Rep. Patricia Reid Lindner

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Creates the Illinois Smart Energy Task Force to conduct a study and make recommendations to the Illinois Commerce Commission and the General Assembly concerning (i) the improvement of system-wide reliability and the reduction of peak demand through energy efficiency; (ii) the improvement of energy efficiency and access to energy options for underserved customers; and (iii) the reduction of negative environmental impacts caused by energy production and use. Requires the task force to file an annual report of its findings and recommendations with the Commission and the General Assembly and to make that report available to members of the public, upon request.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning emissions testing.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning Medicaid rates for nursing homes, provides that for facilities licensed by the Department of Public Health under the Nursing Home Care Act as skilled nursing facilities or intermediate care facilities, the support component of the rates taking effect on July 1, 2008 shall be computed using the most recent cost reports on file with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services no later than April 1, 2006, updated for inflation to January 1, 2007. Provides that facilities shall have the support component of their Medicaid rate computed every year using the most recent cost reports on file with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services no later than April 1, 2 years prior to the year in which the new rate takes effect, updated for inflation to January 1 of the year prior to the year in which the new rate takes effect. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a parcel of contiguous land of not more than 200 acres that is owned by a county shall be considered for purposes of determining whether a newly incorporated municipality constitutes a contiguous territory, but shall not be included in the incorporation without the consent of the county board. Provides that a parcel of land of less than 200 acres that is owned by the county may be disconnected from the municipality, regardless of whether the disconnection renders any of the remaining territory within the municipality not contiguous to the municipality. Provides that land that is owned by the county that has been disconnected or excluded from incorporation in the municipality shall not be subject to the ordinances or regulations of the municipality without consent of the county board.

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning downstate firefighters.

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for hippotherapy (horse therapy) services for autistic children and other persons suffering from conditions including, but not limited to, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and learning or language disabilities who could benefit from such services. Effective July 1, 2007.

Amends the Judicial Vacancies Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning definitions.

Appropriates $800,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for a grant to the Association for Individual Development for child support services. Effective July 1, 2008.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that if a barn is improved for the purpose of preserving the integrity of the internal and external features of the structure as a barn then, beginning with the assessment year immediately following the completion of the improvements, the value of those improvements is not included in the fair cash value of the barn. Provides that this special valuation applies only to structures that have been first placed in service as a barn prior to 1937. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Repeals the statute concerning sexual exploitation of a child. Adds the provisions of that statute to the statute concerning public indecency. Retains penalties.