Volume 21, No. 2 January 2008 “”

Laws Are Common — and Controversial

A 2007 Illinois law requires a “brief period of silence” at the start of each school day. The law has been challenged in a federal court, where a judge issued a preliminary injunction barring the State Board of Education from implementing it. At least 32 other states require or permit public schools to have a moment of silence during each school day.

History of Illinois Law The laws of New Jersey and West Vir- A 1969 Illinois law said a public school teacher could observe a brief period of si- ginia were held unconstitutional, but lence at the start of each school day with the participation of all students. The law have not been repealed. added that the period of silence “shall not be conducted as a religious exercise but The other 18 states permit a moment shall be an opportunity for silent or for silent reflection on the anticipated of silence at teachers’ or school offi- activities of the day.” A section added in 2002 allowed public school students to cials’ discretion: voluntarily engage in prayer that is not endorsed by the school. The 2007 law (enacted over a veto) made a period of silence mandatory and took effect October Arizona Louisiana New York 11, 2007. Arkansas Maine North Carolina Delaware Maryland North Dakota In November 2007, Robert Sherman sued on behalf of his daughter in Chicago Florida Michigan Ohio federal district court for a preliminary injunction to prevent her school district and Kansas Mississippi the State Board from implementing a mandatory period of silence. He argued that Kentucky New Mexico Utah the law is unconstitutionally vague, and that it violates the Establishment of Re- ligion clause of the First Amendment. A judge granted a preliminary injunction, Among the 32 other states with “mo- and the case remains pending. ment of silence” laws, 16 specify its length as 1 minute or up to 1 minute. House Bill 4180 (Fritchey-Eddy-Black-Pritchard), introduced in November 2007, Delaware and Florida permit up to 2 would amend the law to say that a public school teacher “may conduct” rather minutes. Laws of the remaining 14 than “shall observe” a period of silence, and that such a period may be used for si- states, like Illinois, do not say how lent reflection as desired by each student. The statement that the period of silence long the moment should be. Twelve may be used for silent prayer would be removed, and the law would be renamed states list prayer among the acceptable the “Student Silent Reflection Act.” House Bill 4186 (W.Davis) would change the uses of a moment of silence; the others law’s title to the “Student Silent Reflection Act” but make no substantive change. either list activities such as meditation Neither bill has been assigned to a substantive committee. or reflection, or do not specify any purpose. q Other States’ Laws At least 32 other states permit or require public schools to have a moment of si- Sarah E. Franklin lence in each school day. The provision is mandatory in 14 of them: Research Associate Nevada Tennessee Connecticut New Jersey Texas Georgia Oklahoma Inside this Issue Rhode Island West Virginia Abstracts of Reports Required to be Massachusetts South Carolina Filed With General Assembly...... 2

ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH UNIT Abstracts of Reports Required to July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006. IEPA converted most land (65,960 acres) be Filed with General Assembly due to facility planning area boundary changes in 15 counties. Other major The Legislative Research Unit staff is required to prepare abstracts of acre conversions: Commerce and Economic Opportunity (19,231), Com- reports required to be filed with the General Assembly. Legislators may merce Commission (4,918), Natural receive copies of entire reports by sending the enclosed form to the State Resources (2,539), and Transportation Government Report Distribution Center at the Illinois State Library. Ab- (1,531). Lists conversions by county. stracts are published quarterly. Legislators who wish to receive them more (505 ILCS 75/6; March 2007, 13 pp.) often may contact the executive director. Attorney General Administrators’ Academy Review in FY 2006. Among cases on the Lead poisoning cases, 2006 Task Force pre-hearing calendar, 57% were settled The Attorney General is required to Report, 2007 or dismissed before hearing. In 51% annually report to the General Assem- Task Force was created to examine of cases, one or both parties rejected bly the number of lead poisoning cases Illinois Administrators’ Academy and the arbitration decision. Only 1.6% of that have been referred to the Attorney recommend ways to improve profes- referred cases went to trial. (735 ILCS General by the Illinois Department of sional development of school admin- 5/2-1008A; undated, rec’d March Public Health. No cases were referred istrators. Recommends: (1) create 2007, 70 pp. + 3 appendices) between June 20, 2006 and January 1, a statewide mechanism to educate 2007. (410 ILCS 45/12.1; Feb. 2007, administrators on professional devel- Administrative & Regulatory 1 p.) opment expectations and communicate Shared Services Center Summary of results of Executive Order available courses and the process for State collection statistics, 2006 06-6 (2006) approving new courses; (2) support a State agencies referred 23,718 cases No major reorganizations or con- statewide system that adequately funds to the Attorney General, with $130.5 solidations have taken place so far. high quality professional development million owed to the state. Attorney Positions of Center Director, Admin- for educational leaders; (3) create a General collected $279.3 million on istrative Director, Chief Fiscal Officer, statewide expectation for high qual- referred cases, including cases referred and Human Resources Director have ity professional development for all in past years. The Department of been filled by current state employees. administrators; and (4) develop an Healthcare and Family Services Center had no recommendations for accountability system that ties course referred nearly 92% of the cases. (30 changes in law. (15 ILCS 15/11; Nov. offerings to characteristics of high ILCS 205/2(j); Feb. 2007, 2 pp.) quality professional development. 2006, 2 pp.) Auditor General (105 ILCS 5/21-7.15; July 2007, Older Adult Services Act report, 2007 Annual report, 2006 24 pp. + 3 appendices + executive Describes Department’s plans to Auditor General conducts financial summary) implement Older Adult Services Act and/or compliance audits for every (P. A. 93-1031). Accomplishments in Administrative Office of the Courts state agency, completing 153 in 2006. 2006 included: improving coordinated Court-annexed mandatory arbitration Major findings: DFPR’s Division of point of entry services to seniors, annual report, FY 2006 Banks and Real Estate did not have including a “no wrong door” policy; This program, created by the Su- adequate controls over its revenue increasing transportation rate for adult preme Court and General Assembly processing; DHS’s Central Office day service; increasing funding for to reduced civil case backlogs and did not bill residents in a timely Senior HelpLine and Home Delivered resolve complaints faster, began in manner; IDOT contract files lacked Meals program; increasing hourly rate 1986 and operates in 15 counties. basic information; RTA did not have for homemaker services by $1.00; Cases with “modest” claims (up to adequate internal controls over its and expanding the availability of $30,000 in Cook County; and $50,000 Transit Benefit Program; Department alternative respite services for family in Boone, DuPage, Ford, Henry, Kane, of Agriculture did not have adequate caregivers. (320 ILCS 42/15(c); Jan. Lake, McHenry, McLean, Mercer, control over gate/parking admissions 2007, 54 pp.) Rock Island, St. Clair, Whiteside, at the Illinois State Fair; Secretary of Will, and Winnebago) are automati- Agriculture, Dept. of State lacked adequate procedures over cally assigned to arbitration. If it fails, Farmland conversion, FY 2006 its state vehicles; IDES had several they may go to trial. There were State agencies purchased or affected weaknesses in the control procedures 28,100 cases referred to arbitration 94,179 total acres of land between relating to Social Security number

