Sen. Tim Bivins

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section concerning certificates of error in counties of less than 3,000,000, provides that no certificate of error, other than a certificate to establish tax exempt status, shall be executed for any tax year more than 3 years after the date on which the annual judgment and order of sale for that tax year was first entered. Removes a provision stating that certificates of error may be issued at any time before judgment or order of sale is entered in any proceeding to collect or to enjoin the collection of taxes based upon any assessment of any property. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961, the Unified Code of Corrections, and the County Jail Act. Permits currently employed and retired State correctional officers and county correctional officers to carry their own firearms off duty without being in violation of the unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon statutes if they meet certain training requirements.

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Department of Agriculture.

Directs the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the State moneys provided by or through the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority to the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative under contracts or grant agreements in Fiscal Year 2011 and Fiscal Year 2012. Provides that the audit shall include the purposes for which State moneys were provided to the Authority, the extent of monitoring by the Authority of the Initiative's use of State moneys, the actual use of State moneys by the Authority, and the number of positions paid through the Initiative. Provides that the Auditor General report the findings and recommendations of the audit in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois State Auditing Act.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Includes in the committed person's master record file: (1) disciplinary infraction tickets and Administrative Review Board action; (2) criminal history; (3) current and past gang affiliations and ranks; (4) information regarding associations and family relationships; (5) any grievances filed and responses to those grievances; and (6) other information that the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice determines is relevant to the secure confinement and rehabilitation of the committed person. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Comptroller Act. Provides that an itemized voucher for under $5 that is presented to the Comptroller for payment shall not be paid except through electronic funds transfer. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Requires full-time and part-time police officers to be licensed rather than certified. Makes related changes. Provides that the Board has the power to require local governmental units to furnish personnel rosters, employment status reports, and annual training plans to the Board. Provides that a police officer who has been licensed, certified, or granted a valid waiver shall be decertified or have his or her license or waiver revoked upon a determination by the Illinois Labor Relations Board State Panel that he or she knowingly and willfully violated a rule or regulation of his or her department or agency that has as a penalty the discharge or dismissal of the officer from the department or agency. Establishes hearing procedures on decertification. Contains other provisions.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that every electronic benefits transfer ("LINK") card issued on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act by the Department of Human Services for the purpose of enabling the cardholder to obtain food stamp benefits or cash must include on the card's face a photograph of the cardholder. Provides that within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act, the Department shall replace every still-valid card issued before that date with a card that includes on its face a photograph of the cardholder.

Amends the General Assembly Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Allows members of the General Assembly to elect out of the General Assembly Retirement System within 48 months (rather than 24 months) after becoming a member. Effective July 1, 2012.

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Defines "active licensed law enforcement officer" and "inactive licensed law enforcement officer". Requires full-time and part-time police officers to be licensed rather than certified. Makes corresponding changes. Provides that the Board has the power to require local governmental units to furnish personnel rosters, employment status reports, and annual training plans to the Board. Sets forth procedures concerning the permanent appointment of a county corrections officer. Provides that each law enforcement officer, excluding any police chief, deputy police chief, or elected sheriff, shall complete a minimum of 32 hours of in-service training every 4 years during the term of his or her license. Sets forth requirements concerning the training. Contains other provisions.