Rep. Michael Kelly

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a prosecution for any offense based upon fraudulent activity connected to COVID-19-related relief programs, to include the Paycheck Protection Program, COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, and the Unemployment Benefit Programs shall be commenced within one year after discovery of the offense by a person having a legal duty to report such offense, or in the absence of such discovery, within one year after the proper prosecuting officer becomes aware of the offense. Provides that in no such case is the period of limitation so extended more than 3 years beyond the expiration of the period otherwise applicable.

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that the projects under the Illinois Solar for All Program shall be subject to the prevailing wage requirements included in the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that the Illinois Power Agency shall require verification that all construction performed on the project is performed by workers receiving an amount for that work equal to or greater than the general prevailing rate, as that term is defined in the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that all projects, with the exception of residential houses and houses of worship, shall be classified as public works similar to the applicable projects falling under the Adjustable Block program are classified.

Creates the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act. Defines terms. Provides that a State employee shall be granted leave from his or her State employment for firefighter training as follows: (1) on one occasion, for up to 200 hours, to participate in training necessary to obtain Basic Operations Firefighter certification from the State Fire Marshal while attending a State Fire Marshal-approved fire academy; and (2) special or advanced training annually, not to exceed 80 hours, after obtaining Basic Operations Firefighter certification from the State Fire Marshal for courses that will lead to additional certification by the State Fire Marshal. Provides that, during leaves for basic, special, or advanced training, the State employee shall continue to receive his or her regular compensation as a State employee, but, if the State employee receives compensation for basic, special, or advanced training, the State employee shall receive his or her regular compensation as a State employee minus the amount of his or her compensation for basic, special, or advanced training. Provides that a State employee who wishes to obtain a leave of absence under this Act shall request in advance for the leave of absence and may take the leave of absence only after obtaining approval from the State employee's agency.

Amends the Illinois Plumbing License Law. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall adopt a rule requiring that for each drinking fountain in any construction where a drinking fountain is required under the Illinois Plumbing Code, there shall also be a bottle filling station or a combined bottle filling station and drinking fountain. Provides that the rules required to be adopted shall take effect and be implemented by July 1, 2026. Defines "bottle filling station".

Amends the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that the board of trustees of a fire protection district must, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, reimburse the mandatory training expenses of an EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, or paramedic employed by or under contract with the fire protection district. Effective January 1, 2024.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State shall include, in the Illinois Rules of Road publication, information advising drivers on best practices related to stranded motorists. Provides that such information may include, but is not limited to, how to safely pull the vehicle out of traffic, activating hazard lights, when to remain in a vehicle, how to safely exit a stranded vehicle, where to find a safe place outside the stranded vehicle, and emergency numbers to call for assistance.

Amends the State Property Control Act. Includes qualified veteran-owned small businesses in the list of entities that may receive preference in the disposition of transferable property. Effective immediately.

Amends the Housing Authorities Act. Requires housing authorities to develop and implement policies granting housing preferences to veterans who are homeless. Provides that such preferences shall be cumulative with any other preference allowed by a housing authority for which the veteran qualifies. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to supersede any federal law or regulation.

Amends the Common Interest Community Association Act, the Condominium Property Act, and the Landlord and Tenant Act. Requires a common interest community association, unit owners' association, and landlord to keep the temperature of all common areas between 67 and 73 degrees and, if a unit owner or tenant does not have control of temperature settings in the unit owner's or tenant's living area, to keep the temperature of all living areas between 67 and 73 degrees. Provides that the provisions apply only to property or residential premises where: (1) 75% of the unit owners or tenants are 65 years of age or older if the property or residential premises has 25 dwelling units or less; or (2) 50% of the unit owners or tenants are 65 years of age or older if the property residential premises has 26 dwelling units or more. Allows a unit owner or tenant to bring an action for damages, injunctive relief, or other appropriate relief if the association or landlord violates the provisions. Allows a court to grant a prevailing unit owner or tenant actual damages, reasonable costs, and attorney's fees. Allows the court to issue a civil penalty of $750 for each day the association or landlord violates the provisions.

Amends Illinois Vehicle Code. Removes the testing requirement for motorcycle operators who are under the age of 18.