Article 605. Department Of Commerce And Community Affairs

    (20 ILCS 605/605-1)
    Sec. 605-1. Article short title. This Article 605 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois may be cited as the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law.
(Source: P.A. 93-25, eff. 6-20-03.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-5) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.1 in part)
    Sec. 605-5. Definitions. As used in the Sections following this Section:
    "Department" means the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
    "Director" means the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
    "Local government" means every county, municipality, township, school district, and other local political subdivision having authority to enact laws and ordinances, to administer laws and ordinances, to raise taxes, or to expend funds.
(Source: P.A. 93-25, eff. 6-20-03.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-7)
    Sec. 605-7. Name change. On the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly, the name of the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs is changed to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. References in any law, appropriation, rule, form, or other document (i) to the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs or to DCCA are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for all purposes and (ii) to the Director of Commerce and Community Affairs are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for all purposes.
(Source: P.A. 93-25, eff. 6-20-03.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-10) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.1 in part)
    Sec. 605-10. Powers and duties. The Department has the powers and duties enumerated in the Sections following this Section.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-15) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.22)
    Sec. 605-15. Cooperation with other departments, agencies, and institutions. To cooperate with other departments, agencies, and institutions of this State in the collecting and assembling of information and to enter into agreements with those departments, agencies, and institutions, upon terms that are mutually agreed upon, to have conducted studies and research that may be necessary and proper.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-20) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.29)
    Sec. 605-20. Charges; gifts and grants; Economic Research and Information Fund.
    (a) To establish and collect charges and to accept gifts, grants, awards, matching contributions, financial participations, and cost sharings from individuals, businesses, governments, and other third party sources, on terms and conditions that the Director deems advisable, for any or all of the following purposes:
        (1) Preparing, producing, and disseminating economic

    (20 ILCS 605/605-25) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.30a)
    Sec. 605-25. Charges, gifts, and grants for promotional products and services; International and Promotional Fund.
    (a) To establish, levy, and collect fees and charges and accept gifts, grants, and awards from other governmental entities, for profit organizations, and nonprofit associations in association with or as consideration for the provision of various promotional products and services through its tourism, films production promotion, and international business promotion programs. The Director may establish and collect nominal charges for premiums and other promotional materials produced or acquired as part of the Department's activities authorized under the Illinois Promotion Act from individuals and not-for-profit organizations intending to use those premiums and promotional materials for purposes consistent with the provisions of the Illinois Promotion Act, provided, however, that other State agencies shall be charged no more than the cost of the premium or promotional material to the Department.
    (b) The Director may collect cost reimbursement monies from films and media production entities for police and related production security services in amounts determined by the provider of the security services and agreed to by the production entity. The reimbursements shall result only from the agreed costs of planned police and security services to be rendered to film and media production sites in the State of Illinois.
    (c) The Director may establish and collect cost-sharing assessments and fees and accept gifts, grants, and awards from private businesses, trade associations, other governmental entities, and individuals desiring to participate in and support the development and conduct of overseas trade, catalog, and distributor shows and activities and to purchase informational materials to foster export sales of Illinois products and services as part of the Department's international business programs.
    (d) All money received pursuant to this Section, except as provided in subsection (e), shall be deposited into the International and Promotional Fund within the State treasury which is hereby created; monies within the Fund shall be appropriated only for expenditure pursuant to this Section.
    (e) The Department may contract with a vendor for the production of a tourism travel guide. The Department may allow the vendor to sell and collect sales revenues, including in-kind exchanges, for advertisements placed in the travel guide. The Department may allow the vendor to retain any sales revenues it collects as its fee and to cover the costs of producing the travel guide. Any revenue due to the Department, after the vendor retains its share, shall be deposited into the International and Promotional Fund.
(Source: P.A. 96-739, eff. 1-1-10.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-30) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.41)
    Sec. 605-30. State and federal programs, grants, and subsidies. The Department shall use the State and federal programs, grants, and subsidies that are available to assist in the discharge of the provisions of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-35) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.43)
    Sec. 605-35. Federal moneys for general administration; Intra-Agency Services Fund. Moneys recovered from federal programs for general administration that are received by the Department shall be deposited into a separate fund in the State treasury to be known as the Intra-Agency Services Fund.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-40) (was 20 ILCS 605/47.2)
    Sec. 605-40. State Technical Services Act Fund. The following funds collected and received by the Department shall be paid to the State Treasurer for deposit in the State Technical Services Act Fund outside the State Treasury:
        (1) Funds received or collected from the federal

    (20 ILCS 605/605-45)
    Sec. 605-45. Economic development grants; policy considerations. When awarding grants for any economic development purpose, the Department must consider (i) reserving and targeting State business incentives to areas with high unemployment or low income and (ii) if the applicant seeking the grant is located in a metropolitan area, whether that metropolitan area meets location efficiency standards.
(Source: P.A. 95-56, eff. 8-10-07.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-50) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.51)
    Sec. 605-50. Expenditures for purposes of Build Illinois Act. To expend appropriations for the purposes contained in the Build Illinois Act.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-55) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.21)
    Sec. 605-55. Contracts and other acts to accomplish Department's duties. To make and enter into contracts, including but not limited to making grants and loans to units of local government, private agencies as defined in the Illinois State Auditing Act, non-profit corporations, educational institutions, and for-profit businesses as authorized pursuant to appropriations by the General Assembly from the Build Illinois Bond Fund, the Fund for Illinois' Future, the Capital Development Fund, and the General Revenue Fund, and generally to do all things that, in its judgment, may be necessary, proper, and expedient in accomplishing its duties.
(Source: P.A. 94-91, eff. 7-1-05.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-65)
    Sec. 605-65. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 96-995, eff. 1-1-11.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-75)
    Sec. 605-75. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 94-91, eff. 7-1-05. Repealed by P.A. 98-44, eff. 6-28-13.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-85) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.11)
    Sec. 605-85. Personnel. To obtain and employ, pursuant to the Personnel Code, the technical, clerical, stenographic, and other administrative personnel that are necessary to carry out the purposes of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and to make expenditures for that purpose within the appropriations for that purpose.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-95) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.42)
    Sec. 605-95. Rules and regulations. The Department has the power to make the rules and regulations necessary to carry out its duties.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-100) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.33)
    Sec. 605-100. Transfer from Department of Business and Economic Development. To assume the rights, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the former Department of Business and Economic Development. Personnel, books, records, property, and funds pertaining to the former Department of Business and Economic Development are transferred to the Department, but any rights of employees or the State under the Personnel Code or any other contract or plan shall be unaffected by this transfer.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-105) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.35)
    Sec. 605-105. Transfer from Department of Local Government Affairs.
    (a) To assume all rights, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the former Department of Local Government Affairs not pertaining to its property taxation related functions. Personnel, books, records, property and funds pertaining to those non-taxation related functions are transferred to the Department, but any rights of employees or the State under the "Personnel Code" or any other contract or plan shall be unaffected by this transfer.
    (b) After August 31, 1984 (the effective date of Public Act 83-1302), the power, formerly vested in the Department of Local Government Affairs and transferred to the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (now Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity), to administer the distribution of funds from the State treasury to reimburse counties where State penal institutions are located for the payment of assistant State's Attorneys' salaries under Section 7 of "An act concerning fees and salaries, and to classify the several counties of this state with reference thereto", approved March 29, 1872, as amended (repealed; now Section 4-2001 of the Counties Code, 55 ILCS 5/4-2001), shall be vested in the Department of Corrections pursuant to Section 3-2-2 of the Unified Code of Corrections.
(Source: P.A. 94-793, eff. 5-19-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-110) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.34)
    Sec. 605-110. Transfer from Governor's Office of Manpower and Human Development. To assume the rights, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Governor's Office of Manpower and Human Development. Personnel, books, records, property, and funds pertaining to the Governor's Office of Manpower and Human Development are transferred to the Department, but any rights of employees or the State under the Personnel Code or any other contract or plan shall be unaffected by this transfer.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-111) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.34a)
    Sec. 605-111. Transfer relating to the Illinois Main Street Program. To transfer from the Department to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor on July 1, 2009, all personnel, books, records, papers, documents, property both real and personal, and pending business in any way pertaining to the Illinois Main Street Program. All personnel transferred pursuant to this Section shall receive certified status under the Personnel Code. Executive Order 09-08, filed April 1, 2009, is hereby superseded and has no force or effect.
(Source: P.A. 96-136, eff. 8-7-09.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-112) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.34b)
    Sec. 605-112. Transfer relating to the State Data Center. To assume from the Executive Office of the Governor, Bureau of the Budget (now Governor's Office of Management and Budget), on July 1, 1999, all personnel, books, records, papers, documents, property both real and personal, and pending business in any way pertaining to the State Data Center, established pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the Census Bureau pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 1525. All personnel transferred pursuant to this Section shall receive certified status under the Personnel Code.
(Source: P.A. 94-793, eff. 5-19-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-115) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.36)
    Sec. 605-115. Transfer from State Housing Board and Department of Business and Economic Development. In addition to the duties and powers imposed elsewhere in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Department has the following powers:
        (1) To exercise the rights, powers, and duties vested

