Rep. Michael J. Zalewski

Creates the Benefit Corporation Act. Provides that a corporation may elect to become a benefit corporation by amending its articles of incorporation. Provides that in addition to its purposes under the Business Corporation Act of 1983 and any specific purpose set forth in its articles of incorporation, a benefit corporation shall have a purpose of creating general public benefit. Requires the preparation of an annual report for specified distribution and filing with the Secretary of State. Defines key terms and contains provisions concerning accountability and transparency.

Amends the Secured Transactions Article of the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that a person may not cause to be presented for filing a financing statement or amendment that the person knows or reasonably should know: is not related to a valid lien, a valid security agreement, or a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction; is for an improper purpose or purposes, such as to harass, hinder, defraud, or otherwise interfere with any person; or contains materially false or misleading information. Imposes criminal penalties for violations and civil liability to injured persons. Requires the Secretary of State to make available a form affidavit to provide notice of a fraudulent financing statement or amendment. Contains provisions regarding: filing a fraudulent filing affidavit; additional documentation supporting a filing; review of documentation; termination of a financing statement or amendment; fees; notice; reinstatement; liability; effectiveness; and other matters. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that the Regional Transportation Authority shall monthly provide the Department of Public Health with a list of riders that receive free or reduced fares under the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that the list shall include an individual's name, address, and date of birth. Provides that within 2 weeks after receipt of the list the Department shall report back to the Authority any discrepancies that indicate that a rider receiving free or reduced fare services is deceased and that the Authority, upon receipt of the report from the Department, shall take appropriate steps to remove any deceased individual's name from the list of individuals eligible under the free or reduced fare programs.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Exempts police emergency equipment from the definition of "commercial motor vehicle". Effective immediately.

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that no county or municipality may prohibit a charitable organization from soliciting for charitable purposes, including solicitations taking place on public roadways from passing motorists, if certain requirements are met. Sets forth requirements regarding the groups involved, applications and liability insurance. Defines "local agency" to mean a municipality, county, special district, fire district, joint powers of authority, or other political subdivision of the State of Illinois. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Effective immediately.

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. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Permit the State's Attorney to apply to the chief judge of the circuit for an order authorizing the interception of a private communication when no party has consented to the interception and the interception may provide evidence of, or may assist in the apprehension of a person who has committed, is committing or is about to commit a violation of the RICO Article of the Criminal Code of 1961. Effective immediately.

Recognizes and commends the American Nutrition Association and the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists on their 40th and 20th anniversaries.

Proposes to amend the Executive Article of the Illinois Constitution. Eliminates the Offices of the Comptroller and Treasurer. Provides instead for a single Comptroller of the Treasury. Provides that the Comptroller of the Treasury shall (i) maintain the State's central fiscal accounts and order payments into and out of the funds held by him or her, (ii) be responsible for the safekeeping and investment of monies and securities deposited with him or her, and for their disbursement upon his or her order, and (iii) have the duties and powers that may be prescribed by law. No Comptroller or Treasurer shall be elected in 2014 and thereafter. Effective otherwise upon conclusion of the terms of the Comptroller and the Treasurer elected in 2010.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961 relating to violation of an order of protection. Provides that the Class 4 felony violation of an order of protection if the defendant had prior convictions for specified offenses applies to a prior conviction under the law of another jurisdiction for an offense which is substantially similar to specified Illinois offenses. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Police Act. Provides that a requirement that a State Police applicant have certain collegiate educational requirements is deemed to be satisfied if the applicant has been honorably discharged and has been awarded an Afghan or Iraqi campaign medal by one of the United States armed forces. Effective immediately.