Labor & Employment

Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a member who is eligible to receive an alternative retirement annuity may elect to receive an estimated payment that shall commence no later than 30 days after the later of either the member's last day of employment or 30 days after the member files for the retirement benefit with the System. Provides that the estimated payment shall be the best estimate by the System of the total monthly amount due to the member based on the information that the System possesses at the time of the estimate. Provides that if the amount of the estimate is greater or less than the actual amount of the monthly annuity, the System shall pay or recover the difference within 6 months after the start of the monthly annuity. Excludes a benefit increase resulting from the amendatory Act from the definition of "new benefit increase". Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a public utility shall ensure that it has the necessary labor force in order to fulfill its duties under the Act. Provides that no substantial change shall be made by any public utility in its labor force unless the public utility provides notice to the Illinois Commerce Commission at least 45 days before the implementation of the change. Provides that a public utility shall provide a report to the Commission in addition to the notice of the substantial change. Sets forth requirements for the content of the report. Provides that the Commission may conduct an audit or investigation of any public utility report filed pursuant to provisions concerning a public utility's labor force. Provides that if, after notice and hearing, the Commission finds that a report was insufficient to justify the substantial change in labor force, then the cost of any independent audit conducted by the Commission shall not be recoverable as an expense from the ratepayers of the public utility.

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that, if the injured employee subsequently dies, the employer shall continue to pay the entire health insurance premium for the surviving spouse (rather than the surviving spouse until remarried) and for the dependent children under specified conditions.