Rep. Jack D. Franks

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Removes language that exempts video gaming terminals that are operated for amusement only from the licensure requirement under the Act. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Includes within the definition of "gambling device" a coin-in-the-slot operated mechanical device played for amusement that plays, emulates, or simulates a casino game, slot machine, bingo, or keno. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Election Code, the Illinois Pension Code, and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides for the nonpartisan election of a 9-member Commuter Rail Board, beginning at the consolidated election in 2011 (now, an 11-member board is appointed). Eliminates compensation and pension and group insurance benefits for members. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Building Commission Act. Makes a technical change to a Section concerning the short title.

Creates the Prescription Drug Repository Program Act. Requires the Department of Public Health to establish a prescription drug repository program, under which any person may donate a prescription drug or supplies needed to administer a prescription drug for use by an individual who meets eligibility criteria specified by the Department. Sets forth requirements that prescription drugs or supplies must meet in order to be accepted and dispensed under the program. Prohibits the resale of drugs or supplies donated under the program. Provides for civil and criminal immunity for drug and supply manufacturers and individuals. Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act and other Acts to provide that persons engaged in certain activities to the extent permitted or required under the Prescription Drug Repository Program Act are exempt from provisions of those other Acts that might prohibit or otherwise regulate such activity. Amends the Counties Code, the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that a coroner may take possession of prescription drugs and controlled substances associated or identified with a person whose death is being investigated.

Creates the Residential Building General Contractor Act. Provides for the registration of residential building general contractors with the Department of Labor beginning January 1, 2010. Establishes the Residential Building General Contractor Board. Sets forth powers and duties of the Department and the Board, registration requirements, grounds for discipline, civil and criminal penalties for violation of the Act, and administrative procedure. Includes provisions concerning exemption from the Act and local building permits. Provides that the Act does not limit the power of a unit of local government from regulating or licensing the practice of residential building general contracting in a stricter manner. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to set a repeal date of January 1, 2020 for the new Act. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Residential Building Contractor Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the State Board of Education.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, if the average market value of residential property fell by more than 7% in the previous calendar year, then the Department of Revenue shall include foreclosure sales and short sales in its sales ratio studies. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Local Government Road Salt Purchase Reimbursement Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be used by the Department of Transportation to make grants to counties, municipalities, townships, and road districts in the northeastern Illinois region that entered into contracts for the purchase of road salt for the 2008-2009 winter season at a rate that exceeds the regional average. Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that the sum of $14,500,000 shall be transferred from the Fund for Illinois' Future to the Local Government Road Salt Purchase Reimbursement Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Changes the exemption for disabled veterans. Provides that a "disabled veteran" is a veteran who has been awarded a 100% service-connected disability, permanent and total with no further examinations, by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning bonds.