Sen. Terry Link

Creates the Business Location Efficiency Incentive Act. Authorizes companies applying to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for certain economic development assistance tax credits to seek increased or extended tax credits if (i) the company's proposed project site is located in an area that capitalizes upon affordable workforce housing or accessible mass transit, (ii) the company submits to the Department an approved remediation plan to improve housing or access to mass transit, or (iii) the company's project is located in labor surplus areas. Provides for the Department's awarding of such incentives. Repeals the Act on December 31, 2011. Effective January 1, 2007.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the definition of "33 1/3%".

Amends the School Code. Creates a pilot class size reduction grant program, to be implemented and administered by the State Board of Education. Provides that grants shall be awarded to schools to defray the costs and expenses of operating and maintaining classes of no more than 15 pupils per teacher per class. Effective July 1, 2006.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that no later than July 1, 2007, subject to federal approval of a State Medicaid Plan amendment, which shall be sought by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or its successor agency, persons who fail to qualify for basic maintenance under the Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) program on the basis of need because of excess income or assets, or both, may establish prospective eligibility for that basic maintenance by paying their monthly Medicaid spend-down amount to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or by having a third party pay that amount to the Department.

Amends the Public Officer Simultaneous Tenure Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Act.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Re-enacts the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. The exemption was created by Public Act 88-669, which has been held to be unconstitutional as a violation of the single subject clause of the Illinois Constitution. Includes validation provisions. Increases the maximum reduction for the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption from $3,000 to $3,500 for taxable years 2006 and thereafter. Increases the maximum income limitation in the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $45,000 to $50,000 for taxable years 2006 and thereafter. Amends the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act. Increases the maximum income limitation under the Act from $40,000 to $45,000 for taxable years 2006 and thereafter. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that all automotive repairers and rebuilders shall provide proof that they comply with all the requirements of the Automotive Collision Repair Act. Amends the Automotive Collision Repair Act. Provides that, if a person is engaged in activities associated with automotive collision repair as covered in the Act, that person shall comply with the provisions of the Act.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Creates the Extended Community Care Options pilot program to be provided by Catholic Charities within Lake County. Provides that the program will enter into contracts with local vendors to provide services to prevent unnecessary institutionalization of the elderly. Provides that the Department on Aging shall evaluate the program and prepare a report for the General Assembly. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Provides that, unless prohibited by (now, if authorized by) the bank's by-laws, the directors of a State bank may properly fill a vacancy arising between shareholders' meetings by appointment. Provides that any director appointed to fill a vacancy arising between shareholders' meetings shall serve until the next meeting of shareholders at which directors are elected.

Mourns the death of Evelyn M. Swanson (nee Gronwall) of Park City.