Sen. Dave Koehler

Amends the Public Utilities Act in relation to an exemption from certain municipal utility taxes with respect to enterprises located in an enterprise zone or a Foreign Trade Zone or Sub-Zone. Extends the availability of the exemption from 2013 to 2017 and reduces the requisite job retention requirement from 1,000 jobs to 750 jobs. Effective immediately.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, before approving, or approving with conditions, an application for a Beneficial Use Determination, the Agency must conduct an evaluation of the prospective owner's or operator's prior experience in waste management operations and clean construction or demolition debris fill operations. Authorizes the Agency to deny an application for a Beneficial Use Determination if the prospective owner or operator, or any employee or officer of the prospective owner or operator, has a history of gross carelessness or incompetence or has repeatedly violated federal, State, or local laws.

Amends the State Finance Act and Illinois Vehicle Code to provide for the issuance of Alzheimer's Awareness license plates. Creates the Alzheimer's Awareness Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the applicant shall pay an additional fee of $25 for original issuance of the plates and at renewal. Provides that $15 of the additional fee at original issuance and $2 of the additional fee at renewal shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund, and that $10 of the additional fee at original issuance and $23 of the additional fee at renewal shall be deposited into the Alzheimer's Awareness Fund. Provides that moneys in the Alzheimer's Awareness Fund shall be paid as grants to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, for Alzheimer's care, support, education, and awareness programs.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides an alternative procedure that a large public utility may choose in establishing the ratemaking rate base of a water or sewer utility that the large public utility is acquiring. Provides that the Commission's order that approves the large public utility's acquisition of the water or sewer utility shall include the Commission's decision establishing (1) the ratemaking rate base of the water or sewer utility and (2) the district or tariff group with which the water or sewer utility will be combined for ratemaking purposes. Sets forth provisions concerning definitions, appraisers and their duties, ratemaking rate base, and rate cases. Makes the provisions applicable until June 1, 2018. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Wildlife Code by making it illegal to wantonly waste or destroy usable meat from game animals. Defines "usable meat" and details locations where individuals may not dispose of harvested wildlife carcasses or parts.

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Transportation may make low-interest loans from the Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund to disadvantaged business enterprises. Establishes a loan selection committee to review applications and select eligible businesses. Provides that the Department may set eligibility requirements for loans by administrative rule. Provides limitations on the use of loan funds. Provides that loans may be made with interest. Limits the number of loans a business may receive. Provides that the Department shall give annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly on the program. Provides that the Department's authority to issue loans expires on June 1, 2018. Amends the State Finance Act. Establishes the Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund. Provides for transfers not to exceed $3,000,000 a year, for a period of 5 years, from the Road Fund to the Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund as requested by the Secretary of Transportation. Provides that no transfer will occur if the available balance in the Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund is equal to or greater than $6,000,000. Effective July 1, 2013.

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that the location restrictions for licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed fraternal establishments, and licensed veterans establishments under the Act do not apply if a school or place of worship moves to or is established within the restricted area after a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment obtains its original liquor license. Effective immediately.

Amends the Real Estate License Act of 2000. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Mourns the death of Harold A. Vonachen Jr. of Peoria.

Mourns the passing of Marion Minier "Rocky" Duffin of Pekin.