Rep. Sidney H. Mathias

Amends the General Assembly Operations Act. Provides that if a bill or other legislative measure is sponsored or co-sponsored by a majority of the members elected to the chamber in which the bill or other legislative measure then resides, then that bill or other legislative measure must be referred by the Rules Committee of that chamber to a standing committee and a vote on that bill or other legislative measure must be taken by that standing committee within 6 session days or prior to any committee action or floor action deadline that has been imposed in that chamber, whichever is sooner.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section concerning the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, provides that in all counties (now, in counties with less than 3,000,000 inhabitants), the county board may by resolution provide that if a person has been granted a homestead exemption under this Section, the person qualifying need not reapply for the exemption. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Beginning June 1, 2010, provides that when a vacancy in nomination occurs on or after the general primary but more than 90 days before certification of candidates for the general election ballot, other than because no candidate's name appeared on the general primary ballot and no write-in candidate was nominated, the vacancy may be filled only at a special primary election on a date set by the State Board of Elections but at least 30 days before the date of certification. Beginning June 1, 2010, permits a vacancy in nomination occurring less than 91 days before certification of candidates for the general election ballot but more than 15 days before the general election to be filled by the political party's nominating committee only if the vacancy is due to the candidate's death or incapacitating illness. Beginning June 1, 2010, adds inability to fulfill the duties of the office sought due to illness as an event creating a vacancy in nomination. (Now, a vacancy in nomination occurring on or after the general primary and before the 15th day before the general election is filled by the party's nominating committee by certain deadlines based upon when the vacancy occurs).

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailer's Occupation Tax Act. Provides that 0.4% of the net revenues realized for the preceding month from the State's portion of the general rate of tax imposed under the Acts shall be paid by the Department of Revenue into the Local Government Distributive Fund (reverting to the distribution in place prior to State fiscal year 2003). Effective July 1, 2009.

Creates the Deeds Effective on Death Act. Provides that a deed that conveys an interest in real property to a grantee designated by the owner, that expressly states that the deed is not to take effect until the death of the owner, transfers the interest provided to the designated grantee beneficiary, effective on death of the owner, if the deed is executed and filed of record with the recorder in the county or counties in which the real property is situated prior to the death of the owner. Provides that a beneficiary deed need not be supported by consideration or be delivered to the grantee beneficiary. Provides that a beneficiary deed may be used to transfer an interest in real property to a trust estate, regardless of the trust's revocability. Provides that the Act does not preclude other methods of conveyancing that are permitted by law and that have the effect of postponing enjoyment of an interest in real property until the death of the owner. Provides that the Act does not invalidate any deed, otherwise effective by law to convey title to the interest and estates therein provided, that is not recorded until after the death of the owner.

Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in a Section establishing the State Board of Elections.

Creates the Illinois Emergency Employment Development Act. Authorizes the Governor to appoint an Illinois Emergency Employment Development Coordinator to administer the Act, and specifies the Coordinator's other duties and powers. Creates the Illinois Emergency Development Task Force to advise the Coordinator. Authorizes funds appropriated under the Act to be used to subsidize employee wages and benefits, to reimburse the Department of Employment Security for certain expenses, and to provide child care, workers' compensation coverage, and job search assistance. Specifies the powers and duties of Employment Administrators. Specifies the contractual assurances that businesses must give to remain eligible for subsidies under the Act. Sets forth criteria for allocating funds among eligible businesses. Requires businesses to repay 70% of amounts received if eligible applicants do not continue in their employment beyond 6 months. Prohibits eligible employers from terminating, laying off, or reducing the working hours of employees in order to hire an individual with funds made available under this Act. Creates a work incentive demonstration project. Provides for the termination of the program. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Illinois Emergency Employment Development Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective July 1, 2010.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Extends the carryback and carryover periods for net losses by an additional 5 years.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the clerk of the court shall collect a juror fund fee from each plaintiff and defendant, except as otherwise specified, and that the fees shall be deposited into a County Juror Fund. Increases fees for jury service after a juror fund fee is imposed. Preempts home rule powers. Amends the Jury Act. Provides that a person summoned for jury service is not required to use specified types of leave time. Contains provisions regarding: postponement and rescheduling the service of certain jurors; limits on the service of certain jurors; circumstances under which an individual may apply to be excused from jury service; penalties for failure to attend as a juror; and other matters. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Contains severability provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the clerk of the court shall collect a juror fund fee from each plaintiff and defendant, except as otherwise specified, and that the fees shall be deposited into a County Juror Fund. Increases fees for jury service after a juror fund fee is imposed. Preempts home rule powers. Amends the Jury Act. Provides that a person summoned for jury service is not required to use specified types of leave time. Contains provisions regarding: postponement and rescheduling the service of certain jurors; limits on the service of certain jurors; circumstances under which an individual may apply to be excused from jury service; penalties for failure to attend as a juror; and other matters. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Contains severability provisions. Effective immediately.