Amends the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that is not a violation of the cruel treatment provision of the Humane Care for Animals Act to trap, neuter or spay, vaccinate, and release or return an animal to the animal's original habitat by a caretaker to reduce the number of stray animals. Effective immediately.
Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the nomination of candidates for the General Assembly.
Amends the Home Repair and Remodeling Act. Provides that the consumer rights pamphlet that must be provided to customers by a person engaged in the business of home repair and remodeling may be printed on the back of the home repair and remodeling contract (as an alternative to being provided as a separate document). Provides that in either case, the pamphlet must be printed in at least 12 point type and in legible ink. Effective immediately.
Congratulates the members of the "Be a Santa to a Senior" program and designates the month of December 2011 as Be a Santa to a Senior Month.
Amends the Illinois Fertilizer Act of 1961. Makes changes to the definitions. Provides for labeling requirements for fertilizers or custom blends. Provides that it shall be unlawful for misbranding or for the adulteration of a fertilizer within the State. Provides that the Director of the Department of Agriculture may refuse to register a fertilizer or cancel or suspend a fertilizer registration, custom blend, or fertilizer if certain specified claims are made. Permits the Director to issue and serve a written stop sale, stop use, or regulate removal upon an owner, operator, manager, or agent in charge of fertilizer. Creates the Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) for the purpose of pursuing nutrient research and providing educational programs to ensure the adoption and implementation of practices that optimize nutrient use efficiency, ensure soil fertility, and address environmental concerns with regard to fertilizer use. Provides that the Department has the authority issue subpoenas, temporary restraining orders, preliminary or permanent injunctions against any person from violating or continuing to violate any provision of the Act. Provides for penalties based on type of violation. Makes other corresponding changes. Effective January 1, 2012.
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that not more than 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall direct the Office of Retail Market Development to update the consumer education materials for residential consumers and small business consumers. Provides that the Commission may form another working group to prepare and review the consumer education materials prior to their adoption by the Commission.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides an alternative procedure that a large public utility may choose in establishing the ratemaking rate base of a water or sewer utility that the large public utility is acquiring. Defines "large public utility" and "water or sewer utility". Provides that the Commission's order that approves the large public utility's acquisition of the water or sewer utility shall include the Commission's decision establishing (1) the ratemaking rate base of the water or sewer utility and (2) the district or tariff group with which the water or sewer utility will be combined for ratemaking purposes. Sets forth provisions concerning definitions, appraisers and their duties, ratemaking rate base, and rate cases. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that no person may use a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle within 500 feet of an emergency scene except for specified purposes. Adds digital photographs and video to the definition of "electronic message" in provisions prohibiting the use of electronic communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. Effective immediately.
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
