LUECHTEFELD. 40 ILCS 5/16-153.5 new 30 ILCS 805/8.26 new Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Directs the System to conduct a divided medicare coverage referendum, open to teachers continuously employed by the same employer since March 31, 1986. Allows eligible teachers to irrevocably elect to participate in the federal medicare program. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately. NOV-19-2002 S FIRST READING NOV-19-2002 S REFERRED TO SENATE RULES COMMITTEE RULES JAN-07-2003 S SESSION SINE DIE END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Summary