Rep. Raymond Poe

Amends the Downstate Police Article of the Pension Code. Provides for a Deferred Retirement Option Plan, under which a police officer who is at least age 50 with 20 years of service may continue in active service for up to 5 years while having his or her retirement pension paid into a special account, to be distributed to the police officer upon retirement. Bases the retirement pension on the police officer's service and salary at the time of joining the DROP plan. Requires termination of service at the end of the DROP plan participation period. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the University of Illinois Act and the Southern Illinois University Management Act. Makes technical changes in Sections concerning limitations on tuition increases.

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 State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides the alternative (State police) retirement formula for certain automotive mechanics, Bureau of Warehouses employees, meat and poultry inspectors who are assigned to work at correctional facilities, and vehicle inspectors. Effective immediately.

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

Amends the Fire Protection Training Act. Provides that any school that offers a certified fire training program within the State must allow any student who has completed its program to take the State test for certification.

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Center for Minority Health Services shall provide advocacy in connection with, and promotion of, the increased risk of Alzheimer's disease among minority populations. Effective immediately.

Proclaims September 15-19, 2006, as "Helping Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Days" in Illinois and encourages all citizens to contribute what they can to assist the people that are afflicted with these terrible disorders.

Mourns the death of Caleb M. Bridges of Springfield.

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Makes a technical change in a Section authorizing the Department of Revenue to adopt rules.