Rep. David McSweeney

Creates the Local Government Convention Expense Control Act. Provides that on or after the effective date of the Act, public funds shall not be expended by a unit of local government for expenses connected with attendance by an employee or contractor of the unit of local government at a convention or gathering of personnel. Excludes public funds expended (1) at any convention or gathering of public safety personnel or (2) pursuant to a entered into before the effective date of the Act. Effective immediately.

States the opinion of the Illinois House of Representatives that the proposed educational pension cost shift from the State of Illinois to local school districts, community colleges, and institutions of higher education is financially wrong.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a credit in an amount equal to the investment made by the taxpayer during the taxable year in a Qualified Opportunity Fund. Provides that no such credit may be taken for any taxable year that begins prior to January 1, 2020. Provides that excess credits may be carried forward or back. Provides that the aggregate amount of the Qualified Opportunity Fund tax credit shall be limited to $100,000,000 per calendar year. Provides that the credit is exempt from the Act's automatic sunset provision. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Reduces the income tax rate for corporations to 2.625% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2017 (currently, the rate is 5.25% for taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 2025 and 4.8% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025). Effective immediately.

States the belief that the Illinois Constitution should not be amended to permit a graduated income tax.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that 30 days after the effective date of the bill, the Department of Transportation shall conduct a study evaluating automated traffic law enforcement systems in this State. Provides that on or before December 31, 2017, the Department shall file a report with the General Assembly with the results from the study, including input from local law enforcement, and any recommendations the Department deems necessary. Effective immediately.

Creates the Gun Violence Protection Order Act. Provides that a circuit court may issue a warrant to search for and seize a firearm in the possession of a person who is believed to pose a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or to others if: (1) a law enforcement officer provides the court a sworn affidavit; (2) the affidavit specifically describes the location of the firearm; and (3) the circuit court determines that probable cause exists to believe that the person poses a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or others and is in possession of a firearm. Provides that if a law enforcement officer seizes a firearm from a person whom the law enforcement officer believes to pose a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or to others without obtaining a warrant, the law enforcement officer shall submit to the circuit court having jurisdiction over the person believed to pose a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or to others, a written statement under oath or affirmation describing the basis for the law enforcement officer's belief that the person poses a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or to others. Provides that not later than 14 days after a return is filed or a written statement is submitted, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the seized firearm should be: (1) returned to the person from whom the firearm was seized; or (2) retained by the law enforcement agency having custody of the firearm. Repeals the Firearm Seizure Act on January 1, 2019. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2019.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2017 levy year, the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law applies to all taxing districts, including home rule units. Provides that, beginning with the 2017 levy year, the extension limitation under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law is 0% or the rate of increase approved by the voters. Preempts home rule. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Creates the Citizens Empowerment Act. Provides that electors may petition for a referendum at the next general election to dissolve a unit of local government. Sets forth the requirements for the petition, together with the form and requirements for the ballot referendum. Provides for the transfer of all real and personal property, and any other assets, together with all personnel, contractual obligations, and liabilities of the dissolving unit of local government to the receiving unit of local government. Amends the Election Code to provide exceptions for the Citizens Empowerment Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a deduction for corporations in an amount equal to 100% of the portion of the taxpayer's Illinois net income for the taxable year that is earned by the taxpayer as a result of a manufacturing process. Provides that the deduction is exempt from the Act's automatic sunset provision. Effective immediately.