Rep. Bob Rita

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section concerning refunds for erroneous assessments or overpayments, makes the following changes applicable to Cook County: (i) allows the claimant to recover the costs of suit, and (ii) provides that the total amount of taxes and interest refunded for claims for which the right to a refund arose prior to January 1, 2009 shall not exceed $2,500,000 per year.

Amends the Illinois Financial Services Development Act. In the definition of "financial institution", provides that certain lenders are prohibited from charging an annual percentage rate in excess of 36% (rather than prohibited from charging interest in excess of 36% per annum) for any extension of credit under the Act. Further provides that any financial institution may charge and collect interest and other charges under a revolving credit plan provided that any finance charges or charges representing the cost of credit are included in the annual percentage rate calculation. Limits the amount of certain fees that a financial institution may charge and collect from a borrower under a revolving credit plan.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a combination sewer cleaning jetting vacuum truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the transportation of non-hazardous solid waste, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, the greater of the gross vehicle weight of the truck or: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle; 66,000 pounds gross weight on a 4-axle vehicle.

Amends the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act. Provides that a notarized statement from the designated certified person must accompany all fire sprinkler applications attesting that he or she complies with the requirements set forth in Section 20 of this Act. Removes the requirement that at least one member of every firm, association, or partnership and at least one corporate officer of every corporation engaged in the installation and repair of fire sprinkler systems must be a designated certified person. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Act. Provides that an exhibitor shall not be required to utilize the services of the contractor selected by the show manager or show contractor on behalf of a show manager. Provides that an exhibitor may retain any contractor approved by the Authority to provide electrical, plumbing, or pipefitting services on the premises. Provides that house electricians are responsible for energizing the floor ports and bus ducts for energy requirements of 60 amps and above. Provides that the use of the house sound system and audio-visual equipment in meeting rooms shall be provided free of charge. Effective immediately.

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that no person shall dock the tail of any cattle or procure the same to be done, except under certain conditions. Provides that any person who violates the provision is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall pay a fine not to exceed $500 for each animal whose tail was docked. Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 to make corresponding changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a Section of the Code requiring tax purchasers to either reimburse any governmental agency that has an interest in the property as a result of certain advancements made from public funds or obtain a waiver of the lien applies to (i) interests held by the State as well as cities, villages, incorporated towns, and other units of local government that provide water or sewer service and (ii) interests based on the provision of water or sewer services.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that, through January 2016 (was, January 2013), each qualified solid waste energy facility that sells electricity to an electric utility at a specified purchase rate shall file with the Department of Revenue on or before the 15th of each month a form that states the number of kilowatt hours of electricity for which payment was received at that purchase rate from electric utilities in Illinois during the immediately preceding month, which shall be accompanied by a specified payment based on that number. Makes conforming changes in provisions concerning certifications required to be made by the State Treasurer. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989. Removes a provision stating that a member's service on the Illinois Architecture Licensing Board that occurred prior to the effective date of the Act shall not be considered in determining the length of his or her consecutive years of service. Further provides that an applicant for licensure under the Act shall be required to complete certain experience requirements in addition to the examination requirements under the Act, and that he or she has one year from the date of notification of successful completion of all examination and experience requirements to apply to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for a license. Includes a professional land surveyor in the definition of "Illinois licensed design professional". Effective immediately.