Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Expands the definition of "computer" to include equipment of cloud-based networks of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data. Makes the definition of "computer" apply to multiple provisions under the computer fraud subdivision of the Code.
Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a municipality may, by resolution, make payments in lieu of taxes only to a fire protection district, and not to all taxing districts, within a redevelopment area if the municipality finds: (1) the fire protection district will receive, or has received, a unique impact and burden on its services, distinct from the other taxing districts in the project redevelopment area; and (2) the unique impact and burden is due to new development in the project redevelopment area. Effective immediately.
Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that a unit of local government may not seek damages in connection with a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction based upon a constitutional challenge to a tax. Provides that if a petition is filed in violation of the new provisions, the court shall award the respondent reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in connection with the petition. Effective immediately.
Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act to extend the Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment Exemption to production related tangible personal property. Provides that the term "production related tangible personal property" includes certain supplies and consumables used in a manufacturing facility. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the research and development credit applies on a permanent basis. Provides that the credit may be carried forward for a period of 20 years (instead of 5 years). Increases the amount of the research and development credit by providing that the increase in qualifying expenditures shall be an increase over 50% (instead of 100%) of the average of the qualifying expenditures for each year in the base period. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Provides that public employers shall not be required to bargain over issues concerning second chance programs or other similar programs that are directed at assisting in the reintegration of ex-offenders into the workforce after they have been released from house arrest, home confinement, drug or alcohol programs, or a work release center, including the impact or implementation of such programs on the wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment for public employees. Provides that issues concerning second chance programs shall be considered matters of inherent managerial policy for purposes of bargaining under the Act. Effective immediately.
Creates the Ethics in Public Contracting Act. Provides that whenever any public body has taken an action suspending, debarring, or otherwise limiting the ability of a person to enter into a public contract, the public body shall provide a report to the Secretary of State identifying specified information. Requires the Secretary of State, within 12 months after the effective date of the Act, to establish and maintain a website, known as the Ethics in Public Contracting Portal, with information received from all public bodies. Provides that a public body may reciprocate another public body's suspension, debarment, or other limitation on the ability of a person to enter into a public contract. Provides that the Secretary of State shall adopt rules to carry out the intent of the Act, and to provide a review process for persons to petition for removal from the Ethics in Public Contracting Portal. Defines terms. Effective immediately.
Amends the State aid formula provisions of the School Code. Requires the General Assembly to make appropriations for general State financial aid each fiscal year to fully fund the amount as calculated under the formula. Requires the State Comptroller to prioritize the payment of general State financial aid claims to ensure the timely delivery of funds to school districts. Effective July 1, 2017.
Amends the Illinois False Claims Act. Provides that no court has jurisdiction over a civil action relating to or involving a false claim regarding certain tax acts administered by the Department of Revenue unless the action is brought by the Attorney General. Provides that the Department of Revenue has the sole authority to bring an administrative action and that the Attorney General has the sole authority to bring a judicial action under the Act for a false claim, statement, or record pertaining to certain taxes administered by the Department of Revenue. Contains provisions concerning reporting, investigative, and enforcement procedures for allegations of false claims pertaining to certain taxes. Contains provisions governing the payment of rewards to persons who provide information that leads to recovery of funds under the new provisions. Provides that the appeal of a determination regarding an award may be appealed exclusively to the Court of Claims and must be filed within 30 days of the determination of the award. Makes other changes, including a corresponding change in the Court of Claims Act.
Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that the increased percentage rate for each spouse and child for temporary total incapacity benefits, serious and permanent disfigurement benefits, and all cases other than temporary total disability benefits shall not exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation, nor 83 1/3% of the employee's average weekly wage, whichever is less (rather than shall not exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation, nor the employee's average weekly wage, whichever is less). Establishes a maximum weekly compensation rate in death cases, permanent total disability cases, temporary total disability cases, and for cases involving amputation of a member or enucleation of an eye beginning July 1, 2017 and thereafter. Establishes a minimum weekly compensation rate in permanent total disability cases beginning July 1, 2017 and thereafter. Changes the total compensation amount payable to an employee for an accidental injury not resulting in death. Makes changes to the benefit periods for accidental injuries resulting in the loss of or the permanent and complete loss of use of the thumb, fingers, or toes; the amputation of an arm, foot, or leg; the enucleation of an eye; and other injuries.
