96th
General Assembly
Legislative
Summaries
The full text of
each bill and resolution can be found at the Illinois General Assembly’s
website,
http://www.ilga.gov/
SENATE BILLS
ADULT SERVICES
SB0326: Amends the Older Adult Services Act.
In provisions concerning the development of a plan to restructure the State's
service delivery system for older adults, provides that the Department on Aging
and the Departments of Public Health and Healthcare and Family Services shall
develop the plan no later than September 30, 2010. Provides that the plan shall
protect the rights of all older Illinoisans to services based on their health
circumstances and functioning level, regardless of whether they receive their
care in their homes, in a community setting, or in a residential facility.
Provides that financing for older adult services shall take into account
individual preference but shall not jeopardize the health, safety, or level of
care of nursing home residents. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. William Delgado
Status: Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 4, 2009.
CIVIL
ADMINISTRATION
SB0040: Amends the Department of Central
Management Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of
Central Management Services, in cooperation with the Department of Human
Services, to develop and implement plans to increase the number of individuals
with a disability employed by State government and to submit an annual
report. Develop and implement an
education and outreach campaign designed to increase statewide awareness of
issues that affect individuals with a disability. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that a
chief procurement officer may, as part of any solicitation, encourage
prospective vendors to consider hiring qualified individuals with a disability
and to notify them of any available financial incentives or other advantages
associated with hiring such persons. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Susan
Garrett - Pamela J. Althoff
Status: Held in
State Government and Veterans Affairs on February 20, 2009.
CIVIL
PROCEDURE
SB0184: Amends the Code of Civil Procedure.
Provides that prejudgment interest must be awarded in an action at law or in
arbitration from the date the party from whom damages are sought is given
written notice of the claim for money damages or the action or arbitration is
filed, whichever is earlier, until the award or judgment is entered. Provides
that the notice must refer to the statute and be tendered by personal service by
the sheriff or a private process server; certified mail, return receipt
requested; or any documented method considered an accepted business practice.
The notice may be sent by the party seeking money damages or his or her
attorney to the party from whom money damages are sought, that party's
attorney, or that party's liability insurer. Provides that the monthly
prejudgment interest rate shall be calculated by the Comptroller and published
on his or her website each month. Provides that the monthly prejudgment
interest rate shall be calculated by adding 2% to the interest rate of the
one-year Treasury constant maturity stated in the last H15 report of the
previous month, published by the Federal Reserve System. Provides that a
defendant may avoid paying prejudgment interest by making a written offer of
settlement to the plaintiff any time after that defendant files an answer, but
no later than 120 days after filing an answer. Provides that if the plaintiff
does not accept that offer of settlement in writing within 30 days of receipt,
and the plaintiff's award or judgment against that defendant is less than or
equal to that offer of settlement, no prejudgment interest may be awarded
against that defendant. The parties may agree in writing to extend the 120-day
period. Provides that these provisions do not apply to: (1) A unit of local
government, school district, community college district, or other governmental
entity. (2) An action in small claims. (3) A claim for punitive damages. (4) If
the action is governed by a more specific State statute, including but not
limited to the Interest Act, or preemptive federal law. Provides that these
provisions apply only to causes of action accruing on or after the effective
date. Effective January 1, 2010.
Sponsors: Sen. William R. Haine
Status: Postponed – Judiciary on February 19, 2009
COUNTY
CODE
SB0286: Amends the Counties Code. Provides
that a county with a population of less than 1,000,000 may levy an annual tax
for farmland preservation easement purposes. Provides that the tax may not
exceed 0.05% of the equalized assessed value of taxable property in the county.
Provides that the tax must be approved by referendum. Provides that the tax may
be discontinued by referendum. Provides that a referendum to levy or discontinue
a tax for county farmland preservation easement purposes may be initiated by a
petition signed by a number of electors equal to at least 0.5% of the total
number of votes cast in the county during the last preceding gubernatorial
election. Provides that moneys in the county farmland preservation easement
fund shall be used by the county for the purchase of easements to preserve
farmland within the county.
Sponsors: Sen. Pamela J. Althoff - William R.
Haine
and Michael Bond
Status: Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading February 20, 2009.
