Rep. Jackie Haas

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In the definition of "abused child", provides that an abused child means a child whose parent or immediate family member, or any person responsible for the child's welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent commits the act of grooming a child for the purpose of establishing or attempting to establish a romantic or sexual relationship (rather than commits the offense of grooming, as defined in the Criminal Code of 2012). Effective immediately.

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9th grade beginning with the 2028-2029 school year must successfully complete either 2 years of foreign language courses or at least 2 years of career-focused coursework that has been authorized by the State Board of Education as meeting the requirements for a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act (rather than requiring the successful completion of 2 years of foreign language courses). Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois. Provides that a public university may not require State public high school graduates, as a condition of acceptance, to have completed any years of foreign language courses unless the university permits, as an alternative to completion of a foreign language course, attainment of a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Provides that the Legislative Ethics Commission shall adopt no rule requiring the Legislative Inspector General to seek the Commission's advance approval before issuing a subpoena. Provides that any existing rule, as of the effective date of the amendatory Act, requiring the Legislative Inspectors General to seek the Commission's advanced approval before issuing a subpoena is void. Provides that within 60 days after receipt of a summary report and response from the ultimate jurisdictional authority or agency head, the Executive and Legislative Ethics Commissions shall make available to the public the report and response or a redacted version of the report and response (currently, report required to be made public only if it resulted in a suspension of at least 3 days or termination of employment). Removes language providing that the Legislative Inspector General needs the advanced approval of the Commission to issue subpoenas. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for any person to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, sell, or attempt to sell, or for any recyclable metal dealer to purchase or attempt to purchase, telecommunications wire in any amount unless the seller is an authorized agent, a representative or employee of a licensed contractor of a public utility, a provider of telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or a provider of broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force shall review the effectiveness of its efforts in deterring and investigating the problem of recyclable metal theft specific to telecommunications wires, burned wire, and any other equipment used to provide (i) telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or (ii) broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Task Force shall consider and develop long-term solutions, both legislative and enforcement-driven, for the rising problem of theft of these wires and equipment in this State. Provides that the Task Force shall be composed of one representative of a wireless telecommunications carrier. Provides that the Task Force shall, by October 31 of each year, report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. Changes the definition of the term "recyclable metal". Defines the terms "burned wire" and "telecommunications wire".

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that every licensed pharmacy directly serving patients at a physical location shall conspicuously post a sign provided by the Department of Human Services that contains the following: (i) a statement that the Department of Human Services runs a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; (ii) the Lifeline number; and (iii) any other information the Department of Human Services deems appropriate. Provides that the sign shall be printed in color ink or displayed electronically in color, measure at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size, and be posted at either a cashier counter or a waiting area that is clearly visible to patients. Requires licensed pharmacies that do not maintain a physical location that directly serves patients to include a copy of the sign with any dispensed prescriptions. Provides that the sign shall also be available to download on the Department of Human Services's website.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows a decal to be issued for sickle cell anemia awareness. Provides that a $25 fee for original issuance shall be paid with $10 to the Sickle Cell Anemia License Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Provides that a $25 fee for renewal shall be paid with $23 to the Sickle Cell Anemia License Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Creates the Sickle Cell Anemia License Fund, from which all money shall be paid as grants to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning the contribution required to establish service credit for certain service as a teacher or administrator employed by a private school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, changes the amount of the interest payment required to establish that service credit from interest at the actuarially assumed rate to regular interest.

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Transportation to create an expedited process for municipalities or counties to submit a request for an expedited review for intersections on State roads.

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Allows a unit of local government to place a blue reflective pavement marker on any highway, street, or road to mark the location of a fire hydrant or water supply. Prohibits a unit of local government from placing a blue reflective pavement marker on a State highway unless it first obtains an encroachment permit from the Department of Transportation.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates for International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 license plates. Provides that an applicant for the special plate shall be charged a $30 fee for original issuance. Creates the Sweeney Classic Fund. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.