Introduction

The Illinois House and Senate returned to action this week. The House was in session from Wednesday to Friday. The Senate was in session for Wednesday and Thursday. Next week they both return to the more regular Tuesday through Thursday schedule.

IML staff saw several local officials at the State House this week. The League appreciates the committee testimony of IML Vice President and Oreana Mayor Dan Lightner on HB 4588.

Channahon Village President Joe Cook attended a meeting and added a suburban perspective on Senate Bill 2022. This legislation deals with the notification of rezoning hearings for unincorporated land.

The Illinois Main Street Program also brought a crowd to the State House with IML Vice President and Vandalia Mayor Ricky Gottman and Aledo Mayor Lee Celske in attendance at the exhibits of their respective communities. Mayor Gottman routinely makes a monthly visit to the Capitol to visit with LEGISLATIVE his legislators and others. BULLETIN 2008-03

Aurora Alderman testified in support of House Bill Friday, February 22, 2008 4262 before the House Local Government Committee. That legislation would expand the authority of certain municipalities to regulate pigeons. In This Issue:

Finally, the Illinois City/County Management Association had a Introduction conference in Springfield with several managers in attendance talking with legislators throughout the week. Capital Program Update Additional Bills Introduced as Capital Program Update Part of the 2008 IML Legislative Agenda The Governor gave his combined State of the State and Budget Addresses Pension Legislation Update on Wednesday. Of particular interest to municipalities is a proposed $25 billion capital program for roads, bridges and other capital projects. The IML 2008 Legislative Agenda Illinois Municipal League is part of the Transportation for Illinois Committee Action Coalition (TFIC). TFIC compiled a short briefing which was shared with Bill Introductions the League. Some highlights include the following:

• $25 billion, multi-year capital initiative called Illinois Works • Initiative for transportation, schools, education, etc. • $11 billion in state funds, $7 billion as a partial Lottery concession • $3.8 billion in bonds

Legislative Bulletin 2008-03 February 22, 2008 Page 2

For Local Roads, we offer the following information:

• $125 million additional funding provided for Fiscal Year 09 • $250 million total additional funding added for the duration of Illinois Works

Additional Bills Introduced as Part of the 2008 IML Legislative Agenda

• Senate Resolution 550 (Senators Dillard & Hultgren) – Seek an Additional Federal Funding Increase for Upgrading/Replacing Communications Systems • House Bill 5698 (Representative Jakobsson) Creation of Special Service Areas for Abandoned Storm- water Detention Basins • Senate Bill 2555 (Senator Cronin) - Defining Executive Secretaries as “Confidential Employees” for Exclusion from a Bargaining Unit • House Bill 5658 (Representative Schmitz) - Authorizing Meetings with a Professional Facilitator or Planner to be Exempted from the Open Meetings Act

Pension Legislation Update

IML, Bi-Partisan Group of Legislators Come Forward with Legislation to Begin Addressing Municipal Public Safety Pension Debt Crisis

The Illinois Municipal League is pleased to announce that our pension reform legislation has been introduced in both the House (HB 4904 and HB 4905) and Senate (SB 2090). The purpose of these bills is to introduce basic, common sense reforms into the suburban and downstate municipal police and firefighter pension systems. These reforms seek to accomplish three principle objectives: 1) provide a better picture of the financial condition of the funds in future; 2) institute protections for municipalities, taxpayers and pension fund participants; and 3) introduce transparency and public disclosure with regard to the fiscal status and activities of public safety pension funds to taxpayers whose hard-earned dollars pay the largest portion of pension fund obligations. None of the reforms change any benefits earned by police officers or firefighters.

This effort by the League to begin the process of introducing meaningful public safety pension reform is being aided by several Sen. Susan Garrett Rep. Mark Beaubien responsible and concerned legislators. The League would like to thank our primary sponsor in the House, Representative Mark Beaubien (R-Wauconda) as well as our primary Senate sponsor, Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest).

In addition to our primary sponsors, the League would like to recognize and commend the co-sponsors of these important reforms. Representative Elga Jefferies (D-Chicago) has signed on as a co-sponsor of HB 4904, and she, Representative Bob Biggins (R-Elmhurst), and Representative Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) as co- sponsors of HB 4905. Please note that HB 4905 has been assigned to the House Personnel and Pensions Committee. Senator Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake) and Senator William Haine (D-Alton) have agreed to be co-sponsors of SB 2090.

