Rep. Ronald A. Wait

Appropriates $2 from the General Revenue Fund to the Board of Higher Education for its FY 10 ordinary and contingent expenses. Effective July 1, 2009.

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning contractual continued service in school districts other than the Chicago school district, adds an exception to the probationary period of 4 consecutive school terms for a teacher who is first employed as a full-time teacher by a school district on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act but who, prior to employment with the district, already entered upon contractual continued service in another school district, in which case the probationary period is 2 consecutive school terms. Makes a similar change with respect to a teacher employed in a program of a special education joint agreement. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Creates the Emerging Technology Industries Act. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish and maintain a program to award grants to emerging-technology enterprises in the State. Sets forth eligibility requirements and funding priorities for awarding the grants, and sets forth procedures for awarding the grants. Requires written contracts in which the emerging-technology enterprise guarantees that it will perform the actions expected to be performed. Sets dollar limits on matching funds for federal Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grants and total grant matching funds per year. Limits total credits to $15,000,000 in any one State fiscal year. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Emerging Technology Grant Fund. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for qualified investors who make an investment in an emerging technology enterprise in the State. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity must certify the amount of the credit and sets forth the procedures for the application and certification of the credit. Sets forth provisions for the revocation and recapture of the tax credit. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Reinstates the training expense credit for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2009 and on or before December 30, 2019. Increases the amount of the credit from 1.6% of training expenses to 2% of training expenses. Allows a credit earned on or after December 31, 2009 to be carried forward. Effective immediately.

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that a person entitled to possession of land or a building may be restored under several identified circumstances, including: when a forcible entry is made, entry and restoration of possession may be made under the supervision of a law enforcement officer or an employee of a private security agency certified under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor and Locksmith Act of 2004 (instead of when a forcible entry is made). Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that audible signals shall be used to warn pedestrians and other drivers of an authorized emergency vehicle's approach. Provides that the driver of a police vehicle must: (1) activate oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights at all times during an emergency response when the maximum speed limit or other traffic regulations are disregarded; (2) use sirens to warn pedestrians and other persons of his or her approach during an emergency response situation; and when the maximum speed limit or other traffic regulations are disregarded; and (3) drive with due regard for the safety of other persons and exercise due care when operating a police vehicle. Provides that the driver of a police vehicle may use a covert approach during an emergency response situation when the situation dictates such covert approach, but must comply with all traffic laws if not utilizing lights and sirens as required by this Act. Defines "emergency response situation". Effective immediately.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that when the chief judge of the circuit permits closed-circuit testimony by rule and communication facilities for such purpose are available, the court shall, whenever practicable, order that the defendant's appearance in status and certain other proceedings be made by means of two-way audio-visual communications, unless the court finds that the interest of justice or efficiency, or both, requires the defendant to personally appear.

Creates the School District Income Tax Act. Allows school districts to tax income after referendum approval of district residents and record owners of property in the district. Provides for additional levies, administration and distribution of the tax, and penalties for violations. Applies only to income earned following 120 days after certification of the results of the referendum. Creates a credit against the tax in an amount not to exceed $500 equal to 5% of the amounts spent by the taxpayer on monthly rent for the taxpayer's residence. Amends the Property Tax Code to provide for abatement of residential, farm, and small business property. Amends the School Code to require that school districts certify income tax levies and amounts realized for property tax abatement purposes and to coordinate the calculation of school aid with the income tax levies by adjusting the operating tax rate accordingly. Amends the State Finance Act to create the School District Income Tax Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Reinstates the training expense credit for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2010 and on or before December 30, 2020. Increases the amount of the credit from 1.6% of training expenses to 2% of training expenses. Provides that the training expense credit earned on or after December 31, 2009 may be carried forward. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual that purchases a policy of accident and health insurance that is a high deductible health plan with a health savings account may waive coverage for any or all insurance coverage mandates required by the Code. Provides that the Division of Insurance may give assistance to individuals regarding the waiving of mandated coverage. Requires the Division to recognize the waiver as a waiver of coverage required under the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.