Sen. Patrick Joyce

Amends the State Treasurer Employment Code. Provides that members of the Personnel Review Board shall each be paid $100 for each day they are engaged in the business of the Board and shall be reimbursed for their expenses when engaged in such business. Provides that members shall meet periodically in accordance with a schedule established by the chairperson and at such other times as necessary, with written notice given by the chairperson at least three days before the meeting. Effective immediately.

Creates the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act. Defines terms. Provides that a State employee shall be granted leave from his or her State employment for firefighter training as follows: (1) on one occasion, for up to 200 hours, to participate in training necessary to obtain Basic Operations Firefighter certification from the State Fire Marshal while attending a State Fire Marshal-approved fire academy; and (2) special or advanced training annually, not to exceed 80 hours, after obtaining Basic Operations Firefighter certification from the State Fire Marshal for courses that will lead to additional certification by the State Fire Marshal. Provides that, during leaves for basic, special, or advanced training, the State employee shall continue to receive his or her regular compensation as a State employee, but, if the State employee receives compensation for basic, special, or advanced training, the State employee shall receive his or her regular compensation as a State employee minus the amount of his or her compensation for basic, special, or advanced training. Provides that a State employee who wishes to obtain a leave of absence under this Act shall request in advance for the leave of absence and may take the leave of absence only after obtaining approval from the State employee's agency.

Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that before land is designated as a Conservation Opportunity Area, the Department of Natural Resources shall hold 2 public hearings on the proposed designation and provide notification by certified mail to landowners affected by the designation. Defines "Conservation Opportunity Area".

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that any entity may make contributions to an ABLE account. Makes changes concerning privacy of ABLE account information. Provides that the ABLE Account Program may also be referred to as the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program. Effective immediately.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides for the repeal of the Illinois Public Accounting Act on January 1, 2029 (rather than January 1, 2024). Amends the Illinois Public Accounting Act. Provides that all applicants and registrants shall: (1) provide a valid address and email address to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which shall serve as the address of record and email address of record, respectively, at the time of application for registration or renewal of a registration and (2) inform the Department of any change of address of record or email address of record within 14 days after such change either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department's licensure maintenance unit. Provides that a license application shall have an applicant's federal individual taxpayer identification number. Provides that all CPA firms or sole practitioners required to undergo a peer review shall submit to the Department peer review reports; letters of response, if applicable; acceptance letters; letters signed by the reviewed CPA firm accepting the peer review documents with the understanding that the CPA firm agrees to take certain actions, if applicable; and letters notifying the reviewed CPA firm that certain required actions have been completed, if applicable. Provides that the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation shall appoint a full-time CPA Coordinator. Provides that the hearing officer shall report the hearing officer's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Committee (rather than to the Committee and the Secretary). Removes a provision providing that exhibits shall be certified without cost. Makes corresponding and other changes. Specifies that the changes made to the Regulatory Sunset Act take effect immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Makes a technical change in the short title Section.

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Eurasian Collared Dove and Ringed Turtle-Dove are excluded from the list of wildlife protected by the Act. Provides that the Virginia Rail, Sora Rail, Wilson's Snipe, Woodcock, Mourning Dove, and White-winged Dove are classified as migratory game birds for purposes of the Code.

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that any individual, corporation, or association operating under a nuisance wildlife control permit that subcontracts the operation of nuisance wildlife control to another is responsible to ensure that the subcontractor possesses a valid nuisance wildlife control permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources. Establishes penalties for violations of this provision. Provides that any person operating without the required permit is deemed to be taking, attempting to take, disturbing, or harassing wildlife contrary to the provisions of the Code, including the taking or attempting to take such species for commercial purposes. Provides that any devices and equipment, including vehicles, used in violation of these provisions may be subject to seizure and confiscation by an employee of the Department of Natural Resources. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Local Government Travel Expense Control Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.