Creates the Blind Vendors Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Blind Services, shall operate and promote the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. Sets forth that the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act and the regulations adopted pursuant to that Act shall serve as the minimum standards for the operation of the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. Provides that under the Program: (1) blind vendors have priority in the operation of all vending facilities on State property; (2) vending machine income from all vending machines on State property shall be assigned to the blind vendor on the property or to the Blind Vendors Trust Fund; (3) no State agency may impose any commission, service charge, rent, or utility charge on a blind vendor operating on State property; (4) sales made at a blind vendor's vending facility are exempt from all occupation and use taxes; and (5) State agencies may not allow competition with a blind vendor. Sets forth that the Bureau Director for the Bureau of the Blind and the Committee of Blind Vendors shall jointly develop regulations to ensure that priority is given to blind vendors in the operation of vending facilities on State property. Provides that the Department may provide for set-asides of the net proceeds of vending operations under certain conditions. Requires set-aside funds to be deposited in the Blind Vendors Trust Fund, a separate account managed by the Department for the State's blind vendors. Sets forth provisions for the distribution of vending machine income from vending machines on State property. Provides certain conditions for the licensing of blind vendors. Creates the Committee of Blind Vendors to jointly participate in the development and implementation of all policies, plans, and major decisions affecting the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. Sets forth provisions for the composition of the Committee. Provides certain procedures for the resolution of disputes arising within the Program. Provides for the promulgation of regulations relating to the operation of this Act. Requires the Department to make regular surveys and reports on State property and vending facilities. Sets forth conditions and information to be contained in the surveys and reports. Preempts home rule powers. Repeals the Blind Persons Operating Vending Facilities Act. Amends the Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, Service Occupation Tax Act, and Retailers' Occupation Tax Act to provide that personal property purchased from a blind vendor's vending facility licensed by the Department of Human Services under the Blind Vendors Act is exempt from the taxes imposed by those Acts and that these exemptions are not subject to the sunset provisions of those Acts.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Children's Advocacy Center Act. Provides that a tax referendum may be submitted to county electors to operate and maintain a Children's Advocacy Center that is already established in that county. Provides that other referenda may be for the purpose of operating (as well as establishing and maintaining) a Children's Advocacy Center.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. For taxable years ending on or after December 31, 2006, allows small businesses that provide health care insurance for their employees to claim a tax credit in an amount equal to $100 for each employee covered, $50 for each spouse covered, and $40 for each dependent (up to 2 dependents) covered. Provides that the taxpayer may not carry the credit forward or back and that the credit may not reduce a taxpayer's liability to less than zero. Exempts the credit from the Act's sunset provisions. Effective immediately.
Amends the Executive Reorganization Implementation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends Public Act 93-842. Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Office of the Secretary of State for grants to private-sector senior driver safety programs. Effective immediately.
Amends provisions of the Equal Pay Act of 2003 requiring employers covered by the Act to post a notice, prepared or approved by the Director of Labor, summarizing the requirements of the Act and information pertaining to the filing of a charge. Adds language providing that a notice with specified contents is in compliance with that requirement. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Removes a repeal date from a Section concerning the Standard Non-forfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities. Effective immediately.
Congratulates Albert L. Grasso on the occasion of his retirement from the full-time practice of law.
Honors the doctors and staff of Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the hospital.
Congratulates Giant Steps on the occasion of their 10th anniversary.