Rep. Dan Didech

Creates the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act. Provides that employers and labor organizations covered by the National Labor Relations Act may execute and apply agreements requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment to the fullest extent authorized by the National Labor Relations Act. Provides that it is the policy of the State that employers, employees, and their labor organizations are free to bargain collectively. Provides that the authority to enact laws or rules that restrict the use of union security agreements between an employer and a labor organization vests exclusively with the General Assembly. Prohibits local governments from enforcing any such law or rule. Defines terms. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Changes a reference to federal law with respect to union security agreements from a reference relating to requiring membership in a union in conflict with state law to a reference relating to unfair labor practices in connection with membership in a union. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes provision making a violation of the Act by a local governmental official a Class A misdemeanor.

Amends the County Auditing Law of the Counties Code. Provides that a county board must notify newly elected countywide officials of the option for the county auditor to conduct a transitional audit at the county's expense. Provides that the transitional audit shall examine funds expended by the official for whom the newly elected official is taking over and report if the expended funds were consistent with the county board's financial allocations to that official. Provides that a county board shall give the option for a transitional audit to all county officials elected in or after November 2016. Limits home rule powers. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the introduced bill with the following changes: Removes examples of countywide officials to be notified of the availability of a transitional audit. Provides that an elected county auditor shall conduct the audit upon the request of a newly elected countywide official. Provides that, in a county that does not have an elected county auditor, the newly elected countywide official may hire a qualified auditing firm. Requires the county board to pay all costs associated with an audit.

Creates the Private Sector Workplace Anti-Harassment Task Force Act. Creates the Private Sector Workplace Anti-Harassment Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall create model policies and best practices to keep workplaces safe from sexual harassment. Provides that the Department of Human Rights shall provide administrative support to the Task Force. Provides that the model policies and best practices shall be finalized by March 1, 2020 and posted on the Department of Human Rights' website within 30 days after finalization. Repeals the Act on March 1, 2021. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that specific members of the Task Force shall be appointed by the Governor. Provides that the Lieutenant Governor, or his or her designee, is included in the Task Force and shall serve as chair.

Amends the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Minors and Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Persons under 21 Years of Age and Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products Act. Prohibits the sale or furnishing of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products to a person under 21 years of age. Prohibits the purchase of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products by a person under 21 years of age. Makes changes regarding definitions, age verification, penalties, possession, and other matters. Repeals the Smokeless Tobacco Limitation Act. Amends other Acts to make conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2019. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Makes technical changes.

Mourns the death of Mayukh Biswas.

Congratulates Lorenzo Frezza on his success as a wrestler.

Amends the Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act. Adds reference to horizontal drilling with fracturing operations. Adds provisions concerning a county board or governing body's approval or denial for a request to consent for a local siting of a well site and operations. Makes other changes to provisions concerning permit applications, public notice, and public comment periods.

Declares April 2, 2019 as Pay Equity Day.

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the Department of State Police has authority to deny an application for or to revoke and seize a Firearm Owner's Identification Card previously issued under the Act if the Department finds that the applicant or the person to whom the card was issued is or was at the time of issuance a person who has been convicted within the past 5 years of stalking or a substantially similar offense in another jurisdiction, in which a firearm was used or possessed. Makes conforming changes.

Creates the Coal Severance Tax Act. Imposes a tax upon the severance and preparation of coal for sale, profit, or commercial use, if the coal is severed from a mine located in this State. Provides that the rate of tax is 5% of the gross value of the severed coal. Contains provisions concerning returns and penalties. Effective January 1, 2020.