SB1462: Amends the Counties Code. Requires
that a county board designate a person who shall cause to be properly interred
the body of any honorably discharged veteran who served with the armed forces
of the United States
in any congressionally sanctioned war or conflict after the Viet Nam Conflict,
in addition to currently eligible veterans. Provides that the expense of the
burial for all eligible veterans shall not exceed $900 (instead of $600).
Sponsors: Sen. Gary G. Dahl
Status: Assigned to State Government and
Veterans Affairs on March 4, 2009.
ETHICS
SB0054: Amends the
State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. With respect to an executive
branch State employee who is the subject of an Executive Inspector General's
investigation and whose agency head or ultimate jurisdictional authority agrees
with the Inspector General as to disciplinary action against the employee,
establishes procedures for providing a redacted version of the Inspector
General's summary investigation report to the Executive Ethics Commission, to
the employee, and to the public, under certain circumstances.
Sponsors: Sen. Susan Garrett -
Kirk W. Dillard
and Dan Duffy
Status: Placed on
Calendar Order of 2nd Reading
February 20, 2009.
SB1454: Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Requires
members of the board of the 5 State-funded retirement systems and members of
the Illinois State Board of Investment to file statements of economic
interests. Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Includes any
appointed or elected commissioner, trustee, director, or board member of a
board of a State agency, including the board of trustees of a State-funded
retirement system to the definition of "employee" under the Act. Amends
the Illinois Procurement Code to include all applicable procurements made by
the State-funded retirement system. Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes changes with
respect to consultants and fiduciaries and prohibits certain activities
relating to the State retirement systems and the Illinois State Board of
Investment. Adds provisions concerning lobbying, conflicts of interests,
disclosures, and investment transparency. Makes other changes. Amends the State
Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective
immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Bill Brady - Chris Lauzen
Status: Assigned to Executive on February 25,
2009.
HEALTH AND
INSURANCE
SB0068: Amends the Illinois Insurance Code, the
Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans
Act to require coverage for hearing instruments and related services for
all individuals when a hearing care professional prescribes a hearing
instrument. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Ira I. Silverstein
Status: Assigned to insurance February 4, 2009.
SB0136: Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that
when a person presents a benefits information card, if the health care
professional or health care provider has a participation contract with the
insurer, health maintenance organization, or other entity identified on the
card, then the health care professional or health care provider shall submit
its claim for services covered under the policy within the time frame specified
by the insurer or other entity, but not later than one year after the last date
that services have been provided to the insured person. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. James F. Clayborne Jr.
Status: Assigned to insurance on February 10, 2009.
SB0270: Amends the Department of Public Health
Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of
Public Health to implement the Colorectal Cancer Screening and Treatment Pilot
Program in areas of the State that have the highest incidences of mortality
related to colon cancer. Provides that the Program sites must be located in and
operated through Federally Qualified Health Centers. Provides that the Program
shall provide funding for colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests
and shall provide colorectal cancer screening and treatment services for
specified groups. Provides that these provisions are repealed 3 years after the
effective date of the amendatory Act.
Sponsors: Sen. Deanna Demuzio - Emil Jones III
Status: Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading February 20, 2009.
SB0300: Amends the State Employees Group Insurance
Act of 1971. Permits an employee to switch to a different health insurance
program after the annual benefits choice period if a health care provider with
whom the employee has a long-term relationship transfers from one program to
another program after the Director of Central Management Services has submitted
the final program contracts before the benefits choice period. Effective
immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Bill Brady
Status: Assigned to State Government and Veterans
Affairs on February 25, 2009.
SB1331: Creates the Illinois Family and Employers Health Care
Act. Creates the Illinois Guaranteed Option Act to establish a program to
make health insurance plans and HMOs affordable and accessible to small
employers and individuals. Creates the Illinois Health Care Justice Commission
Act; creates the Commission to oversee healthcare system reforms. Creates the
Illinois Guaranteed Option Premium Assistance Program Act to provide private
health insurance premium assistance. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to make
changes including creating the Office of Patient Protection within the Division
of Insurance of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Creates the Community Health Center Construction Act to establish a program of
grants for various purposes. Creates the Illinois Shared Responsibility and
Shared Opportunity Assessment Act; imposes on employers a tax on the wages paid
to Illinois full-time equivalent employees; makes the tax applicable to wages
paid on or after January 1, 2010, and requires payment of the tax beginning
July 1, 2010.
