Rep. Curtis Tarver

Congratulates Abdel Raoul for his outstanding accomplishments as a young golfer and student.

Creates the Employee Background Fairness Act. Provides that an employer may not refuse to hire an individual and may not discharge an individual because of the individual's criminal history unless the individual has one or more convictions and there is a direct relationship between one of more of an individual's convictions and the specific employment sought. Prohibits retaliation for exercising rights under the Act. Provides that an individual denied or discharged from employment because of his or her criminal history in violation of the Act may recover from the employer in a civil action: (1) damages in the amount of $2,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater; (2) costs and reasonable attorney's fees as allowed by the court; and (3) any other appropriate relief, including punitive damages. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Congratulates Timotheus "Tim" Arrington for receiving the Western Golf Association's Evans Scholarship.

Amends the Bath Salts Prohibition Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 720 ILCS 542/1 Adds reference to: 720 ILCS 5/12C-5 was 720 ILCS 5/12-21.6 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits aggravated endangering the life or health of a child when he or she knowingly and willfully deprives a child under the age of 18 of necessary food, shelter, health care, or supervision appropriate to the age of the child, when the person is reasonably able to make the necessary provisions and which deprivation substantially harms the child's physical, mental, or emotional health. Provides that the failure to provide specific medical treatment shall not alone be considered willful deprivation of health care if the person can show that the treatment would conflict with the tenets and practice of a recognized religious denomination of which the person is an adherent or member. Provides that the exception does not in any manner restrict the right of an interested party to petition the court on behalf of the best interest of the child. Provides that this offense is a Class 4 felony.

Amends the Governor Transition Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the orderly transition of the office of Governor.

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to employ an investigator who is required to devote at least 50% of his or her time to the investigation of complaints that allege a violation of the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987 or its rules.

Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Expands the scope of the Act to apply to all employees (rather than only low-wage employees). Prohibits all covenants not to compete. Effective immediately. Fiscal Note (Dept of Labor) This legislation has no fiscal impact on the Department. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not create a State mandate.

Amends the Condominium Property Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the applicability of the Act.

Amends the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Minors and Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Persons under 21 Years of Age and Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products Act. Prohibits the sale or furnishing of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products to a person under 21 years of age. Prohibits the purchase of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products by a person under 21 years of age. Makes changes regarding definitions, age verification, penalties, possession, and other matters. Repeals the Smokeless Tobacco Limitation Act. Amends other Acts to make conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2019. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Makes technical changes.

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall implement a project to be called the Renewable Energy Pay As You Save Program. Provides for the purpose and requirements of the Program. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall convene a workshop process during which interested participants may discuss issues related to the Program. Provides that each applicable electric utility shall submit an informational filing to the Commission that describes its plan for implementing provisions regarding the Program. Provides that electric utilities shall work with lenders selected pursuant to a request for proposals process and with vendors to establish the terms and processes under which a participant can purchase eligible renewable energy generation and energy storage systems using the financing obtained from a lender through a financing program designed to fit the Pay As You Save model. Provides further requirements concerning the establishment of financing programs based upon the Pay As You Save model. Provides that the Commission shall adopt all rules necessary for administration. Effective immediately.