2 / Legislative Research Unit verification for new claimants; CMS reported needing the most bilingual 78 children, but chose to raise stan- lacked an adequate system to track employees at 386. (20 ILCS 415/9(6); dards by limiting the number to 66. savings achieved by vendors for effi- Dec. 2006, 8 pp.) The Center has 3 full-time teachers ciency initiatives; ISAC did not obtain for 4 classrooms with a 1:5 ratio in all independent reviews of an externally Business Enterprise Program annual rooms. The Bright Horizons Daycare controlled computerized system; report, FY 2006 at the Willard Ice Building in Spring- DNR did not accurately prepare and State agencies and universities field is staffed by 4 teachers and a di- submit year-end accounting reports; awarded over $395 million in con- rector, but seeks to add part-time staff. Illinois State Toll Highway Author- tracts to businesses under the Business The Shapiro Learning Milestones ity (ISTHA) did not complete timely Enterprise Program, for Minorities, daycare in Kankakee provides services reconciliations for some of its signifi- Females, and Persons with Dis- for children from 6 weeks to 13 years cant general ledger accounts; ISTHA abilities, surpassing its goal of $219 of age. It offers before- and after- lacked proper internal controls to million. Minority-owned businesses school programming for children aged classify I-PASS transactions properly; received nearly $238 million (60%) in 6-13. The Dependent Care Assistance ISTHA’s practices and procedures state contracts, non-minority women- Program (DCAP) administered by the for recording and maintaining capital owned businesses received $134 Department allows parents to set aside asset records need improvement; and million (34%), and disability-owned up to $5,000 in flexible spending ac- ISTHA did not maintain a detailed businesses received $22 million (5%). counts for child care. In calendar year record of outstanding violation penal- Number of contracts awarded under 2006, 1,597 employees participated ties receivable. Performance audits, this program rose from less than 7,000 with contributions totaling $5,751,807. which are done at legislative direc- in 2005 to more than 17,000 in 2006. (30 ILCS 590/3; Dec. 2006, 3 pp.) tion, looked at state employee travel Total value of the contracts under this (between Chicago and some downstate program rose $41 million since FY State-owned and surplus real property cities); DCEO’s administration of its 2004. Also lists individual agencies’ report, 2006 economic development programs; and universities’ goals, and value and Agency now publishes report on IDOT’s traffic safety programs; number of contracts to firms under CD-ROM only. Disc contains CMS’s business enterprise program the program. (30 ILCS 575/8f; Mar. spreadsheets for 30 state agencies and and IDOT’s disadvantaged business 2007, 23 pp.) universities listing building names, lo- cations, square footage, square footage enterprise program; DFPR’s disciplin- Results of Executive Order 04-2 ing of physicians; Village of Robbins’ used, date of acquisition and cost, and (2004) tax index number, among other things. use of Municipal Economic Develop- CMS identified 60 people responsible ment Funds; flu vaccine procurement Included with disc is a list of 8 surplus for media relations and/or public properties, location, description, value, and I-SaveRx program; DHS’s Office information duties. Of these, 26 were of the Inspector General; and use and current disposition. (30 ILCS transferred to CMS, Office of Com- 605/7.1; Dec. 2006, 2 pp. + CD-ROM) of funds paid to regional offices of munication and Information, saving education. Information system audits the state $1.8 million in FY 2005. State-owned and surplus real property were done on 20 agencies’ computer Eleven graphic designers were also report, 2006 systems. Computer security problems consolidated in this reorganization. CMS Bureau of Property Management were found at several agencies, includ- Financial benefits from this have not assisted in four non-monetary convey- ing DFPR, DHS, and IDPH. (30 ILCS been reported yet. (15 ILCS 15/11; ances. Two parcels of unimproved 5/3-15; March 2007, 36 pp.) Sept. 2006, 2 pp.) land from the former Stateville Cor- rectional Center were transferred to Central Management Services Dept. State employee child care centers, Bilingual needs and pay survey, 2006 the Department of Natural Resources 2006 (588 acres) and to the Department of Of 28 responding agencies, 20 re- The state oversees 3 daycare centers ported having cases requiring bilingual State Police (170 acres) to be used as for employees in state facilities in forest preserve districts. One portion assistance in 2006. For all 28 agen- Chicago, Kankakee, and Springfield. cies, a total of 842 bilingual positions of the former Department of Human Chicago’s Child Development Center Services Horner Complex, the Read were needed, with 867 employees in in the Michael A. Bilandic Building is bilingual positions. Agencies reported Mental Health Center in Chicago (4 managed by Early Child Care Servic- acres, including Buildings A & B), 853 employees received bilingual es, Inc., and has been accredited by the pay. Department of Human Services was transferred to Maryville Academy National Association for the Education to be used for therapeutic programs of Young Children. It is licensed for (continued on p. 4)

