Sen. John O. Jones

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Re-enacts the provisions of Section 3-12-5 of the Code, relating to recovery of the costs of incarceration from money received by an inmate from participation in a work program. This Section was affected by Public Act 88-669, which has been held to be unconstitutional as a violation of the single subject clause of the Illinois Constitution. Includes validation provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that the provisions of any ordinance or resolution adopted by any unit of local government that impose restrictions or limitations on the acquisition, possession, transportation, storage, purchase, sale, or other dealing in firearms and firearm ammunition, components, accessories, and accoutrements for firearms that do not provide an exception for the use or possession of a firearm for the act of self-defense or defense of another when on one's land or in one's abode or fixed place of business are invalid, and all those existing ordinances and resolutions are void. Provides that a unit of local government, including a home rule unit, may not regulate the possession or use of a firearm kept for self-defense or defense of another and may not regulate ammunition, components, accessories, or accoutrements for such firearm. Effective immediately.

Creates the Gun-free Zone Criminal Conduct Liability Act. Provides that any person, organization, or entity or any agency of government, including any unit of local government, that creates a gun-free zone is liable for all costs, attorney's fees, and treble damages resulting from criminal conduct that occurs against an individual in the gun-free zone, if a reasonable person would believe that possession of a firearm could have helped the individual defend against such conduct. Defines "gun-free zone". Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that on and after July 1, 2006, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall reimburse providers of home health services under the Medicaid program using a phased-in rate increase as follows: (1) for services provided from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007, the rate shall be $70 per visit; and (2) for services provided on or after July 1, 2007, the rate shall be $80 per visit. Provides that these rate increases apply to skilled nursing visits, physical therapy visits, occupational therapy visits, and speech therapy visits. Provides that the rate for home health aide visits shall be $61.34 for all such services provided on or after July 1, 2006. Effective immediately.

Creates the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact Act. Provides that this State and the other contracting states solemnly agree to the terms of the compact, whose purposes include the promotion of development and implementation of improvements to intercity passenger rail service in the Midwest. Establishes a Commission, with 4 members from each contracting state, serving without compensation from the Commission, to carry out the purposes of the compact. Provides for the election of Commission officers, for meetings and Commission administration, and for financing of the operations of the Commission by the compacting states. Provides that the compact becomes effective among the contracting states upon the agreement of 3 eligible states to participate. Provides for the admission of additional states to the compact, amendment of the compact, the withdrawal, default, or termination of contracting states, and construction and severability of the compact.

Proposes to amend the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Constitution to provide that only marriage between one man and one woman is valid. Provides that any relationship between persons of the same sex in a civil union, domestic partnership, or other similar same sex relationship shall not be valid or recognized in Illinois. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Directs the Fund to conduct a divided medicare coverage referendum, open to teachers hired by an employer prior to March 31, 1986 and continuously employed by that employer through the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly. Allows eligible teachers to irrevocably elect to participate in the federal medicare program. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that it is a civil rights violation for any person to restrict an individual's access or admission to, or usage of, a place of public accommodation solely because the individual operates a motorcycle. Does not prohibit a person from restricting an individual's access or admission to, or usage of, a place of public accommodation because the individual's conduct poses a risk to the health, safety, or property of another.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a unit of local government, including a home rule unit, that enforces against any person an ordinance that (i) applies only to motorcycles and restricts their access to certain highways, (ii) requires motorcycle riders to wear protective headgear, or (iii) regulates motorcycles in a manner inconsistent with the Code, in addition to being liable to that person for the actual damages sustained, is liable to that person for punitive damages in an amount not less than $10,000 and not greater than $25,000 and for reasonable attorney's fees. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Economic Opportunity Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.