Each year, thousands of bills are introduced in the Illinois General Assembly. IMA reviews every bill for its potential affect on manufacturing and works directly with elected officials to encourage passage or defeat. Listed below are bills we are actively working on. IMA members are encouraged to contact their state elected officials and let them know our position. For more information, contact Mark Denzler at 217.522.1240 extension 3008, or email: mdenzler@ima-net.org.
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BILLS IMA OPPOSES
HB0076 - Workers Comp - Denial & ADD Compensation
Sponsor(s): Rep. Naomi Jakobsson
Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that claimants shall be notified of the specific reason for a denial to pay medical expenses. Provides that if the specific reason is not given, the claim should not be given the rebuttable presumption that the employer shall not be responsible for payment of additional compensation if that denial or refusal to authorize complies with a utilization review program. Increases daily and total additional compensation allowed when an employer or his or her insurance carrier, without good and just cause, fail, neglect, refuse, or unreasonably delay the payment of medical or compensation benefits due. Effective January 1, 2012.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB0096 - Unemployment Insurance - Social Security Deduction
Sponsor(s): Rep. Karen May
Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that none of the amount received by an individual as primary social security old age and disability retirement benefits shall constitute disqualifying income.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1115 - Unemployment Insurance - Social Security Deduction
Sponsor(s): Rep. Sidney Mathias
Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that none of the amount received by an individual as primary social security old age and disability retirement benefits shall constitute disqualifying income.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1238 - Insurance Code - Pre-Existing Conditions Must be Covered
Sponsor(s): Rep. Karen May
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that beginning January 1, 2012, no group or individual policy of accident and health insurance issued in this State that covers hospital or medical expenses, for an insured or the insured's immediate family or children, shall exclude coverage for any condition defined under the Department of Insurance rules as a pre-existing condition.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1252 - Employment Security Act - COBRA Relief
Sponsor(s): Rep. Deborah Mell
Amends the Department of Employment Security Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Employment Security shall create a COBRA Relief Program under which an individual who is receiving regular or extended unemployment insurance benefits and is eligible for COBRA continuation coverage may apply to the Department for participation in the Program. Provides that, under the program, an individual's costs of COBRA continuation coverage are limited to 25% of the amount of his or her unemployment insurance benefits, the individual certifies to the Department, by the first day of each month, the total cost of COBRA benefits paid by the person in the preceding month, and the Department pays the remainder of individual's costs of COBRA continuation coverage. Sets forth criteria for expiration of an individual's eligibility and provides for the adoption of rules to implement and administer the Program.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1289 - Unemployment Insurance - Shared Work Benefits
Sponsor(s): Rep. Lisa Dugan
Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides for the creation of a program of shared work benefits, under which an employee retained at reduced hours instead of being laid off may receive payment of unemployment insurance benefits reduced proportionately by the employee's weekly hours worked. An employer wishing to participate in this program must submit to the Director of Employment Security a shared work compensation plan in writing identifying specific employees for participation. This application must be done once for each 12-month period of participation in the program. The Director shall approve or reject a plan in writing within 15 days of its receipt. The Director may also revoke the approval of a shared work compensation plan for good cause. Effective July 1, 2011.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1372 - Insurance - Mental Health Parity
Sponsor(s): Rep. Lou Lang
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code and the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Provides that coverage for autism spectrum disorders shall be subject to the parity requirements of the provision concerning mental health parity. Provides that an accident and health policy or managed care plan must provide a minimum (instead of a maximum) benefit of $36,000 per year. Deletes language concerning copayments, deductibles, and limits. Provides that every insurer that issues an accident and health policy that provides coverage for hospital or medical treatment, and for the treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders shall ensure that the financial requirements and treatment limitations for such coverage are no more restrictive than the requirements and limitations applied to substantially all hospital and medical benefits covered by the policy. Sets forth provisions concerning aggregate lifetime limits on benefits, annual limits on benefits, and a single deductible applicable for both physical and mental health conditions. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1530 - INSURANCE-MENTAL HEALTH PARITY