    (20 ILCS 605/605-200) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.7)
    Sec. 605-200. Official State planning agency. To act as the official State planning agency and to accept and use planning grants or other financial assistance from the federal government (1) for statewide comprehensive planning work including research and coordination activity directly related to urban needs and (2) for State and inter-state comprehensive planning and research and coordination activity related thereto. All such grants shall be subject to the terms and conditions prescribed by the federal government.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-205) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.39)
    Sec. 605-205. Planning; coordination with local and regional entities; Urban Planning Assistance Fund. The Department shall provide for liaison between the State and regional and local planning agencies and departments; perform state-wide planning as provided by law; provide assistance, counsel, and advice to local and regional planning agencies when so requested; and conduct research into local government problems as ordered by the Director. In performing this responsibility the Department shall have the power and duty to do the following:
    (1) Exercise the rights, powers, and duties provided in paragraph (11) of Section 605-115.
    (2) Accept and use planning grants or other financial assistance from the federal government, either directly or in receipt from the official State planning agency, in aid or for the provision of planning assistance (including surveys, land use studies, urban renewal plans, technical services, and other planning work, but excluding plans for specific public works): (i) to municipalities and counties; (ii) to any group of adjacent communities, incorporated or unincorporated, having common or related urban planning problems resulting from rapid urbanization; (iii) to coordinate planning activities directly related to urban needs; (iv) for official governmental planning agencies where rapid urbanization has resulted or is expected to result from the establishment of rapid and substantial expansion of a federal installation; and (v) to study and offer assistance for rural planning.
    (3) Approve applicants and project plans for loans or grants to local, regional, or area groups, associations, or other agencies that qualify for assistance under 42 U.S.C. 3161, et seq. and any subsequent federal or State legislation whose purpose is to assist economically distressed or depressed areas; and, for and in behalf of this State, accept, receive, and receipt for federal monies given by the federal government under any federal law to this State for economic redevelopment, assistance, surveys, or programs.
    (4) Cooperate with civic groups and local, State, and federal planning and development agencies.
    (5) Authorize counties, cities, and other local governmental units to enter into agreements, not in conflict with any law of the State of Illinois, with appropriate governmental units of an adjoining state or states for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in the comprehensive planning for the physical growth and development of metropolitan or other urban areas, provided that cooperation has been authorized by the adjoining state or states.
    (6) Provide that in an orderly manner the following funds collected and received by the Department shall be paid over to the State Treasurer for deposit in a separate fund hereinafter provided for in this Section: (i) funds received or collected from municipalities and counties and from any groups of adjacent communities pursuant to this Section and (ii) funds received or collected from the federal government to defray the cost for planning of those projects pursuant to the Federal Housing Act of 1954 or under any other Act of Congress by which federal funds may be made available for those purposes. Any such funds so collected or received shall be paid or turned over to and shall be held by the State Treasurer as ex officio custodian thereof, separate and apart from all public monies and funds of this State, and shall be known as the Urban Planning Assistance Fund, which shall be administered by the Department. All disbursements from the Fund shall be made only upon warrants of the State Comptroller drawn upon the State Treasurer as custodian of the fund upon vouchers signed by the Director or by the person or persons designated by the Director for that purpose. The Comptroller is authorized to draw the warrant upon vouchers so signed. The State Treasurer shall accept all warrants so signed and shall be released from liability for all payments made on those warrants.
    (7) Provide coordination between state-wide plans and plans of municipalities, counties, and regional planning agencies.
    (8) Collect, organize, and disseminate information on all matters pertaining to local government.
    (9) Make studies concerning local government boundary problems; provide advice and assistance to local governments on boundary questions; and perform other services related to local government boundary questions that the Director orders.
    (10) Cooperate with the Governor, other State departments and agencies, and local planning agencies in the preparation of state-wide plans relating to housing, redevelopment, urban renewal, rural development, and other matters that the Director orders.
    (11) Do all things necessary to make the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois effective.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-210) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.9)
    Sec. 605-210. Cooperation with civic groups and planning and development agencies. To cooperate with civic groups and local, State, and federal planning and development agencies.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-215)
    Sec. 605-215. Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee.
    (a) To coordinate the State's activities on and to act as a communications center for issues relating to current and former military bases in the State, the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee is created as an entity within the Department.
    (b) The Committee shall be composed of the following 7 ex officio members or their designees: the Lieutenant Governor, the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of Natural Resources, the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of Revenue, and the Adjutant General of the Department of Military Affairs. In addition, 4 members of the General Assembly shall be appointed, one each appointed by the President of the Senate, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. The chair and vice-chair of the committee, in consultation with the full Committee, shall appoint 8 public members to serve as representatives from the counties, or adjoining counties, of a current or former military base site as necessary to carry out the work of the Commission.
    (c) The Lieutenant Governor shall serve as chair of the Committee, and the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall serve as vice-chair and shall oversee the administration of the Committee and its functions. Expenses necessary to carry out the function of the Committee shall be shared among the agencies represented on the Committee pursuant to an interagency agreement and from funds appropriated for this purpose or from existing funds within the budgets of those agencies. General Assembly appointees shall serve for the duration of the General Assembly in which the appointee is appointed, but the appointee's term shall expire if the appointee no longer remains a member of that General Assembly. The Committee shall meet not less than quarterly.
    (d) Each member of the Committee must request reimbursement from his or her individual agency for actual and necessary expenses incurred while performing his or her duties as a member of the Committee. Public members shall be reimbursed from funds appropriated to the Department for that purpose.
    (e) The Committee shall provide advice and recommendations to the Department on the following:
        (1) The formation of a strategic plan for State and

