Creates the Task Force on Farmers' Markets, the purpose of which is to review the implementation of Acts that define which products and practices are permitted and which products and practices are not permitted at farmers' markets and other outdoor food sale events.
Creates the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. Contains provisions regarding the purpose of the Act, religious freedom, and construction of the Act. Provides that 2 adults who enter a civil union, if they are at least 18 years of age, are entitled to all of the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits that are afforded to spouses. Prohibits a civil union between: an ancestor and descendant; 2 siblings; an uncle and a niece or nephew; an aunt and a niece or nephew; and first cousins. Prohibits a person from entering a civil union with a person who is in a marriage or civil union or a similar legal relationship created in another state. Provides that the Director of Public Health shall prescribe forms and documents for entering into a civil union. Provides for dissolution of a civil union under existing laws. Provides that a marriage between persons of the same sex, a civil union, or similar legal relationship, other than common law marriage, legally entered into in another state will be recognized in Illinois as a civil union. Provides for severability.
Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois and amends the Public Community College Act. Allows the governing board of each public university and community college district to enter into a contract with a third party for non-instructional services currently performed by an employee or bargaining unit member or lay off those educational support personnel employees upon 90 days written notice. Adds conditions on the entering of such a contract. Notwithstanding these conditions, allows a board to enter into a contract, of no longer than 3 months in duration, with a third party for non-instructional services currently performed by an employee or bargaining unit member for the purpose of augmenting the current workforce in an emergency situation that threatens the safety or health of students or staff. Provides that the amendatory Act is not applicable to non-instructional services that on the effective date of the amendatory Act are performed by a third party. Effective immediately.
Amends the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act. Deletes an exclusion from the Plan for any expense or charge for acupuncture treatment unless used as an anesthetic agent for a covered surgery. Effective immediately.
In addition to any other amounts appropriated for this purpose, appropriates $7,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the purpose of providing shelter and transitional housing and employment assistance for homeless youth. Effective July 1, 2008.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Requires electric utilities and alternative retail electric suppliers to provide net energy metering capabilities for their retail customers that own and operate solar or wind electrical generating facilities. Provides that net production by a customer shall be credited to its bill at the same rate the electric utility or alternative retail electrical supplier charges for electricity provided to the customer. Effective immediately.
Mourns the death of Wilson Washkuhn of Peoria Heights.
Mourns the death of Daniel Silverthorn of Afton, Iowa.
Mourns the death of Herbert Heaton of Peoria.
Mourns the death of Ruth Huthmann of Peoria, formerly of Morton.
