Sen. Mike Halpin

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Allows the Supreme Court to provide for mandatory arbitration of civil actions as the Court deems appropriate in order to expedite in a less costly manner any litigation wherein a party asserts a claim not exceeding $75,000 (rather than $50,000) or any lesser amount as authorized by the Supreme Court. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Residential Real Property Transfer on Death Instrument Act. Renames the Act the "Real Property Transfer on Death Instrument Act". Changes the definitions of "owner" and "person". Defines "real property". Changes references to "residential real estate property" to references to "real property". Permits the transfer of real property by a transfer on death instrument to a trustee of a trust under certain circumstances even if the trust is subject to amendment, modification, revocation, or termination. Provides that a transfer on death instrument may not be admitted to probate as the will of the owner or as a codicil thereto. Provides that a transfer on death instrument does not need to state consideration or the addresses of the beneficiaries. Provides that if the transfer on death instrument is not witnessed by at least 2 credible witnesses, it is void. Provides that if a beneficiary attests to the execution of the transfer on death instrument, the interest transferred to that beneficiary is void as to that beneficiary. Changes the rules under which real property that is subject to a transfer on death instrument is transferred. Provides that a transfer on death instrument may be renounced by the owner's surviving spouse. Makes other changes to provisions regarding: rights of claimants; limitations; and preparation of a transfer on death instrument or its revocation. Makes conforming changes.

Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that, in a case regarding temporary guardianship, if no limited or plenary guardian has been appointed in a case regarding temporary guardianship, the court may grant an extension up to an additional 60 days or until a limited or plenary guardian has been appointed. Provides that the court may appoint separate individuals or entities or co-guardians to act as the guardian of the person and the guardian of the estate of a person with a disability under certain circumstances. Provides that a guardian is entitled to reasonable and appropriate fees, if certain conditions are met. Provides that fees awarded to a guardian shall be considered as a first-class claim for administrative expenses and paid from the guardianship estate from the decedent's estate. Adds procedures regarding the succession of a new public guardian. Makes formatting changes in Sections concerning: definitions; statutory forms; short-term guardians; preliminary hearings; domestic violence orders of protection; sterilization of the ward; and notice of rights of the ward. Changes references to "best interest" to "best interests". Amends the Illinois Power of Attorney Act. Provides that if an agent seeks guardianship of the principal, the petition for guardianship must delineate the specific powers to be granted to the guardian that are not already included in the power of attorney. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that a petitioner who seeks to revoke or construe a power of attorney for the alleged person with a disability, or review the agent's conduct, shall do so in conformity with the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, and as set forth in specified provisions of the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that the right to ask for the appointment of a limited guardian be stated in the summons that is served to the respondent. Provides that one person or agency may be appointed a limited or plenary guardian of the person and another person or corporate trustee appointed as a limited or plenary guardian of the estate. Provides that, upon the death of the ward, fees and costs awarded shall be considered as a first-class claim for administrative expenses and may be paid from the guardianship estate or from the decedent's estate. Includes additional final fees and costs relating to guardianship, as determined by the court, as first-class claims against a decedent's estate.

Amends the Counties Code, Township Code, and Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the governing body of a county, township, or municipality may waive any fees or costs associated with a permit, inspection, or certification of occupancy required by law for construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of a manufactured home, building, dwelling, or structure, either commercial or residential, damaged as a result of a disaster, emergency, weather event, or for any reason deemed warranted in the interests of public safety, welfare, and recovery of the community by the governing body of the county, township, or municipality. Defines "disaster". Effective immediately.

Urges Illinois long-term care facilities to uphold and adhere to federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and guidance on a resident's standards of care, rights, protections, and inalienable right to be treated with respect, dignity, and quality care.

Declares May 28, 2021 as Menstrual Hygiene Day in the State of Illinois.

Declares May 29, 2021 as Brigadier General Thomas V. Draude, USMC (Ret.) Day.

Expresses support for improved adolescent health and wellness by recognizing the importance of an adolescent well visit to prevent chronic diseases, help better diagnosis and treat chronic diseases, and update immunizations.

Declares March 25, 2021 as Greek Independence Day in the State of Illinois.

Acknowledges the hardships faced by those with a disability and the need to increase education and awareness of these issues for people throughout the State of Illinois.