Sen. William R. Haine

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging by providing that, beginning July 1, 2004, vendors of homemaker, chore, and housekeeping services shall receive a rate increase of $1.16 per hour if at least $0.86 of that increase is used to increase the wages of homemakers and chore housekeepers. Provides that vendors receiving this increase must submit proof to the Department, either (i) by a an audited supplemental to the Direct Service Workers cost report or (ii) by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, that they have increased homemakers' and chore housekeepers' wages by $0.86 per hour. Effective on July 1, 2004.

Amends the Labor Dispute Act. Contains findings and a declaration. Provides that persons engaged in picketing in labor disputes may use public rights of way to apprise the public of the existence of a dispute for: "the purposes of picketing"; erection of temporary signs announcing their dispute; parking at least one vehicle on the public right of way; and erection of tents or other temporary shelter for the health, welfare, personal safety, and well-being of picketers. Provides that a sign, tent, or temporary shelter may not be erected or maintained so as to obscure or otherwise physically interfere with an official traffic sign, signal, or device or to obstruct or physically interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic. Provides that "the burden of proof shall rest on the unit of local government making such a claim". Provides that if a court determines that a sign, tent, or temporary shelter does not obscure or otherwise physically interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device or to obstruct or physically interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic, the unit of local government shall be liable for all costs, attorney's fees, and treble damages. Provides that an ordinance or resolution adopted before, on, or after the effective date of the new provisions by a unit of local government that imposes restrictions or limitations on the picketing of an employer in a manner inconsistent with this Act is invalid, and that a home rule unit may not regulate picketing.

Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Removes the definitions of "adult with disabilities" and "elder adult with disabilities". Provides that, under the definition of "family or household members", caregivers include former employees of facilities licensed or certified under the Nursing Home Care Act, the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, and the federal Social Security Act. Provides, under the definition of a "high-risk adult with disabilities", that a person may be an adult with disabilities for purposes of this Act even though he or she has never been adjudicated an incompetent adult. Provides that no court proceeding may be initiated or continued on behalf of an adult with disabilities over that adult's objection, unless the proceeding is approved by his or her legal guardian, if any. Effective immediately.

Amends the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act. Makes a technical change in a Section requiring courts to take judicial notice of districts organized under the Act.

Amends the Illinois Library System Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the North Shore Sanitary District Act. Makes technical changes to the Section concerning the short title.

Amends the School Code. In a provision concerning teachers in school districts other than the Chicago school district, makes the probationary period 2 (instead of 4) consecutive school terms before the teacher enters upon contractual continued service. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the continuation of prior laws.

Amends the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Adds a caption to a Section concerning arbitration of medical malpractice disputes.