ISACo News and Views Newsletter for March 29, 2019

March 29, 2019

ISACo News and Views

This Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) weekly News and Views newsletter reports on ISACo's participation in a rural broadband stakeholder meeting, provides an update on an IMRF policy change that will result in increased employer costs, includes legislation of interest that advanced during the past week, provides links to ISACo's social media platforms, looks at key upcoming dates on the legislative calendar and invites counties to join ISACo.

Previously published News and Views newsletters are available via this link.

Please visit our website (www.isacoil.org) for additional resources and information.

ISACo Participates in Rural Broadband Stakeholder Meeting

On Thursday, March 28, ISACo attended the first meeting of the Rural Broadband Stakeholder Group hosted by Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA) John Sullivan. The purpose of the group is to bring interested parties together to discuss strategies to achieve expansion of broadband technology into rural areas of the state.

The agenda from the March 28 meeting is available via this link.

On February 26, 2019, ISACo Executive Director Joe McCoy sent a letter to Acting Director Sullivan indicating ISACo's interest in working with IDA to expand broadband access into underserved rural areas ( letter available via this link ).

Broadband expansion is a priority of the National Association of Counties (NACo). ISACo appreciates being invited to join the Governor's Office, various telecommunications companies, the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other stakeholders to pursue solutions to this important public policy problem. ISACo will provide updates on broadband expansion policy as it develops.

IMRF Employer Rate Increase Update

On November 19, 2018, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) announced via General Memorandum 679 ( available via this link ) that the IMRF Board of Trustees would consider a reduction to its investment return assumption at its December 2018 meeting. The proposed reduction would lower the IMRF assumed investment return from 7.5% to 7.25%. The IMRF Board of Trustees approved this reduction during its December 2018 meeting.

The result of this change will be to increase mandatory employer contributions to IMRF. Based upon a report presented to IMRF by its retained consultant, the reduction to 7.25% in assumed investment return would cause 2020 contributions from employers to increase by approximately 1.4% of total payroll. This increase was later revised upward to 1.85% of total payroll. IMRF currently enjoys a funded rate of 92.9%.

In response to concerns among county officials, ISACo sent a letter to IMRF calling on its Board of Trustees to reconsider and reverse its decision to lower IMRF's projected investment performance assumption. That letter is available via this link.

While IMRF has not opted to reverse its decision, the IMRF Board of Trustees recently approved an optional phase-in whereby employers can choose to pay the recommended employer contribution rate or a lesser optional 10% year-over-year capped rate increase. This option will only exist for 2020. It should be noted that ERI, SLEP and ECO rates would not be impacted by this phase-in plan.

ISACo will continue to engage with IMRF with the intent of mitigating cost increases to employers.

Legislation Approved by One or Both Chambers

The following ISACo-tracked bills were approved in the House and/or Senate during the week of March 25-29.

Bills Approved by the Senate

Cook County Board President Vacancy (Senator Cullerton, D-Chicago/Representative Harris, D-Chicago)

Senate Bill 72 (available via this link) would amend the Election Code. Provides that, if a vacancy in the office of President of the Cook County Board occurs on or after the first day for the filing of nomination papers, then nominations for the office of President of the Cook County Board are to be made by the county central committee of each established political party. Amends the Counties Code. Provides that, in the event of a vacancy in the office of president of the county board of commissioners, the members of the county board of commissioners shall elect one of their number to serve as president of the county board of commissioners until the next special or regular election for the office of president of the county board of commissioners. Provides that, if more than 28 months remain in the unexpired term, then a special election shall be held. Provides that, if 28 months or less remain in the unexpired term, the appointed president of the county board of commissioners shall serve until the next regular election. The bill was approved by the Senate and will next be considered in the House.

