Rep. Daniel J. Burke

Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Beginning January 1, 2019, increases the amount of the minimum retirement annuity for certain firemen and the minimum widow's annuity to 150% (instead of 125%) of the federal poverty level. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that in a prosecution of a case involving the injury, health, or safety of an animal, the court may, on its own motion or motion of any party, appoint a special advocate to assist the court, as deemed appropriate by the court, and represent the interests of justice regarding the health or safety of the animal. Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois Department of Agriculture Law. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall compile a list comprised of pro bono attorneys and law students from each county who may serve as special advocates for these cases.

Amends the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act and the State Finance Act. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall create and maintain an animal abuse registry. Requires a person 18 years of age or older who resides in or is domiciled in the State and has been convicted of specified offenses involving animal cruelty or torture to register with the Department to be placed on the registry. Requires a person required to register to pay an annual fee of $50 to the Department. Prohibits a person required to register from owning a companion animal or being employed at an animal shelter, pound, pet shop, zoo, or other business where companion animals are present. Creates the Animal Abuse Registry Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that registration fees shall be deposited into the Fund to be used by the Department for establishing and maintaining the animal abuse registry.

Amends the Renter's Financial Responsibility and Protection Act. Provides that a rental car company may void a damage waiver if damage or loss occurs to the rental vehicle when the rental vehicle is stolen and the renter fails to: (i) return the rental vehicle's ignition key and key tag identifying the rental vehicle to the rental company; (ii) file a police report within the 24-hour period after discovery of the rental vehicle theft; and (iii) fully cooperate with the rental company, law enforcement agency, or any other authority in all matters connected to the investigation of the stolen rental vehicle.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Creates an advisory council within the Department of Insurance to review and make recommendations to the Department regarding rules to be adopted by the Department concerning continuing education courses, course materials, curriculum, and credentials of instructors. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the Director of Insurance. Provides criteria for membership, length of terms, term limits, and quorum. Provides that a member of the advisory council or a designee of the Director shall be permitted access to any classroom or any educational offering while instruction is in progress to monitor the instruction for any class that has been submitted to the Department for continuing education credit under the provisions of the Code. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Contractor Prompt Payment Act. Prohibits the withholding of a retainage from progress payments or final payments in excess of 5% of the payment. Effective immediately.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.