Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that the illegal possession of any amount of methamphetamine is a Class X felony (rather than a Class 1 felony for possession of 15 grams or more of any substance containing methamphetamine or a Class 4 felony for possession of less than 15 grams of any substance containing methamphetamine).
Amends the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption provisions in the Property Tax Code. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision concerning this exemption, for taxable year 2005 and thereafter, if a person (i) was granted an exemption in the immediately prior taxable year and (ii) has submitted proof to the Chief County Assessment Officer that a member of the person's household is, or will be during the taxable year, 75 years of age or older, the person must be granted an exemption for the current taxable year without having to file an application. Provides that if the Chief County Assessment Officer has reasonable grounds for belief that the person is not eligible for the exemption for the taxable year, he or she may require the person to file an application. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement from the State. Effective immediately.
Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the operation of a hound running areas permit program. Provides that a coyote may be held or possessed by a person who holds a hound running area permit. Provides that hound running areas approved by the Department are exempt from certain limitations in the Game Protective Article of the Wildlife Code. Limits hound running areas to a fenced area that has at least 40 acres, that is used by dogs and people to chase foxes or coyotes without the intent to kill or capture the foxes or coyotes, and that has a dog-proof escape area for the chased animals. Requires the applicant for a hound running area permit to hold or apply for a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit. Authorizes the Department to promulgate rules, make inspections, and administer this program. Provides that a person that violates the requirements for a hound running area permit is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Amends the Illinois Dangerous Animals Act to provide that a hound running area may be used to keep and maintain coyotes in an escape-proof enclosure. Makes other changes.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, after June 30, 2005, vehicles of the second division weighing more than 8,000 pounds do not have to pay a commercial distribution fee in addition to a weight tax. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the provision that states that certain municipal officials are conservators of the peace after completion of a training course administered by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board does not apply to any alderman, councilman, or trustee of a municipality that restricts or prohibits the private ownership or possession of any firearms by residents of that municipality by ordinance or resolution. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that a violation of the offense of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by any alderman, councilman, or trustee of a municipality not entitled to carry or possess a firearm in accordance with that provision of the Illinois Municipal Code is a Class 3 felony. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Allows an income tax credit for each individual taxpayer who is a teacher teaching in a school in Illinois. Provides that the amount of the credit is equal to the eligible classroom expenses made by the taxpayer during the taxable year, but the credit may not exceed $500. Defines "eligible classroom expenses" as the aggregate amount of nonreimbursed classroom expenses made by the taxpayer during the taxable year less $250. Provides that the credit may not be carried forward or back and may not reduce the taxpayer's liability to less than zero. Effective immediately.
Amends the Election Code. Provides that on the first day for filing candidate petitions, the entity with which petitions are filed may not file petitions on behalf of a candidate other than himself or herself.
Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning a legislative declaration.
Amends the Electric Service Customer Choice and Rate Relief Law of 1997 of the Public Utilities Act. Imposes limits on rate increases the Commission may initiate, authorize, or order for AmerenIP, AmerenCILCO, or AmerenCIPS through calendar year 2009. Requires the Commission to include in residential electric rates between calendar years 2010 and 2012 the portion of the costs, plus interest at 2%, of procuring electricity of AmerenIP, AmerenCILCO, and AmerenCIPS not recovered in calendar years 2007, 2008, and 2009. Effective immediately.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that the waiting period for withholding delivery of a firearm after application for its purchase has been made does not apply to the transfer of an operable firearm in exchange for another operable firearm. Effective immediately.
