Rep. William B. Black

Amends the State Finance Act and the Medicaid Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides for a minimum monthly personal needs allowance for institutionalized persons who are eligible for Medicaid. Provides that the State shall pay an amount in addition to the minimum monthly personal needs allowance authorized under the Social Security Act, so that the person's total monthly personal needs allowance from both State and federal sources equals $50. Provides that the additional amount is to be paid from amounts appropriated for that purpose from the Tobacco Settlement Recovery Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, if the supervisor of assessment or assessor fails to either provide notice to a taxpayer of eligibility for the homestead improvement exemption or to grant the exemption automatically, then, within 10 years after the date that the improvement or rebuilding is completed and occupied, the taxpayer, upon application, is entitled to a retroactive application of the exemption under this Section. Provides that the retroactive application must continue for 4 taxable years. Effective immediately.

Amends the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Provides that smoking is allowed in a private club that has been in active and continuous existence prior to January 1, 2008, whether incorporated or not, and that can provide written documentation that three-fifths of its active members approve of smoking on the club's premises.

Makes appropriation to the Court of Claims for payment of line of duty awards. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Finance Act. In fiscal year 2014 and in each fiscal year thereafter, requires the transfer from the General Revenue Fund to the Agricultural Premium Fund and the Fair and Exposition Fund of amounts equal to 100% of the total statutory payments required from those special funds for that fiscal year to county fairs and fair and exposition authorities under the Agricultural Fair Act. In each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2013, requires transfer of an amount equal to a lower, specified percentage of those total statutory payments. Provides that the required transfer amounts are the maximum amounts to be transferred in each fiscal year, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary. Amends the Agricultural Fair Act. With respect to the distribution formula for premiums to county fairs, uses either of the 2 previous fiscal years (now, either fiscal year 1984 or 1985).

Amends the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Act. Abolishes the Investment Advisory Panel and creates the Investment Panel. Provides that the Illinois prepaid tuition program's investments shall be administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, subject to approval by the Investment Panel. Sets forth the Panel's membership, qualifications, terms, and duties, including requiring the Panel to annually review and approve provisions of the strategic investment plan for the program and to review and approve the annual report that describes the current financial condition of the program. Provides that neither the Commission nor its Executive Director may at any time authorize investments inconsistent with the strategic investment plan approved by the Panel. Provides that the Commission's annual comprehensive investment plan must be approved independently by the Panel. Requires the Commission to contract with a private corporation or institution to provide services as part of the comprehensive investment plan and as necessary for implementation of the plan (now, nothing precludes the Commission from contracting with a private corporation or institution to provide such services as may be a part of the plan or as may be deemed necessary for implementation of the plan). Requires (instead of permits) the Commission to arrange to compensate for personalized investment advisory services. Effective immediately.

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning on July 1, 2007, with respect to motor fuel and gasohol the tax under the Acts is imposed at the rate of 1.25% (now, 6.25%). Effective immediately.

Amends the State Employees and State Universities Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, from the effective date until 120 days after the effective date, a person may establish service credit for certain military service without paying the required interest. Provides that the changes do not entitle any person to a refund of contributions or interest already paid. Effective immediately.

Creates the Public Access Counselor and Formal Complaint Act. Establishes the Governor-appointed position of public access counselor to receive inquiries and publish interpretive and educational materials about the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act. Requires the counselor to receive complaints and issue advisory opinions on denials of access to public records and public meetings. Provides for the operation of the counselor's office.

Amends the Mobile Home Local Services Tax Act. Defines "permanent foundation". Requires the Department of Revenue to adopt rules setting forth standards that county or township assessment officers must use in determining whether a dwelling is a mobile home or real property. Requires the Department to establish and administer a training program to train county or township assessment officers to use those standards. Effective immediately.