Rep. Stephanie Kifowit

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Expands the definition of "source of income" to include any lawful, verifiable income paid directly to a veteran, or to a representative of a veteran, or paid to a housing owner or landlord on behalf of a veteran, including federal, State, or local public assistance, and federal, State, or local housing subsidies, including, but not limited to, federal Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers.

Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that in addition to any other amounts deposited into the Domestic Violence Shelter and Service Fund, the State Treasurer shall deposit into the Fund all moneys donated to the State by private individuals or entities for purposes for which moneys in the Fund may be used as provided in these provisions. Provides that subject to appropriations, the Department of Human Services shall use moneys in the Fund to make grants to defray the reasonable and necessary travel expenses of victims of domestic violence who were members of the United States Armed Forces when the domestic violence occurred and who have been discharged from the United States Armed Forces to participate and travel to domestic violence proceedings. Military personnel may qualify for and have access to moneys from the Fund for the purposes set forth in these provisions. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules necessary for making grants under these provisions. Provides that County Veterans Assistance Commissions and qualifying veterans' organizations and their related auxiliaries that are organized in the United States or any of its possessions and are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 may receive grants under these provisions. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall use moneys in the Fund to make grants to defray the reasonable and necessary travel expenses of victims of domestic violence who were members of the United States Armed Forces when the domestic violence occurred and who have been discharged from the United States Armed Forces to participate and travel to domestic violence proceedings. Provides that military personnel may qualify for and have access to moneys from the Fund for the purposes set forth in this provision. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules necessary for making grants under this provision. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 to make conforming changes.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates designated as Air Medal plates to residents of this State who meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by the Secretary of State. Provides that the plates shall display the Air Medal. Provides that in all other respects, the design, color, and format of the plates shall be within the discretion of the Secretary.

Amends the Downstate Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, at any time during the 6 months following the effective date of the amendatory Act, an active member of a downstate firefighters' pension fund may apply for transfer to that fund of up to 8 years of his or her creditable service accumulated in a police pension fund under the Downstate Police Article that is administered by a unit of local government if that active member was not subject to disciplinary action when he or she terminated employment with that police department. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a policeman who applies for disability benefits under the Article and has been denied reinstatement as a policeman by his or her employer because of a physical or mental incapacity shall be presumed to be disabled as that term is used in the Article. Provides that no policeman who otherwise meets the requirements for a disability benefit shall be denied a disability benefit unless and until the policeman's employer reinstates him or her as a policeman or offers him or her a limited-duty position. Provides that any policeman who has been denied a disability benefit without an offer of reinstatement or a limited-duty position after the effective date of the amendatory Act is entitled to disability benefits. Provides that if a policeman has an application for an ordinary disability benefit denied by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees of the Fund or has a duty disability benefit, ordinary disability benefit, or occupational disability benefit terminated by a majority vote of the Board and brings an action for administrative review challenging the termination or denial of the disability benefit and the policeman prevails in the action in administrative review, then the prevailing policeman shall be entitled to recover from the Fund court costs and litigation expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, as part of the costs of the action. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act. Allows the board of a forest preserve district to establish a special forest preserve district retailers' occupation tax and service occupation tax after referendum of the voters. Allows the tax to used exclusively for general purposes, including education, outdoor recreation, maintenance, operations, public safety at the forest preserves, trails, acquiring and restoring land, and any other lawful purposes or programs determined by the board of that district. Includes referendum language and additional ballot informational language. Incorporates provisions from the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act to implement the tax. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Special Forest Preserve Retailers' and Service Occupation Tax Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Requires the Department of Transportation to name a highway under its jurisdiction if one chamber of the General Assembly passes a resolution directing the Department to do so.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, in counties in which the county board so provides, by ordinance or resolution, owners of income-producing properties in the county shall file physical descriptions of their properties with the chief county assessment officer upon request of the chief county assessment officer. Sets forth the period of time during which those provisions apply. Provides that the request for information shall include an individualized statement specifying all physical description information that the assessor's office has on record or recorded against the property and shall contain a statement that the owner may confirm the information if no changes are required. Imposes certain penalties if the property owner fails to respond to a request for information. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to provide that financial records and data related to real estate income, expenses, and occupancy submitted by or on behalf of a property owner to a chief county assessment officer, except if submitted as part of an assessment appeal, are exempt from disclosure. Effective immediately.

Recognizes Caterpillar Inc. on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Commends the company for its remarkable achievements, enduring legacy, and continued contributions to the economy, society, and the global community.

Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. Provides that the term "community-based organization" includes a high-school based program. Provides that funding from the Illinois Works Fund shall be categorized based on Illinois Department of Transportation regions. Adds a member to the Illinois Works Review panel who shall be a representative of a community-based organization that addresses high school-based workforce programs. Makes other changes.