Sen. Michael W. Frerichs

Mourns the death of Clinton Craig Atkins of Naples, Florida, formerly of Champaign.

Mourns the death of Robert Kirchner of Urbana.

Mourns the death of John W. Harper of Gifford.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In the provision concerning firemen's continuance privilege, changes the definition of "retirement or disability period" to include the period when the disabled or retired fireman, if not enrolled in the municipal group insurance plan at the time of disability or retirement, may elect to enroll in the municipal group insurance plan during open enrollment. Provides that the disabled or retired fireman, if not enrolled in the municipal group insurance plan at the time of disability or retirement, may elect to enroll during open enrollment but not after the fireman becomes eligible for federal Medicare coverage and not more than once. Provides that the fireman must be insurable and must pay the cost of the insurance premium in order to reenter the insurance plan. Effective immediately.

Proposes to amend the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution. Removes a provision that provides that a tax on income shall be measured at a non-graduated rate. Provides that, for any income tax imposed upon corporations, the rate shall not exceed the weighted average rate imposed on individuals by more than a ratio of 8 to 5. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message. Provides that a violation is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles. Sets forth exceptions.

Creates the State Facility Overtime Act. Provides that the Director of the State agency responsible for the operation of specified State facilities (or the Director's designee or agent) may not require an employee to accept work in excess of an agreed upon, predetermined, and regularly scheduled daily work shift, not to exceed 40 hours per week. Provides for: exceptions to the prohibition; posting a summary of the Act and applicable rules; investigation of complaints by the Illinois Department of Labor and disposition of complaints; adoption of administrative rules; construction; and other matters. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code and the Board of Higher Education Act. Makes technical changes in the short title provisions.

Amends the School Code. Allows school boards to award high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during the Vietnam Conflict. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, on January 1, 2010, the monthly pension of an annuitant who retired before January 1, 1980 shall be recalculated and increased to reflect the amount the annuitant would have received in January 2010 had the annuitant been receiving a 3% increase for each year he or she received a monthly annuity under Rule 1, Rule 2, Rule 3, Rule 4, or Rule 5. Provides for an additional increase of 3% of the amount of the retirement annuity then being received each January thereafter. Effective immediately.