Drainage Districts-Dissolution (Senator McConchie, R-Lake Zurich/Representative McSweeney, R-Cary)

Senate Bill 90 (available via this link) would amend the Illinois Drainage Code to provide that if one or more municipalities account for at least 75% of a drainage district's territory, the county shall file a petition in the circuit court for dissolution and the court shall provide notice, hearing, and decision on the dissolution. Requires specified reports to be filed with the circuit court. Provides for conditions for the transfer of a levy by a former drainage district located in a county with a county stormwater committee. Changes references of "tax" to "assessment". Limits the provisions of the bill to drainage districts wholly or partially contained within the Lake Michigan Watershed, Chicago/Calumet Watershed, Des Plaines River Watershed, or Fox River Watershed. The bill was approved by the Senate and will next be considered in the House.

Juvenile Court Duration of Wardship (Senator Fine, D-Glenview/Representative Feigenholtz, D-Chicago)

Senate Bill 193 (available via this link) would amend the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to provide that wardship concerning neglected, abused, and dependent minors terminates at 21 years of age rather than 19 years of age. Provides that a provision providing the wardship of the minor and any custodianship or guardianship respecting the minor for whom a petition was filed automatically terminates when the minor attains the age of 19 years becomes inoperative on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the changes made by the amendatory Act apply to all cases that are pending on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that when terminating wardship, if the minor is over 18, or if wardship is terminated in conjunction with an order partially or completely emancipating the minor in accordance with the Emancipation of Minors Act, the court shall also consider the following factors, in addition to the health, safety, and best interest of the minor and the public: (1) the minor's wishes regarding case closure; (2) the manner in which the minor will maintain independence without services from the Department of Children and Family Services; (3) the minor's engagement in services including placement offered by the Department; (4) if the minor is not engaged the Department's efforts to engage the minor; (5) the nature of communication between the minor and the Department; (6) the minor's involvement in other State systems or services; (7) the minor's connections with family and other community support; and (8) any other factor the court deems relevant. The bill was approved by the Senate and will next be considered in the House.

Cook County Pension Funding (Senator Mulroe, D-Chicago/Representative Martwick, D-Norridge)

Senate Bill 1300 (available via this link) would amend the Cook County Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning employer contributions to the Fund, provides that the contributions may be taken from any revenue source, including, but not limited to, other tax revenue, proceeds of borrowings, or State or federal funds. The bill was approved by the Senate and will next be considered in the House.

County Code-Retailers' Revenue (Senator Curran, R-Woodridge/Representative Durkin, R-Burr Ridge)

Senate Bill 1581 (available via this link) would amend the Counties Code to provide that the Special County Retailers' Occupation Tax (previously the Special County Retailers' Occupation Tax for Public Safety, Public Facilities, Mental Health, Substance Abuse or Transportation) includes criminal justice within the term "public safety purposes." The bill was approved by the Senate and will next be considered in the House. ISACo Supports

Complete Count Commission (Senator Jones, D-Chicago/Representative Thapedi, D-Chicago)

Senate Bill 1621 (available via this link) would amend the Illinois Complete Count Commission Act to provide that members serving on the Commission on the effective date of this amendatory Act may be reappointed as members for consecutive decennial census terms. Adds the Lieutenant Governor as a member of the Illinois Complete Count Commission. Provides that any vacancies occurring on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act may be filled by the Lieutenant Governor. Provides that the Lieutenant Governor (currently, Secretary of State) shall serve as chairperson of the Commission. Provides that the census outreach strategy shall have a strategic focus on addressing hard to count and underserved communities that the census historically overlooks, including, but not limited to, homeless persons, senior citizens and veterans. Provides for local complete count commissions. Requires the Commission to issue a report (currently, final report) specifying its recommended outreach strategy for implementation for the 2020 Census no later than January 1, 2020 (currently, June 30 2019). Requires the Commission to submit a final report to the General Assembly no later than December 31, 2020 detailing the work of the Commission concerning outreach, promotion, and community support during the 2020 calendar year. The bill was approved by the Senate and will next be considered in the House. ISACo Supports

Downstate Forest Preserve District (Senator Cullerton, D-Villa Park/Representative Villa, D-Batavia)

Senate Bill 1651 (available via this link) would amend the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act to expand the authority of a forest preserve district to grant licenses, easements, and rights-of-way for construction, operation, and maintenance upon, under, or across any property of the district to include facilities for renewable energy. The bill was approved by the Senate and will next be considered in the House.