This bipartisan group of leaders is at the forefront of an effort to find solutions to an emerging and critical public policy question: With incontestable evidence of dramatically increasing municipal public safety pension Legislative Bulletin 2008-03 February 22, 2008 Page 3 debt, how can we protect the promises made to our police officers and firefighters while preserving the integrity and solvency of municipal budgets? Finding the right answers to this question will likely be a primary objective of municipal governments and their police and fire personnel.

The Illinois Municipal League is fortunate to have legislators interested in embracing pension reform with a willingness to address a problem proactively rather than simply hoping it simply goes away.

IMRF Refund Legislation Approved by Senate Committee

The Senate Pensions and Investment Committee narrowly voted to grant employees leaving municipal service and withdrawing their employee contributions from IMRF a guaranteed rate of interest on the contributions (3.75%). League staff opposed SB 1958 (Senator Clayborne) because the interest earned is money that should be dedicated to funding pension and disability benefits of employee participants in the fund.

House Personnel and Pensions Committee Approves Firefighter Employer Contribution Increase Legislation

The House Personnel and Pension Committee approved HB 4627 (Leitch, R-Peoria). The bill would increase the amount firefighters contribute to pensions from 9.455 percent of salary to 9.91 percent of salary. Such an increase would put firefighters at parity with police.

IML 2008 Legislative Agenda Item Committee Action

House Bill 4588 - Allows Electoral Boards to Meet in their Official Location – Representative Flider – House Floor HB 4588 passed the House Elections and Campaign Reform Committee by a vote of 7-0. This proposal will allow electoral Municipal Electoral Boards, County Electoral Boards and Education Electoral Boards to meet and conduct hearings in their official location. The bill was amended in committee to address concerns raised by the Illinois Association of County Clerks. The amendment provides for voter records to be removed only with the approval of the election authority. The IML is asking the Illinois General Assembly for similar authority which was granted to Township Electoral Boards within the last two years. IML Supports HB 4588.

Bill Introductions

The following is a list of bills that the IML has identified of importance to municipalities. If you would like additional information on any bills listed, you may go to (1) the General Assembly Web site directly; (2) the following Web page http://www.iml.org/dbs/legislative/files/PDF/KeyBillsIntroduced.pdf; or (3) the IML homepage by clicking on the ‘legislative’ link, then clicking on the ‘Key Bills’ button.

Once you are at that page, you may access the additional information by clicking on the bill number which will take you directly to the information on the legislation. If you have comments or questions pertaining to any of the legislation, the IML would encourage you to contact your legislators as well as the IML at [email protected].

House Bills

HB4100 Elizabeth Coulson MUNI CD-FIRE AND POLICE HB4120 Linda Chapa LaVia UTILITIES-WIRELESS ATTACHMENTS HB4126 IL LABOR REL-MANAGERIAL EMP HB4132 MUNI CD-AUDITS Legislative Bulletin 2008-03 February 22, 2008 Page 4