Legislative Research Unit / 3 Abstracts of Reports station within 7 days of birth. Since Commerce and Economic Opportu- Required to be Filed the Act’s inception in 2001, 28 infants nity Dept. have been relinquished under the law, Renewable Energy Resources Pro- With General Assembly while 43 were illegally abandoned. gram, 2006 (continued from p. 3) Of those illegally abandoned, 21 were The Renewable Energy Resources for children. A 33,115-square-foot found dead. Illinois joined the multi- Program (RERP) has facilitated lot, including a 2,880-square-foot state Newborn Lifeline Network; the $248.1 million of total investments in building, was transferred to the Illinois Department continues to educate the renewable energy projects in Illinois Commerce Commission offices. (30 public on safe alternatives to abandon- since 1997. Program awarded 124 ILCS 605/7.1; Feb. 2007, 1 p.) ment. (325 ILCS 2/65(c); Jan. 2007, grants and 399 rebates, totaling $28.6 5 pp.) million in 2006. Grants and rebates State-owned and surplus real property were distributed to the following report, 2007 Commerce Commission projects: wind, $1,075,000 (48%); An unimproved parcel of 1 acre adja- Crossing Safety Improvement Pro- solar thermal, $913,124 (41%); and cent to the State of Illinois Regional gram: FY 2008-2012 Plan photovoltaic, $245,512 (11%). (20 Office Building in Marion has been Lists $151.5 million in proposed grade ILCS 687/6-3(e); undated, rec’d Apr. declared surplus and is available for crossing safety improvements on local 2007, 11 pp.) transfer to state agencies. (30 ILCS roads and streets for FYs 2008-2012 605/7.1; Apr. 2007, 1 p.) using funding from Grade Crossing Summary of results of Executive Order Protection Fund (GCPF). Includes 03-11 (2003) Children and Family Services Dept. projects totaling over $35 million The Department of Commerce and Inspector General’s report, 2006 for FY 2008 and over $116 million Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Inspector General (OIG) for FYs 2009-2012. Subject to local addresses the final results from the investigates child deaths and serious matching funds, Commission plans reorganization and consolidation injuries, investigates child welfare to initiate 25 new or reconstructed of workforce development and job system complaints, investigates and grade separations; install automatic training programs. The annual cost prosecutes licensure complaints, helps warning devices or upgrade circuitry savings from Workforce Program with criminal history checks, operates at 257 crossings; and make progress Consolidations were $19.8 million. In a complaint hotline, acts as the ethics payments for two bridge projects March 2006, DCEO organized Trade- officer for DCFS, reviews and com- previously ordered by the Commis- Affected Workers Policy Guidelines ments on proposed rule changes, and sion. Lists types of improvements Conference. DCEO created the Criti- develops best-practices training mod- for which GCPF funds are used. cal Skills Shortages Initiative to align els for caseworkers and supervisors. Public crossings had 138 collisions in regional workforce programs with In FY 2006 it received 86 reports of 2006, a 5% decrease from 2005. (35 critical skill shortage occupations. child deaths; 19 were ruled homicides. ILCS 505/8(c); Apr. 2007, 8 pp. + 4 Department has obligated $13 million The hotline received 1,327 calls result- appendices) for the Initiative. DCEO’s Bureau of ing in 141 investigations. Includes Workforce Development Reorganiza- Railroad accidents involving hazard- death and serious injury investigation tion has created a Policy Unit and a ous materials, 2006 summaries and recommendations Planning Unit to improve services. Commission inspectors checked and general investigation summaries (15 ILCS 15/11; Jan. 2007, 5 pp.) and recommendations and DCFS’s 16,978 railcars carrying hazardous responses. Lists recommendations to materials. It found violations in 698 Comptroller DCFS for improvements and previous (4.1%) in 2006; in 2005, 3.4% of in- Fee imposition report, FY 2006 year’s recommendations and status. spections found violations. Six derail- State received $5.599 billion from Discusses OIG initiatives for FY 2006. ments released hazardous materials; 1,349 fees collected by 80 agencies. Summarizes cases of disciplined em- 12 did not release hazardous materials; The largest fee collector was the ployees. (20 ILCS 505/35.5(h); Jan. and 95 hazardous releases occurred Secretary of State, which reported fee 2007, 214 pp. + 2 appendices) without derailment. Tables show revenue of $1.8 billion (33.5%). Most location, railroad, material, suspected of the fees collected went to restricted Report on the Abandoned Newborn cause, amount involved and released, funds, such as the 29% deposited into Infant Protection Act, 2007 and date of each incident. (625 ILCS Special State Funds and 24% depos- Parents are immune from criminal 5/18c-1204(3); Apr. 2007, 17 pp. + ited into Highway Funds. Only $473 prosecution if they safely abandon tables and attachments) million of the fee revenue went into their child at a hospital, emergency the General Funds. Describes number medical facility, or police or fire

4 / Legislative Research Unit and types of fees; number and amount Quarterly report to the legislature, and Child Victimization Enforcement collected by agency; and disposition April 1, 2007 Grants ($258,109); and Local Law of revenues. (15 ILCS 405/16.2; Apr. As of February 28, 2007, there were Enforcement Block Grants Program 2007, 11 pp. + 5 appendices) 44,980 inmates in all adult facilities, ($28,166). Additional programs 4.64% lower than the 47,169 projected supported by CJIA included the 2006 Receivables report, 2006 by FY 2005 data. By December 2007, Task Force on Domestic Violence Gross receivables due to Illinois at the total adult population is expected Training and Curricula, Clandestine 2006 yearend were $13.8 billion, up to rise to 46,270. Total population in Lab Reporting Information System, 9% from 2005. This is partly due adult transition centers was 1,309 (29 Illinois Integrated Justice Information to increased student loan activity at over the total capacity of 1,280). En- System Implementation Board, and ISAC, higher child support claims and rollment in educational and vocational Illinois’ Evidence-Based Practices public assistance recoveries at DHFS, programs was 10,334 (nonduplicated). Initiative. (20 ILCS 3930/7; Mar. and increased loan activity at the Illi- Ratio of security staff to inmates was 2007, 45 pp.) nois Housing Development Authority. 0.184. A majority of inmates (65%) Net receivables (estimated collectible were double-celled, with approximate- Deaf and Hard of Hearing receivables) were $2 billion, up $340 ly 38 square feet of living area each. Commission million (20%) from 2005. Child Five capital projects are being currently Annual report, FY 2006 support claims are the largest category funded: (1) minimum-security work Projects sponsored by the Commission of collectible receivables (43%); other camp at Thomson (200 beds, occu- include distributing 600 manuals to categories include taxes (14%), public pancy expected in winter 2007); (2) parents, operating a lending library, assistance recoveries (11%), current maximum-security correctional center co-sponsoring the Fingerspelling Bee, loan and note repayments (5%), and at Thomson (1,600 beds, occupancy providing guidance to the Abraham contributions (2%). About 25% are date unknown); (3) male medium- Lincoln Presidential Library and classified as “other receivables,” security correctional center at Sheridan Museum in improving communication which include licenses and fees, (200 beds, occupancy expected in fall access, and co-sponsoring an Annual federal government reimbursements, 2007); (4) male medium-security cor- Deaf Awareness Day in Chicago. university activities, etc. Receivables rectional center at Pinckneyville (217 Commission hosted its first conference listed by agency and age. (30 ILCS beds, occupancy expected in fall 2007); in 2006. Appropriation for FY 2006 210/4 (d); Mar. 2007, 28 pp.) and (5) male minimum-security impact was $627,000, of which $526,804 was incarceration program at Dixon Springs spent. (20 ILCS 3932/25; Jan. 2007, Corrections, Dept. of 19 pp.) Quarterly report to the legislature, (25 beds, full occupancy expected in January 1, 2007 fall 2007). (730 ILCS 5/3-5.31; Apr. Education, State Board of As of November 30, 2006, there were 2007, 8 pp.) Annual statistical report, 2005 45,484 inmates in all adult facilities, Criminal Justice Information Statistics for the 2004-2005 school 3% lower than the 46,893 projected Authority year on pupils, staff, facilities, finance, by FY 2005 data. By December 2007, Annual report, FY 2006 and programs. Specific areas include the total adult population is expected In FY 2006 the Authority administered the following: enrollment by race, to rise to 46,270. The total population federal grants under Anti-Drug Abuse sex, grade, and geographical boundar- in adult transition centers was 1,323 Act ($20.3 million); Victims of Crime ies; number of graduates and high (3.3% over the total capacity of Act ($16.3 million); Justice Assistance school dropouts; student distribution 1,280); 10,225 inmates (22.5%) Grants Program ($8.5 million); Violent and attendance among elementary were participating in educational and Offender Incarceration and Truth- and secondary schools; enrollment vocational programs. The ratio of in-Sentencing Grant Program ($5.5 for bilingual and special education security staff to inmates was 0.184. million); Violence Against Women Act services; school district receipts and A majority of inmates (66%) were ($4.3 million); Juvenile Accountability expenditures; number of personnel; double-celled, with an average 37 Block Grants Program ($3.8 million); teacher certificates issued; bond and square feet of living area per inmate. Residential Substance Abuse Treat- tax referenda; transportation expenses; Current capital projects are minimum- ment Program ($1.8 million); Na- teacher orders; tax rates; and state security work camp at Thomson; tional Criminal History Improvement aid claims. (105 ILCS 5/2-3.11; maximum-security correctional center Program ($1.05 million); Project Safe Oct. 2006, 354 pp., 29 tables and 2 at Thomson; and male medium- Neighborhoods ($784,271); National appendices) security correctional center at Forensic Sciences Improvement Act Sheridan. (730 ILCS 5/3-5-3.1; Jan. ($274,889); Rural Domestic Violence (continued on p. 6) 2007, 15 pp.)

