Rep. Joyce Mason

Amends the Park District Code. Provides that a park district may enter into a lease, contract, or other agreement related to the acquisition of solar energy, including the installation, maintenance, and service of solar panels, equipment, or similar technology related to solar energy, for a period not to exceed 2.5 times the term of years provided for in other provisions authorizing a lease for equipment and machinery (currently, up to 8 years) when authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the governing board of the park district. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the issuance of Lyme disease research decals by the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that $10 of each original issuance and $23 of each renewal shall be deposited into the Tick Research, Education, and Evaluation Fund, and that $15 of each original issuance and $2 of each renewal shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Provides that money in the Tick Research, Education, and Evaluation Fund shall be paid as grants to the Illinois Lyme Association. Makes a corresponding change in the State Finance Act.

Amends the Vital Records Act. In provisions concerning searches by the State Registrar of Vital Records, provides that no fee may be assessed against a victim of domestic violence as defined in the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that, to qualify for the waiver of a fee, the person seeking the vital record must provide a certification letter. Provides the form for a certification letter.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a prosecution for any offense based upon fraudulent activity connected to COVID-19-related relief programs, to include the Paycheck Protection Program, COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, and the Unemployment Benefit Programs shall be commenced within one year after discovery of the offense by a person having a legal duty to report such offense, or in the absence of such discovery, within one year after the proper prosecuting officer becomes aware of the offense. Provides that in no such case is the period of limitation so extended more than 3 years beyond the expiration of the period otherwise applicable.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. In provisions about certain villages incorporated under special Acts, adds incorporated towns into the provisions to allow incorporated towns to elect 6 trustees. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that the projects under the Illinois Solar for All Program shall be subject to the prevailing wage requirements included in the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that the Illinois Power Agency shall require verification that all construction performed on the project is performed by workers receiving an amount for that work equal to or greater than the general prevailing rate, as that term is defined in the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that all projects, with the exception of residential houses and houses of worship, shall be classified as public works similar to the applicable projects falling under the Adjustable Block program are classified.

Amends the General Provisions Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning medical prescriptions for schools, Provides that the school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school may maintain a supply of undesignated oxygen tanks in any secure location that is accessible before, during, and after school where a person with developmental disabilities person is most at risk, including, but not limited to, classrooms and lunchrooms. Provides that a physician, a physician assistant who has prescriptive authority in accordance with the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987, or an advanced practice registered nurse who has prescriptive authority in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act may prescribe undesignated oxygen tanks in the name of the school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school to be maintained for use when necessary. Provides that any supply of oxygen tanks shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and with the local fire department's rules.

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions regarding safety education, provides that allergen safety for students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 shall be included in the definition of "safety instruction". Provides that the allergen safety instruction shall include instruction on recognizing signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis; steps to take to prevent exposure to allergens, and safe emergency epinephrine administration.

Creates the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act. Defines terms. Provides that a State employee shall be granted leave from his or her State employment for firefighter training as follows: (1) on one occasion, for up to 200 hours, to participate in training necessary to obtain Basic Operations Firefighter certification from the State Fire Marshal while attending a State Fire Marshal-approved fire academy; and (2) special or advanced training annually, not to exceed 80 hours, after obtaining Basic Operations Firefighter certification from the State Fire Marshal for courses that will lead to additional certification by the State Fire Marshal. Provides that, during leaves for basic, special, or advanced training, the State employee shall continue to receive his or her regular compensation as a State employee, but, if the State employee receives compensation for basic, special, or advanced training, the State employee shall receive his or her regular compensation as a State employee minus the amount of his or her compensation for basic, special, or advanced training. Provides that a State employee who wishes to obtain a leave of absence under this Act shall request in advance for the leave of absence and may take the leave of absence only after obtaining approval from the State employee's agency.

Amends the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Provides that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago may provide for a civil penalty for each offense of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, with each day's continuance of a violation to be a separate offense, excluding costs and fees that may be assessed. Requires a hearing in front of the board of commissioners, or its designee, before a civil penalty may be imposed. Specifies procedures that must be adopted by the board of commissioners relating to imposing a civil penalty. Effective immediately.