Government Records-Social Networking (Senator Stadelman, D-Rockford/Representative West, D-Rockford)

Senate Bill 1699 (available via this link) would amend the Freedom of Information Act. Prohibits, with exceptions, a law enforcement agency from publishing booking photographs on its social networking website (instead of its social media website). Provides that "social networking website" has the meaning provided in the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. Adds the same restrictions to the State Records Act. The bill was approved by the Senate and will next be considered in the House.

FOIA-Public Body Credit Cards (Senator Koehler, D-Peoria/Representative Burke, D-Evergreen Park)

Senate Bill 1712 (available via this link) would amend the Freedom of Information Act to exempt from disclosure a public body's credit card numbers, debit card numbers, bank account numbers, Federal Employer Identification Number, security code numbers, passwords, and similar account information, the disclosure of which could result in identity theft or impression or defrauding of a governmental entity or a person. The bill was approved by the Senate and will next be considered in the House. ISACo Supports

Bills Approved by the House

Horse Racing-Local Share (Representative Carroll, D-Northbrook)

House Bill 1552 ( available via this link ) would amend the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 to provide that inter-track wagering location licensees must pay their pari-mutuel handle percentage to the municipality and county no later than the 20th of the month following the month the handle was generated. Provides that inter-track wagering location licensees must pay the admission fees to the municipality and county no later than the 20th of the month following the month the admission fees were imposed (rather than remitting the admission fees to the Illinois Racing Board within 48 hours and the Illinois Racing Board remitting the admission fees to the municipality or county). The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate.

Open Meeetings Act-Exceptions (Representative Welch, D-Westchester)

House Bill 2124 ( available via this link ) would provide that a public body may hold a closed meeting to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors (currently, specific independent contractors), or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor (currently, independent contractor), or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate. ISACo Supports

Public Construction Bonds (Representative Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview)

HB 2722 ( available via this link ) would amend the Public Construction Bond Act to provide for bonds issued under the Act to be used for, among other conditions, the payment of apparatus, fixtures, and machinery used in the completion of a contract. Provides that the terms "material", "labor", "apparatus", "fixtures", and "machinery" include those rented items that are on the construction site and those rented tools that are used or consumed on the construction site in the performance of the contract on account of which the bond is given. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate.

Juvenile Court-Service of Summons (Representative Morgan, D-Highwood/Senator Sims, D-Chicago)

House Bill 2934 ( available via this link ) would amend the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to provide that service of a summons and petition shall be made by leaving a copy at his or her usual place of abode with a person residing there. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate.

Juvenile Court-Appointment of Counsel (Representative Morgan, D-Highwood/Senator Sims, D-Chicago)

House Bill 2935 ( available via this link ) would amend the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to provide that counsel appointed for the minor and any indigent party shall appear at all stages of the trial court proceeding, and the appointment shall continue through the permanency hearings and termination of parental rights proceedings subject to withdrawal, vacating of appointment, or substitution. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate.

Government Fund-Cleanup (Representative Davis, D-East Hazel Crest)

House Bill 2937 ( available via this link ) would amend the Department of Central Management Services Law in a Section concerning business processing reengineering and efficient government planning to provide that specified cost savings may (rather than shall) be paid into the General Revenue Fund (rather than the Efficiency Initiative Revolving Fund). Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law to repeal a Section concerning loans to qualified ex-offenders. Amends the Brownfields Redevelopment and Intermodal Promotion Act to correct references to the South Suburban Brownfields Redevelopment Fund. Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law to repeal Sections concerning various Funds and grants. Amends the State Finance Act to repeal various Funds and make conforming changes. Repeals the Transportation Development Partnership Act. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to repeal Sections concerning Fund checkoffs. Amends the Counties Code, the Illinois Public Aid Code, and the Clerks of Courts Act to remove language concerning moneys to be deposited in specified Funds. Makes other changes in statutes concerning the use or repeal of specified Funds. Provides a State mandate exemption. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate.

