Rep. Bob Rita

Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Changes the definitions of "Board", "licensed cosmetologist", "licensed cosmetology teacher", "licensed cosmetology clinic teacher", and "licensed hair braiding teacher" to include hair braiding. Also changes the definitions of "cosmetology" and "esthetics" to include the coloring of hair on the body. Removes references to barber clinic teachers, esthetics clinic teachers, hair braiding clinic teachers, and nail technology clinic teachers throughout the Act. Provides that a person licensed as a hair braiding teacher may practice hair braiding and may hold himself or herself out as a hair braider without being licensed as a hair braider. Removes certain requirements that must be met by a person seeking licensure as a barber teacher or an esthetics teacher. Additionally removes certain provisions concerning barber schools. Replaces the term "Committee" with "Board" throughout the Act. Adds a provision allowing the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation to waive any requirements under the Act pertaining to the operation of a barber, cosmetology, esthetics, hair braiding, or nail technology school owned or operated by the Department of Corrections and located in a correctional facility. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall not disclose certain information collected during the course of an examination or investigation under the Act. Makes other changes.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes permanent the bus on shoulder pilot program. Effective immediately.

Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act. Provides that an entity that installs or operates a private business switch service shall install and operate that service such that when a user dials the digits "9-1-1" the emergency call can be connected to the 9-1-1 system without first dialing any number or set of numbers. Sets forth penalties for failing to comply with the requirements of this amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

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

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that any licensee disciplined under a licensure Act administered by the Division of Professional Regulation for an offense relating to the failure to pay taxes, child support, or student loans or relating to continuing education or advertising may file a petition with the Department on forms provided by the Department, along with the required fee of $200, to have the records of that offense removed from public view on the Department's website if certain conditions are met. Provides that nothing shall prohibit the Department from using a previous discipline for any regulatory purpose or from releasing records of a previous discipline upon request from law enforcement, other governmental body, or the public. Provides that removal of records of a disciplinary offense from the Department's website shall not be considered a vacating or expunging of the offense from the licensee's disciplinary record. Effective immediately.

Amends the Community Support Systems Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Public Accounting Act. Provides that any individual who is the holder of a current and valid license as a certified public accountant of any state who has properly applied to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for licensure by endorsement may perform accountancy activities until the expiration of 6 months after the filing of the application or until the denial of the application by the Department, whichever occurs earlier. Provides that any licensed CPA who is a sole practitioner and who has permitted his or her license to expire or become inactive is required to complete the peer review process established under the Act in order to have his or her license restored by the Department. Further provides that any firm that has permitted its license to expire may have its license restored by making application to the Department, filing proof acceptable to the Department of its fitness for licensure, paying the required restoration fee, and completing the peer review process.

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

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Provides that if there is a conflict between state and federal law or regulations regarding the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority's ability to pay relocation costs to persons displaced by the Authority's exercise of eminent domain powers, the Authority shall use whichever law or regulation provides the highest payment limit. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates an abatement for property that (i) is used exclusively for commercial or industrial purposes and (ii) has been rebuilt following a natural disaster occurring in taxable year 2013 or any taxable year thereafter. Effective immediately.