Creates the Illinois AgrAbility Act. Provides that the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the University of Illinois Extension, shall contract with a non-profit disability service provider or other entity that assists disabled farmers, to establish and administer the Illinois AgrAbility Program in order to assist individuals who are engaged in farming or an agriculture-related activity and who have been affected by disability. Sets forth services to be provided by the Illinois AgrAbility Program. Sets forth eligibility requirements for the Program. Creates the Illinois AgrAbility Fund, a special fund created in the State treasury and, subject to appropriation, provides that moneys in the Fund may be expended for the Illinois AgrAbility Program and for no other purpose. Requires the University of Illinois Extension to submit certain documents to the Department of Agriculture. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Illinois AgrAbility Fund. Effective immediately.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides for a jury of 6 in all jury cases where the claim for damages is $50,000 or less (instead of cases where the claim does not exceed $15,000) unless either party demands a jury of 12.
Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title Section.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. For the purposes of property offenses, defines "governmental property" as funds or other property owned by the State, a unit of local government, or a school district. Provides for enhanced penalties for theft of governmental property. Establishes the same penalties for this offense as the penalties for theft committed in a school or place of worship.
Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that a consumer who has been the victim of identity theft may place a security freeze on his or her credit report by making a request in writing by certified mail to a consumer credit reporting agency with a valid copy of a police report, investigative report, or complaint that the consumer has filed with a law enforcement agency about unlawful use of his or her personal information by another person. Requires a credit reporting agency to place a security freeze on a consumer's credit report no later than 5 business days after receiving a written request from the consumer. Provides that if the consumer wishes to allow his or her credit report to be accessed for a specific party, parties, or period of time while a freeze is in place, he or she shall contact the consumer credit reporting agency, request that the freeze be temporarily lifted, and provide certain information. Provides that if a security freeze is in place, a credit reporting agency shall not change any of the following official information in a credit report without sending a written confirmation of the change to the consumer within 30 days of the change being posted to the consumer's file: (i) name, (ii) date of birth, (iii) Social Security number, and (iv) address. Provides that certain entities are not required to place a security freeze in a credit report provided certain conditions are met. Defines "proper identification".
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to end the tax credit for donations to certain affordable housing projects with the taxable year ending on December 31, 2011 (now, 2006). Effective immediately.
Amends the Mobile Home Local Services Tax Enforcement Act. With respect to the notice for application of judgment and sale of tax-delinquent mobile homes, removes the requirement that the notice include the mobile home park where the mobile home is sited, if known, the model year of the home, and the square footage of the home. Provides that the vehicle identification number of the mobile home must be listed only if known. Effective immediately.
Amends the Election Code. Provides that a person admitted to a hospital, nursing home, or rehabilitation center (now, hospital) 5 or fewer days before an election is entitled to personal delivery of an absentee ballot. Effective immediately.
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that a nursing home employee or agent who becomes aware of another employee or agent's theft or misappropriation of a resident's property must immediately report the matter to the facility administrator. Provides that a facility administrator who becomes aware of a nursing home employee or agent's theft or misappropriation of a resident's property must immediately report the matter by telephone and in writing to the resident's representative, to the Department of Public Health, and to the local law enforcement agency. Prohibits retaliation against a nursing home employee or agent who reports the theft or misappropriation of a resident's property.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Creates the offenses of involuntary servitude, sexual servitude of a minor, and trafficking of persons for forced labor and services. Mandates restitution. Provides that the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, State's Attorneys, circuit court officials, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Public Aid shall ensure that victims of trafficking or involuntary servitude are referred to appropriate social services, federal and State public benefits programs, victim protection services and immigration assistance services, where applicable. Provides that State's Attorneys shall refer an immigrant victim to the Attorney General for certification that the individual is a victim of trafficking or involuntary servitude so that the individual can qualify for a special immigrant visa and can have access to available federal benefits. Provides that the Attorney General, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, the Department of Public Aid and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, shall, within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act, determine and issue a report on how existing social services, public aid programs and victim protecting laws and rules respond to the needs of victims of trafficking and involuntary servitude.