Sponsor(s): Rep. Lou Lang
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code in the provisions concerning autism spectrum disorders, habilitative services for children, and mental and emotional disorders to provide that certain coverage provided under those respective provisions through a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan shall be subject to the parity requirements of the provision concerning mental health parity. Sets forth a provision concerning mental health parity. Provides that every insurer that amends, delivers, issues, or renews a group policy of accident and health insurance in the State providing coverage for hospital or medical treatment and for the treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions shall ensure adherence to the provisions concerning financial requirements and treatment limitations. Sets forth provisions concerning aggregate lifetime and annual limits. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act to comport with the provision of the Illinois Insurance Code concerning mental health parity. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1624 - JOB PRESERVATION ACT
Sponsor(s): Rep. Emily McAsey
Creates the Job Preservation Act of 2011. Provides that companies that lose 100 or more employees due to outsourcing of jobs are ineligible to receive procurement contracts with the State, units of local government, or school districts and to receive government grants, loans, tax incentives, or other economic incentives. Requires certain companies that lose 100 or more employees to notify the Department of Labor about the loss. Requires the Department to send a survey to companies that report the loss of 100 or more employees in order to determine the number of employees lost because of outsourcing jobs outside of the United States. Requires the Department to provide written notice to the Governor, the General Assembly, State agencies, units of local government, and school districts. Preempts home rule powers. Exempts from the reimbursement requirements of the State Mandates Act. Effective immediately.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB0115 - Equal Pay Act - Civil Penalty
Sponsor(s): Sen. Martin Sandoval
Amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003. Provides for a civil penalty of up to $5,000 when any employer or person violates sections of the Act prohibiting an employer or person from interfering or discouraging another from exercising his or her rights under the Act.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB0119 - Insurance Code - Cover Maternity Care
Sponsor(s): Sen. Martin Sandoval
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that individual and group policies of accident and health insurance or managed care plans amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date of the amendatory Act must provide coverage for maternity care.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB0127 - Illinois Family Medical Leave
Sponsor(s): Sen. Martin Sandoval
Creates the Illinois Family and Medical Leave Act. Contains provisions similar to those in the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, except that it applies to a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, domestic partner, or sibling who has a serious health condition, increases the leave allowed to 16 workweeks, and some of the provisions of the federal law pertaining to federal employees, federal matters, and the 2008 amendments have been omitted or changed. Contains provisions concerning applicability and coordination. Effective 6 months after becoming law.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois)
SB0128 - Healthy Workplace Act
Sponsor(s): Sen. Martin Sandoval
Creates the Healthy Workplace Act. Requires an employer to provide an employee up to 7 sick days with pay during each 12-month period. Provides that an employee may use the sick days care for physical or mental illness, injury, medical condition, professional medical diagnosis or care, or a medical appointment of the employee or a family member. Contains provisions regarding: accrual; certification; notice; responsibilities of employers; unlawful practices; powers and duties of the Department of Labor; violations; penalties; civil liability; severability; and other matters.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB0144 - Unemployment Insurance - Social Security Deduction
Sponsor(s): Sen. Heather Steans
Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that none of the amount received by an individual as primary social security old age and disability retirement benefits shall constitute disqualifying income.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1308 - Human Rights - Equal Pay Damages
Sponsor(s): Sen. Martin Sandoval
Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that, in addition to any other relief that may be awarded or penalties that may be imposed under the Act, in a proceeding brought under the Employment Article, if there is a finding that an employer committed a civil rights violation against a female employee based upon the employee's sex, the award of damages may be increased up to an amount not to exceed 3 times any actual damages sustained. Amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003. Provides that, in addition to any other relief that may be awarded or penalties that may be imposed under the Act, if there is a finding that an employer committed a violation of this Act against a female employee, the award of damages may be increased up to an amount not to exceed 3 times any underpayment.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1565 - Minimum Wage Law - Tie to CPI
