Sen. Gary Forby

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the State Finance Act. Creates the Autism Research Fund and provides that, from appropriations from the Fund, the Department of Public Health must make grants to public or private entities in Illinois for the purpose of funding research concerning the disorder of autism. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to create a tax checkoff for the Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Day and Temporary Labor Services Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning violations of the Act.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates the month of November of each year as Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

Amends the Military Code of Illinois. Provides that on or after July 1, 2006, if the Adjutant General determines that Illinois National Guard personnel are not available to perform military funeral honors, the Adjutant General may authorize another appropriate organization to provide one or more of its members to perform those honors and, subject to appropriations for that purpose, shall authorize the payment of a $100 stipend to the organization. Provides that the Code does not establish any entitlement to military funeral honors if the Adjutant General determines that such other appropriate personnel are not available to perform those honors or if adequate appropriated funds are not available. Effective July 1, 2006.

Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Wildlife Code to allow members of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, and the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces returning from service abroad to camp and hunt without paying fees for one year after the member returns.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that property up to an assessed value of $70,000 (now,$58,000), owned and used exclusively by a disabled veteran, or the spouse or unmarried surviving spouse of the veteran, as a home, is exempt. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Creates the Community Care Program Advisory Committee in the Department on Aging to advise the Department on issues related to the Department's programs of service to prevent unnecessary institutionalization. Sets forth the terms and conditions of membership on the Committee. Provides that Committee reports and recommendations are advisory only. Effective July 1, 2005.

Amends the Grain Code. Authorizes the use of warehouse receipts in electronic form. Provides that electronic receipts are as valid and enforceable as paper receipts. Provides that references in the Code to written or printed receipts include electronic receipts. Effective immediately.

Amends the Older Adult Services Act. Provides that no later than January 1, 2006 and every January 1 thereafter, the Department on Aging and the Illinois Housing Development Authority shall file with the Governor and the General Assembly a plan that establishes goals for the number of affordable housing units to be made available to the frail elderly in the next fiscal year. Requires that the plan: (i) detail the number of new units of housing to be created, the number of units made accessible through rehabilitation and renovation, and the number of new supportive living units to be created and certified; and (ii) include recommendations for statutory or policy changes needed to reduce barriers to the establishment of affordable housing units for the frail elderly. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that in determining the appropriate sentence for any conviction under the Act, the sentencing court may consider the possession, delivery, or manufacture of controlled substances or cannabis in the presence of a child under 17 years of age.