Rep. Brad Stephens

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that violations of local government speed restriction laws in which the driver is alleged to have operated the motor vehicle at a speed that is 15 miles per hour or less above the posted limit may be heard in an administrative adjudication system if the municipality or county permits the hearing by ordinance. Makes corresponding changes. Amends the Counties Code and Illinois Municipal Code to make corresponding changes.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates a homestead exemption for surviving spouses of fallen police officers and fallen rescue workers in an amount equal to 50% of the equalized assessed value of the property so long as the surviving spouse continues to reside at the qualified residence and does not remarry. Effective immediately.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the function of the sheriff as the person who shall maintain the security of the courthouse is affirmed; however, the sheriff shall not interfere with the right of a judge or an associate judge of the circuit court, if the judge or associate judge is a possessor or holder of a valid concealed carry license issued under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, to exercise this right within or on the grounds of a courthouse to which the judge or associate judge has been assigned. Provides that validity of a concealed carry license shall be as provided in the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the sheriff of the county where the court is located shall allow the judge or associate judge to secure his or her firearm in the same manner as a peace officer, in a secure area in chambers or adjacent to the courtroom, and the firearm shall not be permitted within the courtroom. Provides that the firearm may be carried to and from the courthouse and shall be secured upon the judge or associate judge reporting to his or her chambers. Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act and the Circuit Courts Act to make conforming changes.

Congratulates St. John's Conclave on 150 years of service and celebrates this momentous anniversary.

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

Amends the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Finds that the act of consuming tobacco products by means of vaporization devices, or vaping, when carried out in public spaces, is intrusive and a potential danger to public health, especially in times of aerosol-borne infectious diseases. Defines "alternative nicotine product", "electronic cigarette", and "tobacco product". Provides that no person shall smoke tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products in a public place, a place of employment, or a governmental vehicle.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the public adjuster Article.

Amends the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Creates the School Board Member Recall Act. Establishes procedures under which school board members that were elected during a consolidated election may be recalled. Provides for petition requirements for recall elections. Provides for requirements for recall ballots, including requirements for replacement candidates wishing to be listed on the recall ballot.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the provision requiring the driver of a vehicle approaching a traffic-control signal on which no signal light facing such vehicle is illuminated to stop before entering the intersection does not apply to the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian hybrid beacon. Defines "pedestrian hybrid beacon" as a traffic-control device used to warn and control traffic, at locations that are otherwise without a traffic-control signal, to assist pedestrians in crossing a street or highway at a marked crosswalk.