Appropriates $6,000,000 and reappropriates $1,027,457 from the Capital Development Fund to the Capital Development Board for the Department of Agriculture for the replacement or upgrade of the 14 series barns, barns 16A and B, barns 20A and B, and barn 17 located at the State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. Effective on July 1, 2004.
Amends the Alternate Fuels Act. Provides that beginning July 1, 2004, owners of vehicles using domestic renewable fuel are eligible to apply for a fuel cost differential rebate. Provides that biodiesel blended fuel facilities may be included in the Alternate Fuel Infrastructure Program administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Provides that "alternate fuel" includes, among other fuels, "80% bio-based methanol" (instead of "bio-based methanol"), fuels that are 80% (instead of 70%) derived from biomass, and hydrogen fuel. Provides that "domestic renewable fuel" includes, among other fuels, "80% bio-based methanol" (instead of "bio-based methanol") and 20% biodiesel fuel (instead of "fuels derived from bio mass"). Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Grants a 3% preference to bidders and offerors who agree to use Illinois labor exclusively in the performance of a State contract.
Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning airports.
Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Increases to 1.5% (now, 1/2 of 1%) the rate of a retailer's occupation tax, service occupation tax, or use tax that may be imposed by a non-home rule municipality. Provides that the taxes may be imposed for expenditure on public infrastructure, transportation projects, property tax relief, or any combination of these (now, may be provided for expenditure on public infrastructure or for property tax relief, or both). Defines "transportation project". Effective immediately.
Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that there shall not be a limit on the number of resident or non-resident archery deer hunting permits. Effective immediately.
Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code. With respect to service as an arson investigator, allows conversion of credit from coordinated (covered by Social Security) to noncoordinated service. Requires payment of the difference in employee contributions, plus interest; waives the interest if payment is made before January 1, 2004. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that under the Medicaid program, a nursing home may place up to 50% of its beds on layaway; sets forth requirements for placing beds on layaway. Provides for adjustment of a nursing home's Medicaid payment rate based on the nursing home's layaway or delicensure of beds.
Amends the Grain Code. Makes technical changes to the Section concerning the purpose of the Act.
Amends the Real Property Conservation Rights Act. Includes agricultural land in the list of areas under the definition of a conservation right. Provides that an owner of property may convey a conservation right for the protection of agricultural land from conversion to other uses. Requires the recorder or Registrar of Titles, upon recording a conservation right that is conveyed for the purpose of protecting agricultural land, to mail by certified mail a copy of the conservation right or release of the conservation right to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Effective immediately.
