INNOVATION ZONES

Creates the Illinois Innovation Zone Act. Specifies the criteria for an area to qualify as an Innovation Zone. Contains provisions concerning the creation of Zones by a municipality or county. Contains provisions concerning the application of a county or municipality to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for certification of a Zone. Contains provisions concerning the amendment and decertification of Zones. Contains provisions concerning the adoption of tax increment financing. Specifies the powers and duties of the Department. Contains provisions concerning State incentives regarding public services and physical infrastructure. Contains provisions concerning Zone administration. Contains provisions concerning (1) income tax deductions, and (2) State and local regulatory alternatives. Contains provisions concerning loans made under specified provisions of the Act. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Innovation Zone Loan Fund as a special fund in the State treasury and specifies the purpose of the Fund. Contains provisions concerning (1) the construction of specified provisions of the Act, (2) the confidentiality of specified materials, (3) the annual report from the Department to specified parties, and (4) the use of federal moneys. Creates the Illinois Innovation Council and specifies its responsibilities, powers, and duties. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act to add provisions concerning tax credits for businesses located in a Zone. Amends the Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, Service Occupation Tax Act, and Retailers' Occupation Tax Act to add specified exemptions concerning Zones.