Rep. Michael W. Tryon

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders to the extent that the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders are not already covered by the policy or plan. Provides that this coverage shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year, but shall not be subject to any limits on the number of visits to an autism service provider. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the duties of the Department.

Creates a Foreclosure Prevention Task Force.

Amends the Illinois Housing Development Act. Provides that the Authority must use at least $1,000,000,000 of its borrowing authority to refinance residential adjustable-rate mortgages with increased interest rates that take effect within 5 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Authority must work with entities in the private sector to make and manage the loans. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Requires mortgagees to forward certain notices concerning tax sales to each mortgagor. Requires mortgagees to consult in person with each mortgagor before incurring costs to redeem the property. Provides that, if the mortgagee fails to hold the personal consultation or to forward the notices as required, then the mortgagee may not attempt to collect any redemption cost from any mortgagee.

Amends the Animal Control Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning impounding dogs.

Creates the Small Business Protection Act. Sets forth notice, comment, and hearing procedures that the State, a unit of local government, a school district, or a not-for-profit entity that receives governmental funding must follow before providing assistance to another such entity. Requires a hearing if a competing small business would lose market share because of the assistance. Preempts home rule powers. Exempts from the reimbursement requirements of the State Mandates Act.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title of the Telecommunications Article.

Amends the Illinois Water Well Construction Code. Provides that beginning January 1, 2009, the Department of Public Health shall issue permits for the construction and modification of closed loop well systems and shall require a one-time permit fee, which may not exceed $100. Sets forth the purposes for which water well and closed loop well system construction permit fees shall be used. Provides for the certification and registration of closed loop contractors by the Department. Amends the Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor's License Act to make a technical and a related change. Effective July 1, 2008.

Urges the Illinois Housing Development Authority, through its Homeowner Outreach Days Program, to hold an outreach event within the geographical boundaries of each legislative district in Illinois at least once by January 1, 2009.