House Sponsors: HOWARD-MADIGAN,MJ-DAVIS,MONIQUE-SCULLY-FOWLER, SILVA, BLACK, TENHOUSE, BOST, MORROW, GILES, COULSON, BOLAND, SCOTT, SLONE, DAVIS,STEVE, NOVAK, FLOWERS, MCGUIRE, KENNER, HAMOS, CROTTY, GRANBERG AND SHARP. Senate Sponsors: DILLARD Short description: ELIMINATE DIGITAL DIVIDE ACT Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Creates the Eliminate the Digital Divide Act. Contains a statement of legislative findings and purposes. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.131 new 105 ILCS 5/2-3.132 new 110 ILCS 805/2-20 new 110 ILCS 947/35.5 new Deletes everything. Creates the Eliminate the Digital Divide Act. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs shall administer the Digital Divide Bridge Grant Program under which the Department shall make grants to community-based organizations for the purchase of telecommunications services, other special services, computer equipment, software, and maintenance for computer equipment and software, where the purchases are directly related to educational and workforce preparation programs. Provides that the Department establish and administer the Statewide Community Technology Center Network to assist in local and regional planning. Provides that the Department shall administer the Community Technology Center Grant Program under which the Department shall make grants for planning, establishment, administration, and expansion of Community Technology Centers. Provides that the purposes of the grants shall include, but not be limited to, volunteer recruitment and management, infrastructure, and related goods and services for Community Technology Centers. Contains provisions regarding grant eligibility, qualifications, limitations, applications, matching funds, administration, and other matters. Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to create a program to refurbish and upgrade donated computers as high quality computers for use by children in schools, park district programs, and community centers. Provides that the State Board of Education shall create and administer an e-training/technology program to train elementary and high school teachers in specified school districts using 2 courses, Introduction to Computers and Introduction to the Internet. Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that the Illinois Community College Board shall create and administer a pilot program in 3 community colleges under which an introductory course in computers and the Internet shall be offered and students who complete the course shall be eligible to purchase computer hardware and software at a discounted, affordable price. Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to award grants to Monetary Award Program grant recipients under a program to increase the availability of computers to financially needy students through State assistance. Repeals the provisions amending the Higher Education Student Assistance Act on July 1, 2002. Effective immediately. FISCAL NOTE, H-AM 1 (State Board of Education) In the Computers for Children Program, up to $1,000,000 in grants is authorized for computer equipment, software, sup- plies, and storage and would also cover equipment transporta- tion costs. SBE would need an additional $100,000 for program administration costs. In the E-Training/Technology Program, up to $1,000,000 is authorized for E-Training for elementary and secondary teachers, to be administered through grants. Here also, SBE would need an additional $100,000 for program admin- istration costs. In the Pilot Program in three community colleges, up to $500,000 is authorized, of which, $400,000 is to be distributed through grants. SBE would use $100,000 for the administration of the Pilot Program. STATE MANDATES NOTE, H-AM 1 (State Board of Education) Same as SBE fiscal note, H-am 1. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: 01-01-09 Location: House Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 1 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status