Rep. Jack McGuire

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the payment methodology for the nursing component that facilities licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act as skilled nursing facilities or intermediate care facilities must implement shall include, but is not limited to, specific adjustments for additional care and services required by persons with Alzheimer's Disease and related conditions.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Allows a tax credit for individual taxpayers in an amount equal to 25% of the premium costs paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for each qualified long-term care insurance contract purchased on or after January 1, 2006 that offers coverage to either the taxpayer or to the taxpayer's spouse, parent, or dependent. Provides that the credit may not exceed $100 for each qualified long-term care policy. Provides that the credit may not reduce the taxpayer's liability to less than zero and may not be carried forward. Provides that a taxpayer is not entitled to the credit with respect to amounts expended for the same qualified long-term care insurance contract that are claimed by another taxpayer. Effective immediately.

Creates the Blind Vendors Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Blind Services, shall operate and promote the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. Sets forth that the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act and the regulations adopted pursuant to that Act shall serve as the minimum standards for the operation of the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. Provides that under the Program: (1) blind vendors have priority in the operation of all vending facilities on State property; (2) vending machine income from all vending machines on State property shall be assigned to the blind vendor on the property or to the Blind Vendors Trust Fund; (3) no State agency may impose any commission, service charge, rent, or utility charge on a blind vendor operating on State property; (4) sales made at a blind vendor's vending facility are exempt from all occupation and use taxes; and (5) State agencies may not allow competition with a blind vendor. Sets forth that the Bureau Director for the Bureau of the Blind and the Committee of Blind Vendors shall jointly develop regulations to ensure that priority is given to blind vendors in the operation of vending facilities on State property. Provides that the Department may provide for set-asides of the net proceeds of vending operations under certain conditions. Requires set-aside funds to be deposited in the Blind Vendors Trust Fund, a separate account managed by the Department for the State's blind vendors. Sets forth provisions for the distribution of vending machine income from vending machines on State property. Provides certain conditions for the licensing of blind vendors. Creates the Committee of Blind Vendors to jointly participate in the development and implementation of all policies, plans, and major decisions affecting the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. Sets forth provisions for the composition of the Committee. Provides certain procedures for the resolution of disputes arising within the Program. Provides for the promulgation of regulations relating to the operation of this Act. Requires the Department to make regular surveys and reports on State property and vending facilities. Sets forth conditions and information to be contained in the surveys and reports. Preempts home rule powers. Repeals the Blind Persons Operating Vending Facilities Act. Amends the Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, Service Occupation Tax Act, and Retailers' Occupation Tax Act to provide that personal property purchased from a blind vendor's vending facility licensed by the Department of Human Services under the Blind Vendors Act is exempt from the taxes imposed by those Acts and that these exemptions are not subject to the sunset provisions of those Acts.

Amends the Executive Reorganization Implementation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the General Obligation Bond Act. Authorizes the amount of $30,000,000 to be used by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for grants to civic center authorities for capital improvements to civic centers. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the transportation of pupils.

Amends provisions of the Minimum Wage Law establishing an employer's liability for punitive damages in the case of underpayment of wages by stating that "the employee may recover such punitive damages in any proceeding or action allowed by any provision of this subsection, including, but not limited to, a civil action filed directly by the employee, and, subject to the limitations period set forth herein, the employee's remedy of recovering punitive damages in any proceeding or action allowed by any provision of this subsection shall be available in and applicable to all claims and causes of action under this subsection, whenever arising, including, without limitation, presently existing claims and actions for which a final and no-longer appealable order has not yet been entered". Effective immediately.

Creates the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority Act. Establishes the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority in Franklin, Perry, Randolph, Jackson, Williamson, Saline, Gallatin, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac counties in order to promote economic development within those counties. Contains provisions concerning the powers and duties of the Authority. Allows the Authority to acquire, own, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of interests in real property and to issue bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness for certain purposes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000,000. Provides that the Authority shall be governed by a 21-member board. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title and policy of the Act.

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at retail or dispensed at facilities, properties, and buildings under the jurisdiction of the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Historic Preservation Agency or the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum by an individual or organization (now, a not-for-profit organization).