Sen. Jason A. Barickman

Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning pleadings.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning sales in error, provides that, in cases where improvements upon the property sold have been substantially destroyed or rendered uninhabitable or otherwise unfit for occupancy, the court may order assignment of the certificate of purchase to the county collector or the delinquent county tax agent instead of declaring a sale in error upon request of the county collector. Provides that, if the certificate of purchase is assigned to the county delinquent tax agent because the improvements have been substantially destroyed or rendered uninhabitable or otherwise unfit for occupancy, then the county delinquent tax agent shall extend the redemption period by 24 months. Requires the court to notify the county collector when it declares a sale in error under certain conditions.

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that a prevailing wage determined at the time of bid submission shall continue for the duration of the contract.

Creates the Education Empowerment Act, the purpose of which is to grant school districts greater autonomy to implement practices that improve student academic performance and benefit the whole child by removing obstacles that currently exist in law or rules. Provides that school districts seeking to establish an empowerment area and be designated as such by the State Superintendent of Education must create an empowerment committee to develop a plan; sets forth provisions concerning the committee and plan. Contains provisions concerning statutory and regulatory mandates; plan submission and designation; financial support for planning; empowerment area review, renewal, and revocation; reporting; and rulemaking. Effective immediately.

Mourns the death of Donald Eugene "Don" Lenz of Freeport.

Amends the Corporate Fiduciary Act. In provisions concerning office locations of corporate fiduciaries, removes the requirement that a corporate fiduciary of a bank, savings and loan association, or savings bank give notice of intent to establish a branch office to the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation 30 days prior to purchasing or leasing of land, building, or equipment. Replaces references to "Commissioner" with "Secretary". Effective immediately.

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that upon payment of an annual administrative fee not exceeding $100, during the first 3 calendar quarters an employer may pay its quarterly contributions due for wages in equal installments. Establishes a schedule for payment of the contributions. Provides for the accrual of interest. Authorizes the issuance of necessary rules. Provides that payment on a quarterly basis is not available for calendar years when there are outstanding bonds under the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Financing Act.

Amends the Civil Practice Law of the Code of Civil Procedure to add a Part concerning asbestos trust claims. Includes a statement of legislative findings and purpose. Defines terms. Provides that within 30 days after an asbestos action is filed, the plaintiff shall: (1) provide all parties with a sworn statement indicating that an investigation has been conducted and that all asbestos trust claims that can be made by the plaintiff have been filed; and (2) provide all parties with all trust claim materials from all law firms connected to the plaintiff in relation to exposure to asbestos. Provides that a plaintiff has a continuing duty to supplement the information and materials within 30 days after the plaintiff supplements an asbestos trust claim, receives additional information or materials related to an asbestos trust claim, or files an additional trust claim. Provides that, not less than 60 days before trial, if a defendant believes the plaintiff has not filed all asbestos trust claims, the defendant may move and the court may enter an order to require the plaintiff to file additional trust claims. Provides that trust claim materials and trust governance documents are presumed to be relevant and authentic, and are admissible in evidence in an asbestos action. Provides that a claim of privilege does not apply to trust claim materials or trust governance documents and that a defendant may seek discovery from an asbestos trust. Provides that a defendant is entitled to a setoff in the amount the plaintiff has received or will receive from an asbestos trust.

Directs the Auditor General to conduct a management audit of the relationship between the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Modifies the definition of "public employee" or "employee" to exclude from bargaining unit status any employee of the Department of Human Services who is classified as or who holds the position of Public Service Administrator, but not including persons holding the position of Public Service Administrator on and before the effective date of this amendatory Act.