Amends the Property Tax Code. Beginning in taxable year 2019, increases the maximum income limitation under the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $75,000 for applicants who have occupied the residence for 5 years or more. Indexes the maximum income limitation to the Consumer Price Index. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Anatomical Gift Act. Provides that the term "decedent" includes a deceased individual organism of the species homo sapiens from fertilization until live birth. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of the Act, if the decedent is a fetus upon whom an abortion has been performed, then no part of the decedent's body may be used for any purpose specified in the Act. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. With regard to the provision governing the concussion protocol during an interscholastic athletic activity, provides that the term "physician" includes a chiropractic physician licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987.
Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Eliminates provision that a licensee under the Act shall not knowingly carry a firearm on any real property under the control of the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Effective immediately.
Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Choose Life Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to allow for the issuance of decals by Illinois Choose Life, Inc. Provides for the original and renewal fees and fee distribution for Universal special license plates with decals issued by Illinois Choose Life, Inc.
Creates the School District Debt Control and Taxpayer Protection Act, and amends the School Code. Provides that a school district may not refinance debt past the repayment period of the debt when issued, may not issue debt to be serviced over a period of greater than 20 years, and may not issue capital appreciation bonds. Provides that school districts may not be indebted in an amount greater than that indicated in the Act and if a school district does exceed the debt limitation, then the school district may not incur any new debt until the school district's debt is lower than the debt limitation. Effective immediately.
Creates the Illinois District Consolidation Commission Act. Creates the Illinois District Consolidation Commission for the purpose of recommending what school districts in the State to consolidate, with a goal of reducing the total number of school districts in the State by at least 60%. Requires all State agencies to assist the Commission as reasonably necessary, and provides that the State Board of Education shall provide administrative and other support. Sets forth requirements concerning membership and powers. Requires the Commission to issue a report concerning recommended consolidations by November 4, 2019. Requires the Commission to submit proposed legislation to the General Assembly enacting the proposed consolidations by November 4, 2019. Requires the General Assembly to vote on the legislation. Provides that the Commission shall spend no more than $1,000,000 on expenses. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Illinois District Consolidation Commission Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Repeals the Act January 1, 2021. Contains a severability clause. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975. Provides that a person may not perform an abortion of a fetus solely because of the fetus's race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, or diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the fetus having Down syndrome or any other disability. Provides that at least 18 hours before an abortion is performed on a pregnant woman whose fetus is diagnosed with a lethal fetal anomaly, the physician who will perform the abortion shall: (1) orally and in person, inform the pregnant woman of the availability of perinatal hospice services; and (2) provide the pregnant woman copies of the perinatal hospice brochure developed by the Department of Public Health and the list of perinatal hospice providers and programs by printing the perinatal hospice brochure and list of perinatal hospice providers from the Department's Internet web site. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules within 90 days after the effective date of the bill to implement these provisions. Provides that the report of abortions submitted to the Department shall include the gender of the fetus, if detectable; and whether the fetus has been diagnosed with or has a potential diagnosis of having Down syndrome or any other disability. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally performs an abortion in violation of these provisions may be subject to: (1) disciplinary sanctions under the Medical Practice Act of 1987; and (2) civil liability for wrongful death. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987 to make conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that it is unlawful discrimination under the Act to perform an abortion solely because of the race, color, sex, disability, national origin, or ancestry of the fetus. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Establishes the registration fee for electric vehicles at no more than $216.00 per year (previously $35 for a 2-year term) and creates a separate registration fee not to exceed $158.50 per year for hybrid vehicles. Effective immediately.
Amends the General Assembly, State Employee, State Universities, Downstate Teachers, and Judges Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Requires the Board of each System to establish and maintain a voluntary defined contribution plan to address the retirement preparedness gap for participants in a defined benefit plan who are not on track to maintain their standard of living in retirement. Provides that the contribution rate shall be established by the Board. Provides that the plan shall exist and serve in addition to other retirement, pension, and benefit plans established under the Code. Provides that any Tier 2 participant who first becomes a participant on or after establishment of the plan shall automatically be enrolled, unless he or she opts out within 60 days after first becoming a participant. Authorizes Tier 1 participants and Tier 2 participants who first became participants before the plan was established to enroll in the plan. Contains provisions concerning investment options, qualified plan status, and distribution requirements. Defines terms and repeals a definition added by Public Act 98-599, which has been held unconstitutional. Effective immediately.
