Rep. Jim Watson

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides for the issuance of ABATE special license plates for passenger vehicles of the first division, motor vehicles of the second division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds, and motorcycles. Provides that, in addition to the appropriate registration fees, an applicant for the special plates shall be charged a fee of $15 at original issuance and $2 at each renewal. Provides that the additional fees shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Effective January 1, 2012.

Urges the Department of Employment Security and the Department of Veterans' Affairs to create a Veterans' jobs Internet web site.

Amends the School Construction Law. Includes the rehabilitation of aging buildings to alleviate classroom shortages and the rehabilitation of school facilities determined to be severe and continuing health or life safety hazards on the list of projects that are to be prioritized. Effective June 1, 2012.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, as an alternative to mailing a copy of the bill, the collector may send tax bills via e-mail at the request of the taxpayer.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Article regarding nonprofit risk organizations.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, beginning in assessment year 2011, the disabled veterans standard homestead exemption shall be granted on a pro-rata basis if the property is first used as a qualified residence after January 1 of the assessment year. Provides that the amount of the pro-rata exemption is the amount of the annual exemption divided by 365 and multiplied by the number of days during the assessment year the property is occupied as a residence by a qualified disabled veteran. Provides that the chief county assessment officer must adopt reasonable procedures to establish eligibility for this pro-rata exemption. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that payment for delinquent taxes may be made at any time before the day of the sale (now, any time before the sale). Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that, in lieu of filing a petition for nomination, a candidate may pay a filing fee to the office of the State or local election official charged with accepting nomination petitions for that office. Provides that the fee shall be equal to 1% of the annual salary of the office for which the candidate is seeking nomination or $50 if the office is non-salaried.

Amends the Smoke Free Illinois Act and the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act to exempt from certain prohibitions against discrimination any employer that, as its primary purposes or objectives, provides medical or hospital treatment to patients who have a cancerous condition.

Congratulates Judy Yokem and Jeremy Smith on the occasion of receiving the Lifesaver Award from the Missouri Department of Corrections.