    (20 ILCS 605/605-300) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.2)
    Sec. 605-300. Economic and business development plans; Illinois Business Development Council.
    (a) Economic development plans. The Department shall develop a strategic economic development plan for the State by July 1, 2014. By no later than July 1, 2015, and by July 1 annually thereafter, the Department shall make modifications to the plan as modifications are warranted by changes in economic conditions or by other factors, including changes in policy. In addition to the annual modification, the plan shall be reviewed and redeveloped in full every 5 years. In the development of the annual economic development plan, the Department shall consult with representatives of the private sector, other State agencies, academic institutions, local economic development organizations, local governments, and not-for-profit organizations. The annual economic development plan shall set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-sensitive goals and shall include a focus on areas of high unemployment or poverty.
    The term "economic development" shall be construed broadly by the Department and may include, but is not limited to, job creation, job retention, tax base enhancements, development of human capital, workforce productivity, critical infrastructure, regional competitiveness, social inclusion, standard of living, environmental sustainability, energy independence, quality of life, the effective use of financial incentives, the utilization of public private partnerships where appropriate, and other metrics determined by the Department.
    The plan shall be based on relevant economic data, focus on economic development as prescribed by this Section, and emphasize strategies to retain and create jobs.
    The plan shall identify and develop specific strategies for utilizing the assets of regions within the State defined as counties and municipalities or other political subdivisions in close geographical proximity that share common economic traits such as commuting zones, labor market areas, or other economically integrated characteristics.
    If the plan includes strategies that have a fiscal impact on the Department or any other agency, the plan shall include a detailed description of the estimated fiscal impact of such strategies.
    Prior to publishing the plan in its final form, the Department shall allow for a reasonable time for public input.
    The Department shall transmit copies of the economic development plan to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than July 1, 2014, and by July 1 annually thereafter. The plan and its corresponding modifications shall be published and made available to the public in both paper and electronic media, on the Department's website, and by any other method that the Department deems appropriate.
    The Department shall annually submit legislation to implement the strategic economic development plan or modifications to the strategic economic development plan to the Governor, the President and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. The legislation shall be in the form of one or more substantive bills drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
    (b) Business development plans; Illinois Business Development Council.
        (1) There is created the Illinois Business

    (20 ILCS 605/605-302)
    Sec. 605-302. Critical occupations and skill sets. Subject to appropriation, the Department shall conduct a study to identify current and projected shortages in critical occupations and specific skill sets within Illinois businesses and industries and shall devise strategies to alleviate any identified shortages. All State agencies shall cooperate with the Department in conducting the study. The study may build upon previous efforts by the Department, including studies conducted under its Critical Skills Shortage Initiative, which brought together private-sector employers and economic development entities as well as workforce, educational, and public-sector representatives to identify growth industries, industry skills shortages, and demand occupations, to determine root causes for the shortages, and to develop solutions to fill the skills gaps and worker shortages. The Department shall report the results of its study and its recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than February 1, 2009.
(Source: P.A. 95-966, eff. 9-23-08.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-305) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.44)
    Sec. 605-305. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by 91-476, eff. 8-11-99.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-310) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.3)
    Sec. 605-310. Collecting and assembling information. To collect and assemble, or cause to have collected and assembled, information regarding the following: industrial opportunities and possibilities of the State, including raw materials, and products that may be produced therefrom; power and water resources; transportation facilities; available markets; availability of labor; banking and financial facilities; availability of industrial sites; the advantages of the State as a whole and particular sections of the State as industrial, recreational, and tourist locations; and other matters the Department may deem desirable. To collect and assemble, or cause to have collected and assembled, and provide information on the technologies available for businesses to burn Illinois coal and the feasibility of those systems.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-312)
    Sec. 605-312. Advanced science and technology study. Subject to appropriation, the Department may conduct a research study regarding the creation of advanced science zones and other innovative policy proposals to encourage the creation of appropriately compensated high-skill and high-technology jobs in Illinois. The purpose of the study is to explore ways and means of stimulating growth, stabilization, and retention of advanced sciences in the State by means of relaxed government controls and tax incentives in those areas. The study shall provide, but not be limited to, detailed information including best practices for the creation and administration of advanced science zones in Illinois. The research study may also include data regarding the creation of financing programs and tax incentives for businesses and institutions located within advanced science zones. In conducting the research and in formulating its recommendations, the Department must be advised by and shall consult with the appropriate committees of the Senate and House of Representatives. The Department shall review and consider strategies, programs, and practices that have been implemented in other states and shall seek and consider the views and recommendations of both the public and private sectors. A copy of the completed research report shall be made available to members of the General Assembly upon their request no later than January 31, 2008.
(Source: P.A. 95-494, eff. 8-28-07.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-315) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.17)
    Sec. 605-315. Information regarding economic growth. To collect, assemble, and analyze statistics, data, and information regarding the growth and the strengthening of the economy of this State and all of its elements.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-320) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.5)
    Sec. 605-320. Encouragement of existing industries. To encourage the growth and expansion of industries now existing within the State by providing comprehensive business services and promoting interdepartmental cooperation for assistance to industries.
    As a condition of any financial incentives provided by the Department in the form of (1) tax credits and tax exemptions (other than given under tax increment financing) given as an incentive to a recipient business organization pursuant to an initial certification or an initial designation made by the Department under the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act, the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Act, and the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act, including the High Impact Business program, (2) grants or loans given to a recipient as an incentive to a business organization pursuant to the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Act, the Large Business Development Program, the Business Development Public Infrastructure Program, or the Industrial Training Program, the Department shall require the recipient of such financial incentives to report at least quarterly the number of jobs to be created or retained, or both created and retained, by the recipient as a result of the financial incentives, including the number of full-time, permanent jobs, the number of part-time jobs, and the number of temporary jobs. Further, the recipient of such financial incentives shall provide the Department at least annually a detailed list of the occupation or job classifications and number of new employees or retained employees to be hired in full-time, permanent jobs, a schedule of anticipated starting dates of the new hires and the actual average wage by occupation or job classification and total payroll to be created as a result of the financial incentives.
(Source: P.A. 98-397, eff. 8-16-13; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-323) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.76)
    Sec. 605-323. Energy assistance.
    (a) The Department may accept gifts, grants, awards, matching contributions, interest income, appropriations, and cost sharings from individuals, businesses, governments, and other third-party sources, on terms that the Director deems advisable, to assist eligible households, businesses, industries, educational institutions, hospitals, health care facilities, and not-for-profit entities to obtain and maintain reliable and efficient energy related services, or to improve the efficiency of such services.
    (b) (Blank).
(Source: P.A. 94-91, eff. 7-1-05.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-325) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19i)
    Sec. 605-325. Services network funding program. The Department is authorized to promulgate rules and make grants, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly for this purpose, to colleges, universities, trade associations, non-profit organizations, or consortia of for-profit businesses for research, development, promotion, implementation, or improvement related to or in support of manufacturer or producer services networks or group delivered services and activities. Grants to eligible applicants shall not exceed $100,000. The award shall not exceed 75% of the entire amount of the actual expenditures for the cooperative networks or group delivered services or activity unless that limit is waived by the Director.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-328)
    Sec. 605-328. Economic Development Matching Grants Program.
    (a) The Department, in its discretion, may establish a program of grants to be matched by economic development entities in the State to finance and promote local economic development. The Department is authorized to make grants, subject to appropriations by the General Assembly for this purpose, from the Economic Development Matching Grants Program Fund, a special fund created in the State treasury, to nonprofit organizations and local units of government whose primary objectives are to promote Illinois communities as sites for industrial and business location and expansion. The goal of the program is to enhance the marketing of Illinois by enabling regions and communities to market themselves and thereby attract new business and industry to the State and enhance the environment of growth for existing business and industry.
    (b) The applicant's proposed project must have a definable impact on business and industrial attraction, recruitment, or retention. Items eligible for funding consideration include, but are not limited to, specific, time-limited research studies related to industrial and business recruitment or retention, advertising and public relation expenses related to the applicant's proposed project, and production of printed materials and brochures, slide presentations and videotapes, and internet home pages for distribution to those involved in expansion or relocation activities.
    (c) In determining the recipients of the grants, consideration shall be given to the following factors:
        (1) Does the project demonstrate collaboration

