Rep. Mike Bost

Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2006, revenues from the tax that are transferred to the Department of Transportation for distribution shall be distributed as follows: (i) 49.10% (same now) to the municipalities of the State; (ii) 15.15% (now, 16.74%) to the counties of the State having 1,000,000 or more inhabitants; (iii) 18.27% (same now) to the counties of the State having less than 1,000,000 inhabitants; and (iv) 17.48% (now, 15.89%) to the road districts of the State. Effective January 1, 2006.

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority for grants to assist drug task forces, drug squads, and Metropolitan Enforcement Groups throughout the State in the apprehension, prevention, and prosecution of persons who violate the laws relating to the manufacture, delivery, and possession of methamphetamine, specifically for the surveillance of sites used to manufacture methamphetamine, the interdiction of methamphetamine produced by these sites, and the prosecution of cases arising from these law enforcement activities. Effective July 1, 2005.

Designates Illinois Route 146 a historic highway and a route of the Trail of Tears.

Amends the Statute on Statutes. Prohibits all takings under the power of eminent domain by the State or a unit of local government for private development unless the property is within an area that is a "blighted area" and the condemning authority has entered into a written agreement with a private person or entity that agrees to undertake a development project within the blighted area that specifically details the reasons for which the property or rights in the property are necessary for the success of the development project. Defines "private development". Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act in the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that in all eminent domain actions in which a property owner is displaced, the displacing entity must pay certain costs related to the relocation and displacement of the property owner's residence, business, or farm operation. Amends the Eminent Domain Article in the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that, in a condemnation proceeding in which the property has been designated by the condemning authority by ordinance as blighted, the condemning authority must demonstrate and prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the property is blighted property. Provides that the existence of an ordinance designating property as blighted is not prima facie evidence of blight. Provides that an ordinance designating property as "blighted property" shall not be presumed to be valid for purposes of the condemnation proceeding. Makes changes concerning the valuation of condemned property. Requires reimbursement of the property owner for certain relocation costs. Establishes guidelines for determining reasonable attorney's fees (i) if the court awards just compensation that exceeds the initial written offer of the condemning authority and (ii) if the court determines that the taking is not warranted. Preempts home rule powers. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Acupuncture Practice Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning activities exempt from the application of the Act.

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Makes a technical change in a Section authorizing the Department of Revenue to adopt rules.

Creates the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority Act. Establishes the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority in Franklin, Perry, Randolph, Jackson, Williamson, Saline, Gallatin, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac counties in order to promote economic development within those counties. Contains provisions concerning the powers and duties of the Authority. Allows the Authority to acquire, own, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of interests in real property and to issue bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness for certain purposes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000,000. Provides that the Authority shall be governed by a 21-member board. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Makes a technical change in a definitions Section.

Amends the Line of Duty Compensation Act. Provides that, if no beneficiary is designated or surviving at the death of an Armed Forces member killed in the line of duty, compensation under the Act shall be paid in the following priority: to the surviving beneficiaries designated in the Armed Forces member's Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate; in accordance with the Armed Forces member's legally binding will; or in accordance with the provisions of the Act that apply to other line-of-duty deaths. Applies if compensation was not paid before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Amends the Illinois National Guardsman's Compensation Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Attorney General Act. Makes a technical change in the Section concerning the short title of the Act.