Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe

Amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the occupational disease disability benefit shall be equal to 65% of the current salary attached from time to time to the rank held by the police officer at the time of his or her removal from the police department payroll (now the greater of 65% of the salary attached to the rank held by the police officer in the police service at the time of his or her removal from the police department payroll or 50% of the current salary attached from time to time to the rank held by the police officer at the time of his or her removal from the police department payroll). Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section that prohibits the possession of burglary tools.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that an ordinance or resolution that would result in the increase of revenue to a home rule county by an increase of any tax of that county may be adopted only with the concurrence of three-fifths of the members elected to the county board. Preempts home rule powers and functions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that retiree members of the city health care plans shall pay no higher premium, and shall receive no lower level of benefits, than the active employee members with the same Medicare status. Pre-empts home rule. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Creates the Blind Vendors Act. Contains statements of intent. Creates the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind under which: priority is given to blind vendors in the operation of vending facilities on State property; tie bid preference is given to blind vendors in the operation of cafeterias on State property, with exceptions; income from all vending machines on State property is assigned as provided in the Act; State agencies may not impose a commission, service charge, rent, or utility charge on a licensed blind vendor who is operating a vending facility on State property; and vending facilities use reasonable and necessary means and methods to maintain fair market pricing. Contains provisions regarding: the duties of the Department of Human Services; vending facilities on federal property; commissions from vending facilities not operated by blind vendors; selection of vending facility sites; partnerships and teaming arrangements; priority to blind vendors in the operation of vending facilities; adoption of rules; criteria for determining whether establishment of a vending facility is feasible; duties of State agencies; construction or installation of vending facilities for operation by blind persons by units of local government, school boards, or persons or entities owning or controlling private property; set-asides; establishment of the Blind Vendors Trust Fund as a separate account managed by the Department of Human Services for blind vendors; deductions; vending machine income; compliance and enforcement; licenses; election, powers, and duties of the Committee of Blind Vendors; hearings; arbitration; administration of the Act; personnel; records and disclosure; reports and surveys; and other matters. Repeals the Blind Persons Operating Vending Facilities Act.

Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code to base retirement benefits on the highest consecutive 36 months, rather than 4 years, of salary within the last 10 years of service. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Beginning January 1, 2008, increases the duty disability benefit to 75% of the current salary attached from time to time to the rank held by the policeman at the time of removal from the police department payroll. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 and the State Pension Funds Continuing Appropriation Act. Beginning July 1, 2009, requires the Department of Central Management Services to administer a program of health benefits coverage for retirees, and their dependents, of certain community college districts previously not participating in the Community College Health Insurance Security Fund. Provides for the collection and use of contributions. Establishes a committee to advise the State on the program and necessary adjustments in funding sources. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Allows purchase of service credit for up to 2 years of military service during which the fireman was not on a leave of absence from employment. Allows purchase at a reduced interest rate for 6 months. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code to provide an increase in the retirement benefit formula. Changes the maximum annuity from 75% to 80% of average salary. Provides for 2.5% (rather than 2%) of average salary for each year of service beyond 20. Applies to persons withdrawing from service after the effective date. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.