Rep. Joyce Mason

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision defining "eligible employment" for the purpose of allowing a teacher to return to teaching in subject shortage areas without impairing his or her retirement status or retirement annuity, changes the ending date of the employment from no later than June 30, 2024 to no later than June 30, 2029. Effective immediately.

Declares June 10, 2024 as FarmWeek Appreciation Day. Congratulates FarmWeek on its 50th anniversary and wishes the publication continued success.

Declares April 14 through April 20, 2024 as Harm Reduction Solidarity Week in the State of Illinois in order to raise awareness about the principles and practices of harm reduction, emphasizing its vital role in public health and safety. Encourages communities to engage in activities that promote education, dialogue, and support for harm reduction initiatives during the week. Recognizes the importance of promoting public health and safety through highlighting proactive measures like harm reduction coupled with recent legislative accomplishments. Acknowledges the dedication and contributions of harm reductionists. Reaffirms commitment to supporting evidence-based harm reduction strategies and to lead with compassion and humanity in place of perpetuating stigma and criminalization in order to greatly reduce substance use-related harm in Illinois.

Declares March 3 through March 9, 2024 as Illinois Soil Health Week in the State of Illinois. Encourages the celebration of Soil Health Week and its related activities to increase the awareness of Illinois farmers, eaters, and those involved in agribusiness of the importance of the air and water quality environment for all citizens of this State.

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the Capital Development Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant to Lamb’s Farm, Inc., for capital improvements. Effective July 1, 2024.

Creates the Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act to restore protections for wetlands and small streams that were formerly protected from pollution and destruction by the Clean Water Act. Includes provisions concerning: exemptions; wetlands delineation, classification, notification, permits and veto; general permits; appeal of final decisions made by the Department of Natural Resources and judicial review; investigation and enforcement; and county authority. Creates the Wetlands and Small Streams Advisory Committee and establishes duties and rules for the Committee. Creates the Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Fund. Provides for permit review fees. Defines terms. Makes conforming changes in the State Finance Act and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. Effective immediately.

Commends Deputy John Forlenza and Police K9 Dax for their honorable service and dedication to their community, the State as a whole, and the nation.

Creates the Endow Illinois Tax Credit Act. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall award income tax credits to taxpayers who provide an endowment gift to a permanent endowment fund during the taxable year and receive a certificate of receipt for that gift. Provides that the credit is equal to 25% of the endowment gift. Contains provisions setting forth maximum credit amounts. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to require an addition modification equal to the amount of any federal deduction claimed for an endowment gift for which a taxpayer receives a credit under the Endow Illinois Tax Credit Act. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Universities Civil Service Act. Provides that nothing in the Act or any rules adopted under the Act prevents the parties to a collective bargaining agreement subject to the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act from agreeing to a provision that enhances employee rights.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. The Secretary of State shall adopt rules to reimburse an applicant's registration fees for the 2023 registration year in which an applicant received a citation for expired registration as a result of a misprinted registration sticker. Requires, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State to authorize the refund from a fund to which fees for original or renewal of registration are deposited.