Rep. Joe Sosnowski

Proposes to amend the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Constitution. Removes a provision that specifies that membership in any pension or retirement system of the State, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof shall be an enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired. Provides that a person who has not attained the age of 65 shall not be entitled to receive a retirement pension from a pension or retirement system of the State, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof. Provides that an automatic annual increase or cost of living adjustment to any pension granted by a pension or retirement system of the State, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof shall not exceed the lesser of 2% of the pension amount or the annual unadjusted percentage increase (but not less than zero) in the consumer price index for all urban consumers for the 12 months ending with the September preceding each November 1, including all previous adjustments. Provides that no pension granted by a pension or retirement system of the State, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof shall exceed an annual amount of $110,000; except that this amount shall annually be increased by the lesser of 2% or the annual unadjusted percentage increase (but not less than zero) in the consumer price index for all urban consumers for the 12 months ending with the September preceding each November 1, including all previous adjustments. Effective upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning with the next registration year after the effective date, 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 Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that the limiting rate shall be calculated using the highest aggregate extension from any year in which the taxing district was subject to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (currently, the last 3 preceding levy years). Provides that an aggregate extension established for a levy year in which the taxing district was authorized to temporarily increase its limiting rate or its extension limitation may not be used.

Creates the Taxing Body Refinancing by Popular Vote Act. Provides that no taxing district may renew or refinance its indebtedness in a way that requires the extension of property taxes for the payment of debt service in a taxable year that is later than the taxable year in which the indebtedness would otherwise mature unless the question of such renewal or refinancing is submitted to the electors of the district at a regular election and approved by a majority of the electors voting on the question.

Amends the House Rules. Adds Rule 9.5.

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that the extension limitation is 3.5% (currently, 5%) or the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Provides that the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law applies to all taxing districts, including home rule units.

Proposes to amend the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that the General Assembly shall prohibit increases in the assessed value, for school district levy purposes, of homestead property owned and occupied by a person who: (i) has attained age 65; and (ii) has held legal or equitable title to the property and maintained permanent residence thereon for at least 25 years. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the State Mandates Act. Provides that the application of every State mandate implemented on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act that necessitates additional expenditures from local government revenues without reimbursement from the State shall be limited to a sunset date of 5 years. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Deletes language that requires an applicant who is 75 years or older to give an actual demonstration of the applicant's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control of the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Deletes language providing that the Secretary of State shall require a licensee 81 years of age through age 86 to renew his or her license every 2 years from the day of issuance. Deletes language providing that the Secretary shall require a licensee 87 years of age or older to renew his or her license every 12 months from the date of issuance.

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that a taxing district shall reduce its aggregate extension base for the purpose of lowering its limiting rate for future years upon referendum approval initiated by the submission of a petition by the voters of the district. Effective immediately.