Rep. Deborah Mell

Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in a Section of the campaign finance Article concerning definitions.

Creates the Genetically Engineered Food Right To Know Act. Provides that all foods containing genetically engineered material or produced with genetically engineered material must be clearly marked with a label placed in a conspicuous place that indicates that the food contains genetically engineered material or was produced with a genetically engineered material. Provides the specific language to be included on the label. Provides that the Department of Public Health may create rules necessary for the implementation of the Act.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that it is unlawful for any governing body, State agency, county government, local municipality, or institute of higher learning that employs peace officers to prohibit a peace officer from carrying a firearm in the performance of his or her duties, unless the peace officer fails to qualify with the firearm, is declared unfit for duty, and is unable to be armed.

Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in the Section of the campaign finance Article concerning the definition of "Board".

Amends the Department of Employment Security Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Employment Security shall create a COBRA Relief Program under which an individual who is receiving regular or extended unemployment insurance benefits and is eligible for COBRA continuation coverage may apply to the Department for participation in the Program. Provides that, under the program, an individual's costs of COBRA continuation coverage are limited to 25% of the amount of his or her unemployment insurance benefits, the individual certifies to the Department, by the first day of each month, the total cost of COBRA benefits paid by the person in the preceding month, and the Department pays the remainder of individual's costs of COBRA continuation coverage. Sets forth criteria for expiration of an individual's eligibility and provides for the adoption of rules to implement and administer the Program.

Amends the Condominium Property Act. Makes a technical change in the short title Section.

Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. Provides that no person may practice veterinary medicine in the State except within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Changes the definition of "veterinarian-client-patient relationship" to include a licensed veterinarian who has access to the animal patient's records and has been designated by the veterinarian with the prior relationship with the animal patient to provide reasonable and appropriate medical care if he or she is unavailable. Adds exemptions from the Act for certain specified persons. Requires a veterinarian to maintain patient records, which shall include certain specified information, for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the last known contact with an animal patient. Increases the maximum civil penalty allowed for a violation of the Act from $5,000 to $10,000. Makes several changes to the definition of "practice of veterinary medicine". Makes changes to the definitions of "accredited program in veterinary technology", "certified veterinary technician", and "complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies". Defines "immediate supervision", "licensed veterinarian", "veterinary premises", "veterinary prescription drugs", and "veterinary specialist". Replaces all references in the Act to "Director" with "Secretary". Makes other changes. Also makes technical changes. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal date of the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2020. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish a business ownership grant and loan program for unemployed individuals. Specifies the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Effective January 1, 2011.

Creates the Illinois Innovation Zone Act. Specifies the criteria for an area to qualify as an Innovation Zone. Contains provisions concerning the creation of Zones by a municipality or county. Contains provisions concerning the application of a county or municipality to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for certification of a Zone. Contains provisions concerning the amendment and decertification of Zones. Contains provisions concerning the adoption of tax increment financing. Specifies the powers and duties of the Department. Contains provisions concerning State incentives regarding public services and physical infrastructure. Contains provisions concerning Zone administration. Contains provisions concerning (1) income tax deductions, and (2) State and local regulatory alternatives. Contains provisions concerning loans made under specified provisions of the Act. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Innovation Zone Loan Fund as a special fund in the State treasury and specifies the purpose of the Fund. Contains provisions concerning (1) the construction of specified provisions of the Act, (2) the confidentiality of specified materials, (3) the annual report from the Department to specified parties, and (4) the use of federal moneys. Creates the Illinois Innovation Council and specifies its responsibilities, powers, and duties. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act to add provisions concerning tax credits for businesses located in a Zone. Amends the Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, Service Occupation Tax Act, and Retailers' Occupation Tax Act to add specified exemptions concerning Zones.

Amends the Older Adult Services Act. In provisions concerning the development of a plan to restructure the State's service delivery system for older adults, provides that the Department on Aging and the Departments of Public Health and Healthcare and Family Services shall develop the plan no later than September 30, 2010. Provides that the plan shall protect the rights of all older Illinoisans to services based on their health circumstances and functioning level, regardless of whether they receive their care in their homes, in a community setting, or in a residential facility. Provides that financing for older adult services shall take into account individual preference but shall not jeopardize the health, safety, or level of care of nursing home residents. Effective immediately.