Rep. Brad Fritts

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a driver of a commercial motor vehicle who hauls harvest goods for a farm is waived from the requirements of provisions concerning a requirement for a commercial driver's license or a commercial learner's permit when the driver: (1) is the owner or an employee of the farm hauling the harvest goods; and (2) is within a 150-mile radius of the farm hauling the harvest goods. Provides that an individual who operates a commercial driver's license for farm vehicles shall be exempt from new testing requirements if the farm vehicle is used in the State and is used for agricultural purposes.

Reaffirms commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister-state ties between the State of Illinois and Taiwan, R.O.C. Reaffirms support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and supports Illinois businesses to refer to Taiwan, R.O.C. as Taiwan. Endorses Taiwan's efforts to secure the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA), and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) with the United States and reiterates support for a closer economic and trade partnership between the State of Illinois and Taiwan. Expresses continued support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations that impact the health, safety, and well-being of the people of Taiwan and supports Taiwan's aspiration to make more contributions in international societies.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Deletes language that provides that no construction shall commence on any new nuclear power plant to be located within the State, and no certificate of public convenience and necessity or other authorization shall be issued therefor by the Illinois Commerce Commission, until the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that the United States Government, through its authorized agency, has identified and approved a demonstrable technology or means for the disposal of high level nuclear waste, or until such construction has been specifically approved by a statute enacted by the General Assembly. Effective immediately.

Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Provides that no later than one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Human Services shall adopt rules to establish minimum standards and requirements for the licensure of recovery residences in the State necessary to ensure public health, safety, and welfare. Provides that the Department may impose a civil penalty or sanctions or commence disciplinary actions against a person or licensee in violation of the rules and standards established by the Department. Provides that the Department may contract with a third party to assist the Department with licensure and inspections. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the corporate authorities of a municipality may classify, regulate, and restrict recovery residences, including on the basis of a recovery residence's compliance with the Department of Human Services' rules for recovery residences. Makes conforming changes.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Increases penalties for unlawful use or possession of weapons by felons or persons in the custody of the Department of Corrections facilities. Provides that a person commits unlawful sale or delivery of firearms when he or she knowingly: (1) sells or gives a firearm to a person who has been convicted of a felony or who is a streetgang member or (2) sells or gives a firearm that has been purchased or acquired out of state to a person who has been convicted of a felony or is a streetgang member. Provides that a violation is a Class 1 felony. Provides that a second or subsequent violation is non-probationable. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Deletes a provision that the first offense had to be committed when the person was 21 years of age or older to be adjudged a habitual criminal. Provides that a person who attained the age of 18 at the time of the third offense may be adjudged a habitual criminal. In the Class X sentencing provision for a defendant over 21 years of age who is convicted of a Class 1 or Class 2 felony after twice being convicted of a Class 1 or Class 2 felony, deletes a provision that the first offense had to be committed when the person was 21 years of age or older and deletes a provision that the offenses had to be forcible felonies. Exempts theft from this calculation.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that the Governor shall annually designate, by official proclamation, the third Friday in March as Robotics Day to encourage students and school districts to engage in robotics-based activities and to engage students with the study of mathematics and science.

Amends the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Prohibits persons who fail to report to the Department of Public Health individuals who commit certain violations from being involved in direct care for clients, patients, or residents, or access to the living quarters or the financial, medical, or personal records of clients, patients, or residents unless they have been issued a waiver under the Act. Provides that reports of violations shall be made no later than 5 days after the incident constituting the violation. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits aggravated battery when the person battered, other than by the discharge of a firearm, is known to be a patient at a Department of Human Services facility and the person who commits the battery is an employee of the Department of Human Services; and a recipient at a community-integrated living arrangement, as defined in the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act, who is battered by an employee of the community-integrated living arrangement. Provides that the offense is a Class 2 felony.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, at each residential real estate closing, the closing agent shall present the purchaser with a copy of the application for the general homestead exemption. Provides that the purchaser shall complete the application and any associated affidavits at the time of the closing, and the closing agent shall transmit those documents to the chief county assessment officer. Provides that the chief county assessment officer shall continue to apply the exemption until the county recorder informs the chief county assessment officer that the property has been sold, transferred, or conveyed or until the chief county assessment officer otherwise becomes aware that the property no longer qualifies for the exemption.

Amends the Illinois State Police Act. Creates the Police K-9 Care Program within the Illinois State Police to provide a stable funding source for the veterinary care for retired police dogs. Provides that Illinois State Police shall contract with a nonprofit corporation organized under State law to administer and manage the Program and shall select the nonprofit corporation through a competitive grant award process. Provides that a handler or adopter of a retired police dog is eligible for a grant of up to $1,500 in veterinary care reimbursement for the retired police dog. Provides that the Program will be funded through grants from the Police K-9 Care Fund, which shall be funded by gifts, appropriations, and a percentage of monetary forfeitures due to criminal activity. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers relating to forfeitures. Provides requirements for the Program and the Fund. Requires the Illinois State Police to adopt rules necessary to implement the Police K-9 Care Program and the requirements of the Fund. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act. Some provisions take effect immediately and some provisions take effect one year after becoming law.

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority shall relinquish control of the tollway segment along Interstate 88 between Dixon and Aurora to the Department of Transportation.