Rep. Bill Hauter

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.

Declares the week of March 12 through March 18, 2023 as Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Declares March 18, 2023 as Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day. Encourages municipalities, media organizations, and residents to participate in Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and Day. Recognizes those living with MS, their families, and the healthcare professionals and medical researchers who provide assistance to those affected by MS.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a taxing district may abate a portion of its taxes on property upon which affordable housing has been or will be constructed in a development mixed with commercial property. Provides that the value of the abatement may not exceed $500,000.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the county boards of Kankakee County and Tazewell County (currently, Kane County, Kendall County, and Will County) may also, by ordinance, impose a judicial facilities fee to be used for the building of new judicial facilities. Effective immediately.

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that upon payment of an annual administrative fee not exceeding $100, during the first 3 calendar quarters an employer may pay its quarterly contributions due for wages in equal installments. Establishes a schedule for payment of the contributions. Provides for the accrual of interest. Authorizes the adoption of necessary rules. Provides that payment on a quarterly basis is not available for calendar years when there are outstanding bonds under the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Financing Act.

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that if an in-State retailer or serviceman bids on a purchase order or contract to provide materials, equipment, or supplies to a municipality with a population under 1,000,000, and that purchase order or contract involves an amount in excess of $25,000, then the municipality may apply to the Department of Revenue for a certificate of exemption from the taxes imposed under specified local provisions of the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act for the in-State retailer or serviceman, or a third-party supplier of the retailer or serviceman, with respect to the materials, equipment, or supplies covered by the bid if: at least one other bid is received from an out-of-State retailer or serviceman; the in-State retailer or serviceman demonstrates the necessity of the exemption in order to submit the lowest responsible bid, including substantive proof furnished by the retailer or serviceman to the municipality or the Department of Revenue; and the in-State retailer provides an itemized estimate of cost to the corporate authorities of the municipality. Defines terms. Makes confirming changes in the following Acts and Codes: the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the Salem Civic Center Law of 1997 of the Civic Center Code, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Act, the Flood Prevention District Act, the Metro-East Park and Recreation District Act, the Local Mass Transit District Act, the Regional Transportation Authority Act, and the Water Commission Act of 1985. Effective immediately.

Creates the Manufacturing Capital Investment Fund Act. Contains only a short title provision.

Honors and thanks State Representative Frances Ann Hurley for her years of dedicated service. Wishes her the best on her future success.

Creates the Freedom from Government and Private Collusion Against Free Speech Act. Provides that if a State agency or employee of the State coordinates with a private company to deny the freedom of speech of a citizen of this State, the citizen shall have a cause of action against that agency or employee and private company. Sets forth limitations. Provides that if a citizen of this State prevails in an action under the Act, the State agency or employee and the private company shall reimburse the Office of the Attorney General in the amount of 3 times the legal fees incurred in the action, plus the amount of damages awarded as the court shall determine. Effective immediately.

Urges state agencies to expand comprehensive cardiovascular screening programs to allow for earlier identification of patients at risk of cardiovascular events. Urges state agencies to explore ways to collaborate with federal and national agencies and organizations to establish or expand comprehensive cardiovascular screening programs. Urges an update of the State's cardiovascular plan to accelerate quality improvements in the care rendered to these patients such that screening, treatment, monitoring, and improved health outcomes are achieved. States support for the creation of policies to decrease the rising number of deaths of Americans as a result of ASCVD.