Legislative Research Unit / 5 Abstracts of Reports All” funding; class size; capital needs Cumulative report on waivers and Required to be Filed assessment; and school breakfast modifications, 1995-2006 incentives. (105 ILCS 5/2-3.87; Jan. Summary chart classifies 4,001 ap- With General Assembly 2007, 6 pp.) proved waivers and modifications into (continued from p. 5) seven general categories for school Charter schools annual report, Annual report, 2006 districts: accountability (18); calendar 2005-2006 Illinois public school districts de- or instructional time (2,603); course Illinois had 29 charter schools in creased from 879 in 2005 to 873 in offerings (773); employment issues 2005-2006, serving nearly 17,000 2006, and public school enrollment (228); fiscal issues (228); governance students. Twenty-six of the schools rose from 2.09 million in 2005 to (10); and health and safety (47). To serve primarily low-income students, 2.1 million in 2006. In 2006, the date, waivers or modifications were ranging from 54%-91% of the student chronic truancy rate was 2.2%; approved for 907 school districts population. Seven schools did not dropout rate, 3.5%; average teacher (104%); 37 special education coopera- make adequate yearly progress (AYP). salary, $56,640; average administrator tives (38.2%); 44 regional education Fifteen schools made AYP while the salary, $100,431; statewide operating offices (53.3%); and 8 vocational districts they were in did not. Six expenditure per pupil, $9,099 (2005); centers (28%). Recommendations schools were identified by the state elementary pupil-teacher ratio, 19.1:1; include authorizing local control for for “academic watch” and three for secondary pupil-teacher ratio, 18.9:1; legally mandated school holidays; “academic early warning.” Suggested and average teaching experience, allowing school districts more flexible statutory changes include providing 13.0 years. Total funding for Illinois use of parent-teacher conference days; state grants to all schools, providing schools for 2004-2005 was $20.6 bil- and increasing the driver’s education facilities financing, and allocating lion ($11.45 billion local, $6.96 billion fee from $50 to $250 per student. (105 operating funds beyond per-capita as- state, and $2.21 billion federal). (105 ILCS 5/2-3.25g; Feb. 2007, 20 pp.) sistance from the authorizing district. ILCS 5/1A-4(e); Jan. 2007, 59 pp.) (105 ILCS 5/27A-12; Mar. 2007, 29 Education mandates annual report, Capital needs assessment survey, 2006 pp.) 2006 School districts responding to the Eleven laws enacted in 2006 im- Class size survey, 2006-07 survey (450 of 873) reported $8.2 posed 15 mandates on schools. Each Survey to determine state assistance billion in needs for new schools, mandate is estimated to impose no needed to reduce class sizes to building additions, and general repairs. additional cost to school districts. In maximum 20 students in kindergarten Consolidation is being considered by general, these mandates require: al- through grade three. Of 772 districts 45 school districts. Districts are using lowing students’ self-administration surveyed, 619 (with 18,058 class- 724 temporary classrooms to ease of epinephrine auto-injectors; FFA rooms) reported class sizes exceeding overcrowding and 1,637 new class- (Future Farmers of America) approval 20 students in those grades. Total rooms are needed for pre-kindergarten of agriculture programs; peer review of students beyond 20 per classroom and kindergarten classes. Of the revised improvement plans; testimony were 78,550. To achieve goal, 5,409 districts that responded, 98 (21%) for public hearings on proposed waiv- additional classrooms would be stated they would need to exceed their ers or modifications during a regular needed at a cost of $2.694 billion for general obligation debt limit to finance board meeting to be separate from additional physical classroom space, construction over the next two years. public comment on other matters; pub- $308 million for personnel, and $85 Overall, districts need $5.2 billion lic availability of statements of affairs; million for equipment, books, sup- to upgrade 13,100 buildings, with claims for transportation reimburse- plies, etc., totalling $3.087 billion. (H. over $2.9 billion of this need to meet ment to be made by Aug. 15; school Res. 1148 (2006); Dec. 2006, 5 pp.) current health, life, and safety require- board responsibility for superinten- ments. (105 ILCS 230/5-60; Dec. Complaints against private businesses dent’s employment; quarterly reporting 2006, 5 pp.) and vocational schools, 2006 of attendance rolls to Secretary of Gives the name, address, and date(s) State; additional subjects in consumer Catalogue of reports, 2006 of visitation by the State Board of education courses; educating students The Board filed 21 reports with the Education for each institution; a sum- on Abandoned Newborn Infant Protec- General Assembly in calendar year mary of complaints; and the status of tion Act; notifying parents about the 2006. Reports include 2005 annual investigations. The Board resolved Statewide Sex Offender Database; report and annual statistical report, 4 complaints and had 12 cases still checking new hires against the Child plus reports on educator supply and open. (105 ILCS 425/14.2; Jan. 2007, Murderer and Violent Offender Against demand (preliminary); mandates and 39 pp.) Youth Database; creating ‘survey of mandate waivers; “Preschool For

