Sen. George P. Shadid

Amends the Counties Code. Makes a technical change concerning the commission of sheriffs.

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2005, each person selling disposable oil filters for Second Division vehicles in the State must collect from the buyer a fee of $0.75 for each disposable oil filter that is sold. Requires the seller to pay the fee, less a collection allowance, to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Cleanable and Reusable Oil Filter Fund. Sets forth the purposes for which the moneys in the Cleanable and Reusable Oil Filter Fund may be used. Requires retailers to make a quarter-annual tax return to the Department of Revenue concerning the oil filter fee. Sets forth procedures for administrative procedures and hearings by the Department of Revenue concerning the collection of the fee and for judicial review of those decisions. Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to administer grant and loan programs concerning clean and reusable oil filters. Effective immediately.

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the time for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority directors' performance of their duties, the selection of a secretary, and the existence of a quorum.

Amends the Airport Authorities Act. Makes technical changes in a Section concerning the petition to set forth a tax rate.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and the State Finance Act. Creates the Illinois American Cancer Society Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides for the issuance of American Cancer Society 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 of the renewal fee shall be deposited into the Illinois American Cancer Society Fund. 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. Provides that, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and approval by the Secretary of State, the moneys in the American Cancer Society Fund shall be paid as grants to the American Cancer Society for use in its programs and services. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the organization of unit school districts.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Abolishes the Illinois Commerce Commission Police Force and transfers its officers and records to the Department of State Police. Effective immediately.

Creates the Fire Department Promotion Act. Requires municipal fire departments and fire departments operated by a fire protection district to make promotions in accordance with the Act. Requires the preparation and publishing of promotion lists. Sets components that may be included in the promotion process. Sets requirements for written examinations, the award of seniority points, the award of ascertained merit points, subjective evaluations, and the award of veterans' preferences. Sets penalties for violations of the Act. Preempts home rule. Contains other provisions. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Urges the U.S. Congress and Administration to strongly support any proposals to increase funding for public transit systems.