Rep. Dave Severin

Proposes to amend the Legislature and Revenue Articles of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that the General Assembly may increase the rate of an existing tax or impose a new tax only by a law approved by the vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house. Provides that the General Assembly may override the veto of the Governor of a bill to increase the rate of an existing tax or impose a new tax only by a record vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house. Effective upon being declared adopted.

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

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Fireworks Regulation Act of Illinois. Provides that the storage, possession, sale, and use of ground and handheld sparkling devices shall be permitted at all times throughout the State. Requires regulation of ground and handheld sparkling devices, including their storage and sale, to be consistent with the standards set forth in the National Fire Protection Association's Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles, 2006 edition. Provides that the amendatory provisions do not apply to the City of Chicago. Defines "ground and handheld sparkling devices".

Congratulates the Southern Illinois Chapter of the American Guild of Organists on the occasion of its 40th anniversary and wishes continued success to the chapter as it trains the next generation.

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that appointments to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, other than the ex officio members, shall be made by the Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board from a list of nominees selected by a majority of votes of the President of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association, the President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the President of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council and the President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge 7 (rather than the Governor).

If and only if House Bill 3653 of the 101st General Assembly becomes law, amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Removes stun guns and tasers from the definition of "firearm". 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.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Governor shall visit the institutions, facilities, and programs of the Department of Corrections as often as the Governor deems fit, for the purpose of enquiring (rather than examining) into the affairs and conditions of the Department. Provides that a member of the General Assembly may visit the institutions, facilities, and programs of the Department of Corrections, upon request of the member, for the purpose of enquiring into the affairs and conditions of the Department.