6 / Legislative Research Unit progress’ form for New Principal Men- [Round Lake Area School District] Waivers of school code mandates, toring Program; creating evaluation School Finance Authority annual spring 2007 plan for principals; and quorum at both report, 2007 Summary chart classifies 277 requests open and closed meetings. (105 ILCS Round Lake Area School District 116 for waivers into 12 categories and 5/2-3.104; Feb. 2007, 4 pp.) comprises five villages and uses 8 lists their status: Content of Evalua- buildings for K-12 students. Long- tion Plans (4 transmitted to GA); Debt Educator supply and demand, 2006 term debt has increased 19% since Limitation (1 transmitted); Driver Illinois had 127,130 full-time teachers, 2001, from $88.1 million to $104.9 Education (13 transmitted); Kinder- 3,608 principals, and 841 superin- million. Short-term debt of $14.5 garten (1 transmitted); Legal School tendents in 2006. The total full-time million in 2001 has been paid off. In Holidays (198 approved, 5 withdrawn teacher workforce decreased 1.0% in 2006, $17 million in building bonds or returned); Limitation of Administra- 2005-2006. New teaching certificates were approved to build a new middle tive Costs (11 transmitted); Nonresi- rose from 19,411 to 20,945, a 7.9% school, repair a high school, and dent Tuition (4 transmitted); Parent- increase in the last year. Total Illinois install HVAC systems to elementary Teacher Conferences (12 transmitted, public school enrollment for school schools. Operating levy for 2005 to- 1 withdrawn or returned); Physical year 2006 was 2,033,609, up 10,014 taled $19.6 million, providing $3,063 Education (18 transmitted, 1 withdrawn students (0.4%) over 2005. High per pupil. (105 ILCS 5/1E-130; or returned); Prairie State Achievement school enrollment is projected to March 2007, 200 pp.) Examination (1 withdrawn or returned); increase less than 1% a year, peaking School Improvement/In-service Train- at nearly 645,000 in 2009; elementary School breakfast incentives report, ing (5 transmitted); Substitute Teachers enrollment peaked in 2003 and is 2006 (2 transmitted). Section I describes the expected to continue decreasing nearly The report lists the schools, total en- 71 requests transmitted to the General 9,000 students a year. As of October rollment, and number of children eli- Assembly. Section II describes the 1, 2005, Illinois school districts had gible for free, reduced-price, and paid 198 legal school holiday requests ap- 1,540 unfilled positions, with 56% breakfast and lunches. During the proved by the State Superintendent of in Chicago, 24% in Cook County 2005-2006 school year, 136 schools Education. Section III describes the 8 and collar counties, and 20% in the started a school breakfast program, requests withdrawn or returned. Sec- rest of the state (downstate unfilled of which 60 used the $3,500 startup tion IV shows all the requests submit- positions have increased 62% since grants for that year. In addition, 467 ted, organized by Senate and House 2004). Districts ranked special educa- schools received an additional 10¢ per districts. (105 ILCS 5/2-3.25g; March tion, mathematics, and Spanish as the meal as increased participation incen- 2007, 75 pp. + executive summary) subjects most in need of staffers. (105 tive; 35 schools dropped the national ILCS 5/2-3.11c; March 2007, 21 pp.) breakfast and/or lunch program; and Educational Labor Relations Board Annual report, FY 2006 Re-enrolling dropouts task force, 24 schools participated in the USDA Provision 2 or Provision 3 programs. Board handled 118 representation cases interim report 2007 in FY 2006, was involved through Task Force held public hearings in (105 ILCS 125/4; March 2007, 116 pp.) mediation in the settlement of 5 strikes, Aurora, Carterville, Edwardsville, For- and considered 346 unfair-labor-prac- est Park, and Springfield. Over 27,000 Strategic plan progress report, 2007 tice cases. Lists biographical details Illinois high school students dropped Strategic plan focuses on early on current board members and selected out in 2005. High school dropouts had childhood education, higher educa- agency personnel. Summarizes major a 13% higher unemployment rate than tion preparation, teacher support Board decisions and court rulings. graduates and, on average, earn $9,245 and recruitment, and increased use Board’s FY 2006 budget was $1.4 less annually than graduates. Initial of technology. Accomplishments million. (115 ILCS 5/5(j); Feb. 2007, recommendations include developing include creation of Spanish language 21 pp.) multiple re-enrollment programs, rec- arts standards; training for parents, onciling performance outcomes with teachers, and administrators on work- Employment Security Advisory federal No Child Left Behind require- ing with young children; working to Board ments, improving data collection, and expand Advanced Placement courses; Report, 2007 developing and financing a statewide funding teacher and principal mentor- Board held two public hearings in system to encourage re-enrollment. A ing programs; and beginning work on March 2007 to discuss the state’s final report is due January 2008. (2006 databases to centralize administrative progress in restoring the Unemploy- H.J.R. 87; Jan. 2007, 11 pp.) data and improve grant tracking. (105 ment Trust Fund (UTF) to solvency. ILCS 5/2-3.47a(b); June 2007, 18 pp.) At the end of 2006, UTF had a balance (continued on p. 8)

