Rep. Robert W. Pritchard

Proposes to amend the Legislature Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that, beginning in 2012, Representatives shall first be elected for terms of four years, then for terms of two years, and then for terms of four years. Adds that whenever a seat in the House of Representatives becomes vacant with more than 28 months remaining in the term, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment until the next general election, at which time a replacement shall be elected to serve for the remainder of the term. Provides that the General Assembly shall be a continuous body for a period beginning and ending at noon on the second Wednesday of January of consecutive odd-numbered years. Applies to the terms of Representatives elected in 2012 and thereafter.

Proposes to amend the Legislature Article of the Illinois Constitution concerning the passage of revenue bills. Provides that any bill considered by the General Assembly during the period following the most recent general election and before the convening of the next General Assembly in an odd numbered year resulting in the increase of revenue to the State by an increase of a tax on or measured by income or by an increase of a tax on or measured by the selling price of any item of tangible personal property may become law only by a vote of three-fifths of the members in each house of the General Assembly. Effective on being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act.

Pledges support for Argonne National Laboratory and its bid to be the home of the Energy Storage Hub and encourages the United States Department of Energy to consider Argonne for the location of the Hub.

Congratulates the DeKalb County Farm Bureau on its 100th anniversary.

Alerts parents, students, school personnel, and citizens of the State of Illinois about the release of "School Shooter: North American Tour 2012", a violent video game.

Amends the School Code. With respect to nominees for General Assembly scholarships, prohibits a nominee from being a relative of the member of the General Assembly making the nomination; defines relative. Provides that each member of the General Assembly shall (instead of may) delegate to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission the authority to nominate persons for General Assembly scholarships that the member would otherwise be entitled to award. Provides that the member shall make recommendations to the Commission concerning candidates for the scholarships and may inform the Commission in writing of the criteria that he or she wishes the Commission to apply in nominating candidates. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that any temporary order that modifies custody, in whole or in part, because of a party's deployment as a member of the United States Armed Forces must also provide that after a specified time following the end of the deployment, the custody order in effect prior to the deployment must be reinstated, unless the other party, who bears the burden of proof, shows that it is not in the best interest of the child to reinstate the order. Provides that if the party who was not deployed contests reinstatement of the prior order, that party bears the burden of proof to show that it should not be reinstated. Provides that in a custody hearing in which a parent is a member of the United States Armed Forces who is deployed or who has orders to be deployed: the proceedings shall, upon the service member's request, receive expedited priority in being set for hearing; the service member shall be permitted to testify by telephone or other electronic means when the service member is unavailable to appear due to the deployment; and, upon motion, the court may allow the deployed parent to designate another person to exercise the visitation that the deployed parent has under the existing order, if the court determines that it is in the child's best interest. Makes other changes.

Amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act. Sets forth the requirements for the review of a permit application to establish, construct, or modify a health care facility. Provides that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board shall afford an opportunity for a public hearing concerning a permit application. Sets forth the requirements for post-permit reports. Extends the deadline for the Health Facilities and Services Review Board to establish certain rules concerning long-term care to September 30, 2011. Provides that a permit holder who fails to comply with certain post-permit and reporting requirements shall be fined an amount not to exceed $10,000 plus an additional $10,000 for each 30-day period, or fraction thereof, that the violation continues. Makes other changes.

Recognizes the importance of Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for the people of the State of Illinois and thanks the park's staff for their hard work in maintaining this beautiful area.

Amends the Statute on Statutes. Makes a technical change in a Section regarding the application of the Act.