BUSINESS TAX CREDIT-HOPE ZONES

Creates the Community Renewal and Revitalization Act. Provides for the qualifications for and designation of Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Empowerment (HOPE) Zones. Provides for a HOPE Zone tax credit and other credits and benefits going to businesses operating in HOPE Zones. Provides for the powers and duties of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity under the Act. Provides for State incentives regarding public services and physical infrastructure. Provides for State regulatory exemptions in HOPE Zones. Provides for State and local regulatory alternatives under the Act. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to allow for a specified tax credit for wages paid to qualified ex-offenders in HOPE Zones. Modifies the term "qualified ex-offender" to include a person hired by a taxpayer 5 years (currently, 3 years) after being released from an Illinois adult correctional center. Amends the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act to allow a specified tax credit for businesses operating in HOPE Zones. Provides that the Department shall limit the monetary amount of credits awarded under the Act to no more than $100,000,000 (currently, $50,000,000).