Motor Fuel Tax Fund Expenditures (Representative Davis, D-East Hazel Crest)

House Bill 2943 ( available via this link ) would amend the Motor Fuel Tax Law to provide that on and after July 1, 2019, the costs of the Environmental Protection Agency for the administration of the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005 are to be paid from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate. ISACo Opposes

Local Wind Energy Regulation (Representative Williams, D-Chicago/Senator Cunningham, D-Chicago)

House Bill 2988 ( available via this link ) would amend the Counties Code. In provisions concerning winds farms and electric-generating wind devices, makes the provisions applicable even if a county has or has not formed a zoning commission and adopted formal zoning. Clarifies that only a county may establish standards for wind farms, electric-generating wind devices, and commercial wind energy facilities in unincorporated areas of the county outside of the zoning jurisdiction of a municipality and outside the 1.5 mile radius surrounding the zoning jurisdiction of a municipality. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate. ISACo Supports

Health Care Worker Background (Representative Slaughter, D-Chicago)

House Bill 3061 (available via this link) would amend the Health Care Worker Background Check Act to provide that workforce intermediaries and organizations providing pro bono legal services may initiate a fingerprint-based criminal history record check if a conditional offer of employment has not been made and a background check has not been previously conducted for an individual who has a disqualifying conviction and is receiving services from a workforce, intermediary or an organization providing pro bono legal services. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate.

IMRF Disability Eligibility (Representative Robinson, D-Chicago)

House Bill 3446 ( available via this link ) would amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning eligibility for temporary disability benefits or total and permanent disability benefits, removes a requirement that an interruption in service for a specified period must have been with the same participating municipality or participating instrumentality. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate.

County Board Chairman Removal (Representative Yingling, D-Round Lake Beach)

House Bill 3593 ( available via this link ) would amend the Counties Code to provide that a chairman of a county board who is chosen by the board may be removed, with or without cause, upon a motion adopted by an affirmative vote of four-fifths of the board. Provides that upon adoption of a motion to remove the chairman: (i) the chairman position becomes vacant the and former chairman's compensation shall be prorated to the date the motion was approved; (ii) the vice-chairman immediately assumes the duties of chairman without chairman compensation; and (iii) a new chairman shall be elected at the next regularly scheduled county board meeting. Further provides that a chairman removed maintains his or her status as a member of the county board. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate.

Elected Supervisor of Assessments - Lake County (Representative Yingling, D-Lake Bluff)

House Bill 3597 ( available via this link ) would amends the Property Tax Code to provide that, in a county with a population of more than 500,000 that does not have an elected county board chairman or executive and has an appointed supervisor of assessments, the office of supervisor of assessments shall be an elected position beginning with the general election held in 2020. The supervisor of assessments serving on the date of the election shall continue to serve until his or her successor is elected and qualified. The bill was approved by the House and will next be considered in the Senate.

A complete list of ISACo tracked bills is available via this link.

Noteworthy Committee Action

The following bills of interest were approved by House and Senate committees during the week of March 25-29. The deadline for moving House bills out of House committees was today (March 29). The equivalent Senate deadline passed last week.

Bills Approved by House Committees

Criminal Code-First Responder (Representative Willis, D-Addison)

House Bill 841 (available via this link) would amend the Criminal Code of 2012 to create the offense of first responder endangerment. Provides that a person commits the offense when he or she knowingly creates a dangerous condition and intentionally conceals the dangerous condition in a commercial property under his or her management or operational control and the dangerous condition is found to be the primary cause of the death or serious bodily injury of a first responder in the course of his or her official duties. Provides that a violation is a Class 4 felony. Defines various terms. The bill was approved by the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee on Tuesday, March 26 and is presently on the House Floor. ISACo Supports

Juvenile Court-Age of Detention (Representative Gabel, D-Evanston)