Sponsors: Sen. David Koehler - Mattie Hunter -
Donne E. Trotter - William Delgado
Status: Referred to
Assignments
on February 10, 2009.
SB1381: Creates the Compassionate Use of Medical
Cannabis Pilot Program Act. Provides that when a person has been diagnosed
by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition, the person and the
person's primary caregiver may be issued a registry identification card by the
Department of Public Health that permits the person or the person's primary
caregiver to legally possess no more than 7 dried cannabis plants and 2 ounces
of dried usable cannabis. Amends the Cannabis Control Act to make conforming
changes. Provides that the provisions of the Act are severable. Provides that
the Act is repealed 3 years after its effective date. Repeals the research
provisions of the Cannabis Control Act. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen.
William
R. Haine - Iris Y. Martinez
Status: Assigned
to Public Health on February 18, 2009.
SB1469: Amends
the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. With respect to the
retired teachers' health benefits plan, beginning with fiscal year 2010,
provides that of the total insurance rate of a recipient whose primary
residence is outside of Illinois and for whom a managed care program is not
accessible, 50% (now, 75%) shall be paid from the Teacher Health Insurance
Security Fund. In the case of a retired teacher's dependent beneficiary in such
circumstances who is Medicare primary, provides that 12.5% (now, 25%) of the
total insurance rate shall be paid from the Teacher Health Insurance Security
Fund. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Christine
Radogno
Status: Assigned to Pensions and Investments on March
4, 2009.
LOAN ACT
SB0252: Amends the High Risk Home Loan Act.
Provides that the term "points and fees" does not include fees paid
to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs required by law, fees paid
to the Federal Housing Administration required by law, or fees paid to the
United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Loan Program
required by law.
Sponsors: Sen. Terry Link
Status: Assigned to Financial Institutions on
February 10, 2009.
PENSION CODE
SB0214: Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code.
Allows a member who rendered full-time contractual services to an Illinois
Veterans Home operated by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to establish
service credit for up to 8 years of such services by making specified
contributions, plus interest. Requires application no later than July 1, 2010.
Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. John M. Sullivan
Status: Held in
Pensions and Investments on February 19, 2009.
SB0234: Amends the State Universities Article of
the Illinois
Pension Code. Provides that an employee is entitled to receive service
credit for up to 2 years (now up to one year) of unused sick leave. Effective
immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael W. Frerichs
Status: Sent to
Subcommittee on February 19, 2009.
SB0245: Amends the Downstate Teacher and the Chicago Teacher Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Allows a
designated domestic partner to qualify as a surviving spouse for purposes of
survivor and death benefits. Effective immediately.
Sponsors:
Sen. Heather Steans -
David Koehler
Status: Assigned to Pensions and Investments on
February 10, 2009.
SB0274: Amends the State Employee Article
of the Illinois
Pension Code. Provides the alternative formula for ferry boat
operators and deck hands. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Deanna Demuzio
Status: Sent to Subcommittee on February 19,
2009.
SB0294: Amends the Downstate Teachers Article of
the Illinois
Pension Code. Provides that, when assessing payment for any amount due for
earnings increases in excess of 6%, the System shall exclude earnings increases
as a result of accepting school-sponsored, extra-curricular assignments.
Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Noland
Status: Assigned to Pensions and Investments on
February 25, 2009.
SB0299: Amends the IMRF Article of the Illinois Pension Code.
In provisions concerning creditable service, provides that if the employee was
in the service of more than one school district, then the sick leave days from
all such employers shall be credited (currently only sick leave days from last
employer). Provides that in calculating the creditable service, the sick leave
days from the last employer shall be considered first, then the remaining sick
leave days shall be considered until there are no more days or the maximum
creditable sick leave threshold has been reached. Amends the State Mandates Act
to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Noland
Status: Sent to Subcommittee on February 19, 2009.
SB0302: Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code.
