Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that for taxable year 2017, the amount of the senior homestead exemption is $10,000. Provides that for taxable years 2018 and following, the amount of the senior homestead exemption is $10,000 indexed for inflation.
Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. In provisions concerning finance, provides that a municipality may file a petition and exercise powers pursuant to applicable federal bankruptcy law. Effective immediately.
Creates the Term Limit Referendum Act. Requires the State Board of Elections to cause a statewide advisory public question to be submitted to the voters at the 2018 general election asking whether there should be term limits for State Senators and State Representatives and whether executive officials should serve no more than 2 consecutive terms of office. Provides that if any provision of the Act conflicts with any other law, the Act controls. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2019. Effective immediately.
Creates the Employment Relations Act. Provides that employees may: (a) organize together or form, join, or assist in labor organization; (b) engage in lawful concerted activities for the purpose of collective negotiation or bargaining or other mutual aid and protection; (c) negotiate or bargain collectively with their employers through representatives of their own free choice; or (d) refrain from any or all of the activities identified in items (a) through (c). Provides that an individual shall not be required as a condition of obtaining or continuing employment to: (1) refrain or resign from membership in, voluntary affiliation with, or voluntary financial support of a labor organization; (2) become or remain a member of a labor organization; (3) pay any dues, fees, assessments, or other charges or expenses to a labor organization; or (4) pay to any charitable organization or third party an amount that is in lieu of, equivalent to, or any portion of charges or expenses required of members of or employees represented by a labor organization. Makes unlawful and unenforceable any agreement or contract between an employer and labor organization that requires an employee to satisfy any activities identified in items (1) through (4). Contains provisions concerning civil penalties and other matters. Effective immediately.
Creates the Toll Exemption for Motorcycles Act. Provides that a State agency or unit of local government may not collect a toll from a person operating a motorcycle upon any highway, roadway, bridge, or street. Denies home rule powers. Amends the Illinois Highway Code, the Toll Highway Act, the Toll Bridge Act, the Public Private Agreements for the Illiana Expressway Act, and the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning with the next registration year after the effective date of this bill in which the Secretary of State distributes newly designed standard registration plates for motor vehicles, the Secretary of State shall issue one registration plate (instead of 2) for newly registered motor vehicles and the registration plate shall be attached to the rear (instead of front and rear) of the motor vehicle.
Amends the Illinois Pension Code. With respect to the 5 State-funded Retirement Systems: requires each System to implement a Tier 3 plan by July 1, 2018 that aggregates State and employee contributions in individual participant accounts which are used for payouts after retirement. Provides that a person who becomes a participant of a System on or after July 1, 2018 shall participate in the Tier 3 plan instead of the defined benefit plan. Authorizes a Tier 1 or Tier 2 participant to elect to participate in the Tier 3 plan instead of the defined benefit plan and to also elect to terminate all participation in the defined benefit plan and to have a specified amount credited to his or her account. In Articles 14, 15, and 16, requires those Systems to offer an optional accelerated benefit payment to certain members in lieu of receiving a pension; authorizes bonds to be issued for those payments. Repeals provisions relating to the defined contribution plan established under Public Act 98-599, which has been held unconstitutional. Makes related changes in the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Effective immediately.
Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that no owner of a dog or cat that is a companion animal may expose the dog or cat in a manner that places the dog or cat in a life-threatening situation for a prolonged period of time in extreme heat of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above or cold conditions of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below that could: (1) result in injury to or death of the animal; or (2) result in hypothermia, hyperthermia, frostbite, or similar condition as diagnosed by a doctor of veterinary medicine.
Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Removes language requiring employees who are not members of a representing labor organization to pay a proportionate share of the costs of the collective bargaining process, contract administration, and pursuing matters affecting wages, hours, and conditions of employment under a collective bargaining agreement. Provides that employees shall not be required to perform certain acts as a condition of obtaining or continuing public employment. Provides that public employees shall have the right to bargain independently in their relations with the public employer. Provides that an agreement, contract, understanding, or practice between or involving a public employer, labor organization, or exclusive representative that violates the provisions concerning independent bargaining or requires an employee to perform certain forbidden acts as a condition of obtaining or continuing public employment is unlawful and unenforceable. Removes language concerning fair share agreements in collective bargaining. Provides that public employees who are not members of a labor organization may represent themselves in grievance resolution procedures. Provides that public employees who have chosen to bargain independently may be party to mediation and fact-finding proceedings. Modifies the terms "collective bargaining", "exclusive representative", and "labor organization". Removes the term "fair share agreement". Defines "independent bargaining" or "to bargain independently". Makes conforming changes.
Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that new redevelopment project areas may not be established under the Act until 2 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Repeals the provisions 2 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.
