Rep. Patrick J. Verschoore

Creates the Illinois Main Street Act. Creates the Illinois Main Street Program within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide assistance to Main Street Communities and provide financial assistance to municipalities to assist in initial downtown revitalization program start-up costs. Provides that the Department shall adopt criteria for the designation of a Main Street Community. Provides that the Department shall develop a plan for the Illinois Main Street Program. Provides that the Lieutenant Governor shall be the Ambassador of the Illinois Main Street Program. Creates the Illinois Main Street Fund.

Amends the Local Governmental Employees Political Rights Act. Provides that a member of any police department or Sheriff's department (as well as a member of any fire department or fire protection district) may be a candidate for or appointed to any public office. Further provides that a police officer or Sheriff's deputy (as well as a firefighter) who is elected to the Illinois General Assembly shall be granted a leave of absence from his or her employer without compensation during his or her term of office. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that publication fees are not to exceed stated amounts (instead of are stated amounts). Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Fertilizer Act of 1961. Makes changes to the definitions. Provides for labeling requirements for fertilizers or custom blends. Provides that it shall be unlawful for misbranding or for the adulteration of a fertilizer within the State. Provides that the Director of the Department of Agriculture may refuse to register a fertilizer or cancel or suspend a fertilizer registration, custom blend, or fertilizer if certain specified claims are made. Permits the Director to issue and serve a written stop sale, stop use, or regulate removal upon an owner, operator, manager, or agent in charge of fertilizer. Creates the Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) for the purpose of pursuing nutrient research and providing educational programs to ensure the adoption and implementation of practices that optimize nutrient use efficiency, ensure soil fertility, and address environmental concerns with regard to fertilizer use. Provides that the Department has the authority issue subpoenas, temporary restraining orders, preliminary or permanent injunctions against any person from violating or continuing to violate any provision of the Act. Provides for penalties based on type of violation. Makes other corresponding changes. Effective January 1, 2012.

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning State policy.

Amends the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that the definition of a "companion animal hoarder" means a person who is in possession of 7 or more companion animals in addition to other requirements. Amends the Animal Control Act. Provides that a person must obtain a permit from the Board to possess 7 or more companion animals. Provides that a failure to receive a permit for the possession of 7 or more companion animals is a violation and a person is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor and a second or subsequent violation is a Class 4 felony with every day that a violation continues constituting a separate offense.

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that "public works" does not include a project that (i) came under the definition of "public works" as a result of the changes made by Public Act 96-58 and (ii) received funds from tax increment financing sources before January 1, 2010 (the effective date of Public Act 96-58). Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that not more than 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall direct the Office of Retail Market Development to update the consumer education materials for residential consumers and small business consumers. Provides that the Commission may form another working group to prepare and review the consumer education materials prior to their adoption by the Commission.

Amends the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Act.