Allows an employee who was laid off but returned to any State employment to establish
creditable service for the period of the layoff, provided that (1) the
applicant applies for the creditable service within 6 months after the
effective date of this amendatory Act, (2) the applicant does not receive
credit for that period under any other provision of this Code, (3) at the time
of the layoff, the applicant is not in an initial probationary status
consistent with the rules of the Department of Central Management Services, and
(4) the total amount of creditable service established by the applicant under
the provisions does not exceed 3 years. Provides that the funding for any new
benefit increase created will be provided by employee contributions. Effective
immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Larry K. Bomke
Status: Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading February 20, 2009.
SB0303: Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Requires the
General Assembly Retirement System, the State Employees' Retirement System of
Illinois, the State Universities Retirement System, the Teachers' Retirement
System of the State of Illinois,
and the Judges Retirement System of Illinois to allow employees to elect to
participate in a self-managed program of retirement benefits instead of the
program of retirement benefits currently offered. Provides that a self-managed
plan shall authorize a participating employee to accumulate assets for
retirement through a combination of employer and employee contributions that
may be invested at the employee's direction in mutual funds, collective
investment funds, or other investment products and used to purchase annuity
contracts. Provides that, to the extent that the changes made by the amendatory
Act are determined to be a new benefit increase, the changes are exempt from
the 5-year expiration provision. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Bill Brady and Kirk W.
Dillard
Status: Held in Pensions and Investments on
February 27, 2009.
SB0304: Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Requires the
General Assembly Retirement System, the State Employees' Retirement System of
Illinois, the State Universities Retirement System, the Teachers' Retirement
System of the State of Illinois, and the Judges Retirement System of Illinois
to automatically enroll its newly eligible employees in a self-managed program
of retirement benefits instead of the program of retirement benefits currently
offered and allows currently eligible employees to elect to participate in the
self-managed program. Provides that a self-managed plan shall authorize a
participating employee to accumulate assets for retirement through a
combination of employer and employee contributions that may be invested at the
employee's direction in mutual funds, collective investment funds, or other
investment products and used to purchase annuity contracts. Provides that, to
the extent that the changes made by the amendatory Act are determined to be a
new benefit increase, the changes are exempt from the 5-year expiration
provision. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Bill Brady
Status: Held in
Pensions and Investments
on February 27, 2009.
SB0319: Amends the State Universities Article of
the Illinois
Pension Code. Provides that, when assessing employer payment for any amount
due for salary increases in excess of 6%, the System shall exclude any earnings
increase (i) awarded to tenured faculty based upon the completion of certain
criteria that is specified in a collective bargaining contract, (ii) resulting
from a promotion for academic professionals, or (iii) resulting from a peer
group study of compensation. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Gary Forby
Status: Sent to Subcommittee on February 19,
2009.
SB0320: Amends the State Universities Article of
the Illinois
Pension Code. Provides that, if the final rate of earnings of an employee
is $30,000 or below and the employee is not receiving benefits under any other
Article of the Code, then any salary increase in excess of 6% for any academic
year used to determine the final rate of earnings under the Article over his or
her earnings with the same employer for the previous academic year is exempt
from provisions requiring the participant's employer to pay the present value
of the increase in benefits resulting from the portion of the increase in
earnings that is in excess of 6%. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Gary Forby
Status: Sent to Subcommittee on February 19, 2009.
SB1561: Amends the General Assembly, State
Employees, State Universities,
Downstate Teachers, and Judges Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Declares it to be
the public policy of this State and the intention of the General Assembly to
protect annuitants against significant decreases in the purchasing power of
retirement and survivor's annuities. Directs the Systems to review and report
on significant changes in purchasing power. Provides for a one-time increase in
certain retirement and survivor's annuities. Includes language exempting the
changes from provisions concerning new benefit increases. Effective
immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Gary Forby
Status: Assigned to
Pensions and Investments
on February 25, 2009.
SB1638: Amends the State Employees Group Insurance
Act of 1971 and the State Pension Funds Continuing Appropriation Act.
Beginning July 1, 2011, requires the Department of Central Management Services
to administer a program of health benefits coverage for retirees, and their
dependents, of certain community college districts previously not participating
in the Community College Health Insurance Security Fund. Beginning January 1,
2011, provides for the collection and use of contributions. Beginning July 1,
2010, establishes a committee to advise the State on the program and necessary
adjustments in funding sources. Amends the State Mandates Act to require
implementation without reimbursement.
