Sen. Martin A. Sandoval

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates a property tax exemption for property that is owned and used as a homestead by a disabled veteran who has, at least, a 30% disability. Sets forth the amount of the exemption based on the percentage of disability of the veteran. Sets forth requirements for the exemption. Requires an annual application for the exemption. Provides that a current exemption for disabled veterans does not apply if the taxpayer receives an exemption created by this amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

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

Amends the Alternate Fuels Act. Makes a technical change in the purpose Section.

Creates the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act. Requires thermostat manufacturers to establish and maintain a program for the collection and recycling of mercury thermostats. Sets forth requirements for the Program. Requires that mercury thermostats be handled as universal waste. Prohibits wholesalers, retailers, and technicians from selling or distributing non-mercury thermostats if they have not taken certain actions with respect to the disposal of mercury thermostats. Sets forth penalties for violations of the Act. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to publish certain information and make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly concerning the collection of mercury thermostats. Contains other provisions. Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Prohibits the sale or distribution of button cell batteries that contains mercury. Prohibits the sale or distribution of certain mercury-added products. Effective immediately.

Amends the Business Corporation Act of 1983. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning franchise taxes payable by domestic corporations.

Amends the Riverboat Gambling Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the annual report of the Illinois Gaming Board.

Amends the Interest Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the adoption of certain rules.

Amends the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act. Adds a provision requiring that the Plan provide coverage for mammograms and prosthetic devices or reconstructive surgery incident to a mastectomy, Pap tests, prostate-specific antigen tests, colorectal cancer examination and screening, and contraceptives as required under certain Sections of the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that any expense or charge for routine physical examinations or tests related to certain covered benefits are not excluded from coverage under the Plan. Deletes a provision excluding any expense or charge for oral contraceptives used for birth control or any other temporary birth control measures from coverage under the Plan.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that an officer of a fire department, in the performance of his or her official duties, has the authority to close to traffic a highway, or a lane or lanes of a highway, as necessary to protect the safety of persons or property. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Increases the penalties for the offense of reckless homicide if the offense is committed as a result of failing to follow the procedures required when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle. Further increases the penalties if the defendant causes the deaths of 2 or more persons as part of a single course of conduct.