    (20 ILCS 605/605-330) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.4)
    Sec. 605-330. Encouragement of new industries; use of Illinois coal. To encourage new industrial enterprises to locate in Illinois, by educational promotions pointing out the opportunities of the State as a commercial and industrial field of opportunity and by solicitation of industrial enterprises, and to encourage new enterprises to use equipment that utilizes Illinois coal.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-332)
    Sec. 605-332. Financial assistance to energy generation facilities.
    (a) As used in this Section:
    "New electric generating facility" means a newly-constructed electric generation plant or a newly constructed generation capacity expansion at an existing facility, including the transmission lines and associated equipment that transfers electricity from points of supply to points of delivery, and for which foundation construction commenced not sooner than July 1, 2001, which is designed to provide baseload electric generation operating on a continuous basis throughout the year and:
        (1) has an aggregate rated generating capacity of at

    (20 ILCS 605/605-335) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.4a)
    Sec. 605-335. Incentives to foreign firms.
    (a) For purposes of this Section:
    "Foreign firm" means any industrial or manufacturing enterprise that is domiciled in a nation other than the United States.
    "Incentives" means a loan or grant or offering, abatement, reduction, or deferral of any tax or regulation imposed by the State of Illinois or a unit of local government when the aggregate total of all those incentives will exceed $10,000.
    (b) Whenever the Department offers incentives to a foreign firm designed to result in the location or relocation of a facility in this State that will result in the creation of more than 25 new jobs, the Department shall prepare an economic impact study prior to the consummation of an agreement with the foreign firm. An economic impact study pursuant to this Section shall, if practical, include but not be limited to the following:
        (1) An analysis of the number of direct jobs to be

    (20 ILCS 605/605-337)
    Sec. 605-337. Restored vacant buildings; loan program. The Department may implement and administer a pilot program during fiscal years 2010 and 2011 to encourage businesses to restore, refurbish, and retrofit existing buildings that have been vacant for at least 90 continuous days so that a business is able to occupy the building as a retail, professional, corporate, manufacturing, assembly, or distribution business. Subject to appropriation, the Department may make interest free loans for this purpose, but loans may not be made for any building that would be used for residential purposes. Loans shall be for a term of 10 years, and the borrower must repay at least 5% of the original principal amount of the loan each year and the balance at the end of the term. On or before April 1, 2011, the Department shall report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the pilot program and recommend whether it should be extended.
(Source: P.A. 96-296, eff. 8-11-09.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-340) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.54)
    Sec. 605-340. Expenses of moving machinery or equipment. The Department shall annually include in the existing Community Development Assistance set-aside program monies for moving expenses as an allowable activity. The grants for moving expenses shall be for costs associated with the relocation of manufacturing machinery or equipment from another state or territory into Illinois or from one location in Illinois to another location in Illinois. No grant shall be made until the machinery or equipment has been relocated and installed. Grants shall be limited to the machinery or equipment actually transported and installed. No single grant shall exceed $100,000.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-345)
    Sec. 605-345. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 98-692, eff. 7-1-14.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-347)
    Sec. 605-347. Energy-efficient appliance information.
    (a) Before December 31, 2006, the Department may, subject to appropriation, provide information to the public on energy-efficient appliances by a hypertext link to the Energy Star Internet website maintained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or by compiling information about the Energy Star Program on the Department's website.
    (b) For the purpose of this Section, an "energy-efficient appliance" means any household appliance that qualifies as an "Energy Star" product under the Energy Star Program administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
(Source: P.A. 94-751, eff. 5-10-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-350) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.12)
    Sec. 605-350. Science and research facilities. To encourage the locating in Illinois of scientific and research development laboratories, industrial parks, and facilities and to cooperate with colleges, universities, non-profit professional societies, and governmental agencies to encourage the development and maximum utilization of science and research facilities.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-355) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19a in part)
    Sec. 605-355. Grants for research and development in high technology and service sectors.
    (a) The Department is authorized to establish a program of grants to universities, community colleges, research institutions, research consortiums, other not-for-profit entities, and Illinois businesses for the purpose of fostering research and development in the high technology and the service sector leading to the development of new products and services that can be marketed by Illinois businesses. All grant awards shall include a contract that may provide for payment of negotiated royalties to the Department if the product or service to be developed by the grantee is subsequently licensed for production.
    (b) Grants may be awarded to universities and research institutions to assist them in making their faculties and facilities available to Illinois businesses. The grants may be used by a university or research institution for purposes including but not limited to the following: (i) to establish or enhance computerized cataloging of all research labs and university staff and make those catalogues available to Illinois businesses; (ii) to market products developed by the university to Illinois businesses; (iii) to review publications in order to identify, catalog, and inform Illinois businesses of new practices in areas such as robotics and biotechnology; (iv) to build an on-line, information and technology system that relies on other computerized networks in the United States; and (v) to assist in securing temporary replacement for faculty who are granted a leave of absence from their teaching duties for the purpose of working full-time for an Illinois business to assist that business with technology transfer.
    (c) Grants may be awarded to universities and research institutions, research consortiums, and other not-for-profit entities for the purpose of identifying and supporting Illinois businesses engaged in high technology and service sector enterprises. The Illinois businesses identified and funded shall include recipients of Small Business Innovation Research Program funds under subsections (e) through (k) of Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638, subsections (e) through (k)). Entities receiving grants under this subsection (c) shall be known as commercialization centers and shall engage in one or more of the following activities:
        (1) Directing research assistance for new venture

