Sen. Chapin Rose

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a prisoner serving a sentence for bringing contraband into a penal institution committed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall receive no more than 4.5 days of sentence credit for each month of his or her sentence of imprisonment. Provides that on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, a prisoner serving a sentence for bringing contraband into a penal institution shall receive no additional sentence credit under the Code.

Mourns the death of Kenneth Marvin Kesler of Dewey.

Mourns the death of John Virgil "Jack" Fishel Jr. of Arcola.

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.

Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois. Requires each governing board to ensure that an academic advisor or counselor acts with a duty of care or fiduciary duty to provide academic guidance and advice that is strictly in the best interest of the student whom he or she advises or counsels.

Amends the Roadside Memorial Act. Provides that a DUI memorial marker shall be maintained permanently (rather than for a minimum of 2 years). Provides that a fatal crash memorial marker shall be maintained permanently (rather than for a minimum of 2 years).

Creates the Energy Performance Contracting Act. Requires each governmental unit to implement cost-effective conservation improvements and maintain efficient operation of its facilities in order to reduce operating costs and minimize energy consumption and related environmental impacts. Provides that any governmental unit may enter into an energy performance contract with a qualified energy service provider to produce utility savings or operating and maintenance cost savings. Designates the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center as the lead agency for the development and promotion of a program of performance contracts in governmental units under the Act, and provides requirements and duties for that agency. Provides for the selection process of qualified energy service providers. Provides for audits, payments, and term requirements for energy performance contracts entered into under the Act. Provides for the monitoring and reporting of energy consumption and cost savings under an energy performance contract. Provides for the use of savings from performance contracts. Provides that the provisions of the Act shall prevail and control over conflicting provisions of law, and that any conflicting provisions of any statute enacted prior to the Act are hereby repealed. Defines terms. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Creates the State Power Purchase Agreement Act. Provides that the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) is designated as the lead agency for the development and promotion of a program to facilitate the deployment of renewable energy power purchase agreements with State agencies. Provides for the selection of qualified renewable energy power purchase agreement project developers. Allows State agencies to enter into renewable energy power purchase agreements with renewable energy developers for the construction and use of solar or wind energy, or both, on State property controlled by the State agency or on which daily operations of the State agency occur. Provides further requirements concerning the awarding of contracts to developers and purchase of power under power purchase agreements. Specifies the duration of power purchase agreement contracts. Provides for third-party financing of renewable energy power purchase agreement projects. Provides for the use of moneys saved by State agencies by entering into renewable energy power purchase agreements. Provides for reporting to the Illinois Commerce Commission. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Amends the Pyrotechnic Use Act. Provides that the provision prohibiting the sale and use of fireworks does not apply to D.O.T. Class C common fireworks. Provides that D.O.T. Class C common fireworks may only be purchased by individuals over the age of 18. Provides that fireworks may only be discharged by individuals over the age of 18. Repeals provisions concerning fireworks consumer display permits. Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2024, each month the Department of Revenue shall pay into the Fire Prevention Fund 50% of the net revenue realized for the preceding month from the tax imposed on the selling price of D.O.T. Class C common fireworks. Effective immediately, except that provisions amending the Pyrotechnic Use Act take effect on January 1, 2024.

Creates the College Insurance Program Task Force to study the College Insurance Program and present policy and legislative recommendations to the General Assembly to ensure the program remains a viable and healthy benefit.