Sen. M. Maggie Crotty

Amends the Sanitary District Act of 1917 and the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that no prior approval of the Illinois Commerce Commission shall be required for the condemnation of sewage collection and treatment works owned by a public utility and located within the boundaries of the sanitary district if the district continues to operate the works as a sewage collection and treatment system. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Creates a new Article concerning retail electric competition. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to establish an Office of Retail Market Development and employ a Director of Retail Market Development. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Office. Requires the Director to present to the Commission, the General Assembly, and the Governor a detailed plan designed to promote retail electric competition for residential and small commercial electricity consumers. Requires the Commission to post the plan on its web site. Provides for a period of public comment on the plan. Effective immediately.

Amends the Township Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning township names.

Amends the Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act. Provides that no person shall rent or offer for rent any mobile home in a mobile home park that does not meet the fire protection standards of the applicable city fire department or fire protection district. Provides that the mobile home park shall perform annual testing and inspections in conjunction with the fire department that has jurisdictional responsibility for responding to fire calls. Provides that the mobile home park shall maintain all private water supply systems and hydrants in operable and good repair.

Amends the Counties Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning boundaries.

Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in the Section in the campaign finance Article defining "anything of value".

Amends the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to implement a 3-year pilot project in Will County or southern Cook County for the operation of 2 CILA homes for adolescents diagnosed with autism. Effective July 1, 2006.

Creates the Community First Act. Contains only a short title provision.

Proposes to amend the Education Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that beginning on January 1 of the year following adoption of the constitutional amendment, a surtax on or measured by income at a rate of 3% shall be levied annually on that portion of the income of individuals that exceeds $250,000. Provides that all receipts shall be deposited into the Education and Permanent Property Tax Relief Trust Fund. Provides that on July 1 of each year, 50% of the public funds in the Trust Fund shall be distributed in equal amounts to every taxpayer who is an owner-occupier of residential real property in the State and the other 50% shall be distributed equally on a per student basis to improve education in public schools through the secondary level. Effective upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the tax exemption for property used for religious purposes.