    (20 ILCS 605/605-360) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19a in part)
    Sec. 605-360. Technology Innovation and Commercialization Grants-In-Aid Council. There is created within the Department a Technology Innovation and Commercialization Grants-in-Aid Council, which shall consist of 2 representatives of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, appointed by the Department; one representative of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, appointed by the Board; one representative of science or engineering, appointed by the Governor; two representatives of business, appointed by the Governor; one representative of small business, appointed by the Governor; one representative of the Department of Agriculture, appointed by the Director of Agriculture; and one representative of agribusiness, appointed by the Director of Agriculture. The Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall appoint one of the Department's representatives to serve as chairman of the Council. The Council members shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for their expenses actually incurred by them in the performance of their duties under this Section. The Department shall provide staff services to the Council. The Council shall provide for review and evaluation of all applications received by the Department under Section 605-355 and make recommendations on those projects to be funded. The Council shall also assist the Department in monitoring the projects and in evaluating the impact of the program on technological innovation and business development within the State.
(Source: P.A. 94-793, eff. 5-19-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-365) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19a in part)
    Sec. 605-365. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 93-839, eff. 7-30-04. Repealed internally, eff. 9-1-04.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-370) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.28)
    Sec. 605-370. Application of science and technology. To accept and use planning grants or other financial assistance from the federal government and from other sources set forth in Section 605-40 for support of planning studies and activities, performance of administrative functions, and technical services carried out under the State Technical Services Act of 1965, Public Law 89-182, and any subsequent legislation whose purpose is to achieve a wider diffusion and more effective application of science and technology in business, commerce, and industry. To cooperate with colleges, universities, non-profit organizations and associations, and governmental agencies and to sponsor programs and activities designed to encourage wider diffusion and more effective application of science and technology in business, commerce, and industry.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-375) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.58)
    Sec. 605-375. Undeveloped patents. To assist in the transfer of undeveloped patents held by institutions of higher education in this State to Illinois technology and business incubators for commercial development and application.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-380) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.60)
    Sec. 605-380. Identifying, developing, and commercializing technology. To cooperate with the Illinois Coalition for the purpose of administering programs the purpose of which is to identify, develop, or commercialize technology or to promote private sector efforts to identify, develop, or commercialize technology.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-385) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.62)
    Sec. 605-385. Technology Challenge Grant Program; Illinois Technology Enterprise Development and Investment Program. To establish and administer a Technology Challenge Grant Program and an Illinois Technology Enterprise Development and Investment Program as provided by the Technology Advancement and Development Act and to expend appropriations in accordance therewith.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00; 91-476, eff. 8-11-99; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-390)
    Sec. 605-390. Use of Illinois resident labor. To the extent permitted by any applicable federal law or regulation, for all work performed for State construction projects which are funded in whole or in part by a capital infrastructure bill enacted by the 96th General Assembly by sums appropriated to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, at least 50% of the total labor hours must be performed by actual residents of the State of Illinois. For purposes of this Section, "actual residents of the State of Illinois" means persons domiciled in the State of Illinois. The Department of Labor shall promulgate rules providing for the enforcement of this Section.
(Source: P.A. 96-37, eff. 7-13-09.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-400) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19c)
    Sec. 605-400. Office of Urban Assistance. The Department shall provide for, staff, and administer an Office of Urban Assistance, which shall plan and coordinate existing State programs designed to aid and stimulate the economic growth of depressed urban areas. Among other duties assigned by the Department, the Office shall have the following duties:
        (1) To coordinate the activities of the following

    (20 ILCS 605/605-405) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.5a)
    Sec. 605-405. Jobs and investment in economic development project area. To encourage the creation or retention of not less than 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs and that private investment in the amount of not less than $100,000,000 shall occur in an economic development project area as defined in the Economic Development Area Tax Increment Allocation Act: by securing by acquisition, gift, grant, exchange, or purchase the rights of way, easements, and fee simple titles that may be necessary to any and all real property required for site acquisition for use in retaining such industry or business concern; by improving or arranging to improve real property so acquired, including but not limited to local public infrastructure improvements; private structural improvements on the land; and by leasing or conveying the land or interest in land so acquired and so improved.
    For the purpose of this Section, "local public infrastructure improvements" means local roads and streets, access roads, bridges, and sidewalks; waste disposal systems, water and sewer line extensions, water distribution and purification facilities, and sewage treatment facilities; rail or air or water port improvements; gas and electric utility facilities; transit capital facilities; development and improvement of publicly owned industrial and commercial sites; or other public capital improvements that are an essential precondition to a business retention of that industry or business concern as defined in this Section.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-410) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19d)
    Sec. 605-410. Rural community development. The Department shall provide for staff for and administer a program in which the Department shall plan and coordinate State efforts designed to aid and stimulate the development of rural communities as well as other communities with special needs in order to improve their competitiveness for business retention, expansion, and attraction. Among other duties, the Department, through the program, may do all of the following:
    (1) Provide information, technical support, and assistance to local officials, including, but not limited to, assistance in grant applications, developing economic development strategies, and complying with State and federal laws and rules and regulations affecting local governments. All State agencies shall cooperate with the program to provide the necessary information, materials, and assistance to enable the Department to carry out its function in the program in an effective manner. Each agency shall designate an individual to serve as liaison to the program to provide information and materials and to respond to requests for assistance from communities selecting to work through this program.
    (2) Work with agencies in developing flexible regulations through a regulatory review program.
    (3) Evaluate and review the impact of existing economic development programs on the rural and special need communities selecting to work through this program.
    (4) Assist the communities in conducting self-assessments to identify specific industries and businesses in need of targeted assistance as well as actions that the community might take to become more competitive for business retention, expansion, and attraction.
    (5) Assist in formulating specific and measurable economic development objectives for rural and special need communities selecting to work through the program.
    (6) Administer the Rural Diversification Act.
    (7) Provide grants for the purposes described in this Section with funds as appropriated by the General Assembly.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-415)
    Sec. 605-415. Job Training and Economic Development Grant Program.
    (a) Legislative findings. The General Assembly finds that:
        (1) Despite the large number of unemployed job

    (20 ILCS 605/605-416)
    Sec. 605-416. Loans to qualified ex-offenders.
    (a) The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may establish an ex-offender business ownership grant and loan program. Funding for this program shall come from the Ex-Offender Fund. The Department shall provide grants to organizations and entities that work with ex-offenders and facilitate the reentry of ex-offenders into society. Organizations wishing to participate in the program must present an application to the Department in order to receive funding.
    (b) Funding distributed from the Ex-Offender Fund may be used only for the following purposes:
        (1) For the awarding of grants to organizations

    (20 ILCS 605/605-417)
    Sec. 605-417. International standardization assistance program.
    The Department may create a program for the assistance of Illinois manufacturers and other businesses to become accredited and reaccredited in approved international standardization organizations. This program is subject to appropriation and may provide for the collaboration of statewide manufacturing extension organizations and other providers of programs offering certification in international standardization organizations.
    The Department may promulgate rules regarding all aspects of the program of assistance provided for in this Section.
    For the purposes of this Section, an "international standardization organization" shall mean a recognized body that provides, for common and repeated use, rules, specifications, and criteria to be applied consistently in the classification of materials, in the manufacture and supply of products, in testing and analysis, in terminology, and in the provision of services and may include a reference framework or a common technological language between suppliers and their customers that facilitates trade and the transfer of technology.
(Source: P.A. 94-97, eff. 1-1-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-420) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.75)
    Sec. 605-420. Workforce, Technology, and Economic Development Fund.
    (a) The Department may accept gifts, grants, awards, matching contributions, interest income, appropriations, and cost sharings from individuals, businesses, governments, and other third-party sources, on terms that the Director deems advisable, for any or all of the following purposes:
        (1) (Blank);
        (2) to assist economically disadvantaged and other

    (20 ILCS 605/605-425)
    Sec. 605-425. Illinois Steel Development Board.
    (a) The Illinois Steel Development Board is established as an advisory board to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Board shall be composed of the following voting members: the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, who shall be Chairman of the Board, the Deputy Director of the Bureau of Business Development within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, 4 members of the General Assembly (one each appointed by the President of the Senate, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the House Minority Leader), and 8 persons appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Members appointed by the Governor must include: (1) one member shall be a member of the faculty of a school of business located within Illinois; (2) one member shall be a member of the faculty of a school of engineering located within Illinois; (3) one member shall represent a labor union that represents steelworkers; and (4) 5 members shall represent the Illinois steel industry, including but not limited to technology, transportation, financial, production, and use. Members appointed by the Governor shall be chosen from persons of recognized ability and experience in their designated field.    
    The members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of 4 years. The initial terms of the initial appointees shall expire on July 1, 2009. A member appointed by a legislative leader shall serve for the duration of the General Assembly for which he or she is appointed, so long as the member remains a member of that General Assembly.
    The Board shall meet at least annually or at the call of the Chairman. At any time the majority of the Board may petition the Chairman for a meeting of the Board. Nine members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
    Members of the Board shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred while performing their duties as members of the Board from funds appropriated to the Department for that purpose.
    (b) The Board shall provide advice and make recommendations to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on the following:
        (1) The development of an annual agenda that may

