State Senator Karen McConnaughay provided the following information:
State Government, State Boards/Commissions and Insurance
Pirogue as State Artifact (HB 538/PA 99-0545): Creates a new section that designates the pirogue (a long, narrow canoe) as the official State artifact of Illinois. This was the result of a history class survey/project amongst Wilmette Middle School students.
Treasurer Warrants and Payments (SB 2260/PA 99-0562): Eliminates a provision requiring the State Treasurer to record the name to whom a warrant is made payable. This is a redundant law because the information is found on an online database. Also clarifies that the State Treasurer is to report to the State Comptroller all warrants, properly canceled, that may have been paid; and at appropriate intervals, the amount of money received and paid out.
Secretary of State Fund Transfers (SB 2303/PA 99-0620): Changes the annual excess fund transfers to GRF from June 30 to August 31 for the following funds: 1) The Department of Business Services Special Operations Fund; 2) Corporate Franchise Tax Refund Fund and; 3) Division of Corporations Limited Liability Partnership Fund. The transfers cannot be done June 30 due to lapse period spending and any required legislative transfers.
Racetrack Reporting Requirements (SB 2357/PA 99-0891): Eliminates an annual reporting requirement regarding minority contracting for the Racing Board. Provides uniformity in the reporting required by the Racing Board and the Gaming Board.
Risk Retention Groups (SB 2589/PA 99-0512): Establishes new guidelines and standards for risk retention groups to apply within one (1) year of this language becoming law.
Unclaimed Property Dormancy Period (SB 2783/PA 99-0577): Reduces the dormancy period for unclaimed property held by governmental units from 7 to 5 years.
Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act (HB 4633/PA 99-0893): Requires all authorized insurers in Illinois to locate and pay beneficiaries’ proceeds under unclaimed life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and retained asset accounts issued in the State or remit such proceeds to the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division. Does not impact the operations within the Treasurer’s office. Failure to meet requirements of this Act is an unfair trade practice under the Illinois Insurance Code.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week (HB 5018/PA 99-0808): Designates the second full week of April of each year as National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week.