Creates the Historical Writings Display Act. Provides that units of local government and school boards may read or post certain historical documents for public display.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the mandatory minimum fine for speeding in a construction or maintenance zone is $300 (rather than $150) for a first violation and $600 (rather than $300) for a second or subsequent violation. Effective immediately.
Creates the Illinois Hunting Heritage Protection Act. Provides that, subject to limitations, State public lands shall be open to access and use for recreational hunting. Provides that State public land management decisions and actions should, to the greatest practical extent, result in no net loss of land area available for hunting opportunities on State public lands. Provides that by October 1 of each year, the Governor shall submit a report pertaining to areas that have been closed to recreational hunting, the reasons for the closures, and areas that were opened to recreational hunting to compensate for those areas that were closed. Provides that no withdrawal, change of classification, or change of management status that effectively closes 100 or more acres of State public land to access or use for recreational hunting may take effect, unless the Governor has submitted written notice of the withdrawal or change to the General Assembly. Effective immediately.
Creates the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority Act. Creates the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority in certain counties in order to promote economic development within those counties. Contains provisions concerning the powers and duties of the Authority. Allows the Authority to acquire, own, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of interests in real property and to issue bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness for certain purposes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000,000. Provides that the Authority shall be governed by a 15-member board. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides enhanced criminal penalties for criminal damage to farm equipment or immovable items of agricultural production, including but not limited to grain bins and barns. Provides that trespass in or on a motor vehicle to certain agricultural properties is a Class 2 felony (rather than a Class B misdemeanor). Provides that the offender who commits the trespass to the agricultural property shall, in addition to any other penalties imposed, reimburse the owner of the property for any damages that occurred to the property during the trespass.
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Removes provisions allowing the Environmental Protection Agency to assess and collect NPDES discharge fees. Effective immediately.
Congratulates Robert F. Rueter of Effingham on having 60 years of service at Martin's IGA.
Congratulates Mayor Ross McClane of Newton for his service to the community.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that it is an affirmative defense to a violation of a municipal ordinance that prohibits, regulates, or restricts the private ownership of firearms if the individual who is charged with the violation used the firearm in an act of self-defense or defense of another. Effective immediately.
Amends the Recreational Trails of Illinois Act with respect to the Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Fund. Removes the prohibition of using moneys in the Fund for construction of motorized recreational trails on Department of Natural Resources owned or managed land. Effective immediately.
