Rep. Harry Osterman

Mourns the passing of Chicago Firefighter Chris Reischl.

Congratulates Firefighter Robert Mansfield of the Chicago Fire Department on receiving a recommendation for the Firefighter Award of Valor.

Amends the Probation and Probation Officers Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2011, minimum qualifications of probation officers shall include at least 30 hours per year in training or continuing education, provided that such training or continuing education programs have been approved in advance by the Division of Probation Services. Provides that beginning January 1, 2014, such minimum qualifications shall include at least 40 hours per year in training or continuing education, provided that such training or continuing education programs have been approved in advance by the Division of Probation Services.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction.

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that when a person dies before an action is filed against him or her, a court may appoint a special representative for that decedent, against whom an action may be brought without opening an estate. Deletes a provision requiring notice to heirs or legatees as the court directs, and provides instead that the plaintiff must notify all known heirs or legatees of the decedent by U.S. mail. Provides that any interested person may be substituted as the special representative for good cause shown. Provides that proceeding under this provision shall not bar the estate from filing counterclaims. Deletes a provision limiting recovery to proceeds of any liability insurance available to the estate. Provides that these changes apply to actions commenced or pending on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Consumer Installment Loan Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning a license required to engage in the business of making loans of money in a principal amount not exceeding $25,000.

Amends the Nursing Home Grant Assistance Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Nursing Home Grant Assistance Program.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section concerning the alternative general homestead exemption, provides that the maximum amount of the exemption is $40,000 for taxable year 2008 and thereafter. Provides that the alternative general homestead exemption applies on a permanent basis. In a Section concerning the long-time occupant homestead exemption, expands the definition of "adjusted homestead value". Beginning with taxable year 2008 and thereafter, "adjusted homestead value" means a property's base homestead value increased by 7% for each taxable year after the base year through and including the current tax year for qualified taxpayers with a household income of $100,000 or less. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Abandoned Housing Rehabilitation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the rate of tax.