Sen. Chris Balkema

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Lowers the minimum age at which a person who is not an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces or the Illinois National Guard may apply for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card without parental or legal guardian consent from 21 years of age to 18 years of age. Provides that an applicant who is 18 (rather than 21) years of age or older seeking a religious exemption to the photograph requirement must furnish with the application an approved copy of United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 4029.

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that, if the Illinois State Police fails to renew a Firearm Owner's Identification Card within 60 business days, provided the applicant submitted his or her renewal application prior to the expiration of his or her Firearm Owner's Identification Card, the renewal application for the Firearm Owner's Identification Card shall be granted unless subject to revocation or suspension. Provides that failure of the Illinois State Police to approve or deny an application or renew an application within the time frames under these provisions shall constitute a civil violation and, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, may incur a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $500 for each violation and, in the case of a continuing violation, every day the violation continues shall be deemed a separate violation. Provides that penalties shall be collected by the State Treasurer, who shall deposit the money into the General Revenue Fund.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that a nonresident may carry a concealed firearm if the nonresident is 21 years or older, has in his or her immediate possession a valid license or permit that is issued by a state whose license or permit is recognized by the Illinois State Police, and is a legal resident of the United States. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall recognize a concealed carry permit or license issued to a person age 21 years of age or older: (i) by a state whose requirements to obtain a permit or license are substantially similar to the training requirements under the Act or (ii) by any contiguous state with which Illinois has entered into a reciprocal agreement. Provides that a nonresident is subject to the same laws and restrictions as a license holder under the Act. Provides that, if a resident of another state who is permitted to carry under this provision establishes legal residence in this State, the license or permit from the other state shall be valid in this State for 90 days following the date on which the holder of the license or permit establishes legal residence in this State. Provides that a resident of another state may establish Illinois residency by registering to vote, obtaining an Illinois driver's license or State Identification Card, or by filing for a homestead tax exemption on property in Illinois. Effective immediately

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall recognize a concealed carry permit or license issued to a person age 21 years of age or older: (i) by a state whose requirements to obtain a permit or license are substantially similar to the training requirements under the Act or (ii) by any contiguous state with which Illinois has entered into a reciprocal agreement. Provides that a nonresident is subject to the same laws and restrictions as a license holder under the Act. Provides that if a resident of another state who is permitted to carry under this provision establishes legal residence in this State, the license or permit shall be valid in this State for 90 days following the date on which the holder of the license or permit establishes legal residence in this State. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the prohibition against a licensee carrying a firearm into any building, parking area, or portion of a building under the control of an officer of the executive or legislative branch of government does not apply to any rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation or to buildings located in rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation. Eliminates a provision that a licensee shall not knowingly carry a firearm on any bus, train, or form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds, and any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public transportation facility paid for in whole or in part with public funds. Eliminates a provision that a licensee shall not knowingly carry a firearm in any public park, athletic area, or athletic facility under the control of a municipality or park district. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Lowers the minimum age in which a person who is not an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces or the Illinois National Guard may apply for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card without parental or legal guardian consent from 21 years of age to 18 years of age. Provides that an applicant who is 18 (rather than 21) years of age or older seeking a religious exemption to the photograph requirement must furnish with the application an approved copy of United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 4029.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that first full week of March each year is designated as Soil Health Week to be observed throughout the State as a week to celebrate and raise awareness regarding the importance of soil health to Illinois agriculture and Illinois farmers. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that if the Illinois State Police fails to renew a Firearm Owner's Identification Card within 60 business days, provided the applicant submitted his or her renewal application prior to the expiration of his or her Firearm Owner's Identification Card, the renewal application for the Firearm Owner's Identification Card shall be granted unless subject to revocation or suspension. Provides that failure of the Illinois State Police to approve or deny an application or renew an application within the time frames under these provisions shall constitute a civil violation, and in addition to any other penalty provided by law, may incur a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $500 for each violation and, in the case of a continuing violation, every day such violation continues shall be deemed a separate violation. Provides that penalties shall be collected by the State Treasurer, who shall deposit the money into the General Revenue Fund.

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of "employee" does not include a worker participating in the H-2A temporary agricultural program. Effective immediately.

Repeals the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act. Amends the Gun Trafficking Information Act, the Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Illinois Procurement Code, and the Criminal Code of 2012 to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.