    (20 ILCS 605/605-430)
    Sec. 605-430. Funding; study. To ensure the availability of a quality health care workforce to meet present and future health care needs within the State, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may, subject to appropriation, conduct a study of the current and projected academic training capacity in the State of Illinois specific to the nursing profession. The study shall address the current supply and demand for masters-prepared nurses as nursing school faculty and set specific goals for recruiting and training new nursing faculty throughout the region. The study shall also determine the feasibility of the State engaging in the following activities: (i) the establishment of scholarship funds and work-study programs to help recruit potential new nursing school faculty, (ii) the creation of a system to regularly review and increase nurse faculty salary and benefits to make academic practice competitive with clinical practice, and (iii) the development of career track programs for academia that offer advancement and rewards for nursing school faculty comparable to those in clinical management. The study shall include the collaborative input of hospital and other health care provider associations and public and private educational institutions from throughout the State.
    Subject to the availability of State funds, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall complete the study by July 1, 2007 and shall present its findings to the General Assembly for consideration.
(Source: P.A. 94-970, eff. 6-30-06; 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-435)
    Sec. 605-435. Lifelong learning accounts; pilot program.
    (a) The Department may establish and maintain a pilot program to provide for and test the use of lifelong learning accounts for workers in the State's healthcare sector. For the purposes of this Section, "lifelong learning account" means an individual asset account held by a trustee, custodian, or fiduciary approved by the Department on behalf of a healthcare employee, the moneys in which may be used only to pay education expenses incurred by or on behalf of the account owner.
    (b) The Department, if administering a program under this Section:
        (1) may serve up to 500 healthcare workers;
        (2) must encourage the participation, in the program,

    (20 ILCS 605/605-450) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19g)
    Sec. 605-450. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 92-850, eff. 8-26-02.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-456)
    Sec. 605-456. Survey and report on business incentives.
    (a) The Department shall contact businesses that are located in the State or have been identified as having left the State. The Department shall request that the business complete a survey, developed by the Department, that includes information regarding (i) why the business left, if applicable, and the location to which the business relocated and (ii) any incentives that are needed to keep and attract the business.
    (b) The Department shall compile the results of the surveys and any other relevant information provided to the Department. By each July 1, the Department shall report to the General Assembly upon its compilation of the previous year's survey responses and any of the other relevant information. The report must identify, at a minimum, the most common responses, categorized by industry and region, regarding (i) why businesses left Illinois, (ii) what incentives would have influenced businesses to remain in Illinois, and (iii) to which cities and states the businesses have relocated.
    (c) For the purposes of this Section, a business is defined as one that is engaged in interstate or intrastate commerce for the purpose of manufacturing, processing, assembling, warehousing, or distributing products, conducting research and development, providing tourism services, or providing services in interstate commerce, office industries, or agricultural processing, but excluding retail, retail food, health, or professional services.
    (d) The Department shall adopt rules for the implementation of this Section.
(Source: P.A. 97-721, eff. 6-29-12.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-460)
    Sec. 605-460. Engineering excellence program.
    (a) Coordination between engineering schools and private business is an important tool in fostering innovation. Universities have eager students, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art research facilities. Businesses have existing markets, production capital, and evolving needs. The General Assembly believes that universities and businesses should share resources to allow students to participate in the research and development area of innovative design and to allow businesses to benefit from the developing skills of these students.
    (b) In order to facilitate engineering excellence, the Department shall develop a program to achieve the goals set forth in subsection (a). Under this program, the Department must:
        (1) Annually contact the State's major public and

    (20 ILCS 605/605-465)
    Sec. 605-465. Comprehensive website information.
    (a) The Department's official website must contain a comprehensive list of State, local, and federal economic benefits available to businesses in each of the State's counties and municipalities that the Department includes on its website. In order to do so:
        (1) The Department annually must request a summary of

    (20 ILCS 605/605-490) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.10)
    Sec. 605-490. Recommending legislation. To recommend legislation relating to the economic development of the State.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-495) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19)
    Sec. 605-495. Other acts to foster and promote industrial development and economic welfare. To do other acts that, in the judgment of the Department, are necessary and proper in fostering and promoting the industrial development and economic welfare of the State. The Department, however, shall have no power to require reports from or to regulate any business.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-500) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.13)
    Sec. 605-500. Business Assistance Office. To create a Business Assistance Office to do the following:
    (1) Provide information to new and existing businesses for all State government forms and applications and make this information readily available through a business permit center. The Office shall not assume any regulatory function. All State agencies shall cooperate with the business permit center to provide the necessary information, materials, and assistance to enable the center to carry out its function in an effective manner. Each agency shall designate an individual to serve as liaison to the center to provide information and materials and to respond to requests for assistance from businesses.
    (2) Provide technical and managerial assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses by (i) contracting with local development organizations, chambers of commerce, and industry or trade associations with technical and managerial expertise located in the State, whenever possible, and (ii) establishing a network of small business development centers throughout the State.
    (3) Assess the fiscal impact of proposed rules upon small business and work with agencies in developing flexible regulations through a regulatory review program.
    (4) Provide detailed and comprehensive assistance to businesses interested in obtaining federal or State government contracts through a network of local procurement centers. The Department shall make a special and continuing effort to assist minority and female owned businesses, including but not limited to the designation of special minority and female business advocates, and shall make additional efforts to assist those located in labor surplus areas. The Department shall, through its network of local procurement centers, make every effort to provide opportunities for small businesses to participate in the procurement process. The Department shall utilize one or more of the following techniques. These techniques are to be in addition to any other procurement requirements imposed by Public Act 83-1341 or by any other Act.
        (A) Advance notice by the Department or other

    (20 ILCS 605/605-505) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.15)
    Sec. 605-505. Aid in obtaining governmental and private services. To aid Illinois businesses in obtaining services available from governmental and private sources.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-510) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19h)
    Sec. 605-510. Study of laws affecting small business. To study the effect of laws affecting small business to determine whether those laws impede the creation of small businesses or create economic damages for any small business group that may jeopardize the small business group's continuation in the marketplace or its valuable contribution to the economic growth of this State. The study may be conducted in cooperation with the department or agency administering the law whose effect is the subject of the study. A general study of the laws affecting the creation of small businesses in this State may be undertaken by the Department and the results reported to the Governor and the General Assembly.
    An economic impact review may be made at least every 2 years, and pertinent information shall be gathered from the business segment affected to determine whether the laws need amendment to relieve business losses while retaining the substance of the legislation, or whether the original purpose has been accomplished and the laws should be repealed. The review shall be reported to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the administrating State agency, as well as to the business associations most directly representing the business group involved.
    The Director may appoint a task force to assist the Department in conducting the studies and reviews required under this Section. The task force will consist of persons representing small business and persons representing the affected State departments and agencies. Members of the task force shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses in connection with their duties out of money available to the Department for that purpose.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00; 92-298, eff. 8-9-01.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-512) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.70)
    Sec. 605-512. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 92-16, eff. 6-28-01. Repealed internally, eff. 12-31-04.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-515) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.13a)
    Sec. 605-515. Environmental Regulatory Assistance Program.
    (a) In this Section, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, "small business stationary source" means a business that is owned or operated by a person that employs 100 or fewer individuals; is a small business; is not a major stationary source as defined in Titles I and III of the federal 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments; does not emit 50 tons or more per year of any regulated pollutant (as defined under the federal Clean Air Act); and emits less than 75 tons per year of all regulated pollutants.
    (b) The Department may:
        (1) Provide access to technical and compliance

