Sen. Scott M. Bennett

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section granting a natural disaster homestead exemption, removes language providing that the square footage of the rebuilt residential structure may not be more than 110% of the square footage of the original residential structure as it existed immediately prior to the natural disaster. Removes provisions providing that the taxpayer's initial application for a natural disaster homestead exemption must be made no later than the first taxable year after the residential structure is rebuilt. Provides that, if the square footage of the rebuilt structure exceeds 110% of the square footage of the original residential structure as it existed immediately prior to the natural disaster, then the amount of the natural disaster homestead exemption is the equalized assessed value per square foot of the rebuilt structure multiplied by 110% of the square footage of the original residential structure as it existed immediately prior to the natural disaster minus the base amount. Provides that the amendatory Act is retroactive to the 2012 taxable year. Effective immediately.

Amends various acts to remove provisions allowing or requiring licensing authorities to revoke professional licenses for defaulting on an educational loan provided by or guaranteed by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Finance Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the School Code. Creates the Advisory Committee on Workforce Shortages. Provides for the membership of the Advisory Committee. Provides for meetings and the election of a presiding officer. Requires the Advisory Committee to conduct a thorough review of existing career and technical education programs in the State and to identify industries and occupations within the State that face workforce shortages or shortages of adequately trained, entry-level workers. Requires the Advisory Committee to submit recommendations by December 31, 2016. Abolishes the Advisory Committee and repeals the provisions concerning the Advisory Committee on January 1, 2017. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the issuance of an identification card or a driver's license with a veteran designation to a member of the armed forces, including a member of any reserve component or National Guard unit, regardless of whether he or she served on active duty. Defines "reserve duty". Makes conforming changes.

Makes appropriations to the Department of Transportation, the Illinois Gaming Board, the Department of the Lottery, the Department of State Police, the Illinois Commerce Commission the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Revenue from Other State Funds for various essential services including emergency telephone services, lottery payments, and payments to local governments. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction.

Amends the Governor Succession Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the line of succession for the office of Governor.

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title of the Code.