Sen. Linda Holmes

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides for the issuance of Multiple Sclerosis Assistance license plates. Provides that in addition to the appropriate registration fees, an applicant for the special plate shall be charged a fee of $40 at original issuance and $27 at renewal. Provides that $25 of the additional original issuance fee and the renewal fee shall be deposited into the Multiple Sclerosis Assistance Fund, a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that $15 of the original issuance fee and $2 of the renewal fee shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the corporate authorities of a municipality that establishes a special service area may petition the circuit court to disconnect territory from the special service area. Effective immediately.

Amends the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Act.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Aid to Families with Dependent Children or AFDC.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, and the School Code to require coverage for medically necessary preventative physical therapy for insureds diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In the provisions concerning multiple sclerosis preventative physical therapy, provides a definition for "medically necessary". Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Amends the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Provides that if an employer fails to include all commissions earned by a separated employee in the final compensation paid to the separated employee within the time limit set forth in the Act, the employer shall, in addition to any other penalties, pay the employee an amount equal to 3 times the amount of the commissions that were not paid, as well as the employee's court costs, attorney's fees, and any other associated costs incurred in successfully pursuing a legal action against the employer. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a credit for taxpayers who own and operate a small business in Illinois. Provides that the credit shall be an amount equal to (i) $1,000 for each eligible employee hired during the taxable year or (ii) $1,500 for each eligible employee hired during the taxable year who was receiving unemployment benefits from the State at the time he or she was hired. Provides that the eligible employee must be employed for at least 180 consecutive days. Provides that the taxpayer must have at least a 50% ownership interest in the small business. Provides that the credit may be carried forward for a period of 5 years. Effective immediately.

Amends the Environmental Barriers Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning property held for the owner by a court or other public officer or entity.