Rep. Travis Weaver

Amends the Legislative Commission Reorganization Act of 1984. Provides that the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shall create a Veteran Internship Pilot Program for the purpose of providing internships for honorably discharged veterans to participate in the General Assembly's legislative staff internship program. Provides that, subject to appropriation, beginning on July 1, 2024, the Commission shall implement the pilot program. Provides that the Commission shall operate the pilot program for a 2-year period. Provides that, at the end of that 2-year period, the Commission shall evaluate the pilot program and submit a report to the General Assembly with its findings. Provides that the Commission shall establish qualifications for participation in the pilot program, including that a participant must be honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces and have completed at least 60 hours of college credit. Repeals the provisions on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision defining "eligible employment" for the purpose of allowing a teacher to return to teaching in subject shortage areas without impairing his or her retirement status or retirement annuity, changes the ending date of the employment from no later than June 30, 2024 to no later than June 30, 2029. Effective immediately.

Mourns the death of Brock Tumbleson of Kewanee.

Amends the Governmental Account Audit Act. In provisions requiring an annual audit by a governmental unit to be performed of all the accounts and funds of the governmental unit, provides that township accounts and funds audited under the provisions do not include road district accounts or funds. In provisions relating to the type of audit report a governmental unit must provide based upon whether the unit has revenue of less or more than $850,000, provides that township revenue shall be calculated exclusive of road district funds. Effective immediately.

Declares March 3 through March 9, 2024 as Illinois Soil Health Week in the State of Illinois. Encourages the celebration of Soil Health Week and its related activities to increase the awareness of Illinois farmers, eaters, and those involved in agribusiness of the importance of the air and water quality environment for all citizens of this State.

Congratulates Dave Clarke on being named the 2024 Outstanding Citizen by the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club. Recognizes his exceptional contributions to Kewanee's cultural heritage, his journalistic excellence, and his unwavering commitment to community service.

Amends the Illinois Exotic Weed Act. Changes the title of the Act to the Illinois Exotic Weeds Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall determine the plants that are exotic weeds for the purposes of the Act and shall compile and keep current a list of such exotic weeds, which list shall be published and incorporated in the rules of the Department. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may (rather than shall) issue permits to buy, sell, offer for sale, distribute, or plant seeds, plants, or plant parts of exotic weeds pursuant to administrative rule. Provides that the Department, by rule, shall exempt varieties of any species listed in Department rule. Provides that, for the control of exotic weeds, a municipality may adopt an ordinance to eradicate exotic weeds listed in the rules of the Department. Deletes the listing of specified exotic weeds from the Act. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes.

Creates the Endow Illinois Tax Credit Act. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall award income tax credits to taxpayers who provide an endowment gift to a permanent endowment fund during the taxable year and receive a certificate of receipt for that gift. Provides that the credit is equal to 25% of the endowment gift. Contains provisions setting forth maximum credit amounts. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to require an addition modification equal to the amount of any federal deduction claimed for an endowment gift for which a taxpayer receives a credit under the Endow Illinois Tax Credit Act. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Declares December 26, 2023 and December 26, 2024 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day in honor of the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War.

Declares the week of January 21 through January 27, 2024 as Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week in the State of Illinois in honor of the coroners, deputy coroners, medical examiners, support and ancillary staff, forensic pathologists, and medicolegal death investigators for their ongoing commitment of service to the citizens of Illinois and their communities.