Sen. Ira I. Silverstein

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act to require coverage for hearing instruments and related services for all individuals when a hearing care professional prescribes a hearing instrument. Provides that an insurer shall provide coverage for up to $2,500 per hearing aid per insured's hearing impaired ear subject to certain restrictions. Provides that an insurer shall not be required to pay a claim if the insured filed such a claim 36 months prior to the date of filing the claim with the insurer and the claim was paid by any insurer. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the definition of "offense" for the purpose of inchoate offenses.

Amends the Rental-Purchase Agreement Act. Requires additional disclosures in a rental-purchase (aka rent to own) agreement clarifying the specific terms of the agreement including cost terms, minimum obligation period, and a notice putting the nature of the agreement in layman's terms. Provides that the rental-purchase agreement must provide that if the merchandise is returned to the merchant during the restatement period, the later of one week or half the number of days in a regular payment period, the consumer shall have the right to reinstate the agreement for a period of not less than one year. Creates an early purchase option where the consumer has the right to acquire ownership of the merchandise at any time during the agreement by paying the merchant a price determined by a multiplier. Provides that the merchant shall reduce the amount of each rental payment when the consumer experiences an interruption or reduction in income of more than 25% due to involuntary job loss/reduction, illness, pregnancy, or disability after at least 1/2 of the amount of the rental payments have been made. Provides that the merchant shall maintain the merchandise in good working order or replace or repair the merchandise without any fee to the consumer. Provides that a consumer has the ability to review a rental-purchase agreement for 48 hours prior to signing and that the consumer has the right to cancel the agreement without penalty before taking possession of the merchandise. Provides that a rental-purchase agreement shall not contain a mandatory arbitration clause. Establishes maximum cash prices for categories of merchandise and mandates the use of a terming matrix to establish a maximum cash price for merchandise on its second or subsequent rental. Provides that an advertisement must state whether its terms are for new or used merchandise. Provides that a merchant may not be held liable for an unintentional action that resulted from a bona fide or clerical error. Provides that an action shall not be brought after the later of 4 years after the occurrence of the act or one year after the last payment. Provides for enforcement by the Attorney General. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act to make a violation of the Rental-Purchase Agreement Act a violation of that Act.

Amends the Cigarette Tax Act, the Cigarette Use Tax Act, and the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995. Requires retailers of cigarettes to obtain a license from the Department of Revenue. Provides that the annual license fee payable to the Department is $250. Contains provisions concerning returns and penalties. Makes changes to the definition of "cigarette". Provides that a person who makes a sale of cigarettes to a purchaser for use or consumption and not for resale is not considered a "distributor". Effective January 1, 2013.

Amends the Condominium Property Act. Deletes provisions stating that: (1) an association's waiver of reserve requirements for capital expenditures and deferred maintenance must be disclosed by the association after the meeting at which the waiver occurs in the financial statements of the association and in bold print in its responses to requests for information by certain prospective purchasers; and (2) members of the board of managers and the managing agent of an association are not liable for the lack or inadequacy of reserve funds in the association budget and no cause of action may be brought against them for damages for the lack or inadequacy of reserve funds.

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Shows our unwavering commitment to the security of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders and recognize and strongly support its inherent right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism.

Creates the Toxin-Free Toddler Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2013, no manufacturer or wholesaler may sell or offer for sale in this State a children's food or beverage container that contains bisphenol A (BPA). Provides that, beginning January 1, 2014, no retailer may sell or offer for sale in this State a children's food or beverage container that contains bisphenol A (BPA). Provides for enforcement by the Attorney General. Authorizes the imposition of a $200 civil penalty for violations of the Act. Defines "child", "children's food or beverage container", "manufacturer", "retailer", and "wholesaler". Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker of a child in his or her care who is 12 years of age or younger commits a Class 3 felony when he or she fails to notify a law enforcement agency in a timely manner of the child's disappearance and: (1) knows that the child is missing; and (2) knows or reasonably should know that the child is potentially in danger of death or serious injury. Provides that it is the duty of a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker of a minor child who becomes aware of the death of the minor child occurring under specified circumstances to report such death and circumstances forthwith to the county medical examiner or county coroner in the county where the parent, caretaker, or guardian believes the death of the minor child is most likely to have occurred. Provides that any such parent, legal guardian, or caretaker who knowingly fails or refuses to report such death and circumstances, who refuses to make available prior medical or other information pertinent to the death investigation, or who, without an order from the office of the county medical examiner or county coroner, willfully touches, removes, or disturbs the body, clothing, or any other thing on or near the body with the intent to alter the evidence or circumstances surrounding the death commits a Class 3 felony. Effective immediately.

Creates the Consumer Alternatives Program Act. Directs the Department of Human Services to implement the Consumer Alternatives Program to prevent or avoid the unnecessary institutional care treatment of individuals with mental disorders or a co-occurring disorder of mental illness and substance abuse or addiction and to provide cost effective, community alternatives and supports that enable these individuals to live successfully in the community. Requires implementation of the Program during fiscal year 2013. Makes implementation of the Program dependent upon funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Provides that participants in the program may receive certain services such as a comprehensive evaluation that includes an assessment of skills, abilities, and potential for living in the community and work placement; family or individual support services; case coordination services; and vocational training. Prohibits the denial of program services because of age, sex, ethnic origin, marital status, ability to pay (except when contrary to law), degree of disability, or illness. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to assist the Department of Human Services in developing housing assistance programs aimed at promoting the ability of individuals with a mental disorder to move from institutions to the most integrated community residence. Effective July 1, 2012.