Rep. Mike Boland

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning a tax credit for property taxes.

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 Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person may not smoke in a vehicle while a child 8 years of age or younger is in the vehicle, and a violation is a petty offense punishable by a fine of not more than $25. Provides that a violation may not be considered evidence of negligence, does not limit the liability of an insurer, and does not diminish any recovery for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or operation of a motor vehicle. Provides that a law enforcement officer may not search or inspect a motor vehicle, its contents, the driver, or a passenger solely because of a violation of the provision. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Lottery Law. Provides that the Division of the State Lottery of the Department of Revenue shall establish a one-year pilot program to place authorized lottery ticket dispensing machines in all rest areas in the State. Allows the Division to adopt any rules necessary for the administration of this pilot program. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning deposits of fees.

Amends the Election Code. Authorizes binding initiatives relating to ethical standards to be placed on the ballot by electors of units of local government.

Amends the Election Code. Provides for the use of mail-in ballots for the general primary held in 2010 in a county selected by the State Board of Elections. 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 the election by mail. Contains other provisions. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. With respect to local referenda authorized by the Illinois Constitution, changes the minimum petition signature requirement to at least 8% of the number of votes cast in the governmental unit for candidates for Governor in the preceding gubernatorial election (now, 10% of the number of registered voters).

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes a Section regarding the operation of neighborhood vehicles on streets, highways, and roadways refer uniformly to "street, highway, or roadway", and adds language prohibiting a person operating a neighborhood vehicle from making a direct crossing upon or across a freeway.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, beginning October 1, 2011, hypodermic needles, intravenous needles, and other medical needles may not be disposed of in a landfill, unless they are rendered unrecognizable by treatment. Also makes technical changes.