Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Removes a provision that prohibits a candidate for licensure from beginning an internship or residency required for licensure until he or she has passed the applicable content area test. Effective immediately.
Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that "licensed establishment" means any licensed retail establishment where alcoholic liquor is drawn, poured, mixed, or otherwise served for consumption on the premises, whether the establishment operates on a nonprofit or for-profit basis. Provides that the changes are declarative of existing law and shall not be construed as a new enactment. Makes changes concerning background investigations of applicants for licensure. Effective immediately.
Amends the Video Gaming Act to provide that a video gaming terminal is a machine that can operate by insertion of an electronic voucher as well as cash. Defines "electronic voucher". Effective immediately.
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act in the provision concerning the Illinois National Guard and Naval Militia grant program. Provides that beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year, any person who has served over 10 years in the Illinois National Guard shall be awarded an additional grant to the State-controlled university or community college of his or her choice, consisting of an exemption from tuition and fees for not more than the equivalent of an additional 2 years of full-time enrollment, including summer terms. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Prohibits the dispensing of contact lenses by anyone other than a licensed optometrist, licensed pharmacist, or a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches.
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In regard to a claim, demand, or cause of action for injuries to an applicant for or recipient of certain financial aid and health care benefits programs, including the Covering ALL KIDS Health Insurance program and the Veterans' Health Insurance Program, provides that notice shall be served by certified mail or registered mail, or by facsimile or electronic messaging (rather than by certified mail or registered mail), upon the party or parties against whom the applicant or recipient has a claim, demand, or cause of action. Effective immediately.
Amends the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Provides that settlements and demands, including associated attorney's fees and costs, together with claims for deprivation of any constitutional or statutory right, are added to the list of costs which may not be included in the district's annual tax levy. Provides that the board may levy a tax for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a reserve fund to satisfy these additional expenses. Effective immediately.
Amends the Weights and Measures Act. Provides that weights and measures or weighing and measuring devices used for commercial or law enforcement purposes must have a Certificate of Conformance or have been certified by the Department or the city sealer on or before July 1, 2012. Provides that any apparatus certified by the Department or city sealer as of July 1, 2012 satisfies construction and installation requirements. Provides that the Department shall furnish an identification plate for registration and tracking purposes for any type of weight or measure or weighing or measuring device is impracticable to mark as required by the Act. Effective immediately.
Urges Congress to develop the 2013 Farm Bill with a strong Title IV that protects and strengthens federal food and nutrition programs.
Mourns the death of Lyle E. Shields of Dewey.
