Sen. Dale A. Righter

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. In a Section concerning the commercial distribution fee, provides that, beginning January 1, 2008 and through December 31, 2013, for each registration year, the owner of a vehicle for which biodiesel has been purchased during the previous registration year is entitled to a reduction of the fee for that vehicle. Sets forth the amount of the reduction based upon the amount of biodiesel purchased. Makes technical changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961 concerning the offense of threatening a public official. Includes in the definition of "public official" a sworn law enforcement or peace officer.

Amends the Department of Agriculture Law. Provides that the Department shall not require a premises identification number to exhibit or enter livestock or horses at any fair or exhibition in Illinois, unless required by federal law or regulation, without first receiving approval for such a requirement from the governing board of the fair or exhibition.

Amends the Illinois Renewable Fuels Development Program Act and State Finance Act. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall create and operate an E85 Vehicle Encouragement Program to distribute coupons towards the purchase of E85 blended fuel to purchasers of flexible fuel vehicles. Sets forth provisions for the operation of the program. Creates the E85 Vehicle Encouragement Fund. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Good Samaritan Act. Provides that any person who is certified in first aid (at present, certified by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or the National Safety Council) and who in good faith provides emergency care without fee to any person shall not, as a result of his or her acts or omissions, except willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the person, in providing the care, be liable to a person to whom such care is provided for civil damages. Effective immediately.

Amends the Riverboat Gambling Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, 2% of the adjusted gross receipts from specified gambling operations shall be paid from the State Gaming Fund and shall be divided equally among the following public universities: Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, the University of Illinois, and Western Illinois University (was, paid to Chicago State University). Effective immediately.

Creates the Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act. Sets forth provisions for unauthorized collection or culling of personally identifiable information, unauthorized access to or modifications of computer settings and computer damage, unauthorized interference with installation or disabling computer software, and other prohibited conduct. Provides that certain persons may bring a civil action against a violator of the Act. Provides a civil penalty for violations of the Act. Permits the Attorney General to obtain a restraining order or injunction for violations of the Act.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Requires coverage of treatment for mental, emotional, or nervous disorders or conditions by a licensed marriage and family therapist when the insurance covers mental, emotional, or nervous disorders or conditions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In provisions defining "eligible employment" for the purpose of allowing teachers to return to teaching in subject shortage areas without impairing his or her retirement status or retirement annuity, removes the June 30, 2008 ending date. Includes language exempting the changes from provisions concerning new benefit increases. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Classifies community college districts as units of local government that must adopt resolutions regulating the political activities and the solicitation and acceptance of gifts by their officials and employees (now, classified as State agencies subject to the entire Act's regulation and enforcement by the Executive Ethics Commission and the Governor's Executive Inspector General). Effective immediately.