Urges the United States Congress to pass S. 491 and H.R. 1025 to provide National Guard and Reserve members entitled to Reserves retirement pay the honor of claiming veterans status.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. In a Section concerning estimated taxes, provides that, if a taxpayer is entitled to a refund after the payment of the fourth installment, then he or she may apply the amount of the refund to the first installment due in the next taxable year.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that not more than 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall direct the Office of Retail Market Development to update the consumer education materials for residential consumers and small business consumers. Provides that the Commission may form another working group to prepare and review the consumer education materials prior to their adoption by the Commission.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning State goals and assessment.
Amends the Property Tax Code. Requires the county clerk to abate the taxes levied by a school district on each parcel of qualified homestead property that is owned by a taxpayer who is 65 years of age or older and who had an annual household income of $35,000 or less for the previous taxable year. Amends the School Code. Subject to appropriation, requires the State Board of Education to reimburse each school district for any revenue lost due to the property tax abatement. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that it is a Class A misdemeanor for a child sex offender to knowingly transport a non-familial minor without the consent of the minor's parent or guardian. Defines "non-familial minor" and "transport".
Urges the United States Department of Labor to carefully consider all of the comments submitted on their proposed regulations for youth in agricultural employment before finalizing any rule changes and to revise the proposed regulations before they are finalized so as to not create a barrier to young people learning about the agriculture industry and entering agricultural careers.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides for the issuance of ABATE special license plates for passenger vehicles of the first division, motor vehicles of the second division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds, and motorcycles. Provides that, in addition to the appropriate registration fees, an applicant for the special plates shall be charged a fee of $15 at original issuance and $2 at each renewal. Provides that the additional fees shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Effective January 1, 2012.
Amends the Pyrotechnic Use Act. Removes the prohibition of the possession, sale, or use of consumer fireworks. Provides that any individual that handles a consumer display must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Office of the State Fire Marshal concerning consumer fireworks. Removes provisions that require any person buying or receiving consumer fireworks to have an applicable permit.
Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that, except for reasons specified in the Act relating to revocation of a Firearm Owner's Identification Card, a Firearm Owner's Identification Card issued under the provisions of the Act on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act shall be valid for the natural life of the person to whom it is issued.
