Rep. Rosemary Mulligan

Amends the Election Code. Prohibits electioneering communications that negatively refer to a clearly identified candidate or candidates who will appear on the ballot during the 15 days before an election or primary. Requires the State Board of Elections to define negative references. Authorizes the State Board to investigate complaints of and impose civil penalties for violations. Requires the State Board of Elections to appoint a screening board to review (i) alleged violating communications and (ii) the compliance of prospective communications with the prohibition.

Amends the Legislative Commission Reorganization Act of 1984. Requires the Legislative Research Unit, by December 1 of each year, to prepare and file a report listing any statutes or State programs or portions of statutes or programs that are obsolete, unnecessary, or duplicative of other State or federal statutes or programs. The report must also include (i) an explanation of why all or part of the statute or program is obsolete, unnecessary, or duplicative and (ii) a timetable for repeal of all or part of the statute or program. The report also must identify the status of any statutes or programs identified in the prior year's report. The report must be filed with the Clerk of the House, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Legislative Reference Bureau and also with the Office of the Governor for distribution to affected State agencies.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Provides that, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the Teachers Health Insurance Security Fund is not subject to sweeps, administrative charge-backs, or any other fiscal or budgetary maneuver that would in any way transfer any amounts from the Teachers Health Insurance Security Fund into any other fund of the State. Effective immediately

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, to conduct a study describing the adverse environmental and human health impacts caused by runways and air traffic at airports in the State. Requires the Agency, when conducting this study, to pay particular attention to the impact of air pollution, noise pollution, the emission of gases and fluids by aircraft, and similar factors on the health of persons who live near airports in the State. Requires the Agency to deliver a written report of its findings to the General Assembly by no later than December 31, 2009. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act. Provides that group and individual policies of accident and health insurance and managed care plans must provide coverage for (1) operations to implant cochlear implants and post-treatment services for children identified within one year of birth as being deaf or hearing impaired and (2) audiological services and hearing aids for children up to 18 years of age. Contains a nonacceleration clause. Makes other changes.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act. Provides that group and individual policies of accident and health insurance and managed care plans must provide coverage for (1) operations to implant cochlear implants and post-treatment services for children identified within one year of birth as being deaf or hearing impaired and (2) audiological services and hearing aids for children up to 18 years of age. Makes other changes.

Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Local Health Protection Grant Fund. Effective July 1, 2009.

Amends the Lobbyist Registration Act. Makes the annual registration fee for an entity qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code $150 (now, $1,000). Effective immediately.

Urges the Governor to appoint and convene the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program Committee to address the issue of the solvency of the Teacher Retirement Insurance Program.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates a surviving spouse homestead exemption for property that is owned and occupied by a person who (i) is a surviving spouse who has not remarried during the taxable year, (ii) has a household income of less than $60,000, and (iii) is liable for paying real estate taxes on the property. Provides that the maximum amount of the reduction is $2,000 for the surviving spouse and an additional $1,000 for each dependent child of the surviving spouse. Effective immediately.