    (20 ILCS 605/605-520) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.63)
    Sec. 605-520. Grants to businesses in municipal central business districts. To award grants to businesses in central business districts of municipalities to encourage and assist the businesses in maintaining their operations in those areas.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-523)
    Sec. 605-523. Downtown development and improvement revolving loan and grant program. As used in this Section, "downtown" means the traditional center business district of a municipality that (i) has served as the center for socio-economic interaction in the municipality, (ii) is characterized by a cohesive core of commercial and mixed use buildings that may be interspersed with civic, religious, and residential buildings and public spaces, and (iii) is typically arranged along a main street and intersecting side streets and served by public infrastructure.
    (a) The Department may administer the Downtown Development and Improvement Fund, a special fund in the State treasury, to make revolving loans and grants, subject to appropriation, to municipalities seeking financial assistance with the development and improvement of commercial or residential property in the downtown area of a municipality.
    (b) The Department shall grant or loan the funds only for projects that are part of a downtown revitalization plan approved by the corporate authorities of the municipality and that meet guidelines established by the Department by rule. In establishing those guidelines, the Department shall consult recognized standards and guidelines for the development of downtown areas, including standards and guidelines for the development of historically significant buildings and property.
    (c) The funds shall be used for the following purposes:
        (1) facade improvements;
        (2) leasehold improvements, including: (i) interior

    (20 ILCS 605/605-524)
    Sec. 605-524. Green manufacturing grant program.
    (a) The Department shall administer the Green Manufacturing Grant Fund, a special fund in the State treasury, to make grants, subject to appropriation, to manufacturers with 500 or fewer employees toward the cost of capital equipment that will reduce environmental impact and achieve cost savings.
    (b) The Department shall make grants only for projects that meet guidelines established by the Department by rule. In establishing those guidelines, the Department shall consult recognized standards and guidelines for green manufacturing.
    (c) The funds may be used for the following purposes:
        (1) improving air quality and reducing emissions and

    (20 ILCS 605/605-525) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.55)
    Sec. 605-525. Minority Controlled and Female Controlled Business Loan Board. There is hereby created a Minority Controlled and Female Controlled Businesses Loan Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board, consisting of 6 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. No more than 3 members shall be of the same political party. For the initial appointments to the Board, 3 members shall be appointed to serve a 2 year term and 3 members shall be appointed to serve a 4 year term. Successor members shall serve for terms of 4 years.
    The Board shall maintain an office in each of the following areas: Alexander or Pulaski County, East St. Louis, and the City of Chicago. For the purpose of this Act, the terms "minority person", "female", "minority owned business" and "female owned business" shall have the definitions of those terms provided in Section 2 of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act.
    The Board shall have the authority to make direct grants and low interest loans to minority controlled businesses and female controlled businesses in East St. Louis, the City of Chicago, and either Alexander County or Pulaski County from appropriations for that purpose to the Department. The Board shall establish and publish guidelines to be followed in making the grants and loans.
    Grant funds will be allowed to reimburse businesses for expenses incurred in the preparation of proposals that are accepted for loan assistance and to maintain administering offices in each of the 4 target areas. Loan funds will be awarded at a cost of no more than 3% per annum for up to 20 years to businesses that are existing or proposed.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-550) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.71)
    Sec. 605-550. Model domestic violence and sexual assault employee awareness and assistance policy.
    (a) The Department shall convene a task force including members of the business community, employees, employee organizations, representatives from the Department of Labor, and directors of domestic violence and sexual assault programs, including representatives of statewide advocacy organizations for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault, to develop a model domestic violence and sexual assault employee awareness and assistance policy for businesses.
    The Department shall give due consideration to the recommendations of the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for participation by any person on the task force, and shall make reasonable efforts to assure regional balance in membership.
    (b) The purpose of the model employee awareness and assistance policy shall be to provide businesses with the best practices, policies, protocols, and procedures in order that they ascertain domestic violence and sexual assault awareness in the workplace, assist affected employees, and provide a safe and helpful working environment for employees currently or potentially experiencing the effects of domestic violence or sexual assault. The model plan shall include but not be limited to:
        (1) the establishment of a definite corporate policy

    (20 ILCS 605/605-575) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.69)
    Sec. 605-575. State building requirements. After the Department has received the recommendations from the Illinois Building Commission, the Department shall establish a consolidated clearinghouse containing all existing State building requirements and all information concerning those requirements. The Department shall make the information available to the public upon request. The Department shall assist the public in determining which State building requirements apply to any specified project.
(Source: P.A. 90-269, eff. 1-1-98; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-600) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19f)
    Sec. 605-600. Buy Illinois Program. The Department shall have the authority to establish and administer a Buy Illinois Program, which may include, but is not limited to, the following powers and duties:
    (1) To accept grants, loans, or appropriations from the federal government or the State or any agency or instrumentality thereof, and to assess fees for any services performed under the Buy Illinois Program, to carry out the program.
    (2) To form a Buy Illinois Council, made up of Illinois large firms and small firms, to provide advice and counsel in directing a statewide program.
    (3) To publicize and advertise to Illinois firms and government agencies the importance and benefits of buying goods and services provided by vendors located within the State.
    (4) To secure the cooperation of Illinois' large firms, federal, State and local governments, non-profit agencies, international organizations, and others to carry out this program.
    (5) To match the needs for products and services by business firms and government agencies with the capabilities of small Illinois firms that can provide those needed goods and services.
    (6) To hold purchasing agent seminars, fairs, conferences and workshops to aid small Illinois businesses in obtaining contracts for goods and services from larger firms and government agencies within the State.
    (7) To assist business firms and government agencies to analyze their buying activities and to find ways to carry out those activities in an effective and economical manner, while promoting subcontract activity with small Illinois firms.
    (8) To establish manual and electronic buying directories, including stand alone computer data bases that list qualified vendors and procurement opportunities.
    (9) To promote through other means the use by international agencies, government agencies, and larger businesses of products and services produced by small Illinois firms.
    (10) To subcontract, grant funds, or otherwise participate with qualified private firms, existing procurement centers, or other organizations that have designed programs approved in accordance with procedures determined by the Department, that are aimed at assisting small Illinois firms in obtaining contracts for products and services from local government agencies and larger Illinois businesses.
    (11) To develop and administer guidelines for projects that provide assistance to the Department in connection with the Buy Illinois Program.
    (12) To form the Illinois Food Systems Policy Council to develop policies around food access and security, improve individual health and well-being, promote economic incentives for Illinois farmers, agri-businesses, and other private enterprises, and encourage public/private partnerships around healthy food options. Membership on the Council shall include the Director or Secretary, or his or her designee, of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Central Management Services, the State Board of Education, and the Food Nutrition and Education Program. The Council shall consult with farmers and farm associations, businesses and business associations, including agri-businesses and food processing businesses, and community based organizations, including those working on food access, security, and delivery and on obesity prevention. Administration of the Council and its functions shall be shared among the Council members pursuant to an interagency agreement from funds appropriated for this purpose or from existing funds within the budgets of the Council's members. The Council may submit, in consultation and collaboration with the associations, businesses, organizations, and entities listed in this Section, an annual report to the General Assembly describing the Council's work, which may include performance indicators to measure the impact of policies and practices adopted by the Council.
(Source: P.A. 94-77, eff. 1-1-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-605) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.57)
    Sec. 605-605. Illinois Product and Services Exchange Law.
    (a) This Section may be cited as the Illinois Product and Services Exchange Law.
    (b) It is hereby found and declared that many large Illinois firms and government agencies are purchasing products and services from vendors in locations other than Illinois, and that there is a need to assist those large businesses and government agencies in locating Illinois vendors who can provide those products and services of equal quality and at comparable or lower costs; it is further found and declared that the purchase of needed products and services within the State by large firms and government agencies would aid the survival and expansion of small businesses in Illinois and help to strengthen the State's economy.
    (c) As used in this Section, "Illinois Product and Services Exchange" means a program aimed at promoting the purchase of goods and services produced in Illinois by firms and government agencies within the State.
    (d) The Department shall have the authority to establish and administer an Illinois Product and Services Exchange Program, which may include, but is not limited to, the following powers and duties:
        (1) To accept grants, loans, or appropriations from