Sponsors: Sen. Donne E. Trotter
Status: Re-assigned to Pensions and Investments on March 4,
2009.
SB2020: Amends the State Universities Article of
the Illinois
Pension Code. Provides that, on January 1, 2010, the monthly pension of an
annuitant who retired before January 1, 1980 shall be recalculated and
increased to reflect the amount the annuitant would have received in January
2010 had the annuitant been receiving a 3% increase for each year he or she
received a monthly annuity under Rule 1, Rule 2, Rule 3, Rule 4, or Rule 5.
Provides for an additional increase of 3% of the amount of the retirement
annuity then being received each January thereafter. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael W. Frerichs
Status: Assigned to Pensions and Investments on March 4,
2009.
PROCUREMENT
SB0206: Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Requires that
a preference equal to 10% of the contract amount be granted to an otherwise
qualified State contract bidder that is a qualified disabled veteran. Defines a
qualified disabled veteran as a business entity 51% or more owned by one or
more disabled veterans. Sets as a goal that each fiscal year the State award at
least 3% of the value of its total contracts to qualified disabled veterans.
Requires that the Department of Central Management Services report annually to
the General Assembly on the attainment of the percentage goal, based on
information reported by chief procurement officers. Requires chief procurement
officers to make recommendations on the percentage goal, with input from
statewide veterans' service organizations and the business community. Requires
the Governor to recommend to the General Assembly changes in programs to assist
qualified disabled veterans.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Bond
Status: Postponed –
Executive
on February 19, 2009.
PUBLIC AID
SB0135: Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that
the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of
Healthcare and Family Services, shall develop a demonstration project within
the Home Services Program under which a spouse may be reimbursed for providing
care to his or her spouse, who is eligible for services through the Home
Services Program and who meets the criteria for the demonstration project. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. David Koehler -
William R. Haine - Dale E. Risinger - Larry K. Bomke
Status: Placed on
Calendar Order of 2nd Reading
February 20, 2009.
SCHOOL CODE
SB0123: Amends the School Code. In provisions
concerning contractual continued service in school districts other than the
Chicago school district, adds an exception to the probationary period of 4
consecutive school terms for a teacher who is first employed as a full-time
teacher by a school district on or after the effective date of the amendatory
Act but who, prior to employment with the district, already entered upon
contractual continued service in another school district, in which case the
probationary period is 2 consecutive school terms. Makes a similar change with
respect to a teacher employed in a program of a special education joint
agreement. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without
reimbursement. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Deanna Demuzio
Status: Postponed –
Education
on 2/11/09.
SB0153: Amends the School Code. Provides that
each school board employing an employee who is an elected trustee of the
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund shall make available to the elected trustee
at least 20 days of paid leave of absence per year for the purpose of attending
meetings of the Fund's Board of Trustees, committee meetings of the Board, and
seminars regarding issues for which the Board is responsible. The Illinois
Municipal Retirement Fund shall reimburse affected school districts for the
actual cost of hiring a substitute employee during such leaves of absence.
Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.
Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Susan Garrett
Status: Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading February 18, 2009.
SB0261: Amends the School Code. In provisions
concerning sick leave for certain employees of school districts other than
Chicago, provides that if an employee other than a teacher does not use the
full amount of annual leave allowed, the unused amount shall be allowed to
accumulate to a minimum available leave of 240 (instead of 180) days at full
pay, including the leave of the current year. Provides that if an employee
other than a teacher is subject to a reduction in force, the employing district
shall maintain on its records all accumulated sick leave days, which must be
recredited to the employee at the time of recall. Provides that if the employee
is not recalled, then the district shall pay the employee, at the expiration of
the recall period, the cash value for all accumulated sick leave at the daily
rate of pay at the time of the layoff. Amends the State Mandates Act to require
implementation without reimbursement.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Noland
Status: Assigned to Education on February 10, 2009.
