Sen. John J. Cullerton

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2006, all diesel powered vehicles owned or operated by the State, any unit of local government, or any State College or University, as well as all diesel powered Chicago Transit Authority, Pace, and METRA vehicles, must, when refueling at a bulk central fueling facility, use a blend containing at least 2% biodiesel fuel, where available. Provides that the Secretary of Transportation shall adopt rules for implementing the provision. Effective immediately.

Creates the Medical Cannabis Act. Provides that when a person has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition, the person and the person's primary caregiver may be issued a registry identification card by the Department of Public Health that permits the person or the person's primary caregiver to legally possess no more than 12 cannabis plants and two and one-half ounces of usable cannabis. Provides that a person who possesses a registry identification card is not subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denial of any right or privilege, including civil penalty or disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for the medical use of cannabis; provided that the qualifying patient or primary caregiver possesses an amount of cannabis that does not exceed 12 cannabis plants and two and one-half ounces of usable cannabis. Provides that within 30 days after the effective date of the Act, the Department shall adopt emergency rules to implement the Act. Creates a task force to implement permanent rules. Provides that if the Department fails to adopt rules to implement the Act within 6 months after the effective date of the Act, a qualifying patient may commence an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel the Department to perform the actions mandated pursuant to the provisions of the Act. Provides that a municipality may not prevent a registered organization from operating in accordance with the Act in an area where zoning permits retail businesses. Provides that this provision is a limitation on home rule powers. Provides that if there is a conflict between the Medical Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Control Act, the provisions of the Medical Cannabis Act control. Amends the Cannabis Control Act to make conforming changes consistent with the Medical Cannabis Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the sexual exploitation of children.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2006, all diesel powered vehicles owned or operated by the State, any county or unit of local government, any school board, or any State College or University, as well as all diesel powered Chicago Transit Authority, Pace, and METRA vehicles, must use a blend containing at least 50% biodiesel fuel. Provides that the Secretary of Transportation shall adopt rules for implementing the provision. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Combines changes made by several Public Acts regarding driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, with various changes concerning organization of the provisions, elements of offenses, penalties, and other matters. Makes corresponding changes in provisions of the Criminal Code of 1961 and the Unified Code of Corrections. Effective January 1, 2007.

Amends the Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides that the Illinois Racing Board must submit its annual report to the Governor by May 1 (now, March 1) of each year. Removes limitations on the Board's discretion to issue an occupational license without the submission of fingerprints. Adds criteria for the Board to consider in reviewing an application for the purpose of granting an organization license. Provides that an organization licensee's ability to contract with another state or country to permit a legal wagering entity in another state or country to accept wagers on races conducted by the organization licensee is subject to approval of the Board. Increases the amount that tracks pay into the Board charity fund and provides that 10% of that amount shall be paid from the organization licensee's purse account. Increases various fees for admission, track operators, and licenses. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Attorney Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning an attorney's oath.

Amends the Clerks of Courts Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the office hours of the clerks of courts.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Allows a designated domestic partner to qualify as a surviving spouse for purposes of survivor and death benefits. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.