Rep. Dave Severin

Amends the Illinois Oil and Gas Act and the Illinois Petroleum Education and Marketing Act. Transfers the administration of the Landowner Grant Program from the Department of Natural Resources to the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board. Provides that the Department has the power to transfer an amount not to exceed $250,000 per fiscal year from the Plugging and Restoration Fund to the Board for the sole purpose of implementing the Landowner Grant Program. Provides that the Board shall keep accurate records of all financial transactions regarding such funds. Establishes the Board's specific powers and duties in administering the Landowner Grant Program and utilizing the funds.

Amends the Illinois Prison Inspection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that notwithstanding whether the laws of the state or territory where the non-resident resides related to firearm ownership, possession, and carrying, are substantially similar to the requirements to obtain a license under the Act, the Department of State Police shall by rule allow for a non-resident license application if the applicant is an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in this State or the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in this State. Provides that the applicant shall pay the resident license or renewal fees (rather than the non-resident fees). Effective immediately.

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. In the provision governing the graduation incentive grant program, removes the requirement that the Board of Higher Education annually submit to the Governor and the General Assembly a budgetary recommendation for the grants and the requirement that the Board notify applicants that the award of grants is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to publish a notice that the district's annual statement of affairs is available on the State Board of Education's Internet website and in the district's main administrative office (instead of requiring a summary of the statement of affairs to be published). Effective immediately.

Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall charge a discounted fee for licensing or renewal for an animal shelter that creates or has an existing program where veterans of the United States Armed Forces may adopt an animal at a discounted rate or at no charge.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State shall issue distinctive registration plates for non-highway vehicles. Provides that the Secretary shall issue these plates only to non-highway vehicles that are insured and have brakes, a steering apparatus, tires, a rearview mirror, red reflectorized warning devices in the front and rear, a slow moving emblem on the rear, a headlight that emits a white light, a tail lamp that emits a red light, brake lights, and turn signals. Provides that every owner of a non-highway vehicle that drives upon a roadway with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less shall pay the Secretary an annual registration fee of $76. Provides that the registration fee shall be distributed as follows: $1 to the State Treasurer, for deposit into the State Police Service Fund; $30 to the State Treasurer, for deposit into the Road Fund; and $45 to the Treasurer of the county of residence of the owner of the non-highway vehicle, for deposit into the road fund of the county. Provides that vehicles with a registration plate may be operated on any street, highway, or roadway where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less or any county highway where the posted speed limit is 55 miles per hour or less and may make a direct crossing upon or across certain roads.

Amends the School Code, the Board of Higher Education Act, and the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish a position for one Rural Education Coordinator to represent the rural regions of this State, to be based at a recognized educator preparation institution, to (1) provide an emphasis on access to educator preparation programs that focus on rural education, (2) increase rural teacher recruitment, (3) develop an educator pipeline to rural schools and school districts, and (4) provide support mechanisms for rural schools and school districts. Subject to appropriation, requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to provide up to 40 financial stipends annually, not to exceed $2,800 per student, to offset tuition costs for individuals in educator preparation programs who agree to student teach in a rural school or school district of the student teacher's choice. Provides that a student teacher who receives a stipend must agree to work in a rural school or school district for at least 2 years. Makes related changes.

Amends the General Assembly Compensation Act. Establishes the fiscal year 2018 mileage reimbursement rate and allowance for lodging and meals. Amends the Compensation Review Act. Prohibits cost-of-living adjustments for or during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 for State government legislative and executive elected officers and appointees in positions for which the Compensation Review Board previously recommended or determined compensation. Effective immediately.

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2019, in addition to all other rates of tax imposed under the Acts, a tax of 3.75% is imposed on the selling price of consumer fireworks and 1.3G fireworks. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2019, each month the Department of Revenue shall pay into the Fire Prevention Fund 50% of the net revenue realized for the preceding month from the tax on the selling price of consumer fireworks and 1.3G fireworks. Amends the Pyrotechnic Use Act. Provides that consumer fireworks and 1.3G fireworks may only be purchased by individuals over the age of 18. Provides that fireworks may only be discharged by individuals over the age of 18. Effective immediately.