Rep. Renée Kosel

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that when designing a telecommunications or AM broadcast station facility, the zoning restrictions of an adjoining property that is subject to stricter zoning restrictions than the facility lot shall apply. Further provides that if properties adjoining the facility lot are subject to differing zoning restrictions, the zoning restrictions that are most restrictive shall apply. Effective immediately.

Creates the 72-Hour Budget Review Act. Sets forth time requirements during which certain appropriation and revenue legislation must be made publicly available before passage. Provides that the time requirements may be waived by an affirmative two-thirds vote of the full committee or chamber considering the legislation. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Expands the fraud statute to include fraudulent schemes and artifices that do not include wire or mail transmission.

Amends the Lobbyist Registration Act. Requires that a registrant with a client that is a State agency, a unit of local government, a school district, or any other governmental entity that receives public funds must file with the Secretary of State a semi-annual report that details the lobbying activities undertaken on behalf of each such client. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Makes a technical change in the short title Section.

Amends the Legislative Commission Reorganization Act of 1984. Creates the General Accounting Office as a legislative support services agency. Provides that the Office shall conduct a thorough review of each State executive branch program with respect to its relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness in obtaining the results required by, or achieving the goals expressed in, the statutes relating to the program. Provides that at least annually and also whenever appropriate or required by the circumstances, the Office shall submit written reports to the General Assembly describing the Office's review of those programs and recommending, without limitation, elimination of any programs that are obsolete or not relevant, efficient, or effective; consolidation of duplicative programs; and steps to improve a program's relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness. Requires the Auditor General and all State agencies to cooperate with and provide requested information to the Office so that the Office can perform its functions and duties.

Amends the Taxi Safety Act of 2007. Provides that a taxi driver must be 21 years of age or older, must have a valid driver's license issued by any state in the United States, must have had a valid driver's license for at least 3 years, and during the immediately preceding 3-year period must not have been convicted of the following offences: leaving the scene of a traffic accident involving death or personal injury; driving under the influence; reckless driving; drag racing; street racing; manslaughter or reckless homicide; or reckless conduct arising from the use of a motor vehicle. Also provides that if he or she, after becoming a taxi driver, is convicted of any of those offenses or ceases to be licensed, the taxi driver must immediately cease operating a taxicab and the prohibition shall continue until specified conditions are met. Effective July 1, 2012.

Amends the Energy Efficient Building Act. Provides that the Capital Development Board shall adopt, every 3 years (now, no time requirement), the latest published edition of the International Energy Conservation Code as minimum requirements for commercial buildings. Provides that the Board shall adopt, at least every 6 years (now, no time requirement), the Code as the minimum and maximum requirements for residential buildings. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2012, the Board shall review and consider adopting the latest published edition of the Code within one year of its publication and may adopt the latest edition upon review (now, the Board shall adopt the Code within 9 months after its publication). Provides that the Code shall take effect 6 months (now, 3 months) after it is adopted by the Board. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall make training available to builders and others to explain the requirements of the Code. Provides that the Department shall make funds available for the training. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department has the power and duty to encourage convention center boards throughout the State to provide convention center space at a reduced rate or without charge to local farmers' markets to use the space to hold the market when inclement weather prevents holding the market at its regular outdoor location.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the applicability of the common law.