Legislative Research Unit / 7 Abstracts of Reports obligation bond authorization for for undergraduates and 82.7% was Required to be Filed new projects is $16.9 billion. Debt for graduates; 91% was discretion- service from general obligation bonds ary (such as graduate teaching and With General Assembly is expected to cost $1.213 billion, research assistantships). (110 ILCS (continued from p. 7) up $33 million (2.8%). Including 205/9.29; Dec. 2006, 8 pp. + 2 of $1.265 billion with benefit pay- pension obligation bonds, debt service appendices) ments lower than expected and federal is expected to cost $1.759 billion, penalty taxes avoided from 2004 up $83 million (5.0%). Describes Housing Development Authority through 2006. Includes testimony capital projects of agencies recom- Housing plan, 2007 from Department of Employment Se- mended for new appropriations. (25 State must coordinate resources to curity legal counsel and chief financial ILCS 155/3(8); Apr. 2007, 33 pp. + 2 address special needs; preserve, plan, officer. Also includes testimony from appendices) and target development; and develop representatives of Illinois Chamber sustainable home ownership. For FY of Commerce, Illinois AFL-CIO, and Liabilities of State Employees’ Group 2007, $402 million in federal, state, Center for Tax and Budget Account- Insurance Program, FY 2008 and private funds was targeted for ability. (820 ILCS 405/1511.1; April Commission projects program will multi-family developments to provide 2007, 67 pp. + appendix) cost $1.984 billion, Department of 1,770 units for low-income households Healthcare and Family Services and families; 1,060 for low-income Government Forecasting and Ac- projects $1.957 billion. In FY 2008, seniors; 530 for the disabled; and 175 countability, Commission on a projected 346,332 participants will for the homeless. Nearly $249 million Illinois’ Certificate of Need (CON) cost an average of $5,651 each, up was targeted for single-family devel- Program 7.5% from FY 2007. The state’s opments to assist 2,730 low-income Recommends: (1) extending CON managed care plans (HMO and OAP) households and families; 620 disabled program 3 years with a review of cause 54.8% of total costs; the Quality persons; and 495 low-income seniors. CON effect on safety-net provid- Health Care Plan 31.7%; and dental (30 ILCS 345/7.5 & 310 ILCS 110/15; ers; (2) evaluating non-CON-related care, life insurance, vision care, and undated, rec’d Jan. 2007, 55 pp.) support for safety-net providers; (3) other miscellaneous charges 13.5%. adding a blueprint for health facili- The payment cycle for both preferred Human Rights, Dept. of & Human ties development in Health Facilities and non-preferred providers is 28 Services, Dept. of Planning Board’s charter; (4) increas- days. (25 ILCS 155/4(b)(2); Mar. Interagency Committee on Employees ing size of the Board and recruiting 2007, 21 pp. + 4 appendices) with Disabilities annual report, FY people with direct expertise in acute 2006 and long-term care; (5) providing Higher Education, Board of The Interagency Committee on compensation to Board members; and Annual report, FY 2006 Employees with Disabilities (ICED) (6) focusing Board’s workload on new In fall 2005, over 805,764 students promotes a nondiscriminatory en- hospitals or nursing facilities, major were in 181 public and private col- vironment in state government for expansions, volume-sensitive service leges and universities, up 0.5% over employees with disabilities. Of all offerings, and closure of inner city 2004. The Board received $2.2 billion state employees, 2,734 (5.19%) are hospital components. (2006 H. Res. for FY 2007, up $26.6 million (1.2%) disabled, an increase of 173 employ- 1497; Feb. 2007, 34 pp. + appendices) over FY 2006 appropriations. Board ees since FY 2005 but below 10.8% approved 211 applications for new goal. Committee recommends: (1) Legislative capital plan analysis, programs in FY 2006. Financial aid to designating permanent full-time FY 2008 students in FY 2005 totaled $5.3 bil- executive director and support staff Governor’s capital budget proposal lion (federal, $1.34 billion; state, $859 to ICED; (2) increasing funding to for FY 2008 included $4.5 billion in million; institutional aid, $1.32 billion; address underutilization hiring issues; new appropriations and $8.1 billion and other, $1.81 billion). (110 ILCS and (3) increasing agencies’ recruit- in reappropriations. Proposed new 205/9.04; Oct. 2006, 41 pp. + figures) ment efforts. (20 ILCS 415/19a; Mar. appropriations were from various 2007, 8 pp.) revenue funds ($2.269 billion), bond Public university tuition and fee funds ($2.082 billion), and federal waivers, FY 2006 Human Services, Dept. of or trust funds ($160.5 million). New Public universities issued 43,705 Autism Task Force report, 2006 appropriations were proposed for the waivers worth $283.4 million (com- Discusses implementing a service following purposes: capital develop- pared to 44,684 worth $257.7 million system for persons affected by Autism ment, $775.7 million; and school in FY 2005). Of that, 17.3% was Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Priori- construction, $560 million. General ties include applying for a Children’s

8 / Legislative Research Unit Waiver; funding community integra- those, 58.9% were in English as a Act replaces Uniform Act of 1969 tion; requiring insurance to cover ASD; second language classes; 22.6% in and authorizes filing a certificate of examining feasibility of extending adult basic education; 13.7% in GED registration to create a limited liabil- Early Intervention through age 5; classes; 2.4% in vocational training; ity company; (5) Uniform Power of improving interagency work on transi- and 2.1% in high school credit. In Attorney Act replaces Uniform Act tion from school to adult services; all, 18,693 students were employed of 1969 and provides a form power supporting evidence-based practices; in the first quarter following their of attorney that must be accepted by and establishing an Autism Information program exit, and 83% of those were any third party; (6) Uniform Prudent Clearinghouse. (20 ILCS 1705/57; still employed in the third quarter. Management of Institutional Funds Dec. 2006, 12 pp.) The Internet-based GED Illinois Act adds charitable institutions to Act, Online system had 3,500 participating no matter how they are organized, Child care, FY 2006 students. There are currently 101 pro- which was not included in earlier In FY 2006 the Department spent viders, primarily community colleges Uniform Act; (7) Model Registered $674.2 million on employment- (39); public schools/regional offices Agents Act allows a state to use the related child care programs and served of education (30); and community- same rules when registering agents for 299,478 children; $616.2 million based organizations (30). (105 ILCS partnerships, limited liability compa- went to subsidized child care. Aver- 405/2-4; Feb. 2007, 3 pp.) nies, and corporations; (8) Uniform age monthly payment per full-time Representation of Children in Abuse, child was $328 (including subsidy Biennial report, 2005-2006 Neglect, and Custody Proceedings & co-pay). To qualify (but not be Illinois Community College Board Act attempts to answer the question guaranteed service) a family had to oversees 48 public community col- of who represents a child in custody earn less than 50% of the state median leges in 39 districts. In FY 2005, or support proceedings. (25 ILCS income. In FY 2006 the maximum 36,020 students earned career and 135/5.07; Dec. 2006, 17 pp.) income level for a family of four was technical degree certificates. In FY $36,192. The average family size for 2006, 14,737 students earned bac- Insurance, Dept. of child care assistance participants is 3.3. calaureate/transfer degrees. A task Insurance cost containment report, Participants are primarily single-parent force developed a model Associate in 2006 families (96.6%) and at or below the Applied Science degree to help the Direct written premiums (premiums federal poverty threshold (54.6%). (20 state meet employment requirements charged to policyholders) totaled ILCS 505/5.15; Apr. 2007, 41 pp.) under No Child Left Behind. During $20.8 billion in 2005, 4.2% of total the 2005-2006 program years, $3.5 written premiums nationwide. Direct Homeless Prevention Program, FY million in state funds was dedicated pure loss ratio (losses divided by 2006 to expand student access to higher direct earned premium) declined to In FY 2006, Program received $3.04 education through programs such as 56.5% (62.1% in 2004). The HHI, a million from State General Revenue dual credit. (110 ILCS 805/2-10; Feb. measure of market concentration and Fund and $1.99 million in federal 2007, 16 pp.) market share, indicates that the market TANF funds. Funds were divided for medical malpractice insurance is among 21 continua of care centers. Illinois Delegation to the National highly concentrated (4471 HHI); HHI Program served 8,984 households, of Conference of Commissioners on above 1800 indicates that the market which 71% were families with chil- Uniform State Laws could be approaching anti-competitive dren. An average of 428 households Report, 2006 behavior. HHI’s for other insurance per center received benefits, averag- NCCUSL proposed eight new laws lines (homeowners, private passenger ing $561 per household. Eighty-six and modifications in 2006: (1) automobile, commercial auto liability, percent of all participants remained Uniform Anatomical Gift Act re- and other liability) were below 1800. housed at least 6 months after FY vises organ donation acts of 1968 and (215 ILCS 5/1202(d); July 2006, 36 2006; approximately 75% of those 1987; (2) Uniform Child Abduction pp. + appendices) were families. (310 ILCS 70/13; April Prevention Act authorizes courts to 2007, 39 pp.+ graphs) consider probability of child abduction Joint Committee on Administrative in child custody cases; (3) Uniform Rules Illinois Community College Board Emergency Volunteer Health Practi- Annual report, 2006 Adult education and family literacy, FY tioners Act authorizes recognition of In 2006, JCAR considered 370 2006 another state’s licenses for healthcare general rulemakings, 65 emergency Adult education programs served practitioners who volunteer to provide rulemakings, and 37 peremptory and 132,266 students in FY 2006. Of assistance in emergency situations; (4) exempt rulemakings. JCAR actions Uniform Limited Liability Company (continued on p. 10)

