Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr.

Mourns the death of Leon DeSoto Curry of E. St. Louis.

Amends the School Code. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning teacher certification.

Amends the Use Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the non-taxability of tangible personal property under the Act if it would not be taxed under Retailers' Occupation Tax Act.

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Makes a stylistic change in provisions concerning the maintenance of class actions.

Mourns the death of Lillie Mae Greer of East St. Louis.

Amends the Illinois Municipal (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code to authorize participation by the United Counties Council of Illinois. Authorizes participation regardless of whether the Board makes certain findings that are required for other participating instrumentalities. Authorizes a person employed by the Council when it becomes a participating instrumentality to elect not to become a participating employee. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Appellate Defender Act. Provides that the State Appellate Defenders may hire investigators to provide investigative services to appointed counsel and county public defenders. Provides that investigators employed by the State Appellate Defender shall be authorized to inquire with the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) to ascertain whether their potential witnesses have a criminal background.

Creates the Childhood Lead Poisoning Reduction Act. Establishes a Lead Poisoning Prevention Commission. Defines the requirements for lead-free and lead-safe property status. Provides that the owner of an affected property may request that the Department of Public Health inspect an affected property to determine whether it complies with the requirements for lead-free and lead-safe property. Provides that a contractor or supervisor performing lead hazard reduction activities shall be accredited by the Director of Public Health. Establishes immunity from civil liability to a person at risk for an affected property owner who complies with the lead-free or lead-safe standards and offers to pay medical expenses, relocation costs, and attorney's fees. Requires insurers to extend liability coverage to rental property owners for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint. Provides that civil remedies and criminal penalties shall be enforced against any owner of an affected property who fails to comply. Prohibits retaliatory evictions. Provides for the creation of educational programs designed to inform the public of the problem of lead poisoning and its prevention. Requires the Director of Public Health to establish a program for early identification of persons at risk. Creates a private right to injunctive relief.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes technical changes to a Section concerning alternative control strategies.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Adds a caption to a Section concerning the definition of "telecommunications carrier".