Rep. Michael J. Zalewski

Amends the Use Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal date for the Naprapathic Practice Act from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.

Amends the Collection Agency Act. Provides that in any action initiated by a debt buyer or debt collector to enforce the collection of a debt shall include (i) a copy of the contract or other writing evidencing the original debt, which must contain a signature of the defendant and (ii) a copy of the assignment or other writing establishing that the plaintiff is the owner of the debt. Provides that in any action brought by a debt buyer or debt collector to enforce the collection of a debt, the plaintiff shall affirmatively state in his or her complaint that the claim is within the statutory period of limitation for the cause of action. Permits that any aggrieved person may bring a civil action to enforce this Act for actual damages sustained by a person as a result of the defendant's failure to adhere to the provisions of this Act and an injunction prohibiting further violations. Provides that in an action brought by an individual, additional damages, as the court may allow, shall not exceed $5,000 per violation. Provides that in an action brought by class action, the court may allow the amount for each named plaintiff as could be recovered if the action was brought as an individual, and the amount as for all other class members, without regard to a minimum individual recovery, shall not exceed $1,000,000. Permits the recovery of attorney's fees and costs if the court finds an action was brought in bad faith and for the purposes of harassment. Provides guidelines for the court to consider in determining damages for a violation of this Act. Provides that a debt collector may not be held liable in any action if the debt collector shows by a preponderance of evidence that the violation was not intentional and resulted from a bona fide error notwithstanding the maintenance of procedures reasonably adapted to avoid any such error. Makes other changes.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Secretary of Human Services shall seek a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture no later than December 31, 2011 to allow the State to impose a general ban on the use of SNAP benefits to purchase sugar sweetened beverages. Defines "sugar sweetened beverages" to mean beverages in liquid form and intended for human consumption that contain more than 10 calories per fluid ounce, excluding fruit juices without added sugar, milk products, and milk substitutes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that an application for absentee ballot must be received by the election authority not less than 7 days (now, 5 days) prior to the election. Provides that a proper application to vote on the premises of a licensed nursing home must be made to the election authority not later than 7 days (now, 5 days) prior to the election. Provides that a special application by a non-registered resident temporarily absent from the county for an absentee ballot to vote for president and vice-president only must be made to the election authority not less than 7 days (now, 5 days) before the election. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Laborers Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Requires the Laborers' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund to indemnify and protect the trustees, staff, and consultants of the Fund against all damage claims and suits when damages are sought for negligent or wrongful acts alleged to have been committed in the scope of employment or under the direction of the trustees. Provides that the trustees, staff, and consultants shall not be indemnified for wilful misconduct or gross negligence. Authorizes the board to insure against loss or liability of the trustees, staff, and consultants that may result from these damage claims. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Use Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987, the High Risk Home Loan Act, and the Interest Act. Limits the imposition of prepayment penalties in connection with high risk home loans. Limits the size of balloon payments in connection with high risk home loans. Limits the imposition of late fees. Effective January 1, 2013.

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that the definition of delinquent minor shall not apply to any minor who at the time of an offense was at least 15 years of age and who is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon where a sentence of periodic imprisonment is prescribed for the offense. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961 relating to the offense of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Eliminates from certain first offense Class 4 felony violations of the statute that the offender must be a person 18 years of age or older. Effective immediately.

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that certain requirements must be met in order for an owner to lawfully tether a dog outdoors. Creates certain exemptions from that requirement. Provides penalties for violations. Defines "tether".