Sen. Chapin Rose

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic memorial resolution (SR 70), not a policy bill. It honors Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dykstra of Savoy, who died on January 22, 2025, by mourning her passing and extending condolences to her family. The resolution highlights her life, including her work as a minister, her travels, and her impact on others despite profound disabilities. The Illinois Senate adopted this resolution on February 5, 2025, as a formal expression of sympathy.

Amends the Downstate Public Transportation Act. In an Article concerning urbanized area public transportation assistance, provides that the term "operating revenues" does not include income from advertising.

Amends the Academic Degree Act. With respect to a public university, provides that only the board of trustees of the university may award an honorary degree, and the university's faculty shall have no role in the award of the honorary degree.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 16) honoring Illinois State Trooper Corey Steven Thompsen, who died in the line of duty on October 18, 2024. The Illinois Senate formally mourns his death and extends condolences to his family, including his wife Chelsea, parents, siblings, and service dog companions. The resolution, adopted on January 29, 2025, includes a copy presented to his family as a gesture of sympathy. It does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a ceremonial tribute to his service and life.

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act (Article 20 of the Code) is adopted and made a part of the Downstate Firefighter and Downstate Police Articles, but only with respect to a person who, on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, is entitled under the Downstate Firefighter Article or Downstate Police Article to begin receiving a retirement annuity or survivor's annuity and who elects to proceed under the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 49) honors Roscoe M. Cougill, a former Charleston mayor and retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, following his death on January 18, 2025. It formally mourns his passing, recognizes his military service - including key roles in Operation Desert Storm - and his three terms as Charleston mayor. The resolution extends condolences to his family, including his wife of 55 years, children, grandchildren, and surviving sister. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Creates the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that the intent of the Act is for the requirements of the Act to apply equally to the governing board of each public institution of higher education in this State unless the Act provides otherwise. Defines "governing board of each public institution of higher education" and "public institution of higher education". Prohibits a public university from punishing students for exercising their right to free speech. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 48) adopted by the Illinois Senate on January 29, 2025, to honor Richard E. "Dick" Helton of Shelbyville following his death on January 7, 2025. The resolution commemorates his 45-year career in public service, including roles as a sanitarian, city administrator, and economic development director, and extends condolences to his surviving family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is a formal expression of mourning by the Senate. The resolution was filed and adopted unanimously.

Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning additional employer contributions for employers that employ or re-employ affected annuitants, provides that the required employer contribution for employment of an affected annuitant in an academic year shall be equal to the lesser of: (1) 3 times the amount of the gross monthly retirement annuity payable to the annuitant for the month in which the first paid day of that employment in that academic year occurs, after any reduction in that annuity that may be imposed under a specified provision; or (2) $100,000 (instead of equal to 12 times the amount of the gross monthly retirement annuity payable to the annuitant for the month in which the first paid day of that employment in that academic year occurs, after any reduction in that annuity that may be imposed under a specified provision). Provides that the changes to the required employer contribution made by the amendatory Act apply to employer contributions required on or after January 1, 2021. Provides that a person who becomes an affected annuitant remains an affected annuitant, except for any period during which the annuitant received, or became entitled to receive, during an academic year compensation for that employment equal to 40% or less of his or her highest annual earnings prior to retirement. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 47) passed by the Illinois Senate to honor Steven C. Sherwood, a Greenup resident and Cumberland County Coroner who died on January 13, 2025. The resolution formally mourns his passing and extends condolences to his family, including his wife Shirley, children, grandchildren, and extended relatives. It recognizes his 35-year career as a paramedic, his service as Coroner, and his community involvement with fire protection, emergency management, and local organizations. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents beyond expressing the Senate's collective sympathy.