Rep. Chris Miller

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the State Board of Elections must develop and maintain a statewide or locally-based system to track and confirm when there is a change in the status of a trackable ballot. Provides that the term "trackable ballot" means a ballot that is mailed to a voter and deposited in the mail or deposited in a ballot box. Provides that the system shall be operational by January 1, 2024. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish and administer a program in which the State Board shall issue a voucher to the parent or guardian of a student, upon request of the parent or guardian, if: (1) the student was enrolled in a school district for a particular school year; (2) during that school year, the school board decided not to provide an option for full-time, in-person instruction at school as the primary method of instruction to students; and (3) the parent or guardian withdrew the student from enrollment in the district because the school board decided not to provide an option for full-time, in-person instruction. Sets forth provisions concerning the voucher amount and its use. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall develop procedures for conducting audits of affidavit signatures on ballots cast in each regular election. Provides that each election authority shall select at random 1% of the ballots cast within the jurisdiction of the election authority to be audited in accordance with those procedures. Effective January 1, 2024.

Amends the Election Code. Requires Voter Identification Cards for those who do not have acceptable photo identification. Sets forth requirements and exemptions for Voter Identification Cards. Provides that any person desiring to vote shall present to the judges of election for verification of the person's identity acceptable photo identification or a Voter Identification Card. Defines "acceptable photo identification".

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the county clerk of a county where a decedent last resided shall (rather than may) issue certifications of death records from the electronic reporting system for death registrations and shall (rather than may) use that system to cancel the registration of any person who has died during the preceding month. Requires a county coroner, medical examiner, or physician for a county or any other individual responsible for certification of death under the Vital Records Act to promptly transmit certified records to the county clerk within 7 days after the death. Requires the county clerk and coroner to report quarterly to the county board affiliated with the county clerk or coroner and certify the county clerk's or coroner's full compliance with the provisions and accuracy of the voter rolls. Allows an individual to request a copy of relevant documents. Allows injunctive relief, attorney fees, and fines for failure to comply with the provisions. Requires the county clerk to request from the United States Postal Service records of each permanent change of address form submitted related to an address in the county and to update the registration of any person whose address appears to have changed, as indicated by those records.

Amends the Illinois Hydraulic Fracturing Tax Act. Provides that moneys received under the Act shall be paid into the State Pensions Fund and shall be used only for the funding of the unfunded liabilities of the designated State-funded retirement systems. Effective immediately.

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, any candidate who is considered either a former or active first responder or military personnel shall receive a refund for any costs associated with completing a test of content area knowledge. Provides that, subject to appropriation, any candidate who is considered either a former or active first responder or military personnel shall receive a refund for any costs associated with completing a teacher performance assessment. Provides that no former or active first responder or military personnel may be charged an application fee under specified provisions. Effective July 1, 2023.

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall establish and maintain a Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Program to assist qualified participants in acquiring a Professional Educator License. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may establish and adopt any rules necessary to implement this program, including the standards that a qualified participant must meet to receive a Professional Educator License. Sets forth the requirements to complete the program. Provides that upon completing the requirements of the program, a qualified participant is eligible for a Professional Educator License. Makes related changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act. Provides that no tax shall be imposed under the Act for persons dying on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act or for transfers made on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law. Provides that, beginning on July 1, 2023, the rate of tax shall be $0.19 per gallon (currently, 39.2 cents per gallon, adjusted each year according to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index), plus an additional 2 1/2 cents per gallon for diesel fuel, liquefied natural gas, or propane. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that no tax may be imposed under the Municipal Motor Fuel Tax Law on or after July 1, 2023. Preempts the exercise of home rule powers. Effective immediately.