Rep. Jack D. Franks

With respect to the amendment to the Suffrage and Elections Article of the Illinois Constitution proposed by House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 31 (which provides for the recall of a Governor), sets forth a brief explanation of the proposed amendment, a brief argument in favor of the amendment, a brief argument against the amendment, and the form in which the amendment will appear on the ballot.

Amends the Capital Development Board Act. Requires the Board, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to initiate a study of building energy performance measures for the purposes of identifying a simple and easily understood label for a building or facility that indicates its energy use. Provides for the Board to identify no less than 10 buildings to serve as case studies. Requires the Board to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly. Effective immediately.

Proposes to amend the Suffrage and Elections Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides for elections to recall State executive branch officers and members of the General Assembly. Provides for successor elections to fill the vacant term of a recalled officer or member. Provides for petitions to be filed with the State Board of Elections and sets requirements for petitions. Provides for the State Board of Elections to proclaim the election and set the date. Provides for objections to petitions. Provides that the recall provisions are self-executing and judicially enforceable. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Proposes to amend the Illinois Constitution to repeal provisions concerning the office of Associate Judge. Provides that Associate Judges in office on the effective date of the amendment assume the office of Circuit Judge on that date. Deletes provisions for election of Appellate and Circuit Judges and provides for their appointment by the Supreme Court. Provides for Judicial Nominating Commissions to nominate persons for appointment as Appellate and Circuit Judges. Makes other changes. Effective upon approval by the electors.

Proposes to amend the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Constitution. Creates the Compensation Review Board. Sets forth the membership of the Board. Provides that the Board shall determine the compensation for members of the General Assembly, judges, other elected constitutional officers, and certain State appointees and employees. Provides that the recommendations of the Board shall take effect only if they are approved by both houses of the General Assembly. Effective upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act.

Proposes to amend the Legislature Article of the Illinois Constitution. Prohibits a General Assembly member from holding any other elective public office. Effective upon being declared adopted, and applicable to members elected or appointed to terms beginning in or after 2013.

Amends the Credit Agreements Act. Provides that specified provisions shall not constitute a defense to a claim that arises out of bad faith conduct intended to unjustly benefit a creditor or a third party. Provides that the mere failure by a creditor to enter into a credit agreement with or to provide a written commitment to a debtor, without more, shall not constitute bad faith under specified provisions. Provides for the legislative intent of the General Assembly and that certain provisions apply to pending actions as well as actions commenced on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the State Police Act. Provides that a requirement that a State Police applicant have certain collegiate educational requirements is deemed to be satisfied if the applicant has been honorably discharged and has an Afghan or Iraqi campaign medal awarded after September 11, 2001 by one of the United States armed forces. Effective immediately.

Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Requires that the Chicago Transportation Authority, the Suburban Bus Board, and the Commuter Rail Board ensure that all trains and buses used for public transport have at least one automated external defibrillator on board. Provides that the requirement must be imposed no later than 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.