Press Release - Tuesday, December 23, 2003
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Blagojevich signs bill to repeal special interest language ruled unconstitutional
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that removes from state statutes special interest language signed in 1999 by former Gov. George Ryan to protect soft drink distributors and bottlers that was struck down as unconstitutional earlier this year by a federal court.
Senate Bill 963, sponsored by state Sens. John Cullerton, D-Chicago; Emil Jones, D-Chicago; and Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago; and state Rep. Daniel Burke, D-Chicago, repeals the Soft Drink Industry Fair Dealing Act, which made it difficult for soft drink suppliers to change or terminate contracts with local businesses that bottle and distribute their products. Specifically, the law stated that soft drink suppliers could not cancel a distributorship without good cause and prior notification. In addition, it prohibited the supplier from failing to exercise good faith in the negotiation of any change in terms of the distribution agreement or engaging in retaliatory conduct against a distributor.
A federal judge in East St. Louis ruled in July that the act was unconstitutional.
Legislation giving similar protections to liquor distributors was passed in 1999, but ruled unconstitutional and repealed by the General Assembly in 2000.
Other bills signed today by the Governor include:
House Bill 648
An Act Concerning: Animals
Description: Provides cleanup language to implement the previously passed Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Act. It provides that an applicant for certification as a euthanasia technician must hold a license or certification from certain specified associations issued within three years preceding the date of application. It further clarifies the grand fathering provision for certified euthanasia technicians and allows for the transportation of animals across state lines for the purpose of euthanasia if the shelter has a certified technician to perform the procedure. And it requires that a person who purchases, stores or administers euthanasia drugs must be registered by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (DPR) and must keep records and maintain inventory records in compliance with U.S. law and DPR regulations.
Action: Approved
Effective Date: Immediate
Sponsors: House: Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville; and Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago. Senate: Don Harmon, D-Oak Park; and Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago.
House Bill 741
An Act Concerning: Alcoholic liquor
Description: Amends the Liquor Control Act to provide that a liquor license shall be valid from the date of issue through the last day of the 11th month after the month in which the license is issued. In addition, it allows alcoholic liquor to be delivered and sold at the Louis Joliet Renaissance Center, City Center Campus and the Food Services/Culinary Arts Department facilities owned and controlled by Joliet Junior College, and the Michael Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle St. in Chicago. Liquor is prohibited from being served or sold in a state building unless otherwise specifically allowed under state law.
Action: Approved
Effective Date: Immediate
Sponsors: House: Jack McGuire, D-Joliet; and Daniel Burke, D-Chicago. Senate: Lawrence Walsh, D-Elwood; and Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago.
House Bill 920
An Act Concerning: Higher education
Description: Amends the Northeastern Illinois University law to provide that a student member of the Board of Trustees may only serve for a one-year term and makes a graduate student eligible to be a student member.
Action: Approved
Effective Date: Immediate
Sponsors: House: Lou Lang, D-Skokie. Senate: Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago.
Senate Bill 713
An Act Concerning: Accounting
Description: Amends the Illinois Public Accounting Act to require that information regarding educational requirements, the application process, the examination and fees shall be available on the Board of Examiner's Internet Web site, as well as in printed documents. It also provides for implementation of a computer-based examination and criteria for certification.
Action: Approved
Effective Date: Immediate
Sponsors: Senate: Antonio Munoz, D-Chicago; and Emil Jones, D-Chicago. House: Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago; Lovana Jones, D-Chicago; and Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley.
Senate Bill 794
An Act Concerning: State audits
Description: Amends the State Auditing Act to make changes in the definitions of "post audit," "financial audit," "compliance audit," and "performance audit." Authorizes the auditor general to contract with certified public accountants licensed in Illinois, if necessary, to carry out his duties.
Action: Approved
Effective Date: Immediate
Sponsors: Senate: Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville; and Emil Jones, D-Chicago. House: Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley; Bob Biggins, R-Elmhurst; Michael Madigan, D-Chicago; David Miller, D-Calumet City; and David Leitch, R-Peoria.
Senate Bill 1656
An Act Concerning: Legislature
Description: Creates the Office of the Architect for the state Capitol as a legislative support service agency to replace the Space Needs Commission, which was abolished.
Action: Approved
Effective Date: Feb. 1, 2004
Sponsors: Senate: Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago; and Emil Jones, D-Chicago. House: Michael Madigan, D-Chicago.
Senate Bill 1957
Description: Amends the school code to provide for the transfer of students to another school in the district if school is persistently dangerous or if the student was a victim of a violent crime on school grounds during school hours or during a school-sponsored event. It also requires the State Board of Education to maintain data and annually publish a list of persistently dangerous schools.
Action: Approved
Effective Date: Immediate
Sponsors: Senate: Miguel del Valle, D-Chicago; and Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago. House: Calvin Giles, D-Chicago; and Kevin Joyce, D-Chicago.
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