Rep. Amy Grant

Creates the Freedom from Government and Private Collusion Against Free Speech Act. Provides that if a State agency or employee of the State coordinates with a private company to deny the freedom of speech of a citizen of this State, the citizen shall have a cause of action against that agency or employee and private company. Sets forth limitations. Provides that if a citizen of this State prevails in an action under the Act, the State agency or employee and the private company shall reimburse the Office of the Attorney General in the amount of 3 times the legal fees incurred in the action, plus the amount of damages awarded as the court shall determine. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Repeals a Section providing authority to use automated traffic law enforcement systems at intersections in which cameras are used to photograph or video record a motor vehicle's failure to stop and yield as required by traffic control signals. Imposes limits on the power of local governments to use automated speed enforcement systems to provide recorded images of a motor vehicle for the purpose of recording its speed. Denies home rule powers. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement from the State. Makes conforming and other changes.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the senior citizens homestead school levy exemption for property that is improved with a permanent structure that is occupied as a primary residence by an applicant who (i) is 65 years of age or older during the taxable year, (ii) has a household income that does not exceed the maximum income limitation, (iii) is liable for paying real property taxes on the property, (iv) is an owner of record of the property or has a legal or equitable interest in the property as evidenced by a written instrument, if no individual residing at the real property is or will be enrolled in a public school. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that an elector may apply for a vote by mail ballot electronically or by mail no less than 60 days before an election (rather than 5 days). Provides that an elector may apply for a vote by mail ballot in person no less than 60 days before an election (rather than one day). Makes conforming changes.

Amends the Election Code. Requires that the envelope of a vote by mail ballot is also endorsed by a resident of the voter's address of registration to verify the voter's identity and residence. Provides that alternatively, if no other person resides at the voter's address of registration or is available to endorse the envelope, a resident of the voter's precinct may endorse the envelope or the voter may provide with the ballot the voter's utility bill or lease to verify identity and residency.

Creates the Right of Conscience Act. Defines terms. Provides that no person or qualifying entity shall be coerced to act or engage in speech or held liable for refusing to engage in speech or refusing to act if such refusal was to exercise a right of conscience. Provides that for any action or administrative proceeding brought against a person or qualifying entity that seeks to enjoin or seeks damages for a refusal to engage in speech or an act by the person or qualifying entity, and the person or qualifying entity refused to engage in the speech or refused to act, the person or qualifying entity may assert a counterclaim in the action that the speech or act sought by the plaintiff violates or otherwise infringes upon the person's or qualifying entity's right of conscience. Provides that the remedies under the Act shall be in addition to any other remedy. Provides that if a person or qualifying entity prevails in a counterclaim, the court may award reasonable attorney's fees to the person or qualifying entity.

Amends the School Code. By December 31, 2023, requires the State Board of Education to create a Parent Advisory Committee for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations to the State Board with respect to the State Board's process of adopting new teaching or learning standards. Requires the State Board to review and consider the recommendations made by the committee prior to adopting a proposed teaching or learning standard, but does not require the State Board to accept any of the recommendations. Sets forth the membership of the committee; requires all committee members to be the parent of a student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in this State. Provides that members shall serve without compensation. Sets forth provisions concerning vacancies on the committee and committee meetings. Requires the State Board to provide administrative support to the committee. Effective July 1, 2023.

Creates the Entrepreneur-in-Residence Act. Establishes an Entrepreneur-in-Residence Pilot Program. Provides for the nomination, appointment, term of service, and compensation of entrepreneurs-in-residence. Requires the Director or Secretary of specified State agencies to appoint entrepreneurs-in-residence and to issue a report on the program to the General Assembly and the Governor by January 1, 2028. Describes the duties of appointed entrepreneurs-in-residence. Provides that an entrepreneur-in-residence shall report directly to the Governor and may provide recommendations for programmatic improvements to the nominating authorities. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2030. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Urges Marc D. Smith to resign as the Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Urges Governor Pritzker to formally ask for the resignation of Marc D. Smith from the position of Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law. Provides that an increase in the rate of tax based on the change in the Consumer Price Index shall not occur until July 1, 2023 (currently, January 1, 2023). Ends a requirement that retailers of motor fuel shall cause a notice to be placed on retail dispensing devices. Effective immediately.