Rep. Thaddeus Jones

Declares February 21, 2016 as Kobe Bryant Day in the State of Illinois.

Amends the Illinois Lottery Law. Requires the Department of the Lottery to offer a special instant scratch-off game to benefit homeless shelters. Requires the net revenue from that game to be deposited into the Homeless Shelter Revenue Fund. Provides that moneys deposited into the Homeless Shelter Revenue Fund shall be used by the Department of Human Services to fund grants to homeless shelters. Authorizes the Department to adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the game. Defines "net revenue". Amends the State Finance Act to create the Homeless Shelter Revenue Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately.

Creates the Local Government Stabilization Authority Act. Authorizes the corporate authorities of Calumet Township, Thornton Township, and Bremen Township to create, by ordinance, a Local Government Stabilization Authority that shall use available funds to facilitate the return of vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties to productive use, combatting community deterioration, and creating economic growth. Provides definitions. Sets forth procedure regarding the creation of an Authority and funding sources. Further provides for the following: (1) an Authority's tax-exempt status; (2) the appointment of the Board of Directors and Chairperson, their terms of office, their removal, and vacancies; (3) the responsibilities and powers of the Board of Directors; and (4) an Executive Director to administer an Authority on a day-to-day basis. Sets forth the powers of an Authority to implement the purpose of the Act, including the authority to borrow money, enter into partnerships and joint ventures, and contract for goods and services. Permits an Authority to acquire, hold, manage, and dispose of real property. Requires an Authority to prepare an annual budget and provide annual financial statements and reports to the corporate authorities. Permits the corporate authorities to dissolve an Authority and provides requirements regarding the transfer of an Authority's debts, liabilities, and obligations. Effective immediately.

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning Chicago laborers and retirement board employees.

Designates February 7, 2016 as National African-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of Illinois.

Amends the Public Health Standing Orders Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Gasoline Storage Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that employers may file safety and return to work programs with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Authorizes the Commission to certify the programs upon review for certain minimum requirements. Provides that the Director of Insurance shall direct any workers' compensation rate setting advisory organization to recalculate rates with respect to employers that file safety and return to work programs. Provides for the Director of Insurance to waive the Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund fee with respect to self-insured employers that file the plans.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department shall create a statewide database of residents who are willing to volunteer at community-related events conducted by not-for-profit groups. Provides that the Department shall award an income tax deduction of $2,500 to the first 500 qualified taxpayers who complete at least 100 hours of community service at a community service event certified by the Department of Public Health Act or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Amends the Department of Public Health Act and the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to make conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to create the deduction.