This Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) weekly
News and Views
newsletter reports on tax legislation approved by the Senate, includes bills of interest to counties approved by House and Senate Committees and a bill approved by the Senate, issues a call for 2020 legislative agenda proposals that would benefit counties, provides links to ISACo's social media platforms, looks at key upcoming dates on the legislative calendar and invites counties to join ISACo.
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Senate Takes Action on Tax Changes
On Wednesday, May 1, the Illinois Senate approved a constitutional amendment that, if endorsed by voters, would allow the state to institute graduated income tax rates.
The legislation, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment (SJRCA) 1 (
available via this link
) sponsored by Senator Harmon (D-Oak Park), does not include specific income tax rates. If voters were to approve a ballot question in November 2020 to amend the Illinois Constitution (step 1), the General Assembly and Governor would have the authority to establish graduated income tax rates following the enactment of legislation into law (step 2).
Tax Plan Approved by Senate
On May 1 the Senate
approved three tax bills as a package.
The first bill (
SB 687
- Senator Hutchinson, D-Olympia Fields
) proposes graduated income tax rates. The rates are as follows and
would be contingent on voters amending the Illinois Constitution
to allow for graduated rates.
Joint Filers
4.75% $0-10,000
4.85% $10,001-100,000
4.95% $100,001-250,000
7.75% $250,001-500,000
7.85% $500,001-1,000,000
7.99% $1,000,000+ (includes all income)
Individual Filers
4.75% $0-10,000
4.85% $10,001-100,000
4.95% $100,001-250,000
7.75% $250,001-350,000
7.85% $350,001-750,000
7.99% $750,000+ (includes all income)
Corporate Filers
7% increased to 7.99%
The legislation is estimated to
raise approximately $3.85 billion annually
($3.325 billion after additional funding obligations and property tax relief).
The bill includes an additional $100 million for counties and municipalities through the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF). This is state income tax revenue shared with local governments.
A second bill (
SB 689
- President Cullerton, D-Chicago) would repeal the estate tax on January 1, 2021. The legislation is estimated to
cost $300 million annually.
The third bill (
SB 690
- Senator Manar, D-Bunker Hill)
would institute a property tax freeze for all school districts subject to certain conditions (e.g., receipt of full state education formula payments and funding for state mandates).
The legislation is estimated to
cost $650 million annually.
These bills will next be considered by the House where changes may yet occur.
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Legislation Approved by House, Senate Committees
The following bills of interest to counties were approved by House and/or Senate Committees during the week of April 29-May 3.
House Bills Approved by Senate Committees
Human Rights Act - Expanded Applicability (Representative Guzzardi, D-Chicago/Senator Castro, D-Elgin)
House Bill 252 (
available via this link
) would amend the Illinois Human Rights Act to provide that "employer" includes any person employing one (instead of 15) or more employees within Illinois during 20 or more calendar weeks within the calendar year of or preceding the alleged violation. Provides that "employer" does not include any place of worship with respect to the employment of individuals of a particular religion to perform work connected with the carrying on by the place of worship of its activities. The bill was approved by the Senate Labor Committee.
Disclosable Payment - Sick Leave (Representative McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills/Senator T. Cullerton, D-Villa Park)
House Bill 303 (
available via this link
) would amend the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act. Provides that "disclosable payment" also includes accumulated sick leave. The bill was approved by the Senate Local Government Committee.
Horse Racing - Local Share (Representative Carroll, D-Northbrook/Senator Link, D-Gurnee)
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 Senate Executive Committee.
ISACo Supports
Mobile Home Transfer Report (Representative Walsh, D-Joliet/Senator Barickman, R-Bloomington)
House Bill 2489
(
available via this link
)
would amend the Mobile Home Local Services Tax Act to provide that the Secretary of State shall provide the county collector in each county a quarterly report of the transfer of title of mobile homes. The bill was approved by the Senate Local Government Committee.
