Sen. Chris Lauzen

Amends the Election Code. With respect to political parties that select their State central committee using the "Alternative A" method, provides for election of committeemen by congressional district. Removes the option of election of State central committeemen by ward, township, and precinct committeemen. Requires each State central committee, within 30 days after the bill's effective date, to certify to the State Board of Elections its choice of alternative method of member selection. Makes other changes.

Resolves that the State of Illinois is committed to supporting non-destructive stem cell research.

Repeals the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act.

Amends the Department of Insurance Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the General Assembly Operations Act. Requires that a bill sponsored by at least three-fifths of the members of a house of the General Assembly must be voted on third reading (i) in its house of introduction, when that sponsorship occurs in the house of introduction and (ii) in the second house, when that sponsorship occurs in that second house or occurred in the house of introduction. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Adds Illinois State Toll Highway Authority signs and structures to the list of items that may not bear the proper name or image of an executive branch constitutional officer or a General Assembly member if the item is designed, paid for, prepared, or distributed using public funds and the item is not in furtherance of the person's official State duties or governmental and public service functions.

Proposes to amend the Legislature Article and the Executive Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that a person may not hold any of the statewide offices, the office of State Senator, or the office of State Representative for more than 12 consecutive years. Provides that any service during a term that began before January 1, 2011, shall not be used when computing the 12 years. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Proposes to amend the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution. Limits the maximum amount of any ad valorem tax on real property to 2% of the fair cash value of such property, to be collected by the counties and apportioned according to law to the districts within the counties. Sets forth various definitions and requirements with respect to the administration of property taxation. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may not cover any medical care under the Code for a non-citizen who is not included in one of the categories set forth in the Code except in the case of an emergency. Provides that "emergency" means a need for immediate medical attention resulting from a life-threatening condition or situation or a need for immediate medical attention as otherwise reasonably determined by a physician, a public safety official, or emergency medical personnel. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Allows individuals to deduct an amount equal to the value of real estate donated during the taxable year to an entity exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the taxpayer to file with his or her return an appraisal substantiating the deduction that meets the requirements for appraisals acceptable to the Internal Revenue Service to substantiate the value of real estate for federal income tax purposes. Effective immediately.