Sen. Gary Forby

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that an exemption for equipment used in coal and aggregate exploration, mining, offhighway hauling, processing, maintenance, and reclamation applies on and after July 1, 2003, but no claim for credit or refund is allowed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly for taxes paid during the period beginning July 1, 2003 and ending on the effective date of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a 3-axle truck mixer registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the mixing and transportation of concrete in the plastic state, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; and 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. Provides that a 3-axle combination sewer cleaning jetting vacuum truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the transportation of non-hazardous solid waste, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; and 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. Provides that both of these vehicles are not subject to the bridge formula. Removes provisions limiting to vehicles manufactured before or in the model year of 2014 and first registered in Illinois before January 1, 2015 the applicability of weight limit exceptions for certain 4-axle special hauling vehicles. Effective immediately.

Amends the Methamphetamine Precursor Tracking Act. Defines "qualified outside entity" to include in addition to a law enforcement agency or prosecutor's office with authority to identify, investigate, or prosecute violations of the Act or any other State or federal law or rule involving a methamphetamine precursor, methamphetamine, or any other controlled substance: (1) any probation and court services department authorized by the Probation and Probation Officers Act; (2) the Department of Corrections; (3) the Department of Juvenile Justice; (4) the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services System; and (5) the U.S. Parole Commission. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides an alternative procedure that a large public utility may choose in establishing the ratemaking rate base of a water or sewer utility that the large public utility is acquiring. Provides that the Commission's order that approves the large public utility's acquisition of the water or sewer utility shall include the Commission's decision establishing (1) the ratemaking rate base of the water or sewer utility and (2) the district or tariff group with which the water or sewer utility will be combined for ratemaking purposes. Sets forth provisions concerning definitions, appraisers and their duties, ratemaking rate base, and rate cases. Makes the provisions applicable until June 1, 2018. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Mourns the death of Betty McGuire of Venedy.

Mourns the death of Frank Fisher of Orange City, Florida, formerly of Benton.

Mourns the death of Lorene Page.

Mourns the death of Jewell L. Rosson of Anna.

Mourns the death of Faye M. Fox of Marion.

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.