Rep. Mike Fortner

Amends the Election Code. Creates an open-primary system. Provides that primary ballots shall list each candidate for office, regardless of party affiliation, participating in the primary election. Provides that the 2 candidates in any primary that received the most votes in the primary election, regardless of party affiliation of the candidates, shall be the only 2 candidates certified for participation in the general election. Makes conforming changes.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that, if a vacancy in nomination occurs as a result of a failure to nominate a candidate at the general primary election, the vacancy shall be filled only by a person nominated (now, designated) by the appropriate committee of the political party. Provides that the person nominated to fill the vacancy shall file his or her nominating petitions and other required documents, including the committee's resolution to fill a vacancy in nomination (now, notice of appointment), on or before the 75th day following the date of the general primary election (now, there is no time limit on filing the petitions and other documents). Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Provides that ice or snow plowed or removed from a residential driveway may not be deposited upon a public highway if it creates a traffic safety hazard as determined by local or State police. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Provides that as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9th grade in the 2015-2016 school year or a subsequent school year must successfully complete (i) 4 (instead of 3) years of mathematics, which may include math-intensive courses outside of traditional mathematics courses (instead of one of which must be Algebra I and one of which must include geometry content), and (ii) 3 (instead of 2) years of science, one of which must be a laboratory science. Provides that, when applicable, math-intensive courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of other graduation requirements.

Amends the Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2011. Provides that no Legislative District or Representative Districts shall include fewer than 50 voters within the boundaries of a township, county, or election commission.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that titleholders or owners of the beneficial interest of property exempted under certain provisions of the Code are not required to submit an annual filing with the chief county assessment officer in order to maintain tax exempt status. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Removes the State Board of Elections from the definition of "State agency". Effective immediately.

Amends the Transitional Bilingual Education Article of the School Code. Provides that with regard to the implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Bilingual Education, a school district may require teachers of English Language Learner students, who are participating in English Language Learner courses not taught by English Language Learner-certified teachers, to participate in a one-day training session regarding the challenges for English Language Learner students. Provides that the training may be in place of any State Board of Education-related rule regarding required contact hours for such teachers. Effective immediately.

Amends the Budget Stabilization Act. Makes changes concerning transfers from the General Revenue Fund to the Pension Stabilization Fund. Amends the General Assembly, State Employees, State Universities, Downstate Teachers, and Judges Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Requires each State-funded retirement system that does not already have a self-managed plan to establish and maintain one. Authorizes participants to irrevocably elect to participate in such a plan. Provides that, for the purpose of calculating traditional benefit package benefits and contributions, the annual salary of a participant may not, except under certain circumstances, exceed certain limits. Requires participation in the self-managed plan to the extent that a participant's salary exceeds the salary cap. Revises the schedule of contributions for participants. Shifts a portion of the employer contributions for downstate teachers and university employees from the State to the actual employer. Authorizes the boards of trustees of each of these retirement systems to triennially recalculate the normal cost of benefit plans that they offer. Defines "traditional benefit package" and "self-managed plan". Changes the formula for calculating the minimum required State contribution to these systems. Provides that the State is contractually obligated to pay the annual required State contribution to these retirement systems. Contains provisions requiring these retirement systems to bring a mandamus action to compel payment of the required State contribution. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act. Provides that the fee for an original, renewal, or duplicate Standard Illinois Identification Card shall be reduced to $10 for veterans. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the fee for an original or renewal driver's license shall be reduced to $15 for veterans. Effective January 1, 2015.