Rep. Rich Brauer

Amends the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Provides that whenever any person pleads guilty to, is found guilty of, or is placed on supervision for an offense under the Act, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, no such person shall thereafter knowingly purchase, receive, own, or otherwise possess any substance or product containing a methamphetamine precursor, without the methamphetamine precursor first being prescribed for the use of that person in the manner provided for the prescription of Schedule II controlled substances under Article III of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that a violation is a Class 4 felony. Effective July 1, 2012.

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that wild turkey and deer hunting permits shall be issued without charge to children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, brothers, or sisters that permanently reside on lands with an Illinois landowner who owns or a resident tenant that resides on at least 40 acres of Illinois land.

Acknowledges the 40th anniversary of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and the Illinois Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and thanks the organization and its volunteer members for their outstanding service to the State's employers and their employee members of the National Guard and Reserve.

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that when there is a report of abuse or neglect involving a child under the age of 5, if the Child Protective Service Unit determines, following an investigation, that there is credible evidence that the child is abused or neglected, the Department of Children and Family Services shall refer the child to the appropriate State or local agency for a developmental screening within 60 days after the Unit's determination. Authorizes the Department to promulgate rules necessary for the implementation of this provision. 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, on or after July 1, 2012 and on or before December 31, 2018, the taxes imposed under the Acts apply to (i) 90% of the proceeds of sales of gasohol, (ii) 80% of the proceeds of sales of E20 blended ethanol fuel, and (iii) 60% of the proceeds of sales of E30 blended ethanol fuel. Provides that an exemption for majority blended ethanol fuel applies through December 31, 2018 (instead of December 31, 2013). Amends the Illinois Renewable Fuels Development Program Act. Provides that grants may be awarded for the following programs: a next generation renewable fuels program, a majority blended ethanol and blender pump infrastructure program, and a research and development program for sustainable corn production and corn-based renewable fuel production. Sets forth the maximum aggregate amount of grants that may be awarded under each program. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Historic Preservation Act. Makes the following changes to a provision listing defined terms: adds and defines the term "historic resource" to mean any property which is either publicly or privately held and which meets one or more listed criteria; and removes the terms "registered Illinois Historic Place", "person", "municipal preservation agency", and "critical historic feature". Removes several powers from the list of powers granted to the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council including the power to nominate places to the Illinois Register of Historic Places. Repeals provisions concerning the establishment and maintenance of an Illinois Register of Historic Places by the Historic Preservation Agency; when the demolition of a Critical Historic Feature of a Registered Illinois Historic Place is proper; demolition notices; public funds used in demolition projects; the authority of the Director of Historic Preservation to remove a place from the Illinois Register of Historic Places; injunctions; civil penalties; meetings held by the Municipal Preservation Agency; and judicial reviews of final administrative decisions. Amends the Illinois State Agency Historic Resources Preservation Act. Removes a property's listing in the Illinois Register of Historic Places from the set of criteria a publicly or privately held property must meet to be considered a historic resource. Removes language providing that the rules and procedures of the Illinois Historic Preservation Act shall apply when an undertaking involves a structure listed on the Illinois Register of Historic Places.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Increases the amount of the credit for wages paid by the taxpayer to a qualified veteran to 20%, but in no event to exceed $5,000, of the gross wages paid by the taxpayer to a qualified veteran if the veteran (A) was hired by the taxpayer on or after January 1, 2012 and (B) was unemployed at the time he or she was hired by the taxpayer. Exempts the credit from the Act's automatic sunset provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and Illinois Vehicle Code to provide that: the Secretary of State must inquire as to whether an applicant for a State identification card or driver's license is a veteran for purposes of issuing a State identification card or driver's license with a veteran designation; the Secretary shall determine by rule what forms of proof of a person's status as a veteran are acceptable; and the Secretary may disclose an individual's social security number or associated information to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs for the purpose of confirming veteran status. Defines "veteran" and other terms. Effective January 1, 2013.

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that no county or municipality may prohibit a charitable organization from soliciting for charitable purposes, including solicitations taking place on public roadways from passing motorists, if certain requirements are met. Sets forth requirements regarding the groups involved, applications and liability insurance. Defines "local agency" to mean a municipality, county, special district, fire district, joint powers of authority, or other political subdivision of the State of Illinois. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Effective immediately.

Congratulates Dr. Michael Johnson of Springfield on the occasion of his retirement as Executive Director of the Illinois Association of School Boards.