Sen. Pamela J. Althoff

Mourns the death of Rocco Dawson of Harvard

Amends the Election Code. Provides that specified vote by mail ballots must be returned postmarked no later than midnight on election day (rather than midnight on the day preceding election day). Effective immediately.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal of the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987 from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2027. Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Requires applicants or licensees to inform the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation of any change of address within 14 days after the change. Removes language limiting the practice of optometry to examination, diagnosis, and treatment without the use of surgery. Instead, excludes certain ophthalmic procedures from the scope of practice of optometry, except for the preoperative and postoperative care of the procedures. Allows members of the Optometric Licensing and Disciplinary Board to be reimbursed for certain expenses. Limits the liability of members of the Board in certain circumstances. Provides that ocular pharmaceutical agents may be administered by injection in certain circumstances. Removes the requirement that the Department list all persons whose licenses have been suspended or revoked. Provides that any fine imposed under the Act shall be payable within 60 days after the effective date of the order. Provides that the Department shall (rather than may) refuse to issue or suspend a license of licensees who fail to pay taxes. Removes requirements of written reports at the conclusions of hearings. Allows parties to agree to a negotiated consent order. Removes certain requirements concerning hearing officers. Removes provisions requiring the Secretary to explain deviations from Board recommendations. Adds provisions concerning confidentiality of certain information collected by the Department. Makes other changes. Effective immediately, except that certain provisions concerning injections and surgery are effective January 1, 2017.

Mourns the death of Goldie M. Withrow of McHenry.

Mourns the death of Hugh Bateman of Johnsburg

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change to a Section concerning the intent and purpose of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program.

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that each owner shall provide for each of his or her animals adequate shelter and adequate space. Defines "adequate shelter" and "adequate space".

Amends the State Finance Act and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a Healthy Local Food Incentives Program to double the purchasing power of Illinois residents with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Creates the Healthy Local Food Incentives Fund as a special fund in the State treasury for the purpose of implementing the Program. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department shall make an annual grant of $1,000,000 from the Fund to a qualified Illinois non-profit organization or agency, which shall be distributed to participating Illinois farmers markets for the purpose of providing matching dollar incentives (up to a specified amount) for the dollar value of SNAP benefits spent on FINI eligible fruits and vegetables at participating Illinois farmers markets and producer-to-consumer venues. Provides that the qualified non-profit organization shall have a demonstrated track record of (i) building a statewide network; (ii) designing and implementing successful healthy food incentive programs that connect SNAP recipients with local producers; and (iii) other requirements. Provides that at least 60% of the moneys deposited into the Fund shall be distributed to participating Illinois farmers markets for healthy local food incentives; and that a maximum of 40% of the moneys deposited into the Fund shall be used for State and local level program development and other purposes. Requires the non-profit organization or agency to submit a progress report to the Department with certain information. Provides that no later than December 31, 2016, the Department shall adopt rules to implement the new provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall establish reimbursement rates which build toward livable wages for front line personnel in residential and day programs serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including but not limited to intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities, community integrated living arrangements, developmental training programs, employment, and other residential and day programs for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities supported by State funds or funding under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act. Provides that the Department shall increase rates and reimbursements so that direct support persons earn a base wage of not less than $15 per hour and so that other front line personnel earn a commensurate wage. Defines "front line personnel". Effective immediately.

Mourns the death of Robert "Bob" "Sterny" V. Sternberg of Marengo.