Sen. John J. Cullerton

Recommends that the Illinois Supreme Court adopt the recommendation of the Governor's Commission On Capital Punishment directing trial courts to closely scrutinize any tactic that misleads suspects as to the strength of the evidence against them or the likelihood of their guilt, in order to determine whether this tactic would be likely to induce an involuntary or untrustworthy confession.

Creates the Criminal Law Impact Note Act. Provides that upon the introduction of any bill, the purpose and effect of which is to amend the Criminal Code of 1961, Juvenile Court Act of 1987, Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963, or any other criminal law, the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate shall forward the bill to the Criminal Laws Commission which shall prepare a Criminal Law Impact Note which shall be received prior to the bill being assigned to any committee of the General Assembly. Amends the Legislative Commission Reorganization Act of 1984. Creates the Criminal Laws Commission as a legislative support services agency. Provides that the Criminal Laws Commission shall consist of 16 members, 4 each appointed by the President of the Senate, Minority Leader of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. Provides that each member shall serve a 2-year term. Provides that the Commission: (1) shall make a continuing study of the criminal, procedural, and sentencing laws, including those laws applicable to juveniles, and shall make recommendations on proposed changes to those laws; (2) shall report to the General Assembly annually or as it deems necessary or useful on the results of its studies and the performance of its duties; (3) shall be responsible for the preparation of Criminal Law Impact Notes; and (4) may request assistance from any other entity or person as necessary or useful for the performance of its duties.

Amends the Circuit Courts Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the court seal.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Pension Code to increase the minimum total survivor's pension to 50% of the earned retirement pension for survivors of members who died before January 1, 1987. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that on and after July 1, 2005, the county board of Cook County may not regulate animal control for any unincorporated area in the county. Provides that for each unincorporated area or portion of an unincorporated area in Cook County, the county board of Cook County, before May 1, 2005, shall designate a municipality in the county that is contiguous to that unincorporated area or portion of that area, and, on and after July 1, 2005, the municipality shall have the power to regulate animal control in that unincorporated area. Preempts home rule powers. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective January 1, 2005.

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

Amends the Guardianship and Advocacy Act. Adds a caption to a Section concerning the definition of terms under the Act.

Amends the Counties Code and the Property Tax Code. Creates the Office of Tax Administration within the office of the Cook County treasurer for the purpose of consolidating all functions of county government related to tax administration, except those functions exercised by the county recorder. Transfers to the treasurer (i) all functions, duties, and powers and all employees, records, and property of the assessor and (ii) all tax administration-related functions, duties, and powers and certain employees, records, and property of the clerk and auditor. Provides that the county assessor elected in 2002 shall serve as an advisor to the treasurer on all tax-related matters. Provides that no vacancy in the office of assessor shall be filled, either by election or appointment.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Makes a technical change to a Section concerning protection of persons.

Amends the Counties Code and the Property Tax Code. Creates the Office of Tax Administration within the office of the Cook County treasurer for the purpose of consolidating all functions of county government related to tax administration. Transfers to the treasurer (i) all functions, duties, and powers and all employees, records, and property of the assessor and (ii) all tax administration-related functions, duties, and powers and certain employees, records, and property of the clerk, recorder, and auditor. Provides that the county assessor elected in 2002 shall serve as an advisor to the treasurer on all tax-related matters. Provides that no vacancy in the office of assessor shall be filled, either by election or appointment.