Rep. Charlie Meier

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, requires each long term care facility, supportive living facility, assisted living establishment, shared housing establishment, and State-operated developmental center to display, in multiple, conspicuous public places within the facility accessible to both visitors and residents and in an easily readable format, the address and statewide toll-free telephone number (rather than phone number) of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Internet web address of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program's website. Requires each long term care facility, supportive living facility, assisted living establishment, shared housing establishment, and State-operated developmental center to post on the home page of the facility's website the statewide toll-free telephone number of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and a link to the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program's website.

Creates the Employment Choice for All Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, on and after July 1, 2030, the Department of Labor shall award grants to eligible employers who were issued 14(c) certificates in transforming their business model from providing employment using 14(c) certificates to a business model that employs and supports individuals with disabilities by providing competitive integrated employment. Sets forth requirements and procedures for receiving the grant. Preempts home rule. Provides that the Department shall conduct an evaluation of grants awarded under the Act. Creates the Competitive Integrated Employment Task Force and sets forth the purpose and membership of the Task Force. Amends the Minimum Wage Law to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2030.

Appropriates $2,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Transportation for the Statewide Railway Program for salaries and other expenses related to adding the professional staff in the rail division of the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation. Effective July 1, 2024.

Congratulates Gary and Debby Stricker on their retirement from owning and operating The Okawville Times. Commends them for their lifetime of service to their community and State.

Makes application to Congress under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States for the calling of a convention of the states limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

Amends the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code. Authorizes the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to properly inspect funeral homes and investigate complaints under the Code. Effective immediately.

Congratulates Vanessa Birchler on being elected the 2024 national president of Junior Chamber International (JCI) USA, also known as the Jaycees. Commends her for her long history of service to her community.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Deletes a provision that if the defense seeks to compel the complaining witness to testify as a witness in its favor in a hearing to deny pretrial release, it shall petition the court for permission. Deletes a provision that when the ends of justice so require, the court may exercise its discretion and compel the appearance of a complaining witness at a hearing to deny pretrial release.

Amends the House Rules of the 103rd General Assembly. Provides that a Representative may access the House Chamber at any time on a session day and during the normal business hours of the office of the Clerk of the House on any other day.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall pay an annual rebate to each individual taxpayer who files an Illinois income tax return with the Department on or before the second Friday in October of the calendar year for which the rebate is made. Provides that surplus moneys in the Income Tax Refund Fund shall be transferred to the Illinois Individual Income Tax Rebate Fund (currently, the General Revenue Fund). Creates the Illinois Individual Income Tax Rebate Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be used for the purpose of paying rebates. Effective immediately.