Rep. Jack D. Franks

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning domestic battery.

Creates the Local Official's Sign Act. Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for the proper name of an elected officer of a unit of local government or school district to appear on a sign paid for with public funds. Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Adds any type of sign to the prohibition against the proper name or image of an executive branch constitutional officer or General Assembly member from appearing on a commercial billboard designed, prepared, paid for, or distributed using public dollars.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Election Code, the Illinois Pension Code, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides for the nonpartisan election of a 9-member Chicago Transit Authority Board, beginning at the consolidated election in 2011 (now, a 7-member board is appointed). Eliminates compensation and pension and group insurance benefits for members. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section concerning a public hearing held prior to the establishment of a special service area, provides that a list of the names and addresses of the individuals and entities to whom notice of the public hearing was sent by mail shall be made available at the public hearing. Provides that a special service area district may not be created or enlarged, a tax may not be levied or imposed nor the rate increased, nor may bonds be issued unless that action is authorized by a petition that is signed by at least 51% of the electors residing within the special service area and by at least 51% of the owners of record of the land included within the boundaries of the special service area (currently, the action may be taken unless a petition objecting to the action is filed). Provides that, if a person who is registered to vote has died or has permanently moved from the special service area, and if certified documentation is submitted along with the authorization petition, then that person shall not be counted as an elector for purposes of the authorization petition.

Amends the Public Officer Simultaneous Tenure Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Act.

Amends the Illinois Food, Farms, and Jobs Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Election Code, the General Assembly Compensation Act, and the Legislative Commission Reorganization Act of 1984. Changes the general primary election from the first Tuesday in February of even-numbered years to the Tuesday that is the 70th day, or immediately preceding the 70th day, before the general election. Makes conforming changes with respect to (i) filing of declarations of judicial retention, (ii) filing of campaign finance reports, and (iii) printing and mailing of legislators' newsletters and brochures. Effective immediately.

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning tolls and charges.

Creates the State Agency Director Legislative Accountability Act. Requires that each director, secretary, assistant director, and assistant secretary of each State agency subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor's Executive Inspector General must be present in Springfield during each legislative session day. Prohibits anyone other than those persons from appearing or testifying before a legislative committee on behalf of their State agencies unless otherwise provided by the committee or by law. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Employees Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that term "employee" does not include any person who becomes a director of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Amends the Toll Highway Act. Provides that, beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act, the chairman and other directors of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority shall receive no annual salary or other compensation for their service in office, except that they shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Provides that no service or contribution shall be credited in any retirement system or pension fund, under the Illinois Pension Code or otherwise, to the chairman and the directors for service in that office beginning on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, and no public funds shall be appropriated, expended, or otherwise obligated for such a retirement system or pension fund credit. Prohibits the chairman and directors from receiving financial benefit or perquisite for service in that office, including without limitation participation in a program of life or health insurance. Effective immediately.