Sen. Ram Villivalam

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that a taxpayer shall be allowed an income tax credit in an amount equal to 1.3% of the qualified research expenses made by the taxpayer in Illinois. Provides that the taxpayer is not required to have obtained a research and development credit with respect to his or her federal income taxes to qualify for the Illinois research and development credit.

Amends the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act. Creates a second set of incentive periods beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2026. Provides that the credit shall not exceed $5,000 per employee hired. Provides that the maximum amount of credits allowed is $75,000,000. Effective immediately.

Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities and community colleges in Illinois. Requires the governing board of each public university and community college district to deem a dependent student whose parent or guardian holds an H-1B visa or Permanent Resident Card an Illinois resident for tuition purposes if the student satisfies other conditions that determine Illinois residency for tuition purposes. Effective July 1, 2020.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Requires motor vehicle accident reports and requests for motor vehicle accident reports to be electronic rather than written. Makes corresponding changes. Effective January 1, 2022.

Amends the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications Based Selection Act. Provides that the term of any member of a selection committee created by the Department of Transportation to select firms to provide architectural, engineering, and land surveying services prior to January 1, 2021 shall be terminated on December 31, 2020. Provides that beginning on or after January 1, 2021, the Department of Transportation shall appoint selection committees consisting of 9 members who shall be appointed with the advice and consent of the Senate. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that any qualified not-for-profit agency for persons with significant disabilities entering into a contract with the State for supplies and services under specified provisions shall offer a minimum hourly wage to its employees that is set at or above the State minimum wage.

Creates the Preferred Terminology in Government Documents Act. Provides that all State and local government, statutes, codes, rules, regulations, and other official documents enacted on and after the effective date of this Act are required to use the term "Asian" when referring to persons of Asian descent. Provides that the term "Oriental" is prohibited. Provides that the General Assembly urges all State and local entities to review their statutes, codes, rules, regulations, and other official documents and revise them to omit use of the term "Oriental" when referring to persons of Asian descent. Provides findings.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that a person who uses Medicaid spend-down to qualify for medical assistance shall not be eligible for medical assistance if the person does not meet his or her monthly spend-down for 6 consecutive months. Effective immediately.

Amends the Mechanics Lien Act. Provides that the changes made by Public Act 97-966, to provisions governing the circumstances in which it is not necessary to fix by contract a time for the completion or a time for payment in order to obtain a lien under the Act, are operative from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2025 (rather than December 31, 2020). Effective immediately.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the medical assistance program shall provide coverage for routine care costs that are incurred in the course of an approved clinical trial if the medical assistance program would provide coverage for the same routine care costs not incurred in a clinical trial. Defines "approved clinical trial" to mean a phase I, II, III, or IV clinical trial involving the prevention, detection, or treatment of cancer or any other life-threatening disease or condition. Defines "routine care cost" to mean the cost of medically necessary services related to the care method that is under evaluation in a clinical trial, including the cost of services related to the detection and treatment of any complications arising from the patient's medical care and any complications related to participation in the clinical trial. Defines other terms.