TAX CODE
SB0044: Amends the Cigarette Tax Act and the
Cigarette Use Tax Act. Provides that an additional tax of 50 mills per
cigarette shall be imposed on retailers of cigarettes. Provides that, of the
proceeds of the tax, 0.57% shall be deposited into the Tax Compliance and
Administration Fund and 99.43% shall be deposited into the Healthcare Provider
Relief Fund. Changes the definition of "cigarette" to exclude those
with wrappers made of "whole tobacco leaf" (instead of
"tobacco"). Amends the State Finance Act to create the Healthcare
Provider Relief Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund may be used by the
Department of Healthcare and Family Services for the purpose of making
reimbursements to providers who participate in certain medical assistance
programs. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Jeffrey M. Schoenberg - John J.
Cullerton - Jacqueline Y. Collins - Terry Link, Don Harmon, James T. Meeks,
Donne E. Trotter, Mattie Hunter and Ira I. Silverstein
Status: Assigned to Executive on March 4,
2009.
SB0058: Amends the
Property Tax Code. Provides that the alternative general homestead
exemption applies on a permanent basis. Increases the maximum amount of the
exemption to $40,000. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Matt Murphy
Status: Sent to
Subcommittee February
19, 2009.
SB0059: Amends the Property Tax Code. In a
Section concerning the long-time occupant homestead exemption, provides that
the exemption applies regardless of whether or not the county has elected to be
subject to the provisions of the alternative general homestead exemption.
Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Matt Murphy
Status: Sent to
Subcommittee on February 19, 2009.
SB0081: Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Requires an
addition modification to base income of an amount equal to the contribution
component of any nonqualified withdrawal or refund from a tuition savings
program that was previously deducted from base income and that did not result
from the death or disability of the beneficiary. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Bond
Status: Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 4, 2009 on
February 27, 2009.
SB0088: Amends the Senior Citizens and Disabled
Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act. Provides that if a person files a claim for a
grant or pharmaceutical assistance under the Act and represents on the claim
form that (i) he or she is a surviving spouse and (ii) his or her marital
status is "single", then only his or her individual income for the
applicable year shall be counted in determining his or her eligibility for a
grant or pharmaceutical assistance.
Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Gary G. Dahl - Christine Radogno
- Dave Syverson - John O. Jones - Tim Bivins, Bill Brady, Carole Pankau, Dan
Rutherford, Dale E. Risinger, Chris Lauzen, Pamela J. Althoff, Dan Cronin,
Larry K. Bomke, John J. Millner, David Luechtefeld, J. Bradley Burzynski, Kirk
W. Dillard
and Dan Duffy
Status: Postponed –
Revenue
February 19, 2009.
SB0089: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides
that a Section authorizing property tax assessment settlement agreements also
applies to petrochemical processing facilities located within a county of less
than 1,000,000 inhabitants. Effective immediately.
Sponsors:
Sen. Gary G. Dahl
Status: Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading February 19, 2009.
SB0207: Amends the Property Tax Code. For
counties under 3,000,000 inhabitants, sets forth specific items that must be
included in the notice sent to taxpayers whose assessment has changed. Requires
disclosure of information concerning access to databases containing the
physical characteristics of the property. Requires the board of review in those
counties to make its rules and procedures publicly available, and requires the
chief county assessment officer to provide a plain-English explanation of
equalization factors. Effective January 1, 2010.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Bond - Chris Lauzen
Status: Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 4, 2009.
SB0256: Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that,
for 5 taxable years, each taxpayer is entitled to an income tax credit for an
investment in a qualified venture capital fund in Illinois. Provides that (i) the fund must
have its primary office in Illinois (ii) at
least 50% of the total number of investments in the fund's portfolio must be in
companies that are based in Illinois.
The amount of the credit is based on several factors: economic need of the
region in Illinois where the investment occurs, the population of the county in
Illinois where the investment occurs, whether the company invested in is an
Illinois company that is minority or women owned, and whether the investment is
a seed-level investment in an Illinois company. The taxpayer may receive a
credit in the amount of 10% of the taxpayer's investment if the investment
meets one of the factors and 20% if the investment meets more than one of the
factors. But the taxpayer is not eligible for the credit until the fund makes
an investment in Illinois.
Provides that the tax credit may not reduce the taxpayer's liability to less
than zero, but may be carried forward for 5 years. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Noland
Status: Assigned to Commerce on February 10, 2009.
SB1377: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides
that a veteran's surviving spouse is eligible for the disabled veterans'
standard homestead exemption if the veteran would have qualified for the
benefit but died before October 12, 2007. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Deanna Demuzio - Susan Garrett -
Kyle McCarter
Status: Sent to
Subcommittee on Property Taxes on February 27, 2009.
