Rep. Michael J. Zalewski

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that not more than 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall direct the Office of Retail Market Development to update the consumer education materials for residential consumers and small business consumers. Provides that the Commission may form another working group to prepare and review the consumer education materials prior to their adoption by the Commission.

Amends the Clerks of Courts Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that a return of all instruments, articles, or things seized pursuant to a search warrant shall be made no more than 8 business days after the execution of the warrant before the judge issuing the warrant or before any judge named in the warrant or before any court of competent jurisdiction. Provides that any and all records in possession of the clerk of the court obtained pursuant to this provision shall be deemed public records, and shall at all times be open to inspection without fee or reward, and all persons shall have free access for inspection and examination to such records. Effective immediately.

Amends the Business Corporation Act of 1983. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the sexual exploitation of children.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Adds the Illinois Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Law (RICO) as a new Article of the Code. Provides that it is unlawful for any person: (1) who is employed by or associated with any enterprise, knowingly to conduct or participate, directly or indirectly, in such enterprise's affairs through either a pattern of predicate activity (specified criminal offenses) or the collection of unlawful debt; or (2) knowingly to acquire or maintain, directly or indirectly, through either a pattern of predicate activity or the collection of unlawful debt, any interest in, or control of, to any degree, of any enterprise, real property, or personal property of any character, including money. Establishes criminal penalties and civil remedies. Provides that any violation of the Article is subject to the remedies, procedures, and forfeiture as set forth in the money laundering statute. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning aggravated battery.

Amends the Pawnbroker Regulation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning violations of the Act.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, the first installment of taxes for estimated property tax bills payable in calendar year 2013 and each calendar year thereafter shall be computed at 50% (instead of 55%) of the total of each tax bill for the preceding year. Effective immediately.

Amends the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing Act. Renames the Act the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act (and makes conforming changes in other Acts). Creates new provisions concerning licensed professional counselors practice requirements and confidential information. Also makes changes in provisions concerning the declaration of public policy; definitions; exemptions; restrictions and limitations; unlicensed practice; violations; civil penalties; powers and duties of the Department; the Professional Counselor and Examining and Disciplinary Board; qualifications for a license; licenses; renewals; restorations; persons in military service; inactive status; fees; checks or orders dishonored; privileged communications and exceptions; grounds for discipline; refusal, revocation, or suspension of licensure; violations; injunctions; cease and desist orders; investigations; notice and hearings; record of proceedings; transcripts; subpoenas; oaths; compelling testimony; findings and recommendations; the Board; rehearings; order for rehearings; appointment of a hearing officer; order or certified copy; prima facie proof; restoration of suspended or revoked licenses; summary suspension of license; certification of record; costs; violations; and the Administrative Procedure Act and applications. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to extend the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing Act from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds or any combination thereof.