Rep. William B. Black

Amends the Recreational Use of Land and Water Areas Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to encourage owners of land to make areas available (at present, to any individual or the public) for recreational or conservation purposes by limiting liability. Provides that the definition of "recreational or conservation purpose" includes entry onto land or water by individuals or members of the public for conservation, resource management, exercise, education, relaxation, or pleasure activities (at present, hunting or recreational shooting). Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that student members on each community college board shall serve a term of one year beginning on March 1 (instead of April 15) of each year, except that the student member initially selected shall serve a term beginning on the date of selection and expiring on the next succeeding June 30. Effective immediately.

Amends the Township Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning township names.

Creates the Renewable Energy Production District Act. Provides that any area within the boundaries of a single county may be incorporated as a renewable energy production district. Sets forth the procedure for establishing a renewable energy production district. Provides that a board of trustees shall govern a renewable energy production district. Sets forth the appointment, terms, and powers of the board members. Authorizes the board to sell the renewable energy produced by a renewable energy facility. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that euthanasia by carbon monoxide is prohibited unless performed by a licensed veterinarian and that use of a decompression chamber or carbon dioxide is prohibited. Provides criminal penalties for violations. Sets forth requirements for a veterinarian to be eligible for the exemption, including the requirement that only one companion animal may be euthanized at a time. Amends the Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Act. Contains provisions concerning renewal of a euthanasia technician certificate and continuing education; restrictions on issuing certificates because of felony convictions; euthanasia methods; refusal to renew and revocation of euthanasia technician and euthanasia agency certification; exemptions from certification; and criminal penalties. Provides that a licensed veterinarian may euthanize companion animals in an animal shelter or animal control facility by the use of carbon monoxide if the veterinarian complies with the requirements set forth in the Humane Care for Animals Act for euthanasia by that method. Repeals a provision that provided for different criminal penalties.

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that a video gaming terminal operated for amusement only and bearing a valid amusement tax sticker issued prior to July 13, 2009 shall not be subject to licensure provisions until 30 days after the Board establishes that the central communications system is functional (rather than until the sooner of (i) the expiration of the amusement tax sticker or (ii) 30 days after the Board establishes that the central communications system is functional). Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Requires that a proposition to call a constitutional convention appear on a separate ballot before all other measures and that it contain no explanation of the proposition or the convention or of the effect of failing to vote.

Amends the School Code. Allows a school district, by resolution of its board, to operate on a 4-day school week plan approved by the State Board of Education. Provides that a school district that operates on a 4-day school week plan must ensure a minimum of 880 hours of student contact in addition to required institute days (instead of requiring a minimum term of 185 days). Makes related changes. Removes a provision referring to the closing of schools on January 29, 1981. Effective immediately.

Makes appropriations to the Department of Military Affairs for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 for Lincoln’s Challenge. Effective July 1, 2010.

Amends the Riverboat Gambling Act. Provides that the Board may issue one additional owners license subject to a competitive bidding process pursuant to a minimum bid of $60,000,000 that authorizes the conduct of gambling in a municipality with a population of less than 50,000; however, the licensee must not conduct gambling pursuant to this license within 50 miles from a licensed riverboat in operation on the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that, in granting the new owners license, the Illinois Gaming Board must give favorable consideration to economically depressed areas of the State, to applicants presenting plans that provide for significant economic development over a large geographic area, and to applicants who currently operate non-gambling riverboats in Illinois (for other licenses, the Board may give favorable consideration to these things). Effective immediately.