Legislative Research Unit / 9 Abstracts of Reports and 2 strike investigations, and issued made from 2000 to 2005, the Board de- Required to be Filed 1 declaratory ruling. Contains an cided 29,676 commercial and industrial overview of the Board’s function and cases (4,781 of which requested more With General Assembly major case summaries. The Board’s than $100,000 in assessed value reduc- (continued from p. 9) budget for FY 2006 was $1.9 million tion). The resulting change in assessed on general rulemakings included 23 (5 ILCS 315/5(e); undated, rec’d Feb. value was $1.09 billion ($849.1 million objections, 18 recommendations, and 2007, 45 pp.) in total change based on stipulations 5 prohibitions; actions on emergency and $247.8 million based on Board Law Enforcement Training and rulemakings included 10 objections decisions excluding stipulations). The Standards Board and 4 recommendations; there was 1 Board also closed 6,331 residential ap- Mobile Team Training Units annual objection on a peremptory rulemaking. peals in calendar year 2006. (35 ILCS report, FY 2006 Summarizes some rulemakings and 200/16-190(b); Jan. 2007, 13 pp.) The 16 units trained 53,380 police related court decisions, lists rulemak- officers and criminal justice profes- Public Safety Shared Services Center ings and JCAR action by agency, and sionals at an average cost of $145.49. Summary of results of Executive Order lists historical data on rulemakings Total expenditures of $7.76 million 06-6 (2006) since 1978. (5 ILCS 100/5-140; Feb. came from federal, state, and local Executive Order reorganized human 2007, 98 pp.) funds. The units offered 85 manda- resources and fiscal offices within -De Joint Task Force on Rural Health tory firearm courses to 580 officers. partment of Corrections, Department of and Medically Underserved Areas A 10-year review of mobile team unit Juvenile Justice, State Police, Emer- Final report, 2006 operations is provided. (50 ILCS gency Management Agency, State Fire Task force has 5 priority recommenda- 760/6; Jan. 2007, 12 pp.) Marshal, Criminal Justice Information tions: (1) resolve Medicaid provider Authority, Police Merit Board, Law Medical District at Springfield payment issues; (2) increase funding Enforcement Training and Standards Commission for programs and services authorized Board, and Prisoner Review Board. Biennial report, 2005-2006 by the Rural/Downstate Health Act; (3) The Center has held planning meetings Commission accomplishments include increase basic grants for local public and set a timeline for reorganization completing a master plan that was health departments; (4) increase tele- with plans to transition approximately approved by the Springfield City medicine capabilities; and (5) increase 144 employees. Recommends regula- Council; establishing a marketing plan access to specialty and sub-specialty tion change to allow electronic ap- to be implemented when funding is care through a combination of more proval and submittal of vouchers. (15 available; collaborating on a Medical prompt payment, adjusted Medicaid ILCS 15/11; May 2007, 2 pp.) District Expo; meeting with private reimbursement, and incentives to spe- and public groups to plan for real Redeploy Illinois cialty providers. (2005 H.J. Res. 5 and estate needs; maintaining a Web site; Annual report, FY 2007 2006 H.J. Res. 83; Jan. 2007, 38 pp.) giving presentations to increase public Redeploy Illinois pilot program, Juvenile Justice, Dept. of awareness; and obtaining a grant to created in 2004, gives financing to Quarterly report on adult and juvenile analyze the transportation infrastruc- counties to provide services to delin- facilities, January 2007 ture within the District. Commission quent youths at risk of being sent to There were 1,468 youth in all juve- received $308,468 in funding and Department of Corrections. In 2005, nile institutions in November 2006, spent $307,219. (70 ILCS 915/2; Feb. four pilot programs began to reduce which is below the rated capacity of 2007, 4 pp. + 3 addendums) juvenile commitments by at least 25%. 1,754. There were 1,310 juveniles in In the first two years of implementa- Property Tax Appeal Board educational and vocational programs. tion, the Redeploy Illinois pilot sites, Annual report, 2006 Juveniles in single cells are 48% of on average, reduced commitments to Board hears property tax assessment the population; double cells, 46%; and the Illinois Department of Juvenile appeals for residential, commercial, multi-cells, 6%. (730 ILCS 5/3-5-3.1; Justice by 44% (226 youth), saving industrial, and farm property and de- Jan. 2007, 10 pp.) $7.97 million. (730 ILCS 110/16.1(g) cides on assessment. Lists by county (1)(ii)(F); May 2007, 11 pp.) Labor Relations Board total reduction request of at least Annual report, 2006 $100,000, total cases decided, and to- School Wellness Policy Task Force In FY 2006 the Board handled 338 tal change in assessed value from 2000 School nutrition standards recommen- unfair labor practice charges, 298 rep- through 2005 (industrial and commer- dations, Jan. 2007 resentation cases, 288 mediation/arbi- cial appeals only). On assessments Task Force recommends that, at a tration cases, 14 grievance arbitration,

