Sen. Terry Link

Mourns the death of Iris Mamie Nixon of Waukegan.

Mourns the death of Rose A. Jurkovac.

Mourns the death of Gary L. Zarazinski of Waukegan.

Amends the Township Code. Provides that a township board may establish a fair and reasonable rate (currently, rate or charge) for users of waterworks systems and sewerage systems and a fair and reasonable connection charge for each new user. Provides that mayors or presidents of municipalities and customers must choose the independent entity to conduct the cost study, order the cost study, and pay for the cost study they requested. Further provides that the cost study must include an examination of residential and commercial connection charges for the waterworks system or sewerage system, whichever applies, in at least 30 units of local government in Illinois with a similar number of customers as are connected to the township's waterworks system and sewerage system (currently, examination of water main and sewer connection charges in neighboring units of local government or units of local government similar in size or population). Removes provisions concerning written quotes and payments for cost studies. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the angel investment credit.

Creates the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. Provides that administrators and insurers, prior to going to market, must file with the Department of Insurance for review and approval a description of the services to be offered through a network plan, with certain criteria included in the description. Provides that the network plan shall demonstrate to the Department, prior to approval, a minimum ratio of full-time equivalent providers to plan beneficiaries and maximum travel and distance standards for plan beneficiaries, which shall be established annually by the Department based upon specified sources. Provides that the Department shall conduct quarterly audits of network plans to verify compliance with network adequacy standards. Establishes certain notice requirements. Provides that a network plan shall provide for continuity of care for its beneficiaries under certain circumstances and according to certain requirements. Provides that a network plan shall post electronically a current and accurate provider directory and make available in print, upon request, a provider directory subject to certain specifications. Provides that the Department is granted specific authority to issue a cease and desist order against, fine, or otherwise penalize any insurer or administrator for violations of any provision of the Act. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2018.

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Contains provisions concerning the establishment of various programs and services for the benefit of veterans including a proactive outreach program for veterans that served in high casualty units, in units that experienced high conflict areas, and in units where at least one service member committed suicide following his or her service; a public awareness campaign concerning the trauma and internal injuries suffered by veterans; specified training concerning mental health services for employees of veterans service organizations, Veterans Assistance Commissions, and veterans' service associations; educational success programs for veterans experiencing specified difficulties in higher education; a family preparation course for the families of returning veterans; a licensing program for therapy dogs for veterans; a transition program for returning veterans that reside in the State; a system that allows veterans to file a specified federal form immediately upon discharge; creation of an employer training program; and a standard statewide peer-to-peer training program to familiarize veterans with the veterans' services available at the local, State, and federal levels. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to adopt any rules necessary to implement these provisions.

Amends the General Obligation Bond Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that grace period registration and changes of address shall be conducted for eligible residents in connection with voting at certain elder care facilities. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the valuation procedures for PPV leases sunsets on January 1, 2056 (currently, January 1, 2016). Provides that the definition of "net operating income" is the same for naval training facilities as it is for other military training facilities. Makes changes concerning the calculation of the fair cash value of a PPV Lease. Effective immediately.