any personal, private, or commercial purpose, including, but not limited to, the intimidation, threat, or deception of any person or the advertising, solicitation, sale, or marketing of products or services. Sets forth penalties for violations of these provisions. Makes conforming changes.

Appropriates $15,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for costs associated with the Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program Act. Effective July 1, 2024.

Appropriates $2,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program. Effective July 1, 2024.

Appropriates $20,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services to implement Public Act 102-522 and provide grants to local school districts and community organizations for comprehensive personal health and safety education in kindergarten through the 5th grade and comprehensive sexual health education in the 6th through 12th grades. Effective July 1, 2024.

Appropriates funds from the General Revenue Fund to the governing board of each public university for personal services and the related costs of increasing the wage rates of university personnel employed in positions covered under the State Universities Civil Service System, beyond the annual cost of living adjustment, adjustments provided for in collective bargaining agreements, and any increases required by the Minimum Wage Law, in a fair and equitable manner so as to close the pay gap between public university workers and other State employees. Effective July 1, 2024.