HB4134 John E. Bradley VEH CD-FIREFIGHTER CLOSE ROAD HB4139 Linda Chapa LaVia CRIM CD-PEACE OFFICER FORCE HB4142 Brent Hassert PROP TX-VARIOUS HB4150 Monique D. Davis EMERG TELEPHONE-STAY ON LINE HB4157 JoAnn D. Osmond TWP CD-CITY COUNCIL MEETING HB4164 William B. Black LOCAL GOV-SPECIAL USE HB4171 Dave Winters VEH CD-TRUCK WEIGHT-POWER UNIT HB4173 Thomas Holbrook MUNI CD-BALLOT FORM HB4174 Thomas Holbrook MUNI CD-BALLOT FORM HB4182 JoAnn D. Osmond MUNI CD-VILLAGE ATTORNEY HB4184 Harry R. Ramey Jr. SMKE FREE IL ACT-EXEMPTIONS HB4200 Robert W. Pritchard MUNI CD-HOTEL TAX HB4217 Luis Arroyo CRIM CD-FIREARM AMNESTY HB4219 Ruth Munson IDENTITY PROTECTION ACT HB4224 Roger L. Eddy VEHICLE CD-INSURANCE HB4255 Robert W. Pritchard INS-COVERAGE-PHYS THERAPY MS HB4256 Bill Mitchell MUNI CD-USE/OCC TAXES HB4261 Raymond Poe PEN CD-IMRF-INCR DEATH BENEFIT HB4262 Linda Chapa LaVia MUNICIPAL CONTROL-PIGEONS HB4279 Sandy Cole TIF-PUBLIC HEARING HB4305 Harry R. Ramey, Jr. SEX OFFENDER REG-REPORT HB4322 Jack D. Franks PROP TX-SPECIAL SERVICE AREAS HB4385 Arthur L. Turner MUNI CD-ABANDONED BUILDINGS HB4417 Elizabeth Coulson MUNI CD-FIRE AND POLICE HB4439 Mary E. Flowers POLICE-AFRICAN AMER SENSITIVE HB4505 Roger L. Eddy EMERG TEL SYSTEMS-WARNING HB4509 Brandon W. Phelps CRIM CD-FIREARM TRANSPORT HB4519 LaShawn K. Ford POLICE TRAINING&CRIM PRO-CHILD HB4521 Robert W. Pritchard TIF-JOINT REVIEW BOARD HB4541 Deborah L. Graham HANDGUN DEALER LICENSING ACT HB4544 Aaron Schock FAMILY&PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT HB4545 Aaron Schock STORMWATER MANAGEMENT HB4562 Dan Brady VEH CD-AUTOMATED TRAFFIC LAW HB4569 Dan Brady PEN CD-RE-ENTRY-MILITARY HB4587 Jack D. Franks RESIDENTIAL BLDG CONTRACTR LIC HB4588 Robert F. Flider ELEC CD-ELECTORAL BOARDS HB4602 Daniel V. Beiser INS CD-COVERAGE-SHINGLES VACC HB4603 Daniel V. Beiser PENCD-IMRF-TRANSFER FROM ART 3 HB4609 Jim Sacia PEN CD-ART 3-POLICE DISPATCHER HB4622 William Davis RECYCLING-WOOD COMBUSTION HB4644 Donald L. Moffitt PEN CD-FIREFIGHTERS-INCREASES HB4645 Donald L. Moffitt FINANCE AUTHORITY-FIRE STATION HB4646 Donald L. Moffitt LOCAL GOV-WIND FARMS HB4652 David R. Leitch PEN CD-ART 4-40 YEAR AMORTIZTN HB4671 Luis Arroyo PROP-DISCLOSE-SEWR LINE INSPEC HB4676 Donald L. Moffitt FIRE DISTRICT-IMPACT FEES HB4677 Donald L. Moffitt FIRE DISTRICT-IMPACT FEES HB4682 Lisa M. Dugan PROP TX-PTELL-PENSION LEVIES HB4683 Mike Boland FIRE SAFETY-IMITATE SPRINKLER HB4688 Donald L. Moffitt IMMUNITY NON-ILL MUTUAL AID Legislative Bulletin 2008-03 February 22, 2008 Page 5