Sponsor(s): Sen. Kimberly Lightford
Amends the Minimum Wage Law. Provides for fewer limitations on the definition of "employee." Provides a procedure for increasing the minimum wage annually to restore the minimum wage to its historic level and thereafter increasing the minimum wage by the increase in the cost of living during the preceding year. Deletes language pertaining to temporary or irregular employees and employees under the age of 18. Provides for an increased amount of damages recoverable by an employee that is paid less than the wage to which he is entitled to under the Minimum Wage Law. Effective immediately.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1915 - Single-Payer Health Care Act
Sponsor(s): Sen. Michael Noland
Creates the Single-payer Health and Universal Care System Act. Sets forth the findings of the General Assembly. Provides that in conjunction with the Department of Insurance, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall examine the feasibility of creating and implementing a health care access plan that accomplishes certain goals. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before July 1, 2012. Effective immediately.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB2153 - Employment Advertise Fairness
Sponsor(s): Sen. Kimberly Lightford
Creates the Employment Advertisement Fairness Act. Provides that no employer, employment agency, labor organization, or an agent or representative of any such entity shall publish in print or on the Internet an advertisement for a job that contains a statement indicating that current employment is a job qualification or that an applicant who is not employed will not be considered. Provides that a violation is a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation, collectible by the Department of Labor in a proceeding under rules adopted by the Department. Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that the public policy of this State in the area of employment is modified to include: to prevent discrimination based on unemployment status or on a gap in employment history. Provides that unless otherwise authorized by law, it is a civil rights violation for any employer, employment agency, or labor organization to inquire into or to use a prospective employee's unemployment status or gap in employment history as a basis to refuse to hire or to act with respect to recruitment, hiring, or other employment decisions. Effective immediately.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB2186 - Job Preservation Act
Sponsor(s): Sen. Michael Noland
Creates the Job Preservation Act of 2011. Provides that companies that lose 100 or more employees due to outsourcing of jobs are ineligible to receive procurement contracts with the State, units of local government, or school districts and to receive government grants, loans, tax incentives, or other economic incentives. Requires certain companies that lose 100 or more employees to notify the Department of Labor about the loss. Requires the Department to send a survey to companies that report the loss of 100 or more employees in order to determine the number of employees lost because of outsourcing jobs outside of the United States. Requires the Department to provide written notice to the Governor, the General Assembly, State agencies, units of local government, and school districts. Preempts home rule powers. Exempts from the reimbursement requirements of the State Mandates Act. Effective immediately.
IMA OPPOSES this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
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BILLS IMA SUPPORTS
HB0024 - Income Tax - Estimated Payments
Sponsor(s): Rep. Jim Sacia
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. In a Section concerning estimated taxes, provides that, if (i) the taxpayer is owed a refund from the State based upon an income tax overpayment by the taxpayer, (ii) the taxpayer previously filed with the Department a valid amended Illinois income tax return claiming a refund for the overpayment, (iii) at least 30 days have elapsed between the date the taxpayer filed the amended return and the date the estimated tax installment is due, and (iv) the tax refund due to the taxpayer is larger than the estimated tax installment due, then the taxpayer may elect to reduce the amount of any unpaid refund owed to the taxpayer by the amount of the estimated tax due. Provides that the election must be approved by the Department and must be made in the form and manner prescribed by the Department. Exempts the offset amounts from certain penalty provisions. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB0243 - Income Tax - Restore NOL
Sponsor(s): Rep. Darlene Senger
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Restores a net loss carryover deduction that was previously limited by Public Act 96-1496. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1124 - Green Energy Business Act
Sponsor(s): Rep. Sidney Mathias