ISACo Supports
Video Interview Act (Representative Andrade, D-Chicago/Senator Martinez, D-Chicago)
House Bill 2557
(
available via this link
)
would create the Artificial Intelligence Video Interview Act to provide that an employer that asks applicants to record video interviews and uses an artificial intelligence analysis of applicant-submitted videos shall: notify each applicant in writing before the interview that artificial intelligence may be used to analyze the applicant's facial expressions and consider the applicant's fitness for the position; provide each applicant with an information sheet before the interview explaining how the artificial intelligence works and what characteristics it uses to evaluate applicants; and obtain written consent from the applicant to be evaluated by the artificial intelligence program. Provides that an employer may not use artificial intelligence to evaluate applicants who have not consented to the use of artificial intelligence analysis. Provides that an employer may not share applicant videos, except with persons whose expertise is necessary in order to evaluate an applicant's fitness for a position. The bill was approved by the Senate Labor Committee.
Circuit Court - Cook Subcircuits (Representative Arroyo, D-Chicago/Senator Martinez, D-Chicago)
House Bill 2625
(
available via this link
)
would amend the Circuit Courts Act to provide 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 Senate Executive Committee.
IEPA - Water Revolving Fund (Representative Rita, D-Blue Island/Senator Sims, D-Chicago)
House Bill 2650 (
available via this link
) would amend the Environmental Protection Act to provide that, beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act, and running for a period of 5 years after that date, the Environmental Protection Agency shall prioritize within its annual intended use plan the usage of a portion of the Agency's capitalization grant for federally authorized set-aside activities. Provides that the prioritization is for the purpose of supporting disadvantaged communities and utilities throughout Illinois in building their capacity for sustainable and equitable water management. The bill was approved by the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee.
ISACo Supports
Public Construction Bonds (Representative Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview/Senator Mulroe, D-Chicago)
House Bill 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 Senate Judiciary Committee.
PTELL Referenda (Representative Hernandez, D-Cicero/Senator Harmon, D-Oak Park)
House Bill 3096 (
available via this link
) would amend the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code to provide that, as an alternative to certain other procedures, a taxing district may increase its aggregate extension if the taxing district obtains referendum approval as provided in the amendatory Act. The bill was approved by the Senate Revenue Committee.
Senate Bills Approved by House Committees
Cook County Board President Vacancy (President Cullerton, D-Chicago/Representative Harris, D-Chicago)
Senate Bill 72 (
available via this link
) would amend the Election Code to provide 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 House Executive Committee.
Expungement Pilot Program-Cook County (Senator Collins, D-Chicago, Representative Turner, D-Chicago)
Senate Bill 482 (
available via this link
) would amend provisions of the Criminal Identification Act regarding a pilot program to waive fees in Cook County for filing certain petitions to expunge or seal records. Changes the date on which the program becomes inoperative from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2021. The bill was approved by the House Judiciary - Criminal Law Committee.
Highway Designations (Senator Cunningham, D-Chicago/Representative Unes, R-Pekin)
Senate Bill 1381 (
available via this link
) would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code to delete language allowing the Department of Transportation to designate streets or highways in the system of State highways as Class III highways and makes changes governing the designation of Class II highways. Deletes language regarding: the maximum length of vehicles on all non-State highways; and the highways that vehicles not exceeding 65 feet in overall length are allowed to access. Provides that combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length with no overall length limitation are allowed certain access if there is no sign prohibiting access and the route is not being used as a thoroughfare between Class I or Class II highways. Provides that the maximum length limitation on non-designated highways for a truck tractor in combination with a semitrailer is 65 feet overall dimension and 60 feet overall dimension for a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck tractor semitrailer-semitrailer. Provides that length limitations do not apply on legal holidays and for a tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or combination of disabled vehicles. Provides that a unit of local government shall affirm to the Department if it has no Class II designated truck routes. Provides that units of local government may report to the Department, and the Department shall post on its website, any limitations prohibiting the operation of vehicles imposed by ordinance or resolution in the unit of local government's non-designated highway system. Provides that, to be effective, an ordinance or resolution designating a Class II roadway need not require that signs be erected, but the designation shall be reported to the Department. Repeals a provision that requires local units of government to report to the Department all preferred truck routes, designated truck route networks, or whether there are no such truck routes. The bill was approved by the House Transportation: Regulation, Roads and Bridges Committee.
