Rep. David Friess

Amends the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority Act. Adds Monroe County and Randolph County to the territory of the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority. Makes conforming changes. Allows the Authority to also enter into intergovernmental agreements with Bond, Clinton, Monroe, and Randolph counties, in addition to other entities (currently, the only counties included are Madison and St. Clair counties). Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a taxing district may abate a portion of its taxes on property upon which affordable housing has been or will be constructed in a development mixed with commercial property. Provides that the value of the abatement may not exceed $500,000.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Adds physical therapists to the list of health care providers who may examine a claimant for the homestead exemption for persons with disabilities. Provides that the chief county assessment officer in any county may renew the homestead exemption for persons with disabilities without reapplication, subject to specified restrictions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that no county employee or county official shall publicly disclose on an Internet website information concerning whether particular property has been granted a homestead exemption based on an individual's status as a person with a disability if the county receives a written request from the person with a disability or from that person's authorized agent or representative to refrain from disclosing that information. Provides that the information shall be removed from the Internet website within 5 business days after the request. Provides for an action in the circuit court seeking injunctive or declaratory relief to enforce the provisions of the amendatory Act.

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Extends the estimated date of completion of a redevelopment project and the retirement of obligations issued to finance redevelopment project costs for an ordinance adopted on December 23, 1986 by the City of Sparta to create TIF #1. Provides that specified termination procedures under the Act are not required for this redevelopment project area prior to the 47th calendar year after the year in which the ordinance approving the redevelopment project year was adopted. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that if an in-State retailer or serviceman bids on a purchase order or contract to provide materials, equipment, or supplies to a municipality with a population under 1,000,000, and that purchase order or contract involves an amount in excess of $25,000, then the municipality may apply to the Department of Revenue for a certificate of exemption from the taxes imposed under specified local provisions of the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act for the in-State retailer or serviceman, or a third-party supplier of the retailer or serviceman, with respect to the materials, equipment, or supplies covered by the bid if: at least one other bid is received from an out-of-State retailer or serviceman; the in-State retailer or serviceman demonstrates the necessity of the exemption in order to submit the lowest responsible bid, including substantive proof furnished by the retailer or serviceman to the municipality or the Department of Revenue; and the in-State retailer provides an itemized estimate of cost to the corporate authorities of the municipality. Defines terms. Makes confirming changes in the following Acts and Codes: the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the Salem Civic Center Law of 1997 of the Civic Center Code, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Act, the Flood Prevention District Act, the Metro-East Park and Recreation District Act, the Local Mass Transit District Act, the Regional Transportation Authority Act, and the Water Commission Act of 1985. Effective immediately.

Creates the Underserved Dental Provider Workforce Act. Authorizes the Department of Public Health to establish programs for the repayment of the educational loans of dentists who agree to serve in designated shortage areas for at least 2 years. Authorizes the Department to adopt rules, enter into contracts and agreements, and receive and disburse federal funds as necessary to achieve the purposes of the Act. Effective July 1, 2024.

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Provides that the requirements for appointing a highway commissioner who is a non-resident or who has not resided in the district for one year also apply to the appointment of a district clerk. Removes the requirement that a township have a population of less than 500 residents for a board of trustees to appoint a non-resident or a person who has not resided in the district for one year.

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

Creates the Freedom from Government and Private Collusion Against Free Speech Act. Provides that if a State agency or employee of the State coordinates with a private company to deny the freedom of speech of a citizen of this State, the citizen shall have a cause of action against that agency or employee and private company. Sets forth limitations. Provides that if a citizen of this State prevails in an action under the Act, the State agency or employee and the private company shall reimburse the Office of the Attorney General in the amount of 3 times the legal fees incurred in the action, plus the amount of damages awarded as the court shall determine. Effective immediately.