SB2277 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 11337 NHT 21785 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
SB2277

Introduced 2/20/2009, by Sen. Dan Cronin

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/2-3.148 new

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to create a task force to study the impact of carrying and transporting student textbooks and textbook weight on the health of Illinois students within the kindergarten through grade 12 school environment and to make recommendations as to any alternatives that may exist or could be created to the standard textbook format. Sets forth what the task force must examine. Requires the task force to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before January 15, 2010. Abolishes the task force and repeals these provisions on January 16, 2010. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section 2-3.148 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.148 new)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 16, 2010)

Sec. 2-3.148. Textbook weight; task force.

(a) The State Board of Education shall create a task force to study the impact of carrying and transporting student textbooks and textbook weight on the health of Illinois students within the kindergarten through grade 12 school environment and to make recommendations as to any alternatives that may exist or could be created to the standard textbook format.

(b) The task force shall examine without limitation the following issues:

(1) the types, prevalence, and level of severity of injuries associated with the carrying or transportation of textbooks or multiple textbooks, including textbook weight; and

(2) the development of alternative textbook formats, including various digital formats, and any possible adaptation of existing standard print textbooks that would be beneficial to the health of Illinois pupils.

(c) The task force shall consist of 9 members as follows:

(1) one person appointed by the Chairperson of the State Board of Education, who shall serve as chairperson of the task force;

(2) one member appointed by the President of the Senate and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;

(3) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;

(4) one member appointed by the Director of Public Health;

(5) one member appointed by a statewide association representing parents and teachers;

(6) one member appointed by an association representing physicians; and

(7) one member appointed by the Governor who shall be a parent of a student currently enrolled in an Illinois public elementary or secondary school.

Members appointed by the legislative leaders shall be appointed for the duration of the task force. In the event of a vacancy, the appointment to fill the vacancy shall be made by the legislative leader of the same chamber and party as the person who made the original appointment.

(d) The task force may begin to conduct business upon the appointment of a majority of members.

(e) The State Board of Education shall be the agency responsible for providing staff and administrative support to the task force.

(f) Members of the task force shall receive no compensation for their participation, but may be reimbursed by the State Board of Education for expenses in connection with their participation, including travel, if funds are available.

(g) The task force shall submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before January 15, 2010. The task force may submit other reports as it deems appropriate.

(h) The task force is abolished on January 16, 2010. This Section is repealed on January 16, 2010.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.