Rep. Michael K. Smith

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Deletes language that provides that no construction shall commence on any new nuclear power plant to be located within the State, and no certificate of public convenience and necessity or other authorization shall be issued therefor by the Illinois Commerce Commission, until the Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency finds that the United States Government, through its authorized agency, has identified and approved a demonstrable technology or means for the disposal of high level nuclear waste, or until such construction has been specifically approved by a statute enacted by the General Assembly. Deletes the definition of "high level nuclear waste". Effective immediately.

Creates the Community Health Center Construction Act. Provides that the Capital Development Board, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, shall establish the Community Health Center Construction Grant Program and may make grants to eligible community providers subject to appropriations. Provides that the grants shall be for the purpose of constructing or renovating new community health center sites, renovating existing community health center sites, and purchasing equipment to provide primary health care services to certain populations or areas. Contains provisions concerning grants, eligibility for grants, use of grant moneys, and reporting. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction.

Creates the Historic Preservation Tax Credit Act. Provides for an income tax credit in an amount equal to 25% of qualified expenditures incurred by a qualified taxpayer for the restoration and preservation of a qualified historic structure. Provides that the credit may be carried forward for up to 10 years. Provides that the credit may be sold, assigned, conveyed, or transferred. Provides that the cumulative amount of credits awarded under the Act may not exceed $25,000,000 per year per county. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Creates the State Facility Overtime Act. Provides that the Director of the State agency responsible for the operation of specified State facilities (or the Director's designee or agent) may not require an employee to accept work in excess of an agreed upon, predetermined, and regularly scheduled daily work shift, not to exceed 40 hours per week. Provides for: exceptions to the prohibition; posting a summary of the Act and applicable rules; investigation of complaints by the Illinois Department of Labor and disposition of complaints; adoption of administrative rules; construction; and other matters. Effective immediately.

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. Provides for the employment of assistant principals. Includes provisions concerning (1) their duties, (2) their contracts, (3) their reclassification, and (4) the development and submission of an evaluation plan. Removes language that provides that if a principal is absent due to extended illness or leave of absence, then an assistant principal may be assigned as acting principal for a period not to exceed 60 school days. 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 income tax 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 School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning regional superintendents of schools.

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Redefines "public employee" to include firefighters and peace officers employed by school districts. Redefines "public employer" to include school districts in their employment of firefighters and peace officers. Redefines "fire fighter" to include those employed by school districts. Effective immediately.