SB1543: Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides for a
deduction for individuals in an amount equal to the amount paid by the taxpayer
during the taxable year to a public or private university, college, or
community college in the State as tuition for the taxpayer's child if (i) the
taxpayer has an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less and (ii) the student
maintains a grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for the entire taxable
year. Exempts the deduction from the Act's sunset provision. Effective
immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Dan Kotowski
Status: Assigned to Revenue on March 4, 2009.
SB1550: Creates the Local
Option School
District Income Tax Act and amends the School Code, the State
Finance Act, the Illinois
Income Tax Act, and the Property Tax Code. Authorizes school districts by
referendum to impose an income tax on individuals resident of the district.
Provides that the income tax must be levied at a rate that will produce an
amount equal to the corresponding 50% reduction in property taxes for
educational, operations and maintenance, and transportation purposes. Provides
for a referendum repeal of the tax. Sets forth procedures for levying and
collecting the tax and for deposit of the income tax revenues. Provides for
disbursement of the tax to school districts by the State Treasurer. Amends the
Property Tax Extension Limitation Law to exclude from the definition of
"aggregate extension" school district levies made to cover amounts
lost because of the repeal of the local income tax for schools as formerly
imposed by the district under the Local Option School District Income Tax Act.
Amends the State aid formula provisions of the School Code. Provides that the
adoption or failure to adopt a local income tax for schools and any
disbursement of funds or any tax abatement required under the Local Option
School District Income Tax Act shall not affect the computation or distribution
of State aid for school districts. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. J. Bradley Burzynski - Pamela J.
Althoff
Status: Assigned to Revenue on February 25, 2009.
SB1551: Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Allows a
deduction for taxpayers who are individuals, trusts, or estates in an amount
equal to the amount spent during the taxable year for care at a long-term care
facility, as defined under the Nursing Home Care Act. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Larry K. Bomke
Status: Assigned to Revenue on February 25, 2009.
SB1552: Amends the Property Tax Code. Includes
disabled persons within the provisions granting an assessment freeze homestead
exemption to senior citizens. Changes the name to the Senior Citizens and
Disabled Persons Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (now Senior Citizens
Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption). Makes corresponding changes to a
cross-reference to the exemption. Amends the States Mandates Act to require
implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Carole Pankau
Status: Assigned to Revenue on March 4, 2009.
TOBACCO ACT
SB0215: Amends the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Provides that enclosed
laboratories, not open to the public, in an accredited university or government
facility where the activity of smoking is exclusively conducted for the purpose
of medical or scientific health-related research are not considered a
"place of employment" and that smoking is allowed in these enclosed
laboratories. Provides that a "retail tobacco store" includes an enclosed
workplace that manufactures, imports, or distributes tobacco or tobacco
products as a necessary and integral part of its business processes, provided
that the involved business entity: (1) maintains a specially designated area or
areas within the workplace for the purpose of the heating, burning, smoking, or
lighting activities, and does not create a facility that permits smoking
throughout; (2) satisfies the 80% requirement related to gross sales; and (3)
delivers tobacco products to consumers, retail establishments, or other
wholesale establishments as part of its business. Provides that owners of
indoor public places and workplaces shall reasonably assure that smoking is
prohibited. Provides that smoking is allowed in certain enclosed laboratories
and common smoking rooms in long-term care facilities. Provides that the
Department, State-certified local public health departments, and local law
enforcement agencies shall enforce the provisions of this Act through the
issuance of citations and that the citations will conspicuously include certain
information. Sets forth procedures to contest a citation issued pursuant to the
Act. Imposes conditions on any rulemaking authority. Makes other changes.
Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Terry Link
Status: Referred to
Assignments on February 3, 2009.
TRANSPORTATION
SB0084: Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority
Act. Provides that a civil action against the Metropolitan Transit
Authority for an injury to one's person must be commenced within one year from
the date the cause of action accrues.
Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Ira
I. Silverstein
Status: Postponed –
Judiciary
February 19, 2009.
VEHICLE CODE
SB0029: Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Prohibits the
operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone or other mobile
electronic device to send, read, or write a text-based communication. Effective immediately.
