Sen. Ram Villivalam

Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code. Provides that any renewal of a certified charter must include a union neutrality clause. Requires a union neutrality clause to be included in a charter school proposal. Defines "union neutrality clause". Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill, but adds a provision concerning the subcontracting of work performed on or about the premises of a charter school to the definition of "union neutrality clause". Effective immediately.

Creates the Landscape Architecture Registration Act. Provides that no person shall use the title "registered landscape architect" or "landscape architect" without being registered by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Creates the Registered Landscape Architecture Registration Board. Provides for the membership, meetings, and powers of the Board. Provides that the Department may seek the expert advice and knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the enforcement of the Act, including qualifications of applicants for registration. Provides that the Department may issue certificates of registration to those who meet the requirements of the Act. Provides that the Department may authorize examinations to ascertain the fitness and qualifications of applicants for registration. Provides that the Department may conduct investigations and hearings to refuse to issue, renew, or restore registrations, revoke, suspend, place on probation, or reprimand persons registered under provisions of the Act. Provides that the Department may take disciplinary action with regard to any certificate of registration issued under the Act. Makes corresponding changes in the Park District Code, the Chicago Park District Act, the Professional Geologist Licensing Act, and the Unified Code of Corrections. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to repeal the Landscape Architecture Registration Act on January 1, 2032.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Extends the repeal dates of the Telecommunications Article and the Cable and Video Competition Article from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2026. Provides that any cable service or video service authorization issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission will expire on December 31, 2029 (rather than December 31, 2024). Effective immediately.

Appropriates $6,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department on Aging for services provided under the Family Caregiver Act. Effective immediately.

Creates the Right to Counsel in Immigration Proceedings Act. Establishes the Task Force on Counsel in Immigration Proceedings. Provides for members, compensation, and support staff. Provides that the Task Force shall investigate the implementation of universal representation for covered individuals in immigration removal proceedings. Provides that the Task Force shall submit a report of its findings in the investigation and its recommendations for how to fully provide legal representation for covered individuals facing immigration proceedings no later than July 1, 2022. Repeals the Act July 1, 2023. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes the list of members of the Task Force on Counsel in Immigration Proceedings. Provides instead that the Governor shall appoint the 7 members of the Task Force with the advice and consent of the Senate, in consultation with the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Human Services.

Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Chicago Board of Education's requirements and criteria for the position of principal of an attendance center. Provides that if the requirements and criteria result or may result in the exclusion of otherwise qualified and licensed candidates from being eligible for selection to serve as a principal, then the Board shall maintain a public database that includes the names of all of the candidates who are eligible to be selected as a principal. Requires the Board to establish due process protections for candidates for the position of principal and establish a grievance procedure for those candidates the Board has deemed ineligible to serve as a principal. Makes changes concerning the use of performance evaluations in determining that a principal is no longer eligible to serve as principal of an attendance center. Effective January 1, 2023.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a remittance agent shall waive its fees for vehicle owners over the age of 65 and for vehicle owners who qualify for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or any other State public assistance program.

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Prohibits an individual from using an electronic communication device to participate in a virtual meeting using the video function while operating a motor vehicle. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.