Creates the Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning Prohibition Act. Permits research involving the derivation and use of human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic germ cells, and human adult stem cells from any source, including somatic cell nuclear transplantation, and allows public funding for stem cell research programs. Requires the Department of Public Health to develop and administer the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute program to provide for the awarding of grants to Illinois medical research institutions. Creates the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute Oversight Committee. Provides that a Committee member with a conflict of interest shall not vote upon or participate in any Committee action with respect to that matter. Requires each Committee member to file disclosures with the Secretary of State. Prohibits cloning or attempts to clone a human being. Prohibits the purchase or sale of embryonic or cadaveric fetal tissue for research purposes. Makes the purchase or sale of embryonic or cadaveric fetal tissue for research a Class A misdemeanor for the first conviction and a Class 4 felony for subsequent convictions.
Sponsored bills
Makes appropriations to the Office of the State Treasurer for its FY09 ordinary and contingent expenses, other expenses of the Office, grants, and bond payments. Effective July 1, 2008.
Appropriates $950,000 to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to develop and administer work therapy pilot programs for homeless adults. Effective July 1, 2008.
Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Removes the Illinois Gaming Board from the list of agencies to which the ex parte communications provisions apply (adds ex parte communication provisions for the Illinois Gaming Board in the Riverboat Gambling Act). Provides for an Executive Inspector General for gaming activities appointed by the Governor who has jurisdiction over the Illinois Gaming Board and officers and employees of the Illinois Gaming Board. Amends the Riverboat Gambling Act. Separates the Illinois Gaming Board from the Department of Revenue and makes conforming changes in various Acts. Ends the terms of the current members of the Illinois Gaming Board and provides that the Governor shall nominate new members from nominations presented by the Nomination Panel, which is created by this amendatory Act. Makes various other changes in provisions concerning the Illinois Gaming Board and its duties. Adds ethics provisions applicable to the Board members, members of the Nomination Panel, and employees. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the State Finance Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the State Appellate Defender Act. Provides that the State Appellate Defender may develop a Juvenile Defender Resource Center to: (i) study, design, develop, and implement model systems for the delivery of trial level defender services for juveniles in the justice system; (ii) in cases in which a sentence of incarceration or an adult sentence, or both, is an authorized disposition, provide trial counsel with legal advice and the assistance of expert witnesses and investigators from funds appropriated to the Office of the State Appellate Defender by the General Assembly specifically for that purpose; (iii) develop and provide training to public defenders on juvenile justice issues, utilizing resources including the State and local bar associations, the Illinois Public Defender Association, law schools, the Midwest Juvenile Defender Center, and pro bono efforts by law firms, and (iv) make an annual report to the General Assembly.
Makes appropriations from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services: to fund an increase paid to private sector agencies serving individuals who need addiction treatment services; to fund a full 6% cost-of-doing-business increase paid to private sector agencies who deliver addiction prevention services; and for eliminating statewide waiting lists in connection with addiction treatment services and expanding capacity in the addiction prevention system. Effective July 1, 2008.
Amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. In a provision involving the guaranteed renewability of individual health insurance, provides that the changes made to the provision by Public Act 94-502 apply to discontinuances of coverage occurring before, on, or after August 8, 2005 (the effective date of Public Act 94-502). Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the "Medicaid" Article.
Appropriates $603,600 to the Department on Aging for Grants for Chicago Department of Senior Services for the Benefits CheckUp Program.