Sen. Carol Ronen

Amends the Department of Human Services (Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Directs the Department to study the costs and benefits of establishing a specific treatment methodology for people suffering from both mental illness and substance abuse. Requires a report to the Governor and the General Assembly by February 1, 2005. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Makes the provisions in the Act governing court actions arising out of civil rights violations applicable to those actions that arise out of civil rights violations in employment. Provides that no civil action based on a civil rights violation in connection with employment shall commence prior to 180 days after the filing of a charge with the Department of Human Rights. Provides that an action arising out of a civil rights violation in a real estate transaction may be filed irrespective of the filing of a charge with the Department. Prohibits the aggrieved party from filing an action based on a civil rights violation in employment or a real estate transaction when the hearing officer commences a hearing with respect to a complaint issued by the Department that forms the basis of the alleged civil rights violation. Prohibits the aggrieved party from filing an action arising out of a civil rights violation in employment or a real estate transaction when the Department or local agency obtains a conciliation or settlement agreement with the aggrieved party's consent. Upon the finding of a civil rights violation, authorizes the court or jury (now the court) to award actual and punitive damages to the plaintiff. Prohibits any punitive damage awards against the State. Authorizes the court to grant such injunctive relief as it deems appropriate; including, in the case of actions arising out of civil rights violations in employment, reinstatement or hiring of employees, with or without backpay, or any other equitable relief.

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Makes a stylistic change in provisions concerning construction of the Act.

Amends the One Day Rest In Seven Act. Makes a stylistic change in provisions concerning meal periods.

Creates the Task Force on Displaced Homemakers to investigate the services currently offered to displaced homemakers in Illinois and to make recommendations for improvement to those services.

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning grievance procedures.

Creates the Gender Violence Act. Defines "gender-related violence". Provides a cause of action for any person who has been subjected to gender-related violence. Provides for damages for violation of the Act. Sets a 10-year limitation for bringing a cause of action under the Act.

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a QILDRO may specify a percentage of the member's benefit or apply a formula to determine the amount of the member's benefit to be paid to an alternate payee. Provides that, if so specified, a QILDRO shall take effect at a date other than at the time the benefit becomes payable. Provides that an alternate payee may not consent to a form of payment that has the effect of diminishing the amount of the payment to which he or she is entitled unless the written consent is notarized. Effective immediately.

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

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section pertaining to the determination of questions by the Industrial Commission.