Rep. Timothy L. Schmitz

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Eliminates provision that permits the carrying and possession of certain weapons by persons employed by an armored car company to drive an armored car, while actually engaged in the performance of their duties. Eliminates provision that permits the carrying and possession of certain weapons by guards of armored car companies, while actually engaged in the performance of the duties of their employment or commuting between their homes and places of employment. Effective immediately.

Creates the Appropriation and Borrowing Sunshine Act. Provides that a bill making an appropriation or borrowing may not be considered for final passage by either the House of Representatives or the Senate unless a copy of that bill, in its final form, has been made conveniently available on the General Assembly's Internet website for at least 7 days before the bill is considered for final passage by that chamber. Provides that a motion adopted by a record vote of at least three-fifths of the members elected, the House of Representatives or the Senate may provide that this restriction does not apply to that chamber with respect to any one or more bills specified in the motion by bill number. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Construction Bond Act. Provides that all officials, boards, commissions, or agents of this State or any political subdivision of this State, in making contracts for work intended to be conveyed by a developer to the State or political subdivision pursuant to a development agreement, shall require every contractor for the work to furnish, supply, and deliver a bond to the State or the political subdivision. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning definitions.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that the Department shall investigate the feasibility of (1) limiting the use of cash assistance provided under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled Article, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Article, or the General Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code to electronic payments and (2) preventing recipients of cash assistance provided under any of those Articles from receiving cash assistance in the form of currency from an automated teller machine or by any other method. Provides that the Department shall report its findings to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2012. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Specifies that the area on polling place property beyond the campaign free zone that qualifies as a public forum includes immediately adjacent sidewalks and parkways.

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that the minimum procedures, with respect to medical staff and clinical privilege determinations concerning current medical members of the medical staff, shall include the right to be represented by a personal attorney. Effective immediately.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that beginning 90 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act, (i) no denial of a request for approval for payment of non-emergency transportation by means of ground ambulance service, and (ii) no approval of non-emergency transportation by means of ground ambulance service at a level of service that entitles the ground ambulance service provider to a lower level of compensation from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services than would have been received at the level of service requested by the ground ambulance service provider, may be issued by the Department or its agent except pursuant to criteria established by administrative rules adopted pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

Proposes to amend the Executive Article of the Illinois Constitution. Eliminates the Offices of the Comptroller and Treasurer. Provides instead for a single Comptroller of the Treasury. Provides that the Comptroller of the Treasury shall (i) maintain the State's central fiscal accounts and order payments into and out of the funds held by him or her, (ii) be responsible for the safekeeping and investment of monies and securities deposited with him or her, and for their disbursement upon his or her order, and (iii) have the duties and powers that may be prescribed by law. No Comptroller or Treasurer shall be elected in 2014 and thereafter. Effective otherwise upon conclusion of the terms of the Comptroller and the Treasurer elected in 2010.

Congratulates John Heath on the occasion of his retirement as Director of Bands at Batavia High School.