No Progress on Pension Reform, But State House Ready to Tweak 'Puppy Lemon Law'

If you're worried about the state's pension crisis or budget woes, have no fear! Your representatives are hard at work making changes to the "Puppy Lemon Law."

That's among the business done in the state Senate between Oct. 21 and 25, according to the "Senate Week in Review" sent out by state Rep. Jim Oberweis.

"No progress was made on the state’s looming pension crisis — an issue that has stymied the governor and legislators for years," the press release states.
"At the governor’s suggestion, the negotiations on pensions were kicked over to a special joint Senate-House conference committee in June.

"The committee has met throughout the summer and fall, trying to develop a compromise that can win bipartisan support in the Legislature."

Oct. 21 to 25 was the first week of the annual fall veto session, and several bills were passed by the Senate and sent to the House. They include:

Ambulance Reimbursement (SB 636): Extends the time period (from 20 days to 90 days) for ambulance service providers to file a Medical Certification and Physician Order for non-emergency Ambulances (MCA form) to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for  reimbursement of services.

Natural Gas Utilities (SB 635): Prevents Illinois Corn Processing in Pekin from being regulated as a utility company. The company, which uses large amounts of natural gas in the processing of corn into ethanol, missed a deadline to file a declaration with the state that they are not a gas utility.

Puppy Lemon Law (SB 633): Clarifies Senate Bill 1639/Public Act 98-0509, also known as the Puppy Lemon Law, which requires a pet shop to inform pet owners and the Illinois Department of Agriculture of any potential diseases if there is a breakout in the pet shop. The law states that a customer may receive monetary compensation if a veterinarian finds that a dog or cat was 
sold having a disease. The legislation clarifies that any reimbursement of veterinary fees cannot exceed the purchase price of the dog or cat.

Prostitution Reduced Penalty (SB 1007): Clarifies Senate Bill 1872/Public Act 98-0538, which eliminated felony penalty enhancements for prostitution and allowed a county to establish a special mental health court program for defendants charged with prostitution. The legislation clarifies that all defendants admitted to the mental health court program are eligible to participate in specialized service programs.

Sunset Extension (SB 1045): Extends the state’s Making Home Affordable program for two years (from Jan. 1, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2016). This program was designed to aid eligible homeowners facing foreclosure by lowering their monthly mortgage payments to a more manageable level.

Youth Hunting Licensure (SB 853): Allows those younger than 16 to hunt with a youth hunting license, as long as they are accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian older than 21.


SOURCE: Senate Week in Review, Oct. 21-25