HB4689 Donald L. Moffitt PENCD-ART 4-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTR HB4690 Donald L. Moffitt PUB SAFETY-CATASTROPHIC INJURY HB4691 Donald L. Moffitt MUNI CD-POLICE AND FIRE HB4726 Jerry L. Mitchell ETHICS-ADMIN LEAVE-CRIMINAL HB4752 Sidney H. Mathias ELEC CD-CAMPAIGN FREE ZONE HB4754 Sidney H. Mathias VEH CD-RR CROSSING BLOCKAGE HB4757 Elaine Nekritz SCHOOL SAFE ROUTES PROGRAM HB4760 Ronald A. Wait INC TX-VETERANS' DEDUCTION HB4768 Michael Tryon MUNI CD-TAX AGREEMENTS HB4774 Dave Winters CNTY CD-CONSERVATION EASEMENTS HB4787 Dennis M. Reboletti PROP TX-ASSESSMENTS HB4788 Greg Harris PROP TX-SENOIR FREEZE HB4789 Karen May IEMA-RADON CONTROL RULES HB4794 Timothy L. Schmitz LOCAL PROMPT PAY-RETAINAGE HB4815 John A. Fritchey PROP TX-TAX BILLS HB4854 Mike Bost LOCAL GOV FOREIGN FIRE INS HB4855 Angelo Saviano PEN CD-ART 4-PENSION AGE 48 HB4884 Robert S. Molaro PEN CD-IMRF-COUNCILS OF GOV HB4886 Robert S. Molaro PEN CD-IMRF-COUNCILS OF GOV HB4888 William Davis VEH CD-REPOSSESSION NOTIFICATO HB4891 Lisa M. Dugan PEN CD-ART 4 FUND INVESTMENTS HB4897 Michael K. Smith PEN CD-ART 4-OVER 20 YRS SRVC HB4904 Mark H. Beaubien, Jr. PEN CD-ART 3 & 4-VARIOUS HB4905 Mark H. Beaubien, Jr. PEN CD-ART 3 & 4-VARIOUS HB4907 Timothy L. Schmitz PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE HB4908 Timothy L. Schmitz PROP TX-HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS HB4916 Brent Hassert PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE HB4931 Brandon W. Phelps MUNI CD-FOREIGN FIRE INS BOARD HB4933 Ed Sullivan, Jr. BONDS-LOCAL GOV-WASTEWATER HB4934 Wyvetter H. Younge PROP TX-HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS HB4955 Susana A Mendoza SAFE HOUSING-BUILDING STANDRDS HB4959 Karen May PEN CD-PERMITTED INVESTMENTS HB4991 Gary Hannig PEN CD-ART 4-DROP PLAN HB4998 Robert W. Pritchard VEH CD-DISTRACTED DRIVING HB5006 Mike Boland VEH CD-NEIGHBORHOOD VEHICLES HB5103 Jack D. Franks INC TX-BACK-TO-SCHOOL CREDIT HB5104 Shane Cultra REVENUE-RATES AND EXEMPTIONS HB5112 Mike Boland ELECTIONS-LOCAL REFERENDA HB5122 Kathleen A. Ryg GOVT ETHICS-ECONOMIC INTERESTS HB5140 Michael P. McAuliffe PEN CD-ART 3-LINE OF DUTY DIS HB5153 Jay C. Hoffman INC TX-ECON DEVELOPMENT CREDIT HB5156 Jay C. Hoffman PEN CD-ART. 3-GLEN CARBON HB5158 Jay C. Hoffman PEN CD-DNST POL-MARRY IN RETMT HB5163 Sidney H. Mathias ELEVATOR SAFETY-BD MEMBERSHIP HB5170 Harry Osterman RELOCATION ASSISTANCE ACT HB5186 Mike Fortner MUNI CD ANNEXATION RR UTILITY HB5194 Renée Kosel UTILITIES-FIRE HYDRANT REPAIR HB5195 Michael Tryon MUNI CD-BOUNDARY LINES HB5197 Daniel V. Beiser PEN CD-ART 3/ART 7 TRANSFERS HB5224 Jim Sacia PROCUREMENT-CONSTRUCTION BID Legislative Bulletin 2008-03 February 22, 2008 Page 6

HB5249 Jay C. Hoffman EPA-POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY HB5258 Mike Fortner UTILITIES-UNDERGROUND MARKINGS HB5268 Daniel V. Beiser CD CORR-RELEASE-NOTIFY POLICE HB5282 Charles E. Jefferson MUNI CD-CHRONIC NUISANCE HB5285 Charles E. Jefferson INS CD-COVERAGE-SICK STUDENTS HB5288 Charles E. Jefferson VEH CD-AUTOMATED TRAFFIC LAW HB5320 Julie Hamos HEALTHY WORKPLACE ACT HB5510 Arthur L. Turner PEN CD-ART4 TO ART6 TRANSFER HB5514 Joe Dunn PEN CD-ART 3 & 4-DUTY DISABLTY HB5538 MUNI CD-ANNEXATION HB5540 Rich Brauer TAX CREDIT-VOLUNTR FIREFIGHTER HB5567 Elizabeth Coulson UTILITIES-NET METERING HB5568 Elizabeth Coulson EPA-RECYCLING PROGRAM HB5593 Elizabeth Coulson INCOME TX-DEDUCT-HEALTH CARE HB5595 Elizabeth Coulson INS CD-HABILITATIVE SERVICES HB5598 Rosemary Mulligan INC TX-HEARING AID DEDUCTION HB5605 Patricia R. Bellock DOM VIOL-NOTIFY PET-RESP SERVD HB5615 Barbara Flynn Currie REPROD JUSTICE & ACCESS ACT HB5616 Sara Feigenholtz INS CD-THERAPY-STROKE VICTIMS HB5658 Timothy L. Schmitz OPEN MEETINGS-FACILITATORS HB5682 Dan Brady TAX CREDIT-VOLUNTR FIREFIGHTER HB5683 Dan Brady VEH CD-UNINSURED VEHICLE-TOWED HB5692 Jay C. Hoffman PEN CD-ART 3 TRANSFERS-CREDIT HB5698 Naomi D. Jakobsson PROP TX-SPECIAL SERVICE AREAS HB5733 Raymond Poe MUNI CD-ANNEXATION HB5742 Michael P. McAuliffe PEN CD-ART 4-REFERENDUM REQ HB5747 Dave Winters MUNI CD-INCENTIVE AGREEMENTS HB5752 Dan Brady UNEMPLOY INSURANCE-DISCLOSURE HB5760 Dave Winters CIVIL AIR PATROL LEAVE HB5773 Karen May EPA-WHITE GOODS RECYCLING HB5774 Renée Kosel PEN CD-ARTS 3 & 7-TRANSFERS HB5899 Michael K. Smith PEN CD-ART 4-DISABILITY PENSN HB5912 Chapin Rose VEH CD-ATV-MUNICIPALITY HB5915 Chapin Rose CITIZENS GRIEVANCE PANEL HB5931 Elizabeth Coulson USE/OCC-HOLIDAY-ENERGY STAR