Creates the Green Energy Business Act. Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to receive and approve the applications of qualified businesses seeking designation as Green Energy Businesses. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and the Public Utilities Act to provide that Green Energy Businesses are eligible for certain credits and exemptions under those Acts. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1143 - Manufacturing Job Credit
Sponsor(s): Rep. Dan Brady
Creates the Manufacturing Job Destination Tax Credit Act and amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides for a credit of 25% of the Illinois labor expenditures made by a manufacturing company in order to foster job creation and retention in Illinois. Authorizes the Department of Revenue to award a tax credit to taxpayer-employers who apply for the credit and meet certain Illinois labor expenditure requirements. Sets minimum requirements and procedures for certifying a taxpayer as an "accredited manufacturer" and for awarding the credit. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1342 - Workers Comp - Discharge for cause ineligibility
Sponsor(s): Rep. Michael Tryon
Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that no employer shall be required to pay temporary partial or total disability benefits to an employee who has been discharged for cause. Provides procedures for notice and hearings. Defines "discharge for cause" as a discharge resulting from the employee's voluntary violation of a rule or policy of the employer not caused by the employee's disability. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1355 - Income/Unemployment Taxes- Estimated Tax
Sponsor(s): Rep. Karen May
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that employers with fewer than 25 employees are exempt from paying estimated taxes and may pay their unemployment insurance contributions and submit their wage and contribution reports on an annual basis (instead of quarterly). Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1401 - Income Tax - New Employee Credit
Sponsor(s): Rep. Bill Mitchell
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit in an amount equal to $210 for each employee hired by the taxpayer during the taxable year to fill a newly created position multiplied by the number of consecutive months during which the employee is employed by the taxpayer. Provides that the taxpayer may elect to use all or a portion of the credit against its withholding tax liability. Provides that, if the amount of the credit exceeds the taxpayer's liability for the taxable year, the credit may be carried forward and applied to the tax liability of the 5 taxable years following the excess credit year. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1405 - Manufacturing Job Credit
Sponsor(s): Rep. Bill Mitchell
Creates the Manufacturing Job Destination Tax Credit Act and amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides for a credit of 25% of the Illinois labor expenditures made by a manufacturing company in order to foster job creation and retention in Illinois. Authorizes the Department of Revenue to award a tax credit to taxpayer-employers who apply for the credit and meet certain Illinois labor expenditure requirements. Sets minimum requirements and procedures for certifying a taxpayer as an "accredited manufacturer" and for awarding the credit. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB1577 - HEALTH BENEFITS EXCHANGE ACT
Sponsor(s): Rep. Frank Mautino
Creates the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2014 and in accordance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the State shall establish a State health benefits exchange to be known as the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange in order to help individuals and small employers with no more than 50 employees shop for, select, and enroll in qualified, affordable private health plans. Sets forth provisions concerning Exchange functions, the Legislative Study Committee, Committee studies, and federal action. Repeals the Health Care Justice Act. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB2075 - MANUFACTURING-ENERGY-EXEMPTION
Sponsor(s): Rep. Lou Lang
Amends the Gas Use Tax Law. Exempts certain business enterprises designated by Standard Industrial Classification from taxation under the Act. Amends the Gas Revenue Tax Act. Provides that the definition of "gross receipts" does not include consideration received from those business enterprises. Amends the Electricity Excise Tax Law. Provides that the tax under the Act is not imposed with respect to any use by those business enterprises in the process of manufacturing or assembling tangible personal property for wholesale or for retail sale or lease. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
HB2080 - INC TX-TRAINING EXPENSE CREDIT
Sponsor(s): Rep. Lou Lang
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Reinstates the training expense credit for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2011 and on or before December 30, 2021. Increases the amount of the credit from 1.6% of training expenses to 2% of training expenses. Provides that the training expense credit earned on or after December 31, 2011 may be carried forward. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB0013 - EDGE - Withholding
Sponsor(s): Sen. Linda Holmes
Amends the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act. Removes a requirement that only certain manufacturing companies may elect to claim the credit against their withholding tax obligations. Expands EDGE to virtually all Illinois employers. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB0014 - EDGE - Project not in State
Sponsor(s): Sen James Clayborne, Jr.
