Rep. Daniel J. Burke

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders to the extent that the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders are not already covered by the policy or plan. Provides that this coverage shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year, but shall not be subject to any limits on the number of visits to an autism service provider. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Fire Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Includes specialty pay in the definition of "salary".

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning downstate police.

Amends the Downstate Public Transportation Act, the Local Mass Transit District Act, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that all fixed route transit services provided by a local mass transit district, the Chicago Transit Authority, the Suburban Bus Board, and the Commuter Rail Division must be provided free of charge to active duty military personnel who present a valid military identification card. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption, under which an exemption from the property's value is granted for residential property that is owned and occupied as a residence by a veteran for the tax year in which the veteran returns from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States. In a Section concerning the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, provides that in all counties (now, in counties with less than 3,000,000 inhabitants), the county board may by resolution provide that if a person has been granted the homestead exemption, the person qualifying need not reapply for the exemption. In a Section concerning the alternative general homestead exemption, extends the alternative exemption by an additional 3 years. Provides that the maximum amount of the exemption is $60,000 if the general assessment year for the property is 2006 or later. Provides that the base year for counties other than Cook County is the 2005 or 2006 tax year. Provides that, to subject itself to the provisions of the alternative general homestead exemption, a county must adopt an ordinance to that effect within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act. Makes other changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning annexation of unincorporated territory.

Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Allows certain firemen, at the time of applying for a retirement annuity, to elect to forfeit a portion of their service credit in exchange for a lump sum payment. Provides for calculation of the lump sum payment. Provides for the lump sum payment to be held by the Fund, and provides for the payment of interest. Authorizes withdrawal of one-half of the lump sum one year after retirement and the remainder 2 years after retirement. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 and the State Pension Funds Continuing Appropriation Act. Beginning July 1, 2009, 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. Provides for the collection and use of contributions. 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. Effective immediately.