Rep. William B. Black

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person not otherwise prohibited from driving a vehicle on a roadway while using a wireless telephone may do so only if that wireless telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free operation, and is used in that manner while driving. Provides that any person who violates the provision regarding wireless telephone use shall be fined $250. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State.

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. In responding to a request for inspection and copying of public records, requires that a public body provide them in any form or format requested, if they are readily reproducible in that form or format. Requires that a public body must make reasonable efforts to maintain its records in forms or formats that are reproducible. Requires that a public body shall make a reasonable effort to search for records in electronic format, unless that effort would significantly interfere with the operations of the public body's automated information system.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, if any person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of the Code, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, that resulted in an accident, and the person's use of a wireless telephone caused or contributed to the accident, the person shall, in addition to any other penalty imposed, pay a fine of $500.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, in addition to dismissal, the county board may, by the affirmative vote of a majority of its members, subject the supervisor of assessments to other reasonable disciplinary measures.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that all property of a not-for-profit hospital is exempt from the tax imposed by the Property Tax Code if, upon making the application for the exemption, the hospital provides affirmative evidence: (i) that the hospital is an exempt organization under paragraph (3) of Section 501(c) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and (ii) that the hospital has policies and procedures in effect to provide for a waiver or reduction, based on an individual's ability to pay, of any fee for services. Provides that property leased by the hospital that would otherwise be exempt under the charitable purpose exemption to an organization that conducts an activity on the leased premises that would entitle the lessee to an exemption from real estate taxes if the lessee were the owner of the property, then the leased property is exempt. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that from September 15 through November 30 of each calendar year, State Police officers may not use portable scales to weigh vehicles transporting commodities or goods of production agriculture on non-interstate highways. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Lottery Law. Provides that, beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act, there may be only one special purpose lottery game offered for sale at a time, and no special purpose lottery game may be offered for sale for more than 3 consecutive months. Provides that all special purpose lottery games shall be placed on a waiting list in the order in which they were authorized. Defines "special purpose lottery game". Effective immediately.

Congratulates Gladys Davis of Danville on being honored as the 2008 Woman of Achievement by the Danville Branch of the American Association of University Women.

Honors Chuck Hartke as he steps down as Director of the Department of Agriculture.

Designates the Mauck Lane bridge over Interstate 74, west of Danville in Vermilion County, the Melvin R. Holden Mauck Lane Bridge.