Sen. Terry Link

Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Requires the Authority to establish an amnesty program for toll violations. Establishes procedures for, and limitations on, the amnesty. Sets procedures for administrative adjudication of violations recorded by photo surveillance. Provides that toll evasion offenses adjudicated in the Authority's administration system are not subject to the fine range for petty offenses. Effective immediately.

Creates the Autism Task Force Act. Contains only a short title.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. With respect to Medicaid coverage of disabled persons under age 21, requires the Department of Public Aid to devise an appropriate "family supports" waiver program and apply for a waiver from the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Provides that the program shall include Medicaid coverage for children with developmental disabilities and severely mentally ill or emotionally disturbed children who would qualify for home and community-based services under the Medicaid program except for their family income.

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

Amends the Election Code. Requires that all polling places be accessible to handicapped and elderly electors by January 1, 2004, as determined by rule of the State Board of Elections. Effective immediately.

Creates the Rental Housing Support Program Act. Provides for grants from the Illinois Housing Development Authority to local administering agencies to provide subsidies to landlords to enable the landlords to charge rent affordable for low-income tenants. Also provides for grants from the Illinois Housing Development Authority to developers of new affordable rental housing. Sets forth criteria for the awarding of grants. Requires the Authority to establish an operating reserve for the program.

Creates the Electricians Licensing Act. Provides for regulation of electricians and electrical contractors. Establishes fines for violations of the Act. Provides for concurrent exercise by home rule units. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to repeal this Act January 1, 2014. Effective January 1, 2004.

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Adds provisions concerning investments and participation by affiliates of any bank or trust company acting in its fiduciary capacity. Provides that any bank or trust company may purchase services or products from an affiliate provided that the purchase is otherwise prudent and not prohibited by the instrument governing the fiduciary relationship. Provides that the compensation for the service or product may be in addition to the compensation which the bank, trust company, or its affiliate is otherwise entitled as a fiduciary. Provides that the bank or trust company must disclose, in a specified manner, any purchase authorized by the new provisions. Applies to any bank or trust company doing banking or trust business in this State including any national bank, national trust company, or any of its affiliates. Effective January 1, 2005.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that where a city council consists of an odd number of aldermen, the vote of the majority of the aldermen shall be sufficient to pass any resolution or motion (i) to create any liability against a city or (ii) for the expenditure or appropriation of its money (now, requires the vote of a majority of the city council, including the mayor).