Sen. Martin A. Sandoval

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an insurer shall not impose a copayment, coinsurance, or office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for services rendered for each date of service by a physical therapist licensed under the Illinois Physical Therapy Act that is greater than the copayment, coinsurance, or office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for the services of a primary care physician or an osteopath licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 for an office visit. Provides that an insurer shall state clearly the availability of physical therapy coverage under its policy or plan and all related limitations, conditions, and exclusions.

Urges the Chicago City Council to pass Alderman Anthony Beale's ordinance to mandate criminal background checks include fingerprinting for all rideshare drivers.

Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that restrictions pertaining to the number, placement, and maintenance of advertising structures or off-premises advertising signs on commuter rail properties are not applicable to a transportation agency or the Commuter Rail Division as long as each commercial advertising structure or sign: (1) is placed on or adjacent to railroad property platforms intended for commuter passenger viewing; (2) is limited to a maximum size of 70 square feet for each advertising surface created by the advertising structure; (3) complies with any applicable local electrical code, if electrified; (4) is approved by a resolution of the Commuter Rail Board; and (5) complies with any applicable State or federal railroad safety requirements. Further provides that if a written request is received by a unit of local government to restrict the number of advertising structures or signs, the number of structures or signs shall be limited to 3 per each side of the railroad right of way adjacent to platforms. Limits home rule powers.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning licenses.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the penalty for aggravated assault of a transit employee from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony if a Category I, Category II, or Category III weapon is used in the commission of the assault and the offender knows the individual assaulted to be a transit employee: (1) performing his or her official duties; (2) assaulted to prevent performance of his or her official duties; or (3) assaulted in retaliation for performing his or her official duties. Provides that the aggravated assault of a transit employee is a Class 4 felony if a firearm is used in the assault, other than by discharging the firearm, and the transit employee is: (1) performing his or her official duties; (2) assaulted to prevent performance of his or her official duties; or (3) assaulted in retaliation for performing his or her official duties.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning obedience to the traffic laws.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that any earned sick pay which is payable by an employer shall be considered pensionable and the charter school shall certify the number of sick days being paid. Also provides that any sum paid by a charter school employer before or after the school year shall be considered pensionable earnings if the payment is conditioned in any way on service being performed by the contributor. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Increases the base amount from $20,000 to $30,000 for public improvement or maintenance of public property at which a municipality must enter into a contract by public bid or four-fifths council approval. If the contract is approved by council, increases the base amount of expenses that must be taken by public bid from $20,000 to $30,000. Effective immediately.

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section creating the civil administrative agencies.

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that every emergency room physician shall report to the Secretary of State certain medical conditions of a driver that are likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to safely operate a motor vehicle within 10 days of the emergency room physician becoming aware of the condition. Provides that the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Driver's License Medical Advisory Board, shall determine by administrative rule the temporary conditions not required to be reported. Provides that all information furnished to the Secretary shall be deemed confidential and for the privileged use of the Secretary. Provides that emergency room physicians who fail to make the report shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. Provides that emergency room physicians who make the report required by this Section shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for a motor vehicle accident caused by the medical condition.