Rep. Jay Hoffman

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning construction of the Code.

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Makes changes concerning which licensee shall retain the sum held for unclaimed parimutuel tickets. Provides that non-host licensees who derive their licenses from the Fairmount Park shall pay 50% of the sum held for unclaimed tickets (in addition to 50% of the retention from interstate simulcast wagers) to the purses at Fairmount Park. Effective immediately.

Amends the Railroad Terminal Authority Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the tax imposed.

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, 40% of the amount deposited into the Traffic and Criminal Conviction Surcharge Fund is allocated to the Department of State Police and 60% of the Fund is allocated to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. Provides that the Department of State Police may use such moneys for ordinary, contingent, and capital development expenses; grants to fund community policing; the Illinois State Police Academy; and the training of State or local governmental employees. Provides that the Board may use such moneys for: supplemental expenditures under the Law Enforcement Officer's Training Act; grants in-aid to State and local law-enforcement agencies; law enforcement research and technical assistance; training programs; reform programs; and enhanced crime detection and prevention. Provides that the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation shall collect an annual Law Enforcement Revitalization and Public Protection Surcharge from insurance companies classified to do business in the State under Classes 2 and 3 of Section 4 of the Illinois Insurance Code. The surcharge is 1% of the premiums written and of the credit receipts for premiums written in Illinois during calendar year 2006 and thereafter. From July 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005, the surcharge is 2%. A company shall remit the surcharge based on its Property/Casualty Quarterly report to NAIC. An entity that refuses or neglects to pay the surcharge when due is liable for a penalty of 10% of the deficiency for each month there is an unpaid balance. The Department may revoke the license of any entity that violates these requirements and enforce collections by legal action. To recoup collection costs, the Department receives 2% of all moneys collected. Provides that this 2% is transferred to the Illinois Insurance Financial Regulation Fund. Effective July 1, 2005.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, if the Illinois Commerce Commission orders a grade crossing closed, the rail carrier is responsible for all costs incurred in removing the grade crossing surface and any warning devices and in installing barricades, if ordered to do so by the Commission. Provides that neither the railroad nor the public authority involved may be assessed more than 5% of any other costs associated with the crossing closure, unless the rail carrier or the public authority, as applicable, agrees in writing to pay a higher percentage of those costs. Provides that if the Commission orders the alteration, reconstruction, or relocation of a crossing across a highway, pedestrian bridge, or pedestrian subway, the costs shall be borne according to the benefits derived. Provides that, if the project is requested by the rail carrier or the public highway authority, the other party may not be assessed more than 15% of the cost.

Encourages furthering the effort to create a comprehensive pavement preservation and maintenance plan in Illinois.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the members of the State Board of Education.

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the determination of questions by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.