Rep. Mike Boland

Amends the Election Code. Changes the petition signature requirement for a new political party to at least twice the minimum number required for an established party candidate for the office on the slate with the lowest signature requirement. Changes the petition signature requirement for an independent candidate to at least twice the minimum number required for an established party candidate for that office.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the Military Servicemembers' 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 military servicemember. 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 Military Servicemembers' 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 Citizens Utility Board Act. Provides that the Citizens Utility Board shall represent and protect the interests of the residential utility customers and petroleum customers (now, just residential utility customers) of this State. Makes corresponding changes.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning special education services.

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the primary powers of banks.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section concerning the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, provides that in all counties (now, in counties with less than 3,000,000 inhabitants), the county board may by resolution provide that if a person has been granted the homestead exemption, the person qualifying need not reapply for the exemption. In a Section concerning the alternative general homestead exemption, deletes provisions ending the alternative exemption after certain tax years. Provides that the $20,000 limit on the alternative exemption applies only for certain tax years. Sets forth requirements for ordinances by counties concerning the homestead exemption. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Requires the State Board of Elections to develop and implement a pilot project in which one county permits voter registration up to and including the day of an election. Authorizes the State Board to select the county and the election and to spend funds to defray the local election authority's extraordinary costs. Requires the State Board to adopt implementing rules and to report to the General Assembly.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Extends the date of repeal of a Section concerning the assessment of vegetative filter strips from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2016. Effective immediately.

Creates the Public Health Advocates Act. Contains only a short title provision.

Amends the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act concerning the pharmaceutical assistance program. Provides that beginning on July 1, 2006, "covered prescription drug" includes any agent or drug added by the Department of Revenue within the therapeutic categories of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants.