Amends the Statewide Organized Gang Database Act. Requires the Department of State Police to develop a standardized, state-wide gang reporting system. Provides that the system must record gang members and gang activity and facilitate the arrest and prosecution of gang members.
Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Requires that a special government agent file his or her statement of economic interests within 60 days after assuming responsibilities as a special government agent (now, within 30 days after making an ex parte communication). Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Prohibits all State employees from obtaining State contracts (now, those earning more than 60% of the Governor's compensation). Requires that a waiver from the prohibition against obtaining State contracts must be filed within the earlier of 60 days after it is issued or when contract performance begins, and provides that the contract is voidable if the waiver is not filed within that period. Prohibits the State from entering into a contract with respect to the issuance of bonds or other securities with an entity that uses an independent consultant. Defines an independent consultant. Requires that a State contract with an entity subject to certain Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board requirements for reporting political contributions must include a certification of compliance during the contract with those requirements. Provides that violation makes the contract voidable by the State and bars the entity from State contracts with respect to issuance of bonds or other securities for 10 years. Permanently bars an entity found guilty of violating the rules prohibitions against obtaining or retaining securities business and making political contributions or payments. Effective immediately.
Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2007, the tax with respect to textbooks required for use at State universities and public community colleges or certain other institutions of higher learning is imposed under these Acts at the rate of 1.25% (eliminating the State's portion of the tax). Authorizes the Department of Revenue to adopt rules. Amends the State Finance Act to adjust the distribution with respect to this tax. Effective immediately.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that a person who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, or who is convicted of the offense of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after having previously been convicted of the offense of criminal sexual abuse, or who is convicted of the offense of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after having previously been convicted under the laws of this or any other state of an offense that is substantially equivalent to the offense of criminal sexual abuse or the offense of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, is guilty of a Class 1 felony. Provides that the commission of the second or subsequent offense is required to have been after the initial conviction for this provision to apply. Effective January 1, 2009.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that any gas utility may enter into a contract for up to 20 years of supply with any company for the purchase of synthetic natural gas (rather than a 20-year supply contract with any company for synthetic natural gas) produced from coal through the gasification process if the company has commenced construction of a coal gasification facility by July 1, 2009 (rather than July 1, 2008). Makes changes in factors used to determine whether the cost for synthetic natural gas is reasonable and prudent. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to develop appropriate disclosures to be provided to purchasers of identity theft insurance, including what the insured will receive if he or she is a victim of identity theft and how to protect himself or herself from identity theft.
Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that the State's Attorney may request the issuance of a property preservation warrant authorizing the seizure of property in the same manner as provided for in a search warrant or in a seizure warrant. Provides that the court shall issue the order if the court determines that there is probable cause to believe that the property to be seized is: (i) the proceeds of specified criminal activity, or (ii) assets or other property traceable therefrom, or (iii) profits realized therefrom. Provides that upon conviction, the court may order that the property seized be used to pay restitution to the victim; pay fines, fees and costs; or reimburse the prosecuting agency for costs incurred as a result of investigation and trial. Effective immediately.
Creates the Organized Crime Control Act. Provides that a person who has received any proceeds with knowledge that they were derived, directly or indirectly, from a pattern of racketeering activity may not use or invest, whether directly or indirectly, any part of the proceeds or the proceeds derived from the investment or use thereof in the acquisition of any title to, or any right, interest, or equity in, real property or in the establishment or operation of any enterprise. Provides that a person, through a pattern of racketeering activity, may not acquire or maintain, directly or indirectly, any interest in or control of any enterprise or real property. Provides that a person employed by, or associated with, any enterprise may not conduct or participate, directly or indirectly, in the enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity. Provides that any person convicted of engaging in racketeering activity is guilty of a Class 1 felony. Provides that any person who engages in a continuing criminal enterprise is guilty of a Class 1 felony. Requires the court to order forfeiture to the State of all real or personal property used in the course of, or intended for use in the course of, derived from, or realized through such criminal conduct. Provides for other civil remedies. Provides that the Attorney General and the State's Attorneys of this State have concurrent authority to institute criminal proceedings under the Act, except that a State's Attorney may institute proceedings only with the prior written approval of the Attorney General. Effective immediately.
Creates the Judicial Campaign Reform Act and amends the Election Code, the State Finance Act, the Illinois Income Tax Act, and the Clerks of Courts Act. Creates a voluntary program of public financing of election campaigns for the offices of judges of the Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Courts, administered by the State Board of Elections. Establishes funding mechanisms and provides penalties for violations. Sets mandatory contribution limits with respect to all judicial election campaigns. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2009.
Congratulates Reverend David Engbarth of Aurora for being selected as the 2008 Kane County Citizen of the Year.
