Bills include whistleblower reform and bidding preference for companies using bio-based products
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Legislation introduced by Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Gifford) has been signed into law by the Governor. Nine of Frerichs' bills have already been signed with another nine still awaiting final approval.
"I am pleased the Governor signed this legislation," said Sen. Frerichs. "These bills provide beneficial resources to the citizens of Illinois and I believe they will make a positive impact on our citizens."
Included in the signed legislation is Senate Bill 742 and House Bill 634. Senate Bill 742 expands current whistleblower protections to educational employees and local governments. This legislation will prohibit any retaliation against an employee who discloses information to a court, administrative hearing or any other proceeding, where they have reasonable cause to believe that the information exposes a violation of a State or federal law, rule or regulation. The legislation also establishes liability for false claims.
"It is necessary that employees working for local governments and in the education field, including school districts, community colleges and universities, among others, be covered by the Whistleblower Protection Act," said Senator Frerichs. "This legislation promotes openness and protection in the workplace at all levels."
House Bill 634 gives preference to those bidding on state contracts that use bio-based products. The law sets that when a contract is put out by the State to be awarded to the lowest bidder, a qualified bidder who will fulfill the contract through the use of bio-based products may be given preference over other bidders unable to do so, if the cost is not more than 5% greater.
"The State of Illinois needs to promote bio-based products in fulfilling our State's contractual needs," said Senator Frerichs. "A bio-based preference program such as this encourages businesses to utilize Illinois resources which can benefit the agricultural community, the economy, and the environment."
The other legislation signed includes:
House Bill 586 - Categorizes land that is more than 10 acres and protects a water supply as an open space allowing it to be assessed at a lower rate (sponsored in House by Rep. Bill Black).
House Bill 682 - Excludes public institutions of higher education from having to print on its published materials "Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois," the publication date, the number of copies printed, and the printing order number when such publications meet certain criteria (sponsored in House by Rep. Naomi Jakobsson).
House Bill 987 - Creates the Wabash and Ohio Rivers Coordinating Council to address the restoration and conservation of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers.
House Bill 1638 - Establishes the Prescribed Burning Act overseen by the Department of Natural Resources for the use of "prescribed burning;" declares "prescribed burning" as a land management tool that benefits the safety of the public, the environment, and the economy of the State.
