Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Expands the definition of "ignition interlock device" to include a device installed in a vehicle that prevents the vehicle from starting until the device has determined by an analysis of the driver's epidermal elements that the driver's blood alcohol is below a certain preset level.
Amends the Election Code. Sets the minimum number of petition signatures for a local public question at 8% of the number of votes cast by registered voters in the governmental unit in the most recent gubernatorial election (now, 10% of the registered voters in the governmental unit).
Amends provisions of the Illinois Human Rights Act defining "place of public accommodation" to include a non-sectarian nursery, day care center, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate school, or other place of education in regard to the failure to enroll an individual or the denial of access to its facilities, goods, or services. Deletes language that provided that the Department of Human Rights shall not have jurisdiction over charges involving conduct of the class by the teacher or instructor or any activity within the classroom or connected with a class activity such as physical education. Effective immediately.
Amends the Election Code. Provides for the use of mail-in ballots for the general primary held in 2008 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 State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders to the extent that the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders are not already covered by the policy or plan. Provides that this coverage shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year, but shall not be subject to any limits on the number of visits to an autism service provider. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law. Provides that motor fuel tax proceeds may be used only for transportation purposes.
Urges the General Assembly to limit the costs of a Constitutional Convention, if called, to $15,000,000. Urges that a Constitutional Convention should address topics including, but not limited to, tax fairness, equity, and progressivity, equitable financing of public education, and ethical standards in government.
Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the disabled veterans assessment freeze homestead exemption for a person who has served in the armed forces of the United States, the reserves of the armed forces of the United States, or the Illinois National Guard and who is disabled. Provides that the amount of this exemption shall be the equalized assessed value of the residence in the taxable year for which application is made minus the base amount. Defines "base amount" as the base year equalized assessed value of the residence plus the first year's equalized assessed value of any added improvements that increased the assessed value of the residence after the base year. Defines "base year" as, in most instances, the taxable year prior to the taxable year for which the applicant first qualifies and applies for the exemption. Makes corresponding changes to cross-references in other provisions of the Property Tax Code. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for employers who pay costs in connection with a qualified wellness program. Provides that the amount of the credit is 50% of those costs per year up to $200 per employee for the first 200 employees and $100 per employee for the remaining employees. Sets forth the requirements for qualified wellness programs. Provides that the credit may not be carried forward or back and may not reduce the taxpayer's liability to less than zero. Effective immediately.
Creates the Green Buildings Act. Requires all new state-funded building construction and major renovations of existing state-owned facilities to seek LEED certification. Requires all construction and major renovation projects, regardless of size, to achieve the highest level of certification practical within the project budget. Provides for exemptions and waivers by the Capital Development Board. Requires the Board to provide technical assistance. Authorizes rulemaking. Effective immediately.