Government Records - Social Networking (Senator Stadelman, D-Rockford/Representative West, D-Rockford)
Senate Bill 1699 (
available via this link
) would a
mend the Freedom of Information Act to prohibit, with exceptions, a law enforcement agency from publishing booking photographs on its social networking 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 House Judiciary - Criminal Committee.
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 House State Government Administration Committee.
ISACo Supports
Local Government Auditing Standards (Senator Righter, R-Mattoon/Representative DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights)
Senate Bill 1806 (
available via this link
) would amend the Governmental Account Audit Act, the Counties Code, and the Illinois Municipal Code to remove definitions of "licensed public accountant" and "accountant." Adds a definition for "generally accepted auditing standards". Modifies the definition of "auditor" to also include a substantially-equivalent licensed CPA that operates out-of-state. Replaces references to licensed public accountants and accountants with references to auditors. Removes audit report requirements for fiscal years prior to 2019. Modifies audit report requirements for fiscal year 2019 and beyond. Changes various terminology throughout. This bill is intended as a "clean-up" to legislation enacted in 2018 (P.A. 100-0837). The bill was approved by the House Cities and Villages Committee.
Law Enforcement Agency Raffles (Senator Mulroe, D-Chicago/Representative Hurley, D-Chicago)
Senate Bill 1917
(
available via this link
)
would amend the Raffles and Poker Runs Act to change references to "statewide associations that represent law enforcement officials" to "associations that represent law enforcement officials" in provisions concerning licensing and raffles by law enforcement agencies and statewide associations that represent law enforcement officials. The bill was approved by the House Executive Committee.
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Legislation Approved by the Senate
The following bill affecting employers was approved by the Senate.
Healthy Workplace Act (Senator Hutchinson, D-Olympia Fields/Representative Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria)
Senate Bill 471
(
available via this link
)
would create the Healthy Workplace Act to require employers to provide specified paid sick days to employees. Sets forth the purposes for and manner in which the sick days may be used. Contains provisions regarding employer responsibilities, unlawful employer practices, and other matters. Provides that an employee who works in the State who is absent from work for specified reasons is entitled to earn and use a minimum of 40 hours of paid sick time during a 12-month period or a pro rata number of hours of paid sick time under the provisions of the Act. Provides that it is unlawful for an employer to interfere with, restrain, deny, change work days or hours scheduled to avoid paying sick time, or discipline an employee for the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, any right provided under or in connection with the Act, including considering the use of paid sick time as a negative factor in an employment action that involves hiring, terminating, evaluating, promoting, disciplining, or counting the paid sick time under a no-fault attendance policy. Provides that any employer that the Department of Labor or a court finds by a preponderance of the evidence to have knowingly, repeatedly, or with reckless disregard violated any provision of the Act or any rule adopted under the Act is subject to a civil money penalty to be paid to the employee not to exceed $2,500 for each separate offense. Provides that the Department of Labor shall administer the Act. Authorizes individuals to file civil actions with respect to violations. Creates the Healthy Workplace Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. The bill was approved by the Senate.
ISACo Opposes. Unfunded State Mandate.
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ISACo Seeking Ideas for 2020 Legislative Agenda
A month remains before the scheduled May 31 spring legislative session adjournment date, but it's not too early to begin planning for 2020!
ISACo is requesting legislative proposal ideas from county officials and staff. Ideas submitted to ISACo will be considered by the Legislative Committee and Board of Directors for introduction in 2020.
If your county is aware of an issue or problem that can be solved with legislation, please share this information with ISACo. Legislative proposal ideas can be submitted to Executive Director Joe McCoy by email (jmccoy@isacoil.org) or by calling ISACo's Office (217-679-3368). We look forward to receiving your proposals.
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Follow ISACo on Social Media
ISACo is getting social! We've established a presence on Facebook and Twitter to provide another tool for communication with Illinois county officials and other interested parties. Please follow our Facebook page and Twitter feed and join the conversation!
@Isacoil
@IsacoTweets
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Looking Ahead...
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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The Key to ISACo's Success is YOU!
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Is your county a member of ISACo? If not, why not?
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.
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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.
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