Rep. Mike Boland

Amends the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning Medicaid rates for nursing homes, provides that for facilities licensed by the Department of Public Health under the Nursing Home Care Act as skilled nursing facilities or intermediate care facilities, the support component of the rates taking effect on July 1, 2008 shall be computed using the most recent cost reports on file with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services no later than April 1, 2006, updated for inflation to January 1, 2007. Provides that facilities shall have the support component of their Medicaid rate computed every year using the most recent cost reports on file with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services no later than April 1, 2 years prior to the year in which the new rate takes effect, updated for inflation to January 1 of the year prior to the year in which the new rate takes effect. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides for the use of mail-in ballots for the consolidated election held in 2009. Provides that the election authority shall mail ballots to each registered voter not more than 40 nor less than 5 days before the date of the election. Establishes procedures for the return of the ballots. Provides for the delivery of ballots to the judges of election. Provides for the casting of mail-in ballots. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall adopt rules and procedures for the implementation of the use of mail-in ballots within 270 days after the effective date of the bill. Requires the State Board to report to the General Assembly on the problems and successes of conducting elections with mail-in ballots. Contains other provisions. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Includes disabled persons within the provisions awarding an assessment freeze homestead exemption to senior citizens. Changes the name to the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (now Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption). Makes corresponding changes to a cross-reference to the exemption.

Amends the Election Code. Requires that each election authority (i) conduct an election day audit of a random sample of 10% of votes cast and (ii) provide by contract or employment for the performance by one or more independent auditors of post-election parallel tabulations and audits. Provides for the scope of the audits and the resulting reports. Requires that optical scan technology and direct recording electronic voting systems meet certain federal and independent testing standards. With respect to early voting, requires that an election authority using only direct recording electronic voting systems have paper ballots available for voters wishing to use them.

Amends the Illinois Finance Authority Act. Defines the term "energy-related agribusiness" to include fuel processing and development facilities using agricultural commodities, vegetable oils, animal fats, or biomass feedstocks. Authorizes State Guarantees for loans to energy-related agribusinesses. Sets limits on these guarantees and provides for review and renewal.

Creates the Illinois Clean Election Act. Establishes a voluntary method of public financing of the campaigns of candidates for Governor, State Senator, and State Representative. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Illinois Clean Election Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to create an individual tax return checkoff in support of the Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Permits the operation of a neighborhood vehicle on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less, subject to specified requirements, but allows a municipality, township, county, or other unit of local government to impose any additional restrictions on the operation of neighborhood vehicles on roadways under its jurisdiction that the unit of local government deems appropriate for the public safety. Makes other changes.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the Veterans' Homestead Exemption, under which an annual homestead exemption, limited to $3,000 per year from the property's value is granted for certain property that is used as the primary residence by a veteran. Defines "veteran" as an Illinois resident who: is or has been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States; is a member of the Ready Reserve of the Illinois National Guard while on active military service under an order of the President of the United States; or is a member of any reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States while on active military service under an order of the President of the United States. Sets forth procedures for the application and grant of the exemption. Provides that the chief county assessment officer of each county must provide to each person allowed a veterans' Homestead Exemption a form to designate any other person to receive a duplicate of any notice of delinquency in the payment of taxes assessed and levied under this Code on the property of the person receiving the exemption and sets forth procedures for filing and rescinding the designation. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act. Provides that veterans qualify for grants and benefits under the Act if they meet the income requirements. Effective immediately.