Sen. Michael W. Frerichs

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the definition of "employer".

Appropriates $2 from the General Revenue Fund to Northern Illinois University for its FY14 ordinary and contingent expenses. Effective July 1, 2013.

Amends the State University Certificates of Participation Act. Provides that the board of trustees of a State university has the power to enter into financing agreements in connection with the financing or refinancing (instead of just the financing) of capital improvements by selling certificates of participation in the installment payments made under such financing agreements; makes a related change. Provides that a State university must present to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability information on the amount being financed or refinanced (instead of just financed), the nature of the project being financed or refinanced (instead of just financed), and the status of all currently outstanding (instead of currently issued) certificates of participation. Sets forth the maximum annual debt service amount for a State university's total outstanding (instead of total) certificate of participation obligation. Provides that the Act applies until December 31, 2024 (instead of December 31, 2014); makes a related change. Effective immediately.

Creates the Taxpayer Transparency Act. Provides that a bill making an appropriation may not be considered for final passage by either the House of Representatives or the Senate unless a copy of that bill, in its final form, has been made conveniently available on the General Assembly's Internet website for at least 4 days before final legislative action by the General Assembly prior to presentation to the Governor. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Makes a technical change in a Section of the campaign finance Article concerning definitions.

Creates the Seniors and Disabled Persons Pharmaceutical Assistance Relief Program Act. Provides that it is the purpose of the Act to ensure that the State's senior and disabled populations have access to affordable prescription drugs. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, beginning July 1, 2013, to establish and administer a Seniors and Disabled Persons Pharmaceutical Assistance Relief Program with the cooperation of local area agencies on aging. Contains provisions concerning eligibility standards; application standards; and rulemaking. Effective July 1, 2013.

Creates the Veterinary Medical Practice Ownership Act. Provides that one or more persons licensed under the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004, or one or more persons or entities not licensed under the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004, may form a veterinary practice in any legal form under applicable laws to own, operate, and maintain an establishment for specified purposes related to animal ailments and injuries, subject to specified restrictions. Contains provisions regarding the death of an owner, actions based on violations, relationships with clients, discipline, severability, and other matters.

Makes appropriations to the University of Illinois for various purposes, including for ordinary and contingent expenses. Effective July 1, 2014.

Proposes to amend the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that individual income taxes may be at a graduated or a non-graduated rate. Provides that any such tax imposed on corporations shall be at a non-graduated rate, not to exceed the average of the lowest and highest individual rates by more than a ratio of 8 to 5. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. Provides that a veterinarian licensed or veterinary technician certified in another state may practice in Illinois in connection with an investigation by law enforcement of an alleged violation of federal or State animal fighting or animal cruelty laws if the law enforcement authority determines that the veterinarian or veterinary technician possesses particular skills, training, or experience not otherwise available within this State and if the law enforcement authority extends an official invitation to the veterinarian or veterinary technician. Further provides that a nonprofit organization qualified under Section 501 (c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for the purpose of preventing cruelty to animals may, in connection with an investigation by law enforcement of an alleged violation of federal or State animal fighting or animal cruelty laws, establish a temporary facility to receive animals affected by the investigation if the law enforcement authority determines that such a facility is necessary, the law enforcement authority extends an official invitation, and the facility meets certain standards under State law. Effective immediately.