Rep. Jack D. Franks

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that in a successful appeal under the Administrative Review Law of an adverse decision by a unit of local government, the court shall award the plaintiff all reasonable costs, including court costs and attorney's fees, associated with the appeal. Provides that if the court finds the decision by the unit of local government was clearly erroneous or that the plaintiff's rights to due process were abridged, the court may award the plaintiff all reasonable costs associated with the entire case dating back to the inception of the administrative proceeding.

Amends the Energy Conservation and Coal Development Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the evaluation of loan applications.

Amends the Wildlife Code. Adds the Gray wolf, American black bear, and Cougar to the list of protected species under the Act.

Amends the Military Code of Illinois and the State Finance Act to create the Illinois National Guard Billeting Fund. Further amends the Military Code of Illinois to provide that the Fund shall be funded from proceeds collected by the Department of Military Affairs incident to billeting operations conducted by the Illinois National Guard at locations within the State. Provides that moneys within the Fund shall be used to pay the expenses of billeting operations not eligible for payment with federal or State appropriated funds. Provides that the Department of Military Affairs shall administer the Fund in accordance with the laws of this State, applicable federal requirements governing the use of such funds, and appropriate rules and procedures established by the Adjutant General. Effective July 1, 2014.

Amends the following Acts and Codes to provide that, upon a majority vote of the boards of the entities created under the following Acts and Codes in favor of the proposition to annex or consolidate, then that entity shall cease: Property Tax Code, Counties Code, Cemetery Maintenance District Act, Civic Center Code, Conservation District Act, Downstate Forest Preserve District Act, Public Health District Act, Tuberculosis Sanitarium District Act, Museum District Act, Illinois International Port District Act, River Conservancy Districts Act, Solid Waste Disposal District Act, Street Light District Act, Surface Water Protection District Act, Water Service District Act, Water Authorities Act, Water Commission Act of 1985, and the Illinois Highway Code. Provides that on the effective date of the annexation or consolidation, all of the rights, powers, duties, assets, liabilities, indebtedness, obligations, bonding authority, taxing authority, and responsibilities of the entity shall vest in and be assumed by the governmental unit assuming the former entity's functions. Effective immediately.

Creates the Pay It Forward, Pay It Back Act. Establishes a program to provide loans to eligible students to attend an institution of higher learning in this State that are to be repaid, in part, according to the income of the student borrowers. Sets forth the Pay It Forward, Pay It Back Program Fund where moneys in the fund shall be kept for the sole purpose of awarding program loans under the Act. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall administer the program and by rule develop the loan application process. Sets forth provisions governing loan repayment. Requires the Department to submit an annual report to the General Assembly. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Pay It Forward, Pay It Back Program Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. In the statute concerning grooming, defines "child" as a person under 18 years of age. Provides that the penalty for grooming is a Class 3 (rather than a Class 4) felony if the child is 14 years of age or older or if the person believed by the offender to be a child purports to be 14 years of age or older. Provides that grooming is a Class 2 felony if the child is under 14 years of age or if the person believed by the offender to be a child purports to be under 14 years of age.

Amends the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act. Provides that members appointed on and after the effective date of the Act shall be confirmed by the Senate. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning court costs.

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that the fee for all sport fishing licenses, salmon stamps, and inland trout stamps shall be waived for residents over 75 years old. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the fee for a hunting license to hunt all species, State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps, State Habitat Stamps, State Pheasant Stamps, and State Furbearer Stamps shall be waived for residents over 75 years old. Effective immediately.