Congratulates Cutter Kirgan, a seventh grader at Pleasant Hill Junior High School in Pleasant Hill, on his accomplishments at the 2024 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class 1A 7th Grade Boys State Track and Field Meet. Wishes him continued success in the future.

Mourns the passing of Page LeRoy Bellinger of Rock Island.

Congratulates the North Greene Junior High School 7th grade girls relay team, the Warriors, on their accomplishments at the 2024 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class 2A 7th Grade Girls State Track and Field Meet. Wishes them continued success in the future.

Congratulates the Peoria Rivermen hockey team on winning the 2023 - 2024 SPHL championship.

Commends Larry Simotes for his donation of land that enabled the creation of the Veterans Dog Park in Minooka. Thanks him for his many selfless contributions to the local community.

Creates the State Public Defender Act. Creates the Office of State Public Defender as an agency of State government. Provides that the Office of State Public Defender shall be an independent agency within the judicial branch of government and the Office's records shall be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that the Office of State Public Defender shall be under the supervision and direction of the State Public Defender. Sets forth the powers and duties of the State Public Defender, including the duties of the initial State Public Defender. Provides that the initial State Public Defender shall be appointed by the Supreme Court. Sets forth specified duties and responsibilities of the initial State Public Defender. Creates the State Public Defender Commission. Sets forth membership and duties of the Commission, including appointments of the State Public Defender after the initial appointment. Amends the Public Defender and Appointed Counsel Division of the Counties Code. Provides that any 2 or more counties of this State that are within the same judicial circuit may by joint resolution of the several county boards involved create a common Office of public defender for the counties so joined or allow representation in one county by the public defender appointed in the collaborating county (rather than 2 or more adjoining counties within the same judicial circuit may create a common Office of public defender). Provides that, when a vacancy occurs in the position of public defender, the State Public Defender shall nominate and the State Public Defender Commission shall appoint a properly qualified public defender using the application and selection process developed under the State Public Defender Act. Removes certain differences based upon county populations. Removes provisions relating to the Public Defender Quality Defense Task Force. Provides that a public defender may be removed only for good cause or dereliction of duty after notice and a hearing before the State Public Defender Commission (rather than by the president of the county board after a notice and hearing of the county board). Modifies how a public defender is compensated and how moneys in the Public Defender Fund may be used. Makes other changes. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes.

Amends the Downstate Police and Downstate Firefighter Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the annual employer contribution shall include an amount sufficient to bring the total assets of the pension fund up to 90% of the total actuarial liabilities of the pension fund by the end of municipal fiscal year 2050 (instead of 2040). Makes a conforming change. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Mourns the death of Judith A. "Judy" (Ahlquist) Mayer of Rock Island.

Recognizes West Chicago and Taufkirchen on their Sister City Partnership Day.

Congratulates the Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club (SCCC) on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Recognizes its members for their dedication to the arts and the community.

Congratulates the Immigrant Family Resource Program for its 25 years of service to our State's immigrant and refugee families in assisting them on their path to self-sufficiency and integration into our State's economy and community.

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, on and after January 1, 2025, the vendor discount under those Acts is 2.5%, not to exceed $500 per month in the aggregate. Amends the Prepaid Wireless 9-1-1 Surcharge Act. Provides that the vendor discount under the Act may not exceed $500 per month. Effective January 1, 2025.

Mourns the death of Thomas A. "Tom" Hernandez of Plainfield.

Congratulates Captain Clay Childers of the Metropolis Fire Department on the occasion of being awarded the 2024 Medal of Valor by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Commends him for his unwavering dedication to public service and for his outstanding contributions to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Illinois.

Endorses certain principles as the Mental Health Bill of Rights in an effort to reinforce Illinois' commitment to providing access to families seeking diagnosis and/or treatment of a mental or behavioral health concern.