Rep. Bob Rita

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that within 180 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or the Department of Human Services shall issue a Request for Proposals to contract with a vendor or vendors to enforce, collect, and effectuate the recovery of the Department's liens involving claims, demands, and causes of action for injuries to an applicant for or recipient of financial aid under Articles III, IV, and V of the Code, under the Covering ALL KIDS Health Insurance Act, or under the Veterans' Health Insurance Program Act or the Veterans' Health Insurance Program Act of 2008. Provides that the scope of work shall include assuming the right and the authority to assume responsibility for the enforcement and collection of liens; notifying appropriate parties; negotiating settlement of the liens subject to pre-approval by the Department; coordinating payment of the liens and the terms of payment; and recovering the value of the liens and releasing the liens on behalf of the Department. Expands the Department's duties to include accepting, holding, and administering in behalf of the State any loans to the Department or to the State of Illinois for public aid or any related welfare purpose. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Chicago school district.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal date for the Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor's License Act to January 1, 2022 from January 1, 2012. Effective immediately.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal date for the Petroleum Equipment Contractors Licensing Act to January 1, 2022 from January 1, 2012. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section concerning refunds for erroneous assessments or overpayments, provides that, in Cook County, a claim for refund is allowed if the application is filed after September 1, 2011 (instead of between September 1, 2011 and September 1, 2012) and the right to a refund arose more than 5 years prior to the date the application is filed but not earlier than January 1, 2000. Removes a provision limiting the total amount of taxes and interest that may be refunded for applications filed more than 5 years after the right to a refund arose. Effective immediately.

Amends the Smoke Detector Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the title.

Amends the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code. Provides that the transportation of deceased human remains that have been donated pursuant to the Illinois Anatomical Gift Act to any authorized donee under that Act shall be under the immediate direct supervision of a licensee. Provides that no exemptions from continuing education requirements shall be granted or recognized after January 1, 2016. Creates a provision concerning the endorsement of a funeral director and embalmer license, without the required examination, to an applicant licensed by another state, territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia if specific requirements are met. Provides that the Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may temporarily suspend the license of a licensee without a hearing if the Secretary finds that the public interest, safety, or welfare requires such emergency action. Provides that a person not licensed under the Code who is an owner of a funeral establishment or funeral business shall not aid, abet, assist, procure, advise, employ, or contract with any unlicensed person to offer funeral services or aid, abet, assist, or direct any licensed person contrary to or in violation of any rules or provisions of the Code. Creates a provision concerning the confidentiality of all information collected by the Department in the course of an examination or investigation of a licensee or applicant. Makes other changes. Repeals a provision concerning reciprocity. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to extend the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal date for the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Laborer Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Adds dental and vision plans to the list of health benefit plans for which an annuitant may assign his or her annuity or disability benefit to cover payment of premiums. Deletes the limitation that the group hospital and medical insurance plans must be non-profit. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning exempt property.