Senate Bills

SB1894 Pamela J. Althoff UTILITIES-LOCAL TAX AUDITS SB1960 James F. Clayborne, Jr. PEN CD-IMRF-5 YEARS TO VEST SB1974 David Koehler PEN CD-ART 4-40 YEAR AMORTIZTN SB1990 Todd Sieben MUNI CD-VILLAGE SB1991 Pamela J. Althoff MUNI CD-CENSUS SB2002 William R. Haine ST GROUP INS-LOCAL GOVT UNITS SB2003 William R. Haine PEN CD-IMRF-MUNI ELEC WORKER SB2014 Susan Garrett MUNI CD-SPECIAL USE SB2016 Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson EPA-WHITE GOODS RECYCLING SB2022 Michael W. Frerichs MUNI CD-ZONING SB2025 Iris Y. Martinez EPA-STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Legislative Bulletin 2008-03 February 22, 2008 Page 7

SB2033 David Koehler CNTY CD-STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SB2034 David Koehler PRIVATE SEWAGE-LOCAL GOV REG SB2051 Carole Pankau CRIM CD&CRIM PRO-PEACE OFFICER SB2070 Mike Jacobs FIRE DPT PROMOTION-ASSESSORS SB2078 William R. Haine PENCD-IMRF/ART 3 TRANSFER SB2089 M. Maggie Crotty MUNI CD-ANNEXATION SB2090 Susan Garrett PEN CD-ART 3 & 4-VARIOUS SB2092 John J. Cullerton VEH CD-AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENF SB2129 A. J. Wilhelmi UNDERGROUND UTILITIES DAMAGE SB2136 John J. Millner CRIM CD-EAVESDROPPING SB2137 John J. Millner CRIM CD-EAVESDROPPING EXEMPT SB2148 Frank C. Watson INC TX-PATENT DEDUCTIONS SB2157 Dale E. Risinger EPA-POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY SB2162 William R. Haine MUNI CD-ANNEXATIONS SB2166 John J. Millner EPA-CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS SB2176 Chris Lauzen SMK FREE IL ACT-COMPLAINTS SB2190 Terry Link ELEC CD-POLITICAL COMMITTEES SB2209 Randall M. Hultgren PEN CD-ART 3 & 4-DUTY DISABLTY SB2214 John J. Cullerton MUNI CD-BANKERS REGULATE SB2281 Pamela J. Althoff DPT REV-SALES TAX REPORT SB2288 James T. Meeks EDUCATION FUNDING-TAX SWAP SB2297 James F. Clayborne, Jr. MUNI GARBAGE FRANCHISES SB2301 Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson INC TX-HEALTHY WORKFORCE CR SB2307 Susan Garrett EPA-LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS SB2311 Susan Garrett SCHOOL SAFE ROUTES PROGRAM SB2325 M. Maggie Crotty UTILITIES-FIRE PROTECTION CHG SB2335 Linda Holmes SMK FREE IL ACT-EXEMPTIONS SB2339 Terry Link OCC/USE TAX-MACHINRY EXEMPTION SB2342 A. J. Wilhelmi PROP TAX-SPECIAL SERVICE AREAS SB2356 Randall M. Hultgren MUNI CD ANNEXATION RR UTILITY SB2362 Dan Cronin PEN CD-ART 4-MILITARY SERVICE SB2363 Dan Cronin WORKERS COMPENSATION-VARIOUS SB2372 Martin A. Sandoval COMMUNITY POLICING GRANTS SB2378 Deanna Demuzio PROCUREMENT-ST CONSTRUCTION SB2391 Dale E. Risinger VEH CD-ACCIDENT REPORTS-LOCAL SB2397 John J. Cullerton PUB LABOR-EMERGENCY SERVICES SB2398 Terry Link PROP TX-HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS