Rep. Avery Bourne

Amends the School Code. With regard to the Alternative Educator Licensure Program for Teachers, provides that, beginning on January 1, 2022, the program shall be comprised of 3 phases (rather than 4 phases) by removing the second year of residency; makes conforming changes. Provides that an alternative provisional educator endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations is valid for one year (rather than 2 years) of teaching in the public schools, but may be renewed for a second (rather than third) year if needed to complete the Alternative Educator Licensure Program for Teachers. Effective immediately.

If and only if Senate Bill 337 of the 100th General Assembly becomes law, then the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act is amended. Provides that the provisions of the Act concerning the certification of the license of a Federal Firearms Licensee apply only to a Federal Firearms Licensee who has been found by the federal or State government to have 3 or more firearms used in the commission of criminal offenses sold or transferred by the licensee within the 5 years prior to his or her application for certification of his or her license. Effective upon becoming law or on the date Senate Bill 337 of the 100th General Assembly takes effect, whichever is later.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections concerning factors in aggravation. Provides that if the defendant verbally indicated or demonstrated by his or her actions to the victim that he or she was presently armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a knife, club, ax, or bludgeon even if the defendant did not possess a firearm or dangerous weapon when he or she committed the offense, including the possession of an air rifle, shall be accorded weight in favor of imposing a term of imprisonment or may be considered by the court as reasons to impose a more severe sentence. Makes technical changes.

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Requires that proceedings concerning a petition for visitation brought by a grandparent or great-grandparent be given priority in being set for a hearing, and that a decision be rendered within 6 months of the petition for visitation being filed, unless the parties agree otherwise. Requires the court to set the first hearing date for a petition for visitation within 45 days of filing the petition. Requires that further hearing dates be set in court within 45 days of the prior hearing. Allows the court to impose penalties and sanctions on any party that intentionally or recklessly causes an undue delay in proceedings regarding a visitation petition brought by a grandparent or great-grandparent.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section granting a natural disaster homestead exemption, removes language providing that the square footage of the rebuilt residential structure may not be more than 110% of the square footage of the original residential structure as it existed immediately prior to the natural disaster. Removes provisions providing that the taxpayer's initial application for a natural disaster homestead exemption must be made no later than the first taxable year after the residential structure is rebuilt. Provides that, if the square footage of the rebuilt structure exceeds 110% of the square footage of the original residential structure as it existed immediately prior to the natural disaster, then the amount of the natural disaster homestead exemption is the equalized assessed value per square foot of the rebuilt structure multiplied by 110% of the square footage of the original residential structure as it existed immediately prior to the natural disaster minus the base amount. Provides that the amendatory Act is retroactive to the 2012 taxable year. Sets forth provisions concerning the valuation of farm improvements that have been rebuilt following a natural disaster. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State may issue a CDL with an agricultural endorsement to a person without requiring the person to demonstrate competence at parallel parking. Provides that the holder of a CDL with an agricultural endorsement may operate only covered farm vehicles. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Makes a technical change in the short title Section.

Amends the Downstate Teachers Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision that requires an employer to make an additional contribution to the System for certain salary increases greater than 3%, excludes salary increases resulting from overload work or a promotion if certain requirements are met, from duties as a coach or advisor to an extracurricular activity, from the teacher earning additional higher education credits or a degree, or from substitute teaching. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Creates the High Speed Railway Commission Act. Prescribes the membership of the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall create a statewide plan for a high-speed rail line and feeder network connecting St. Louis, Missouri and Chicago, Illinois that includes current existing Amtrak and Metra services, connects the cities of Rockford, Moline, Peoria, and Decatur, and uses inter-city bus service to coordinate with the rail line. Provides that the Commission shall conduct a ridership study and shall make findings and recommendations concerning a governance structure, the frequency of service, and implementation of the plan. Provides that the Commission shall report to the General Assembly and the Government no later than December 31 of each year. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall provide administrative support to the Commission. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2025. Effective immediately.

Honors all women residing in skilled nursing facilities in Illinois for their lifelong service to their families and communities.