Rep. Amy Elik

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Creates a manufacturer child care center incentive pilot program in this State. Provides that an applicant shall follow staffing, medication, background checks, and liability insurance requirements as contained in administrative rule. Provides that the pilot program is limited to 10 sites and is available to any manufacturer who has a facility in the State. Provides that a manufacturer may apply on an individual basis or in a group of 2 or more manufacturers. Provides that a child care center must only be made available to employees of the manufacturer at no cost to the employee. Provides the application requirements for the pilot program. Provides requirements for maintaining and dispensing medications for the child care center. Provides that a child care center shall require all persons subject to background checks under administrative rule to furnish written information regarding any criminal convictions, to submit to fingerprinting, and to authorize the background checks required. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services shall create a website and application process for the pilot program that streamlines the application process and is maintained on the Department website. Provides that an application for the pilot program shall receive priority consideration once submitted. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for each taxpayer who participates in the manufacturer child care center incentive pilot program in the amount of $250 for each child enrolled in the taxpayer's child care center.

Amends the Business Assistance and Regulatory Reform Act. Modifies requirements concerning the Office of Business Permits and Regulatory Assistance. Provides that the Office shall implement reforms to improve interagency coordination and encourage expeditious permit issuance. Provides that the Office shall use information technology tools to track project schedules and metrics in order to improve transparency and accountability of the permitting process, reduce uncertainty and delays, and reduce costs and risks to taxpayers. Modifies and adds requirements concerning the expediting of permit reviews. Provides for the creation of an Interagency Permitting Advisory Committee. Provides additional requirements to improve the coordination of permit reviews. Defines terms. Makes other changes.

Amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003. Provides that it is unlawful for an employer to compel or coerce a job applicant to purchase anything of value, including, but not limited to, instances where an employer requires the payment of a fee or consideration of any type from a job applicant for employment. Makes conforming changes to provisions concerning violations of the Act and fines and penalties.

Amends the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995. Provides that certain retailers maintaining a place of business in the State, as described in the Use Tax Act, may be considered distributors. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2024, the tax per cigar or other rolled tobacco product shall not exceed $0.50 per cigar or roll. Provides that distributors are allowed a discount in the amount of 2% of the distributor's tax liability, but not to exceed $2,000 per return.

Amends the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board Act. Provides that, by December 31, 2024, the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board must publish a report to identify strategies to address transportation access barriers that current secondary and community college students encounter when trying to access career development experiences and apprenticeship opportunities. Effective immediately.

Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for grants to mental health peer providers. Effective July 1, 2023.

Appropriates the sum of $200,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to reimburse an eligible electric utility serving adversely impacted residential and small commercial customers. Effective immediately.

Honors and thanks State Representative Frances Ann Hurley for her years of dedicated service. Wishes her the best on her future success.

Amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that any recyclable metal dealer or other person who knowingly fails to record the purchase of 30 or more catalytic converters is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that September 17 of each year is designated as United States Constitution Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to celebrate and remember the founding document of the United States and the founding principles of the United States.