Creates the Lincoln Act. Provides for a voluntary program of public financing for candidates for the executive branch constitutional offices and General Assembly members beginning in 2011, to be administered by the State Board of Elections. Amends the State Finance Act and the Illinois Income Tax Act to create the necessary special fund and an income tax check-off to support the financing program. Amends the Election Code. Makes a conforming change concerning the use of public funds. Requires that the State Board of Elections publish its Internet voters' guide before every general election (now, general elections when statewide officers are elected) and include candidates for the General Assembly and a list of candidates participating in the public financing program. Effective immediately.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, Service Occupation Tax Act, and Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Imposes a 2% surcharge on firearm ammunition. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the High Crime Trauma Center Grant Fund. Requires the 2% surcharge to be deposited into the Fund. Subject to appropriation, authorizes the Department of Public Health to make grants to trauma centers in high crime areas. Effective immediately.
Amends the Criminal Identification Act and the Unified Code of Corrections. Creates Offender Initiative Probation. Provides that whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of, or placed on probation or conditional discharge for, any felony offense, other than a violent offense, under the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, or the laws of the United States, pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, a probationable felony offense of theft, retail theft, forgery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of cannabis, possession of a controlled substance, or possession of methamphetamine, the court, with the consent of both the defendant and the State's Attorney, may, without entering a judgment, sentence the defendant to probation. Establishes the terms and conditions of the probation. Provides that upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions of probation, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person. Provides that upon violation of a term or condition of probation, the court may enter a judgment on its original finding of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided by law.
Creates the Illinois Automatic IRA Program Act. Provides that the Illinois Automatic IRA Program shall be administered by the State Treasurer and that the Treasurer shall adopt regulations to implement the Program. Allows employees of certain employers that have not offered a qualified retirement plan for 2 years to set aside a percentage of their wages to be deposited into an IRA trust fund administered by the State Treasurer's office. Sets minimum requirements for the operation of the Program. Sets forth duties and authority of the State Treasurer in relation to the Program. Limits State and employer liability. Contains provisions regarding audits and reports. Effective immediately.
Amends the Technology Development Act. Authorizes the State Treasurer to segregate up to 3% of the Treasurer's investment portfolio in the Technology Development Account IIa. Authorizes investments from the account to provide venture capital to help attract, assist, and retain quality technology businesses in Illinois. Provides that the Treasurer may solicit proposals from entities to manage and be the General Partner of Technology Development Account IIb, a separate fund consisting of investments from private sector investors that must invest, at the direction of the Treasurer, in tandem with TDA IIa. Sets restrictions and conditions. Effective immediately.
Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that any licensed health care worker, who has been (1) convicted of committing a sexual criminal act that requires registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act against a patient in the course of patient care or treatment, (2) has been convicted of a criminal battery against any patient, (3) a forcible felony, or (4) required as part of a criminal sentence to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act, then the license of the health care worker shall by operation of law be permanently revoked without a hearing. Provides that no person registered as a sex offender may receive a license as a health care worker in Illinois. Requires that within 15 business days after receiving notice from the State's Attorney of the filing of criminal charges against the health care worker, the Secretary shall issue an administrative order that the health care worker may only practice with a chaperone during all patient encounters pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. Adds provisions concerning the confidentiality of certain information and documents. Effective immediately.
Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that, by January 1, 2012, the Regional Transportation Authority, in consultation with the Service Boards (Commuter Rail Division, Suburban Bus Division, and Chicago Transit Authority), must develop a policy for reducing the cost of transfers on all public transportation services provided by the Service Boards. Sets forth the requirements for the policy and the implementation of the policy by the Service Boards. Provides that, by January 1, 2015, the Authority must develop and make available for use by riders a universal fare card that may be used interchangeably on all bus, rapid transit, commuter rail, and paratransit services provided by the Service Boards. Effective immediately.
Mourns the death of Dr. Rebekkah Ann Ross of Chicago.
Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Changes references in the statute on unlawful sale of firearms from "sell" or "give" to "transfer". Prohibits multiple sales of handguns within a 30-day period. Creates the offense of unlawful acquisition of handguns. Provides exemptions and affirmative defenses. Penalty is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense.
Congratulates Marcella Hawthorne on the occasion of her retirement after many years of dedicated service with the United States Social Security Administration.