Amends the Open Meetings Act. Redefines "meeting" to include gatherings, whether in person or by telephone call, electronic means, or other means of contemporaneous interactive communication, of a majority of a quorum of the members of a public body held for the purpose of discussing public business (now, a gathering of a majority of a quorum of the members of a public body held for the purpose of discussing public business). Provides that if a majority of a quorum of the members of a public body are physically present at a meeting, then a majority of a quorum may allow a member of that body to attend a meeting by other means, subject to certain limitations. Defines "other means" as by telephone call, electronic means, or other means of contemporaneous interactive communication. Provides that a quorum of the members must be physically present for the public body to vote on the issuance of bonds. Provides that transmissions by other means made during a meeting by a member who is in attendance shall be made available to the public contemporaneously with the transmission and in such a manner or format that the public body and the public may contemporaneously hear or observe the transmission. Allows a public body to adopt rules concerning attendance at meetings by electronic means. Requires the agenda to disclose all locations at which members of the public may attend a meeting at which one or more members are present by a means other than physical presence. Requires the physical presence of the person testifying in any contested case, as defined in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, unless all parties waive the requirement of physical presence. Requires minutes of all public bodies to reflect whether members were physically present or present by other means. Makes other changes.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Farmland Preservation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title of the Act.
Amends Article 10 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the unlawful release or introduction of aquatic life.
Amends the Illinois Open Land Trust Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the legislative policy of the Act.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Sets fees of $250 quarterly and $1,000 annually for special permits for continuous limited operation of trucks that exceed wheel and axle load limits. Provides that all single axles, excluding the steer axle, and axles within a tandem are limited to 24,000 pounds or less, unless otherwise noted in the new language. Provides that the permits allow loads up to 12 feet wide and 110 feet in length. Provides that front tag axle and double tandem trailers are not eligible for the permits.
Amends the Grain Code. Authorizes the use of warehouse receipts in electronic form. Provides that electronic receipts are as valid and enforceable as paper receipts. Provides that references in the Code to written or printed receipts include electronic receipts. Effective immediately.
Amends the Farmland Preservation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title of the Act.
Amends the State Forest Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning wildlife and fish sanctuaries.
Amends the School Code to make changes concerning the waiver or modification of mandates within the School Code and rules. Provides that the General Assembly must act upon (now, may disapprove) the State Board of Education report outlining requests for mandate waivers within 60 days after each house of the General Assembly next convenes after the report is filed. Provides that if the General Assembly fails to act upon (now, disapprove) any waiver request within the 60-day time period, the waiver shall be deemed disapproved (now, granted). Beginning with the report filed by the State Board before March 1, 2007 and for each report filed by the State Board in each odd-numbered year thereafter, requires that the resolution be introduced in the House of Representatives. Beginning with the report filed by the State Board before March 1, 2008 and for each report filed by the State Board in each even-numbered year thereafter, requires that the resolution be introduced in the Senate. Effective immediately.
Makes appropriations to each public university of the State for a one-time pay increase for non-administrative university staff and faculty. Effective July 1, 2006.