Rep. Dee Avelar

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning water and sewer surcharges, removes language allowing the Illinois Commerce Commission to authorize a water or sewer utility to file a surcharge which adjusts rates and charges to provide for recovery of costs associated with an investment in qualifying infrastructure plant. Makes a corresponding change.

Amends the School Code. Provides that the provisions concerning community schools apply beginning with the 2024-2025 (rather than 2009-2010) school year. Makes changes to the legislative findings, including replacing a description of a community school. Provides that grants for community schools are subject to the availability of State or federal funding (rather than the availability of funding). Removes certain grant proposal provisions. Changes the requirements to qualify for a grant. Effective June 1, 2024.

Amends the School Code. Requires a non-public school to perform a check of the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database (in addition to the Statewide Sex Offender Database) of applicants and once every 5 years and persons employed by the school to determine whether the applicant has been adjudicated a sex offender, of a sex offense, or of a murder or other violent crime against youth. Extends the grants for preschool educational programs 2028-2029 school year (rather than the 2023-2024 school year). Provides that a school district may adopt a policy to waive tuition costs for a non-resident pupil if the pupil is a child of a district employee. Provides that, until June 30, 2028 (rather than June 30, 2023), applicants may apply to the State Board of Education for issuance of a 5-year Short-Term Substitute Teaching License. Makes conforming changes. Modifies the Alternative Educator Licensure Program by removing the requirement for a second year of residency (changing to only if recommended by the principal and program coordinator). Provides that, if the residency period is to be less than 2-years in length, the partner school districts must provide assurances that the district will provide intensive mentoring and supports through at least the end of the second full year of teaching for educators who completed the Program in less than 2 years. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Underground Natural Gas Storage Safety Act. Provides that, in the case of a verified facility release, the owner and operator of the underground natural gas storage facility is responsible for specified actions. Defines "verified facility release". Effective immediately.

Amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. Provides that a landlord shall not require a tenant or prospective tenant to remit any amount due to the landlord under a residential lease, renewal, or extension agreement by means of an electronic funds transfer, including, but not limited to, an electronic funds transfer system that automatically transfers funds on a regular, periodic, and recurring basis. Provides that, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, a violation is an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Applies to leases or agreements executed after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Authorizes the Director of Corrections to execute and deliver a quit claim deed for specified real property located in Will County to the City of Crest Hill upon the payment of $1, subject to specified conditions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Park District Code. Provides that a park district may enter into a lease, contract, or other agreement related to the acquisition of solar energy, including the installation, maintenance, and service of solar panels, equipment, or similar technology related to solar energy, for a period not to exceed 2.5 times the term of years provided for in other provisions authorizing a lease for equipment and machinery (currently, up to 8 years) when authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the governing board of the park district. Effective immediately.

Amends the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987. Provides that each full service office (rather than office, place of business, or location) at which a residential mortgage licensee conducts any part of his or her business must be recorded with the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that licensees may allow mortgage loan originators to work from a remote location if specified conditions are met. Provides that "full service office" does not include a remote location. Defines "remote location".

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Requires the Governor to establish an Assisted Living and Shared Housing Advisory Board with specified voting and nonvoting members. Provides that the Advisory Board shall be provided copies of any additions or changes to the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment Code for review and comment prior to notice being given to the public. Contains other provisions.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a retired member of the General Assembly or the Illinois Congressional delegation who has a disability may request 2 identical sets of specialized plates which displays the International Symbol of Access.