Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe

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.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the requirement that an income tax checkoff that does not collect $100,000 or more in a year be removed from the income tax return forms does not apply to the first year in which contributions are collected under the checkoff.

Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code. Provides that beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act, a charter school may not enter into or renew a contract with a for-profit entity to manage or operate the school.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. In a provision of the Gambling Article exempting offers of prizes, awards, or compensation in contests for the determination of skill, defines "skill" as a player's experience, precision, dexterity, or ability to use his or her knowledge that enables him or her to obtain more frequent awards, prizes, or compensation than does another less experienced, precise, dexterous or knowledgeable player. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Plumbing License Law. Provides that an application for registration as a plumbing contractor shall be filed on or before the last day of September (rather than the last day of April) and that all plumbing contractor's registrations expire on the last day of September (rather than the last day of April) of each year. Effective immediately.

Amends the Municipal Code. Provides that any son or daughter of a firefighter, paramedic, or police officer killed in the line of duty who passes all requirements for the position is guaranteed to be hired from his or her current eligibility list. Effective immediately.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal of the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act to January 1, 2016. Effective December 31, 2005.

Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Norridge Park District.

Creates the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority Act. Establishes the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority in Franklin, Perry, Randolph, Jackson, Williamson, Saline, Gallatin, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac counties in order to promote economic development within those counties. Contains provisions concerning the powers and duties of the Authority. Allows the Authority to acquire, own, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of interests in real property and to issue bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness for certain purposes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000,000. Provides that the Authority shall be governed by a 21-member board. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Makes a technical change in a definitions Section.