Amends the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act. In a Section concerning review of credit applications, removes a provision requiring the Business Investment Committee to determine that, if not for the credit, the applicant's project would not occur in Illinois. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB0097 - Business Tax Credit - Expand & Increase
Sponsor(s): Sen. John Mulroe
Amends the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act. Provides that a person who operates an Illinois business having 75 or fewer full-time employees (instead of 50 or fewer full-time employees) may apply for the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit. Extends the incentive period from June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012, if the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of the State of Illinois for the month of May 2011 is 7.0% or higher, as reported by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Raises the cap on the credit from $2,500 to $3,500 for each new employee hired. Changes the manner in which the net increase in full-time Illinois employees is calculated in the event that the incentive period is extended. Contains provisions concerning the applicability of the credit to employers that contract with a Professional Employer Organization. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB0110 - Income Tax - Restore NOL
Sponsor(s): Sen Kirk Dillard
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Restores a net loss carryover deduction for taxable years ending after December 31, 2010 and prior to December 31, 2014. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB0163 - Income Tax - Reinstate R&D Tax Credit
Sponsor(s): Sen. Matt Murphy
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Reinstates the research and development credit for taxable years ending prior to January 1, 2016 (now, January 1, 2011). Increases the amount of the research and development credit from 6.5% to 8% of the qualifying expenditures for increasing research activities in this State for taxable years ending on or after December 31, 2011. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1320 - Repeals Income Tax Increase
Sponsor(s): Sen. Matt Murphy
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Reduces the rates established under Public Act 96-1496 to (i) 3% for individuals, trusts, and estates and (ii) 4.8% for corporations. Makes corresponding changes in Sections concerning estimated taxes and distribution of proceeds into special funds. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1349 - Workers Com - Initiative
Sponsor(s): Sen. Kyle McCarter
Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Defines "accident" and "injury." Deletes language allowing rebuttable presumptions for an employee employed as a firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT), or paramedic. Deletes language allowing an employee to secure his own physician, surgeon and hospital services at the employer's expense. Provides that the employer shall choose all necessary medical, surgical and hospital services reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of the accidental injury at the employer's expense, except upon a finding by the Commission that the employer's choice of medical care threatens life, health, or recovery, then the employee may choose a second physician, surgeon, and hospital services at the employer's expense. Provides for a waiver of employee privacy for the employer to obtain necessary decision making information. Provides for a wage differential award and that such award shall cease when the employee reaches the full retirement age as defined by the Social Security Administration. Provides for reimbursement of out-of-state procedures, treatments, services, products or supplies. Provides for a new medical fee schedule after January 1, 2012, in accordance with the Medicare payment systems (160%). Moves the utilization review program registration and administration to the Department of Insurance. Makes numerous changes regarding employee intoxication, partial or total disability, implants, employment verification documents, and other changes.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1359 - Income Tax - EDGE Withholding
Sponsor(s): Sen. Carole Pankau
Amends the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act. Provides that, on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act, any Taxpayer that is awarded a credit under the Act may elect to claim the Credit against its withholding tax obligations (now, only certain taxpayers that are engaged in motor vehicle metal stamping, automobile manufacturing, automobile and light duty motor vehicle manufacturing, motor vehicle manufacturing, light truck and utility vehicle manufacturing, heavy duty truck manufacturing, or motor vehicle body manufacturing may claim the credit against withholdings). Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1391 - High Impact Business - Average Jobs
Sponsor(s): Sen. Dale Righter
Amends the Corporate Accountability for Tax Expenditures Act. Provides that, for certain programs based on job creation or retention, beginning in 2007 and through 2011, a recipient shall be deemed in compliance with those job creation or job retention requirements by establishing that it has created or maintained the requisite number of jobs based on a 3-year average, including the current reporting year and the 2 immediately preceding reporting years. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1549 - Health Benefits Exchange Act
Sponsor(s): Sen. William Haine
Creates the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2014 and in accordance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the State shall establish a State health benefits exchange to be known as the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange in order to help individuals and small employers with no more than 50 employees shop for, select, and enroll in qualified, affordable private health plans. Sets forth provisions concerning Exchange functions, the Legislative Study Committee, Committee studies, and federal action. Repeals the Health Care Justice Act. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1629 - Prevailing Wage - Small Employer