House Bill 1468 (available via this link) would amend the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission shall study and make recommendations to the General Assembly regarding the availability of youth services to reduce the use of detention and prevent deeper criminal involvement. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that a provision providing a minor 10 years of age or older arrested under the Act where there is probable cause to believe that the minor is a delinquent minor and that: (i) secure custody is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another; (ii) the minor is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court; or (iii) the minor was taken into custody under a warrant, may be kept or detained in an authorized detention facility and that a minor under 13 years of age shall not be admitted, kept, or detained in a detention facility unless a local youth service provider has been contacted and has not been able to accept the minor for services shall be inoperative on and after July 1, 2019. Provides that on and after July 1, 2019, any minor 13 years of age or older arrested under this Act where there is probable cause to believe that the minor is a delinquent minor and that: (i) secure custody is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another; (ii) the minor is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court; or (iii) the minor was taken into custody under a warrant, may be kept or detained in an authorized detention facility. Makes conforming changes. The bill was approved by the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee on Friday, March 29 and is presently on the House Floor.

Circuit Courts-Cook Subcircuits (Representative Arroyo, D-Chicago)

House Bill 2625 (available via this link) would amend the Circuit Courts Act. Provides that in 2021, the General Assembly shall redraw the boundaries of the subcircuits of the Circuit of Cook County to reflect the results of the 2020 federal decennial census. Provides that a resident judgeship assigned to a subcircuit shall continue to be assigned to that subcircuit. Provides that any vacancy in a resident judgeship existing on or occurring after the effective date of a law redrawing the boundaries of the subcircuits shall be filled by a resident of the redrawn subcircuit. The bill was approved by the House Executive Committee on Thursday, March 28 and is presently on the House Floor.

IEPA-Water Revolving Fund (Representative Rita, D-Blue Island)

House Bill 2650 (available via this link) amends the Environmental Protection Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt rules to expand the usage of federally allowable set-aside programs within the Water Revolving Fund, including, but not limited to, programs that provide financial assistance to utilities exploring consolidation or other collaborative approaches with separate utilities for the purpose of improving efficiency, sustainable water management, and equitable water rates. The bill was approved by the House Energy and Environment Committee on Tuesday, March 26 and is presently on the House Floor.

Local Government Website Posting Mandate (Representative Moeller, D-Elgin)

House Bill 2810 (available via this link) would amend the Open Meetings Act to provide that a unit of local government or school district with an operating budget of $1,000,000 or more shall maintain an Internet website and post to its website for the current calendar or fiscal year specified information. Provides that the information required to be posted must be easily accessible from the unit of local government's or school district's website home page and searchable. Provides penalties for noncompliance. Provides that no home rule unit may adopt posting requirements that are less restrictive than those provided in the Act. Provides that all local records required to be posted shall remain posted on the entity's website, or subsequent websites, for 10 years. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides an exemption from inspection and copying of any record or information that a unit of local government or school district maintains an electronic copy of on its Internet website in order to comply with the Open Meetings Act. Amends the Department of Central Management Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act, the Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal shall have the capability to compile and update its database with information received from all school districts and units of local government. The bill was approved by the House Cities and Villages Committee on Tuesday, March 26 and is presently on the House Floor. ISACo Opposes

Cook County Pension Funding (Representative Martwick, D-Chicago)

House Bill 2903 (available via this link) would amend the Cook County Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning employer contributions to the Fund, provides that the contributions may be taken from any revenue source, including, but not limited to, other tax revenue, proceeds of borrowings, or State or federal funds. The bill was approved by the House Personnel and Pensions Committee on Thursday, March 28 and is presently on the House Floor.

ROTA-Share Information (Representative Zalewski, D-Riverside)

House Bill 2947 (available via this link) would amend the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act to provide that, subject to certain restrictions, if the Department of Revenue may disclose confidential financial information to a municipality or county, then the Department of Revenue may also disclose that financial information to an independent third party who is authorized in writing by that municipality or county to receive the information. The bill was approved by the House Revenue and Finance Committee on Thursday, March 28 and is presently on the House Floor.

Solid Waste Management-Resource Management (Representative Howard, D-Lombard)

House Bill 3068 ( available via this link ) would amend the Illinois Solid Waste Management Act to provide that it is the policy of the State to establish a comprehensive statewide program for solid waste management which will preserve or enhance the quality of air, water, and land resources. Modifies the State preferences for solid waste management. Provides that the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois shall publish, on or before December 1, 2020, a statewide Illinois Resource Management Plan and shall update the plan every 5 years. Includes State and local requirements for the Plan. The bill was approved by the House Energy and Environment Committee on Thursday, March 26 and is presently on the House Floor.

