Amends the Statute on Statutes. Prohibits all takings under the power of eminent domain by the State or a unit of local government for private development unless the property is within an area that is a "blighted area" and the condemning authority has entered into a written agreement with a private person or entity that agrees to undertake a development project within the blighted area that specifically details the reasons for which the property or rights in the property are necessary for the success of the development project. Defines "private development". Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act in the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that in all eminent domain actions in which a property owner is displaced, the displacing entity must pay certain costs related to the relocation and displacement of the property owner's residence, business, or farm operation. Amends the Eminent Domain Article in the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that, in a condemnation proceeding in which the property has been designated by the condemning authority by ordinance as blighted, the condemning authority must demonstrate and prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the property is blighted property. Provides that the existence of an ordinance designating property as blighted is not prima facie evidence of blight. Provides that an ordinance designating property as "blighted property" shall not be presumed to be valid for purposes of the condemnation proceeding. Makes changes concerning the valuation of condemned property. Requires reimbursement of the property owner for certain relocation costs. Establishes guidelines for determining reasonable attorney's fees (i) if the court awards just compensation that exceeds the initial written offer of the condemning authority and (ii) if the court determines that the taking is not warranted. Preempts home rule powers. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Makes a technical change in a Section authorizing the Department of Revenue to adopt rules.
Amends the Toll Highway Act. Makes a technical change in a definitions Section.
Creates the Fire Services Task Force for the purpose of studying fire protection coverage and payment for fire protection services in unprotected areas.
Mourns the death of John S. Warrington of Springfield.
Amends the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act. Allows the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Board to establish conditions and procedures under which the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan may discount or subsidize premiums for unemployed or retired coal miners who are federally eligible and whose employer-provided health insurance coverage was terminated on September 28, 2004, and to accept funds appropriated for this purpose. Allows unemployed or retired coal miners who are federally eligible and whose employer-provided health insurance coverage was terminated on September 28, 2004 to be eligible for the Plan even though their premiums may be discounted or subsidized. Requires federally eligible unemployed or retired coal miners whose employer-provided health insurance coverage was terminated on September 28, 2004 to pay the discounted or subsidized premiums established by the Board. Effective immediately.
Amends the Local Governmental Employees Political Rights Act. Provides that a member of a fire department or fire protection district may be elected or appointed to public office and may serve in public office. Provides that if the member is not in uniform and not on duty, the member may solicit votes and campaign funds and challenge voters. Effective immediately.
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a person convicted of aggravated discharge of a firearm, whether or not the conduct leading to conviction for the offense resulted in great bodily harm to the victim, may only receive a maximum of 4.5 days of good conduct credit for each month of his or her sentence of imprisonment. Effective immediately.
Creates the Overlapping Multiple Assessing Authorities Task Force.
Mourns the death of Walter A. Sava of St. Charles on April 5, 2005.