Rep. Elaine Nekritz

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code in relation to medicare supplements. Provides that an issuer of Medicare supplement policies shall not deny coverage to a person under the age of 65 who meets certain criteria. Limits certain rates. Requires that all types of Medicare supplement policies available to persons over 65 years of age be made available to persons who become eligible for Medicare by reason of a disability.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption, under which an exemption from the property's value is granted for residential property that is owned and occupied as a residence by a veteran for the tax year in which the veteran returns from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States. 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 the homestead exemption, the person qualifying need not reapply for the exemption. In a Section concerning the alternative general homestead exemption, extends the alternative exemption by an additional 3 years. Provides that the maximum amount of the exemption is $60,000 if the general assessment year for the property is 2006 or later. Provides that the base year for counties other than Cook County is the 2005 or 2006 tax year. Provides that, to subject itself to the provisions of the alternative general homestead exemption, a county must adopt an ordinance to that effect within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act. Makes other changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes changes concerning the composition of the boards of trustees of the retirement systems and pension funds. Provides for appointment to the boards of trustees of members who do not hold any other public office, who are not participants in the fund, and who have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the direct management, analysis, supervision, or investment of assets. Requires that all members of the boards of trustees who do not have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the direct management, analysis, supervision, or investment of assets must undergo annual financial training. Makes other changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Creates the Child-Safe Chemicals Act. Regulates the sale and distribution of children's products or product components containing lead or other specified chemicals. Designates priority chemicals of high concern. Requires manufacturers and trade associations to report to the Environmental Protection Agency. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Agency. Provides for exemptions. Requires the Agency to create an interstate clearinghouse. Contains provisions for implementation and enforcement. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law. Provides that unexpended, obligated, or unobligated moneys remaining in the Grade Crossing Protection Fund do not lapse and may not be transferred from that Fund to the General Revenue Fund or to any other State Fund.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that on and after December 31, 2008, specified heavy-duty, diesel powered vehicles must be equipped with federally mandated computer hardware, software, or both, to control nitrogen oxide emissions. Establishes procedures for notification of affected vehicle owners and for compliance with and enforcement of these requirements. Provides that, if the owner of an affected vehicle does not comply with these requirements, the vehicle's registration may be suspended and any new registration or re-registration may be prohibited. Provides that the vehicle may be placed out of service, in accordance with Department of Transportation Rules. Provides that operation of a vehicle that has been placed out of service under the provision is a petty offense punishable by a fine of $1,000. Effective immediately.

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act and the Public Community College Act. With respect to public community colleges, requires the approval of the establishment of new units of instruction, research, and public service and the review of existing programs of instruction, research, and public service to be made by the Illinois Community College Board rather than the Board of Higher Education. Requires the Illinois Community College Board to develop a comprehensive community college plan. Makes related changes.

Creates the Carbon Budget Trading Program Act. Contains only a short title provision.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Allows an income tax credit for each individual taxpayer who is a teacher teaching in a school in Illinois. Provides that the amount of the credit is equal to 50% of the eligible classroom expenses made by the taxpayer during the taxable year, but the credit may not exceed $500. Defines "eligible classroom expenses" as the aggregate amount of nonreimbursed classroom expenses made by the taxpayer during the taxable year less $250. Provides that the credit may not be carried forward or back and may not reduce the taxpayer's liability to less than zero. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Increases the amount of the earned income tax credit from 5% of the federal credit to: (i) 7.5% of the federal tax credit for taxable years ending in calendar year 2007; and (ii) 10% of the federal tax credit for taxable years ending in calendar year 2008 or thereafter. Effective immediately.