10 / Legislative Research Unit minimum, Illinois should ensure that received 300 items, allowing over 45 are emerging or minority- or women- (a) all food and beverages available departments to receive needed equip- owned (EMW) firms. Of the $14.2 during the school day are consistent ment. (50 ILCS 740/13; Feb. 2007, 23 billion in SURS’ actively managed with the recommendations of the pp. + fact sheet requested by LRU) program, EMW firms managed $1.91 Dietary Guidelines for Americans; billion (13.4%)—a 36% increase from and (b) food and beverages available State Employees’ Retirement the $1.40 billion managed in 2005. to students through school-sponsored System Explains SURS’ method of selecting events, classroom parties, classroom Social Security biennial report, 2006 investment managers and includes snacks, and rewards meet the dis- At 2006 yearend, 4,571 local govern- affirmative action reports of emerg- trict’s nutrition standards as stated in ments extended Social Security to ing businesses and others providing its local wellness policy. The Task employees; 3,181 (70%) of them investment services to SURS. (40 Force suggests that these standards were also under the Illinois Municipal ILCS 5/1-109.1; Aug. 2006, 14 pp. + be implemented by each local educa- Retirement Fund. Chicago and Cook appendices) tion agency by July 1, 2009. These County are under other retirement recommendations, if adopted, should systems, and are not in Social Secu- Task Force on Growth Models also be reviewed at least every 2 rity. (40 ILCS 5/21-120; rec’d April Annual report, 2006 years by a nutrition standards work 2007, 10 pp.) Task Force was created to study group convened by the State Board of growth models used to evaluate State Employees Suggestion Award adequate yearly progress (AYP) of Education. (105 ILCS 5/2-3.137; Jan. Board 2007, 10 pp.) special needs students under the No Annual report, 2006 Child Left Behind Act. Task force met Social Security Number Protection Certificate of Merit sent to one 5 times (including one subcommittee Task Force employee for suggestion to install meeting) and determined: (1) Illinois Report, 2006 weather stripping on the entrance door is not eligible to participate in the The task force recommends that: (1) of an unspecified building. The Com- 2007 pilot of the federal AYP program state and local governments imple- mittee voted to remove Social Security due to the lateness of scores and peer ment Social Security Number (SSN) numbers from suggestion forms. (20 review results; (2) Illinois must follow policies that include employee train- ILCS 405/405-130(b); July 2007, 2 federal requirements to participate ing; (2) laws that apply to the business pp.) in the pilot; (3) growth pilots are not community, when possible, should State Police, Dept. of intended to replace AYP goals for also apply to all governmental entities; Use of eavesdropping devices, 2006 100% of students to achieve profi- and (3) a Unique Identification System Reports from 62 counties on 792 ciency in 2014; (4) high schools are should be explored to move from applications (708 original + 84 difficult to measure with the current SSNs as a method of identification. extensions) for eavesdropping with system due to one data point; and (5) (20 ILCS 4040/10(c); June 2006, 8 the consent of one party. Types sufficient test data are not yet avail- pp.) of crimes investigated were: 76% able for building growth models. The members also made recommendations State Fire Marshal drug-related, 8% sex-related, 7% not reported, 4% other, 3% theft-related, in the areas of growth model develop- Annual report, 2006 ment, research, support to schools Illinois fire-related deaths were 124. and 2% murder-related. Eavesdrop- ping brought 1,395 arrests with 288 and districts, and alternative schools. There were 1,501 arson investigations (S.J.R. 87 (2006); Jan. 2007, 14 pp.) with 365 canine assists, which led to convictions, 138 arrests pending, and 168 arrests. The Office performed 309 trials pending. Table gives basic Tollway Authority 45,583 boiler and pressure vessel facts on each order, including county, Annual report, 2006 inspections and 15,118 fire prevention requesting agency, and type of crime Toll revenues in 2006 were $582 inspections; and inspected 2,703 self- suspected. (725 ILCS 5/108A-11(c); million, and operating expenses were service petroleum facilities, issuing April 2007) $214 million. Open Road Tolling was 1,296 notices of violation. The Office State Universities Retirement completed with the elimination of 20 administered 12,086 examinations and System barrier toll plazas. The I-355 South issued approximately 9,926 firefighter Minority- or female-owned investment Extension connecting I-55 to I-80 is certifications. The first phase of the managers, 2006 scheduled to be completed by the end fire truck revolving loan program be- As of June 30, 2006, 21 of SURS’ 36 of 2007. The first phase of construc- gan in 2006, with 63 fire departments investment management firms (58.3%) tion on the South Tri-State Tollway receiving 0% interest loans. The (continued on p. 12) Fire Equipment Exchange Program

Legislative Research Unit / 11 Abstracts of Reports Transportation, Dept. of and 50% distributed based on DHS’s Required to be Filed Diesel emissions annual report, poverty count; a $3 million increase FY 2007 in state funding; and modifying the With General Assembly Department of Transportation diesel grant Request for Proposal to prevent (continued from p. 11) emission testing program operates in overlapping services and to provide (I-294) was completed; repair, rebuild- 9 counties and 3 townships with 55 statistical data for evaluators. Recom- ing, and widening of it and the Reagan public and 41 private testing stations. mends reconvening in one year for Memorial Tollway are planned. The Department tested 8,455 vehicles, further review. (H. Res. 905 (2006), Motorist’s Assistance Program helped passing 7,803 and failing 145. Twen- Dec. 2006, 3 pp.) 35,526 Tollway drivers, and the Photo ty-one vehicles failed inspection more Speed Enforcement Van Program was than once. (625 ILCS 5/13-102.1; Women’s Alcohol and Substance launched to enforce construction speed June 2007, 1 p.) Abuse Treatment, Subcommittee on zones. (605 ILCS 10/23(e); June Specialized alcohol & drug treatment 2007, 16 pp.) Truants’ Alternative and Optional services for women, 2006 Education Program (TAOEP) Task Subcommittee was created to advise Force Division of Alcoholism and Substance Findings and recommendations, 2006 Abuse (DASA) and Advisory Council Task Force was created to recom- on Alcoholism and Other Drug De- mend best use of state grants for pendence. The Subcommittee recom- truants and potential dropouts from mends gender-specific certification for kindergarten through age 21. Rec- substance abuse counselors. Areas to ommendations include: a funding be addressed in the next three year plan A publication of the Legislative Research Unit formula with a $30,000 base for each are: (1) training; (2) child care and Patrick D. O'Grady education region, with 50% of funds child welfare; (3) adolescent female Executive Director distributed based on chronic truancy services; and (4) female criminal jus- and dropout rates as reported by ISBE tice services. (20 ILCS 301/10-10(e); David R. Miller Dec. 2006, 37 pp.) Editor

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12 / Legislative Research Unit