Sen. Michael W. Frerichs

Urges the Governor and the Chief Procurement Officer (i) to cancel existing requests for proposals to administer Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Open Access Plan (OAP) benefits for the State Employees' Group Insurance Program and (ii) to issue a new request for proposals in a timely manner in order to facilitate the selection of an adequate network of administrators to provide access to health care for all State employees, retirees, and dependents.

Celebrates the 2012 anniversary of the Morrill Land Grant Act.

Amends the School Construction Law. Provides that "school district" includes a public university laboratory school. Provides that the grant index for a university lab school shall be 100%. Provides that a university lab school that makes application for school construction funds shall be placed on the respective application cycle list, university lab schools must be placed following any Type 40 area vocational centers on the priority listing of eligible entities for the applicable fiscal year, and the grant amount for a university lab school shall be 100% of the recognized project cost, as determined by the Capital Development Board.

Amends the Illinois Fertilizer Act of 1961. Makes changes to the definitions. Provides for labeling requirements for fertilizers or custom blends. Provides that it shall be unlawful for misbranding or for the adulteration of a fertilizer within the State. Provides that the Director of the Department of Agriculture may refuse to register a fertilizer or cancel or suspend a fertilizer registration, custom blend, or fertilizer if certain specified claims are made. Permits the Director to issue and serve a written stop sale, stop use, or regulate removal upon an owner, operator, manager, or agent in charge of fertilizer. Creates the Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) for the purpose of pursuing nutrient research and providing educational programs to ensure the adoption and implementation of practices that optimize nutrient use efficiency, ensure soil fertility, and address environmental concerns with regard to fertilizer use. Provides that the Department has the authority to issue subpoenas, temporary restraining orders, or preliminary or permanent injunctions against any person from violating or continuing to violate any provision of the Act. Provides for penalties based on type of violation. Repeals a provision concerning fund appropriations and seizure, condemnation, and sale of fertilizers. Makes other corresponding changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that an employee is entitled to receive service credit for up to 2 years (now up to one year) of unused sick leave. Effective immediately.

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Provides that a First Responder must be 16 years of age or older. Effective immediately.

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

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning violations of the Act.

Amends the School Code. Provides that after June 1, 2012 persons may not be nominated for General Assembly scholarships and that General Assembly scholarships may not be awarded after that date unless the nomination is made prior to that date. Prevents both second nominations for any lapsed General Assembly scholarship and nominating persons to the unused or unexpired parts of any vacated General Assembly scholarship after June 1, 2012. Effective immediately.

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