Rep. Brandon W. Phelps

Amends the Eminent Domain Act. Provides that quick-take proceedings may be used by any entity afforded quick-take powers for the purpose of acquiring land or interests in land as a joint project in association with an electric, gas, or water public utility to expand or improve its distribution system. Provides that property taken under these provisions does not require a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Provides that before the initiation of proceedings, a verified statement of agreement to a joint purpose project must be executed by any affected utilities.

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Removes a provision that no later than June 30, 2011, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall review the limitation on the amount of renewable energy resources procured and report to the General Assembly its findings. Provides that if any procurement plan includes provisions for procurement events that contractually obligate a utility to purchase less than 100% of the required renewable energy resources for one or more future planning years, then the procurement plan shall (i) identify how the annual spending limitation imposed shall be distributed between procurement events and (ii) identify how the requirements concerning both the type and location of renewable energy resources imposed shall be distributed between procurement events. Effective immediately.

Amends the Local Government Debt Reform Act. Provides that bonds that have been refunded shall not be considered to be indebtedness for the purposes of any statutory or other debt limitation if the refunded bonds are secured by and to be paid as to principal, interest, and premium from an escrow account that is invested in certain obligations and is determined to be sufficient for the timely payment of principal and interest on the refunded bonds. Provides that any governmental unit may deposit cash into an escrow account to be held uninvested for the purpose of refunding or providing for the payment of principal, interest, and premium on its bonds.

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Capital Development Board shall enter into a contract with a qualified provider to reduce energy usage and carbon footprints of State correctional facilities. Creates a new Article in the Illinois Procurement Code concerning the procurement of energy conservation measures. Provides that a State purchasing officer shall submit a request for proposals for a guaranteed energy savings contract and shall evaluate any sealed proposal from a qualified provider. Provides that sealed proposals must be opened by a State purchasing officer at a public opening. Provides that a State purchasing officer shall select the qualified provider that best meets the needs of the State agency. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning extended statutes of limitations.

Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Provides that every licensed optometrist shall keep a record of examinations made and prescriptions issued and shall be retained in the office in which such professional service was rendered or in a secure offsite storage facility. Provides that all fines collected as a result of discipline by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation shall be deposited in the Optometric Licensing and Disciplinary Board Fund. Provides that a ground for disciplinary action shall include the discounting of professional services in conjunction with the sale of goods or other services.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the corporate authorities of a county having a population of less than 35,000 may, by ordinance or resolution, impose a tax upon the patrons of amusements that take place within the county. Provides that proceeds from the tax shall first be directed to costs arising from the amusement. Provides that, in order to hold any mass gathering, any owner of an amusement shall apply for and obtain a license from the county where the amusement is to be held. Sets forth provisions concerning the contents of the application for a license, public hearing requirements, and penalties for violation.

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Adds to the mortgage foreclosure provisions a definition of "abandoned residential property". Provides requirement and procedures for an expedited judgment and sale of abandoned residential property. Provides that the period of redemption ends for abandoned residential property on the date of the judgment confirming the judicial sale. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Financing Act. Provides that the quarterly report to the Employment Security Advisory Board concerning the Master Bond Fund is not required if the Master Bond Fund held a net balance of zero at the close of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, there have been no deposits into the Master Bond Fund within any of the immediately preceding 4 calendar quarters, and there have been no expenditures or transfers from the Master Bond Fund within any of the immediately preceding 4 calendar quarters. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning definitions.