Sponsors: Sen. Dan Rutherford and Chris
Lauzen
Status: Assigned to
Transportation
on February 10, 2009.
SB0030: Amends the Illinois
Vehicle Code. Provides that that where traffic signals are not
in place, vehicles must stop and yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk rather
than yielding the right-of-way by slowing down or stopping if need be. Effective immediately. Placed on Calendar
Sponsors: Sen.
Heather
Steans
Status: Order of
2nd Reading
February 18, 2009.
SB0273: Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a
person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic
communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message. Provides
that a violation is an offense against traffic regulations governing the
movement of vehicles. Sets forth exceptions.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael W. Frerichs - Pamela J.
Althoff
Status: Assigned to Transportation on February 10,
2009.
SB1380: Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code
and the State Finance Act. Creates the Ducks Unlimited Fund as a special fund
in the State treasury. Provides for the issuance of Ducks Unlimited license
plates. Provides that in addition to the appropriate registration fees, an
applicant for the special plate shall be charged a fee of $40 at original
issuance and $27 at renewal. Provides that $25 of the additional original
issuance fee and the renewal fee shall be deposited into the Ducks Unlimited
Fund. Provides that $15 of the original issuance fee and $2 of the renewal fee
shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.
Provides that, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and approval by
the Secretary of State, the moneys in the Ducks Unlimited Fund shall be paid as
grants to fund wetland protection, enhancement, and restoration projects in the
State of Illinois, to fund education and outreach for media, volunteers,
members, and the general public regarding waterfowl and wetlands conservation,
and to cover the reasonable cost for Ducks Unlimited special plate advertising
and administration of the wetland conservation projects and education program.
Sponsors: Sen. John M. Sullivan
Status: Assigned to
Transportation on February 18, 2009.
SB1467: Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that,
unless some other speed restriction has been established under the Code, the
maximum speed limit outside an urban district for any vehicle is 65 miles per
hour. Deletes language providing that the Department of Transportation may not
alter the speed limits on an access-controlled highway to exceed 55 miles per
hour for vehicles of the second division weighing 8,001 pounds or more.
Effective January 1, 2010.
Sponsors: Sen. John M. Sullivan
Status: Assigned to Transportation on February 25,
2009.
SB1541: Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a
special parking decal or device for a person with disabilities may be used by
the authorized holder, rather than the special parking decal or device being
the property of the person with disabilities. Removes language concerning the
revocation or suspension of a person's driving privileges and revocation of
disability license plates or parking decals or devices for violation of
provisions concerning the unauthorized use of parking places reserved for
persons with disabilities because similar language appears elsewhere in those
provisions. Provides that a police officer may seize the parking decal or
device from any person who commits a violation of the unauthorized use of
parking places reserved for persons with disabilities provision, may request
that the Secretary of State revoke the parking decal or device or the disability
license plate of any person who commits a violation of that provision, and may
seize the disability license plate upon authorization from the Secretary of
State.
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Bond
Status: Assigned to Transportation on February
25, 2009.
WORKERS’
COMPENSATION
SB1420: Amends the Workers' Compensation Act.
Provides that the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission may recall a
decision or settlement when fraud has been determined to be committed related
to the case. Provides that the Commission shall implement a rule to establish a
process for recalling a decision or settlement that is subject to recall due to
fraud. Provides that the fraud and insurance non-compliance unit of the
Division of Insurance of the Department of Financial and Professional
Regulation shall employ one or more attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois as special
prosecutors who shall initiate and prosecute any necessary criminal or civil
actions in any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction in this State.
Provides that the special prosecutors may also assist State's Attorneys in
prosecuting violations of this Section, without charge to the county. Provides
that when the Attorney General or a State's Attorney declines to prosecute a
referral from the fraud and insurance non-compliance unit of an alleged
violation of this Section, the Attorney General or the State's Attorney
declining prosecution shall provide in writing a response to the unit within 30
days of such decision setting forth the reasons and basis for the decision.
Provides that the unit shall provide the response to the employer.
Sponsors:
Sen. Dale A. Righter
- Tim Bivins - Dan Duffy
Status: Postponed – Executive on February 27, 2009.