Sponsor(s): Sen. Chris Lauzen
Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that the Act shall not apply to the wages of any owner, corporate officer, or other person vested with the responsibility of managing the affairs of a contractor or subcontractor with 25 employees or less.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1657 - Income Tax - Unemployed Worker
Sponsor(s): Sen. Carole Pankau
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a credit for employers of individuals who were receiving unemployment benefits from the State for a period of at least 120 consecutive days immediately prior to the employee's date of hire with the taxpayer. Sets forth the amount of the credit based on the number of months during which the individual is employed by the taxpayer. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1676 - Workers Comp - Fraud
Sponsor(s): Sen. Sam McCann
Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission may recall a decision or settlement when fraud has been determined to be committed related to the case. Provides that the Commission shall implement a rule to establish a process for recalling a decision or settlement that is subject to recall due to fraud. Provides that the fraud and insurance non-compliance unit of the Department of Insurance shall employ one or more attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois as special prosecutors who shall initiate and prosecute any necessary criminal or civil actions in any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction in this State. Provides that the special prosecutors may also assist State's Attorneys in prosecuting violations of this Section, without charge to the county. Provides that when the Attorney General or a State's Attorney declines to prosecute a referral from the fraud and insurance non-compliance unit of an alleged violation of this Section, the Attorney General or the State's Attorney declining prosecution shall provide in writing a response to the unit within 30 days of such decision setting forth the reasons and basis for the decision. Provides that the unit shall provide the response to the employer.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1741 - Income Tax - Estimated Taxes
Sponsor(s): Sen. David Luechtefeld
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. In a Section concerning estimated taxes, provides that, if a taxpayer is entitled to a refund after the payment of the fourth installment, then he or she may apply the amount of the refund to the first installment due in the next taxable year.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1842 - Income Tax - Reinstate R&D Tax Credit
Sponsor(s): Sen. Linda Holmes
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Reinstates the research and development credit for taxable years ending prior to January 1, 2016 (now, January 1, 2011). Increases the amount of the research and development credit from 6.5% to 8% of the qualifying expenditures for increasing research activities in this State for taxable years ending on or after December 31, 2011. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB1851 - Employee Classification - Truck Drivers
Sponsor(s): Sen. Gary Forly
Amends the Employee Classification Act. Provides that the term "employment" does not include services performed by an individual as an operator of a truck, truck-tractor, or tractor if certain specified conditions are met. Provides that an individual performing services for a contractor is deemed to be an employee of the employer, unless the contractor is a truck owner-operator as defined in the Act.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB2101 - Unemployment Insurance - Information
Sponsor(s): Sen. John Mulroe
Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that the Department of Employment Security shall make available to the Department of Central Management Services, Risk Management Division (in addition to State retirement systems), upon request, information in the possession of the Department that may be necessary or useful to the System or the Risk Management Division for the purpose of determining whether any recipient of a disability benefit from the System or a workers' compensation benefit from the Risk Management Division is gainfully employed. Effective immediately.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).
SB2155 - Workers Comp - Level of Disability
Sponsor(s): Sen. Bill Brady
Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that the maximum weekly benefit if, after the accidential injury, an employee becomes partially incapacitated from pursuing his or her usual and customary line of employment, shall be 66 2/3% of the State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act; such awards being known as wage differential awards shall cease when the employee reaches age 67 or 15 years after the accident. Provides that permanent partial or total disability shall be certified by a physician and demonstrated by use of medically defined objective measurements, that subjective complaints shall not be considered unless supported by and clearly related to objective measurements, and that a specified publication shall be applied in determining the level of disability. Provides that temporary total disability payments shall not exceed 104 weeks if the injured employee's medical impairment rating determined as a percentage of the whole person is less than 70%. Provides that the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission may recall a decision or settlement when fraud has been determined to be committed related to the case. Provides that the fraud and insurance non-compliance unit of the Division of Insurance of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall employ one or more attorneys as special prosecutors who shall initiate and prosecute any necessary criminal or civil actions. Makes numerous changes regarding employee intoxication, the Attorney General and State's Attorney, posting information on the web regarding unlawful acts, and other changes.
IMA SUPPORTS this Bill. Read the bill (State of Illinois).