Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it is an affirmative defense to a charge of prostitution that the accused engaged in or performed prostitution as a result of being a victim of involuntary servitude or trafficking in persons as defined in the Code, or was a victim of trafficking as defined in the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that in prosecutions for prostitution, when the accused intends to raise at trial the affirmative defense of being a victim of involuntary servitude or trafficking in persons as defined in the Code, or was a victim of trafficking as defined in the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and has reason to believe that the evidence presented in asserting that defense may jeopardize the safety of the accused, courtroom personnel, or others impacted by human trafficking, the accused may file under seal a motion for an in camera hearing to review the accused's safety concerns. Upon receipt of the motion and notice to the parties, the court shall conduct an in camera hearing, with counsel present, limited to review of potential safety concerns. Provides that the court shall not consider the merits of the affirmative defense during the in camera review. Provides that if the court finds that the assertion of an affirmative defense by the accused in open court could jeopardize the safety of the accused, court personnel, or other persons, the court may clear the courtroom with the agreement of the accused, order additional in camera hearings, seal the records, prohibit court personnel from disclosing the proceedings without prior court approval, or take any other appropriate measure that in the court's discretion will enhance the safety of the proceedings and ensure the accused a full and fair opportunity to assert his or her affirmative defense. Provides that statements made by the accused during the in camera hearing to review safety concerns shall not be admissible against the accused for the crimes charged. Effective immediately.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a county may accumulate an amount not to exceed 3% of the equalized assessed value of property subject to taxation by the county (rather than 5% of the amount appropriated to the county's general corporate or operating fund) in its County Capital Improvement, Repair, or Replacement Fund.
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that the Environmental Protection Agency may approve the operation of one-day household composting collection events. Establishes requirements for the compost collection events. Requests for approval shall be submitted on forms prescribed by the Agency. Provides that the Agency shall establish a pilot program to permit the operation of no more than 3 permanent drop-off sites for household organic waste collection. Establishes requirements for the permanent drop-off sites. Effective immediately.
Amends the Counties Code. Removes the provision that court security officers shall be subject to a Sheriff's Merit Commission for disciplinary purposes.
Congratulates the members of the Carmel Catholic Corsairs girls soccer team on the occasion of winning the 2015 IHSA Class 2A State Championship.
Applauds the Lovely LEGO Ladies robotics team from Crystal Lake Community School District 47 on successfully competing in the LEGOLAND North American Open championship and receiving the "Rising Star Award".
Urges the Governor, in conjunction with the State Board of Education, to reevaluate its contract with the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, and urges the State Board to better communicate changes to the General Assembly and the public before entering into the rulemaking process.
Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the Code does not apply to contracts between the Department of Agriculture and a non-profit service organization for the purpose of providing goods or services on the Illinois State Fairgrounds during the Illinois State Fair or on the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds during the DuQuoin State Fair. Effective immediately.
Amends the Department of Employment Security Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the homestead exemption is $100,000 (now $75,000) beginning January 1, 2015. Provides that a homestead exemption claimed for improvements to make the property accessible to a disabled person or a senior citizen who uses the property as his or her primary residence shall continue for as long as the disabled person or senior citizen uses the property as his or her primary residence.