Rep. Sandy Cole

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides for a credit for taxpayers who, during the taxable year, install, on a building or property that is owned by the taxpayer and that is located in the State, a geothermal, solar, wind, or fuel cell energy device and sets the amount of the credit at the lesser of (i) $1,500 or (ii) 20% of the actual cost of the acquisition and installation of the device. 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 Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning Medicaid rates for nursing homes, provides that for facilities licensed by the Department of Public Health under the Nursing Home Care Act as skilled nursing facilities or intermediate care facilities, the support component of the rates taking effect on July 1, 2008 shall be computed using the most recent cost reports on file with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services no later than April 1, 2006, updated for inflation to January 1, 2007. Provides that facilities shall have the support component of their Medicaid rate computed every year using the most recent cost reports on file with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services no later than April 1, 2 years prior to the year in which the new rate takes effect, updated for inflation to January 1 of the year prior to the year in which the new rate takes effect. Effective immediately.

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Requires wireless carriers to create and offer consumers an option to opt out of all text message services on wireless service agreements. Provides that a violation is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Requires wireless carriers to create and offer consumers an option to opt out of all text message services on wireless service agreements. Requires that the option be available to the customer throughout the length of the contract. Provides that, if the customer elects this option in the middle of an existing contract, the carrier may not adjust the length of the contract. Provides that a violation is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.

Appropriates $10,000,000 to the Department of Natural Resources to make grants under the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act.  Effective July 1, 2008.

Amends the Illinois Landscape Architecture Act of 1989. Replaces all references to "Director of Professional Regulation" with "Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation", all references to "Department of Professional Regulation" with "Department of Financial and Professional Regulation", and all references to "registration" with "licensure" throughout the Act. Adds provisions concerning the application of the Act, the display of a license, a seal, and continuing education. Repeals a Section that exempts any person who engages in the practice of landscape architecture, but does not represent himself as or use the title of "landscape architect" or "registered landscape architect", from the Act. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2008.

Appropriates $40,000,000 from the Capital Development Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the acquisition, protection, and preservation of open space and natural lands through the Open Land Trust Program. Effective July 1, 2008.

Congratulates Grayslake Fire Chief Don Mobley on the occasion of his retirement.

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act. Provides that the joint review board shall appoint a person to preside over certain public hearings.

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act. Provides that the joint review board shall appoint one of its members to preside over certain public hearings.