Reporting Prisoner Deaths (Representative Lilly , D-Oak Park)

House Bill 3090 (available via this link) to create the Reporting of Deaths in Custody Act. The bill provides that in any case in which a person dies while in the custody of: (1) any law enforcement agency, (2) a local or State correctional facility in the State, or (3) a peace officer or as a result of the peace officer's use of force, the law enforcement agency shall investigate and report the death in writing to the Attorney General, no later than 30 days after the date on which the person in custody or incarcerated died. The bill was approved by the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee on Tuesday, March 26 and is presently on the House Floor.

PTELL-Referendum (Representative Hernandez, D-Cicero)

House Bill 3096 (available via this link) would amend the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that, on and after January 1, 2020, a referendum to increase the district's aggregate extension may be submitted to the voters. Effective January 1, 2020. The bill was approved by the House Revenue and Finance Committee on Thursday, March 28 and is presently on the House Floor.

Removal of Appointed Officials (Representative Halbrook, R-Shelbyville)

House Bill 3148 (available via this link) would create the Local Volunteer Board Member Removal Act to provide that the person or entity that appointed a member of a volunteer board or commission may remove that member for misconduct, official misconduct, or neglect of office. Provides that removal under the Act is in addition to any other method of removal provided by law. The bill was approved by the House Cities and Villages Committee on Tuesday, March 26 and is presently on the House Floor.

IMRF-Public Information (Representative Mazzochi, R-Westmont)

House Bill 3263 (available via this link) would amend the Open Meetings Act to require that a participating municipality or instrumentality shall post on its publicly available website, if the participating municipality or instrumentality maintains a publicly available website: (1) all documents pertaining to the municipality's or instrumentality's adoption of a resolution to participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) if the municipality or instrumentality has adopted such a resolution; (2) all documents pertaining to the municipality's or instrumentality's annual projected future contributions to the Fund; and (3) information about the amount of the municipality's or instrumentality's past required contributions to the Fund for each year of participation. Provides that the public posting requirement does not require a participating municipality or instrumentality to post on its website information that is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. The bill was approved by the House Personnel and Pensions Committee on Thursday, March 28 and is presently on the House Floor. ISACo Opposes

Workers' Compensation Act-Ability To Pay (Representative Hoffman, D-Belleville)

House Bill 269 (available via this link) would amend the Workers' Compensation Act. Permits a single commissioner to approve of enforcement actions under provisions of the Act concerning insuring an employer's ability to pay compensation, replacing the current requirement of a panel of 3 commissioners. Permits the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission to, if an employer's business is declared to be extra hazardous, issue a work-stop order while awaiting a ruling from the Commission or while awaiting proof of insurance by the employer. Provides that investigative actions must be acted upon within 90 days of the issuance of a complaint. Raises the maximum allowable penalty for noncompliance with certain insurance requirements from $2,000 to $10,000. Doubles the maximum allowable penalties, to $1,000 per day, with a minimum penalty of $20,000, for employers found to be in noncompliance more than once. Provides that an employer with 2 or more violations may no longer self-insure or purchase an insurance policy from a private broker for one year or until all penalties are paid, during which time the employer must purchase insurance from the Assigned Risk Pool through the National Council on Compensation Insurance. The bill was approved by the House Labor and Commerce Committee on Wednesday, March 27 and is presently on the House Floor.

