Sen. Wm. Sam McCann

Proposes to amend the Executive Article of the Illinois Constitution. Expands the elected officers, and the qualifications for elected officers, of the Executive Branch to include the Director of Agriculture (currently, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer). Provides for filling vacancies in the office of Director of Agriculture. Provides that the Director of Agriculture shall develop, promote, and regulate agriculture in the State, and shall have the duties and powers that may be prescribed by law. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984. Changes the title of the Act to the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters and Certified Verbatim Reporters Act and makes conforming changes in other Acts. Provides for certification of certified verbatim reporters and adds certified verbatim reporters to provisions concerning findings, definitions, use of titles, the Certified Shorthand Reporters Board (now the Certified Shorthand and Verbatim Reporters Board), examinations, qualifications, expiration and renewal of certifications, military service, inactive status, licensure without examination, disciplinary actions, injunctive actions, suspension of a certificate, and continuing education. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Mourns the death of Darrin Michael Jorn of Hillsboro.

Proposes to amend the Executive and Finance Articles of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that the Lieutenant Governor shall not maintain a separate office and staff, but shall receive support from the Office of the Governor necessary to perform the duties and exercise the powers delegated by the Governor and prescribed by law. Provides that, apart from the salary of the Lieutenant Governor, appropriations necessary for the Lieutenant Governor to perform the duties and exercise the powers delegated by the Governor and prescribed by law shall be included in the appropriations for the Office of the Governor. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title of the Telecommunications Article.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Repeals a provision providing for the collection of an annual commercial distribution fee on vehicles of the second division weighing more than 8,000 pounds. Makes conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2018.

Amends the Illinois Credit Union Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the fiscal year of credit unions.

Amends the Election Code. Provides for the election of the Chicago Board of Education starting with the 2019 consolidated election. Makes related changes. Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that a person shall be a U.S. citizen and registered voter and shall have been a resident of the city and the electoral district for at least one year immediately preceding his or her election. Sets forth provisions concerning nominating petitions and ballots. Sets forth provisions providing that the City of Chicago shall be subdivided into 20 electoral districts by the General Assembly for seats on the Chicago Board of Education. Sets forth provisions providing that in the year following each decennial census, the General Assembly shall redistrict the electoral districts to reflect the results of each decennial census. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Creates the Illinois Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act. Provides that a manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor shall not engage in price gouging in the sale of an essential off-patent or generic drug. Provides that the Director of Healthcare and Family Services or Director of Central Management Services may notify the Attorney General of any increase in the price of any essential off-patent or generic drug under the Medical Assistance Program under the Illinois Public Aid Code or a State health plan, respectively, that amounts to price gouging. Provides that whenever the Attorney General has reason to believe that a manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor of an essential off-patent or generic drug has violated the Act, the Attorney General shall send a notice to the manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor requesting a specified statement. Provides that within 45 days after receipt of the request, the manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor shall submit the statement to the Attorney General. Provides that to accomplish the objectives and carry out the duties prescribed in the Act, the Attorney General may issue subpoenas or examine under oath any person to determine whether a manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor has violated the Act. Provides that upon petition of the Attorney General, a circuit court may issue specified orders against violations of the Act. Contains provisions concerning the disclosure of financial information provided by a manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor to the Attorney General. Effective January 1, 2019.