Sen. Mark Walker

Commends Myles A. Naughton on his outstanding contributions to the Arlington Heights Park District.

Recognizes May 2, 2019 as the National Day of Prayer.

Creates the Employee Background Fairness Act. Provides that an employer may not refuse to hire an individual and may not discharge an individual because of the individual's criminal history unless the individual has one or more convictions and there is a direct relationship between one of more of an individual's convictions and the specific employment sought. Prohibits retaliation for exercising rights under the Act. Provides that an individual denied or discharged from employment because of his or her criminal history in violation of the Act may recover from the employer in a civil action: (1) damages in the amount of $2,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater; (2) costs and reasonable attorney's fees as allowed by the court; and (3) any other appropriate relief, including punitive damages. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Defender and Appointed Counsel Division of the Counties Code. Creates the Public Defender Quality Defense Task Force. Provides that the Task Force is established to: (i) examine the current caseload and determine the optimal caseload for public defenders in the State; (ii) examine the quality of legal services being offered to defendants by public defenders of the State; and (iii) make recommendations to improve the caseload of public defenders and quality of legal services offered by public defenders. Provides that the Task Force shall hold a minimum of 2 public hearings and at other times of its choosing. Provides that the Task Force shall prepare a report that summarizes its work and makes recommendations resulting from its study to the General Assembly and Governor no later than December 31, 2020. Repeals the provisions on December 31, 2021. Effective immediately. Fiscal Note (Office of the State Appellate Defender) If the only responsibility to the Agency would be to provide space for meetings, the cost would be minimal because meetings could be held in our Chicago or Springfield office. If the Agency was responsible for administrative costs, travel reimbursement for board members, preparation of meeting materials or research and analysis, the cost could be significantly more. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Removes a requirement that the Governor appoint at least one Task Force member from the Legal Resources Division of the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. Provides that the Governor shall appoint 5 (rather than 3) public defenders or assistant public defenders to the Task Force from 5 (rather than 3) counties other than Cook County.

Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Expands the scope of the Act to apply to all employees (rather than only low-wage employees). Prohibits all covenants not to compete. Effective immediately. Fiscal Note (Dept of Labor) This legislation has no fiscal impact on the Department. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not create a State mandate.

Amends the Condominium Property Act. Provides that upon authorization by a two-thirds vote of the members of the board of managers or by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the unit owners at a meeting duly called for such a purpose, or upon such greater vote as may be required by the declaration or bylaws, the board of managers acting on behalf of all unit owners may allocate the percentage of ownership in the common elements as a tract for each unit for the limited purpose of calculating the assessment or levy of any such taxes, special assessments, or charges of the State of Illinois or of any political subdivision thereof. Provides that the allocation of ownership under the new provisions shall be based on the square footage of each individual unit. Provides that the allocation of ownership under the new provisions shall also be separate from, and in addition to, the allocation for purposes of association assessments for common expenses, association special assessments and charges, and voting rights. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that upon authorization by a two-thirds vote of the unit owners (rather than two-thirds vote of the members of the board of managers or by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the unit owners), the board of managers acting on behalf of all unit owners may allocate the percentage of ownership in the common elements as a tract for each unit. Provides that the new provisions apply only to an association with 20 units or less.

Creates the Private Sector Workplace Anti-Harassment Task Force Act. Creates the Private Sector Workplace Anti-Harassment Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall create model policies and best practices to keep workplaces safe from sexual harassment. Provides that the Department of Human Rights shall provide administrative support to the Task Force. Provides that the model policies and best practices shall be finalized by March 1, 2020 and posted on the Department of Human Rights' website within 30 days after finalization. Repeals the Act on March 1, 2021. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that specific members of the Task Force shall be appointed by the Governor. Provides that the Lieutenant Governor, or his or her designee, is included in the Task Force and shall serve as chair.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides for a property tax abatement for property located in a taxing district that: (i) is owner-occupied; (ii) is the owner's primary residence; and (iii) meets the criteria of a residential home ownership incentive program adopted by the taxing district.

Creates the Polygraph Exam Integrity Act. Provides that every polygraph question submitted for the administration of a polygraph exam by a State agency or entity shall be screened by independent legal counsel to ensure compliance with the Illinois Constitution and the United States Constitution and federal and State law. Provides that screenings shall be paid by the entity requesting the service. Fiscal Note (Illinois State Police) The Illinois Attorney General serves as the legal counsel for the state of Illinois. The Illinois Attorney General would have to approve a Special Assistant Attorney General for this purpose. The Illinois Attorney General typically requires reimbursement for travel expenses from the agency being represented. Therefore, we would defer to the Illinois Attorney General concerning costs associated with this legislation becoming law. If the Illinois Attorney General were to agree the Illinois State Police should hire outside legal counsel, the Illinois State Police would be required to cover the attorney's fees. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not create a State mandate.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit in an amount equal to the amount paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the purpose of purchasing acoustical materials, other materials, labor, and professional services to soundproof a residential home located at an eligible address against aircraft noise generated by an airport governed by the provisions of the Permanent Noise Monitoring Act. Provides that the credit may not reduce the taxpayer's liability to less than zero; however, the credit may be carried forward. Provides that the credit is exempt from the Act's automatic sunset provisions. Effective immediately.