Vehicle Code-Violation Compliance (Representative Evans, D-Chicago)

House Bill 2523 (available via this link ) would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code to provide that the Secretary of State shall rescind the suspension or cancellation of a person's driver's license that has been suspended or canceled prior to the effective date due to specified violations. Provides that, in the case of a license suspended before the effective date due to the person failing to pay any fine or penalty due or owing as a result of 10 or more violations of local standing, parking, or compliance regulations, a local government shall, within 120 days of receiving a list of persons whose licenses have been suspended before the effective date provided by the Secretary of State, provide the person with notice of a right to a hearing. Provides that an individual subject to suspension who has received a notice may, within 45 days of receiving the notice, request a hearing. Provides that, upon individual request, the local government shall conduct a financial hardship hearing before suspension of a license for unpaid fines or penalties. Prescribes requirements for notice and factors to be considered for a determination of financial hardship. Provides that, if an individual qualifies for a payment plan and makes timely payments, the government may not pursue other means to collect on the debt, and, if the individual misses a payment, may, after providing 60 days' written notice, pursue collection of the debt. Provides that a fourth missed payment shall be considered noncompliance. Provides that, if the individual does not appear at the pre-suspension hearing, the hearing officer may find the person in default and provide notice of the determination. Provides that an individual subject to suspension as a result of 10 or more violations of a vehicular standing, parking, or compliance regulation established by ordinance after a hearing officer's determination that the individual is in a financial hardship is not entitled to another financial hardship hearing. The bill was approved by the House Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee on Wednesday, March 27 and is presently on the House Floor.

Nursing Home-Offset Fines (Representative Unes, R-Pekin)

House Bill 3035 (available via this link) would amend the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that if a licensee has a civil monetary penalty imposed (rather than having paid a civil monetary penalty that has been imposed) pursuant to the Medicare and Medicaid Certification Program for the equivalent federal violation giving rise to a fine under specified provisions of the Act, the Department of Public Health shall offset the fine by the amount of the civil monetary penalty. The bill was approved by the House Human Services Committee on Wednesday, March 27 and is presently on the House Floor.

Government Credit Card Disclosures (Representative Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville)

House Bill 3651 (available via this link) would amend the State Records Act and the Local Records Act to provide that a public officer or public agency that has a government credit card issued for use by the public officer or employees of the public officer or agency shall post on the officer's or agency's website a copy of each expense charged on the credit card by the public officer on or before 60 days after the date the expense was charged. Expenses shall remain the website for at least one year after the expense was originally posted. The bill was approved by the House State Government Administration Committee on Wednesday, March 27 and is presently on the House Floor. ISACo Opposes

Bills Approved by Senate Committees

Local Government Inspector General (Senator Murphy, D-Des Plaines)

Senate Bill 1223 (available via this link) would create the Local Government Inspector General Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to establish an independent entity to which allegations of incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance in office, corruption, or official misconduct involving units of local government, including their officers, employees, and agents, or elected or appointed local officials, may be reported and investigated with the assistance of the Attorney General. Creates the Local Government Ethics Commission and the Office of the Local Government Inspector General and provides that members of the Commission and the Inspector General shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the procedures of investigating a complaint and the issuing of reports. Defines terms. The bill was approved by the Senate Government Accountability and Pensions Committee on Wednesday, March 27 and is presently on the Senate Floor.

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Looking Ahead...

The House is scheduled to be in session next week from April 2-4 and the Senate is scheduled to be in session from April 3-5.

The deadline to move House bills out of the House and Senate bills out of the Senate is April 12.

The deadline to move House bills out of Senate committees and Senate bills out of House committees is May 10.

The deadline to move House bills out of the Senate and Senate bills out of the House is May 24.

Both chambers are scheduled to adjourn on May 31.

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ISACo is a statewide association whose mission is to empower county officials to provide excellent service to their residents.

ISACo member counties are comprised of forward-thinking public servants who recognize that the challenges confronting county governments require new and innovative ideas, collaborative solutions and collective advocacy at the state and federal levels of government.

Members of the association will benefit from education and training opportunities, peer-to-peer networking, shared resources and robust representation before policymakers at various levels of government. ISACo creates and connects county officials to these opportunities and successfully equips them to make counties ideal places to live, work and play.

If your county is interested in discussing membership in ISACo, please contact Executive Director Joe McCoy at (217) 679-3368 or jmccoy@isacoil.org. Thank you for your consideration.

News and Views is a service provided by ISACo for county officials and staff. Please feel welcome to share with interested parties. You can contact ISACo Executive Director Joe McCoy at jmccoy@isacoil.org or (217) 679-3368 if we can be of service. Thank you for your support of ISACo.