    (20 ILCS 605/605-607)
    Sec. 605-607. Promoting government contracts to small manufacturers. To create and maintain a program that generates awareness among Illinois small manufacturers regarding opportunities to bid for work on federal, State, and local government contracts.
(Source: P.A. 94-437, eff. 1-1-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-610) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.14)
    Sec. 605-610. Assistance with foreign trade. To assist Illinois businesses to engage in, expand, and increase foreign trade.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-615) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19e)
    Sec. 605-615. Assistance with exports. The Department shall have the following duties and responsibilities in regard to the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois:
    (1) To establish or cosponsor mentoring conferences, utilizing experienced manufacturing exporters, to explain and provide information to prospective export manufacturers and businesses concerning the process of exporting to both domestic and international opportunities.
    (2) To provide technical assistance to prospective export manufacturers and businesses seeking to establish domestic and international export opportunities.
    (3) To coordinate with the Department's Small Business Development Centers to link buyers with prospective export manufacturers and businesses.
    (4) To promote, both domestically and abroad, products made in Illinois in order to inform consumers and buyers of their high quality standards and craftsmanship.
    (5) To provide technical assistance toward establishment of export trade corporations in the private sector.
    (6) To develop an electronic data base to compile information on international trade and investment activities in Illinois companies, provide access to research and business opportunities through external data bases, and connect this data base through international communication systems with appropriate domestic and worldwide networks users.
    (7) To collect and distribute to foreign commercial libraries directories, catalogs, brochures, and other information of value to foreign businesses considering doing business in this State.
    (8) To establish an export finance awareness program to provide information to banking organizations about methods used by banks to provide financing for businesses engaged in exporting and about other State and federal programs to promote and expedite export financing.
    (9) To undertake a survey of Illinois' businesses to identify exportable products and the businesses interested in exporting.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00; 91-357, eff. 7-29-99; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-620) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.24)
    Sec. 605-620. Exports of professional services and agricultural and manufactured products. In cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and the International Trade and Port Promotion Advisory Committee, to (i) provide assistance to those manufacturing and service companies that desire to export agricultural machinery, implements, equipment, other manufactured products, and professional services; (ii) encourage Illinois companies to initiate exporting or increase their export sales of agricultural and manufactured products; (iii) cooperate with agencies and instrumentalities of the federal government in trade development activities in overseas markets; (iv) conduct the necessary research within Illinois and in overseas markets in order to assist exporting companies; (v) promote the State of Illinois as a source of agricultural and manufactured products through information and promotion campaigns overseas; and (vi) conduct an information program for foreign buyers of Illinois agricultural and manufactured products.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-625) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.25)
    Sec. 605-625. Promotion of water ports and airport facilities. In cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and the International Trade and Port Promotion Advisory Committee, to (i) establish a freight rate information service for U.S. and foreign shippers; (ii) promote the advantages of Illinois water ports and existing airport facilities through appropriate means and media in this country and overseas; and (iii) cooperate with the export expansion projects and any other activity that results in the additional flow of agricultural and manufactured products through the Illinois water ports and existing airport facilities.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-630) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.26)
    Sec. 605-630. Overseas offices. In cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and with the counsel of the International Trade and Port Promotion Advisory Committee, to establish overseas offices for (i) the promotion of the export of Illinois agricultural and manufactured products; (ii) representation of Illinois seaports; (iii) economic development; and (iv) tourism promotion and services.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-675) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.66)
    Sec. 605-675. Exporter award program. The Department may establish and operate, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Finance Authority, an annual awards program to recognize Illinois-based exporters. In developing criteria for the awards, the Department shall give consideration to the exporting efforts of small and medium sized businesses, first-time exporters, and other appropriate categories.
(Source: P.A. 96-739, eff. 1-1-10.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-680)
    Sec. 605-680. Illinois goods and services website.
    (a) The Department must establish and maintain an Internet website devoted to the marketing of Illinois goods and services by linking potential purchasers with producers of goods and services who are located in the State.
    (b) The Department must advertise the website to encourage inclusion of producers on the website and to encourage the use of the website by potential purchasers.
(Source: P.A. 93-868, eff. 1-1-05.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-685)
    Sec. 605-685. Business park certification program.
    (a) The Department may, subject to appropriation, establish and maintain a program devoted to encouraging the rapid establishment of businesses and employers in business parks by developing standards for the development, location, and maintenance of business parks in the State and by certifying business parks that meet or exceed those standards.
    (b) The Department may, subject to appropriation, advertise the program to encourage business park certification and business development and location in certified business parks.
    (c) The Department must adopt rules to administer the provisions of this Section.
    (d) A business park that meets the Department's certification standards and that was established before the effective date of this amendatory Act may receive certification under the program.
(Source: P.A. 94-598, eff. 1-1-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-700) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.6)
    Sec. 605-700. Tourism promotion. To encourage and promote tourism within the State.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-705) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.6a)
    Sec. 605-705. Grants to local tourism and convention bureaus.
    (a) To establish a grant program for local tourism and convention bureaus. The Department will develop and implement a program for the use of funds, as authorized under this Act, by local tourism and convention bureaus. For the purposes of this Act, bureaus eligible to receive funds are those local tourism and convention bureaus that are (i) either units of local government or incorporated as not-for-profit organizations; (ii) in legal existence for a minimum of 2 years before July 1, 2001; (iii) operating with a paid, full-time staff whose sole purpose is to promote tourism in the designated service area; and (iv) affiliated with one or more municipalities or counties that support the bureau with local hotel-motel taxes. After July 1, 2001, bureaus requesting certification in order to receive funds for the first time must be local tourism and convention bureaus that are (i) either units of local government or incorporated as not-for-profit organizations; (ii) in legal existence for a minimum of 2 years before the request for certification; (iii) operating with a paid, full-time staff whose sole purpose is to promote tourism in the designated service area; and (iv) affiliated with multiple municipalities or counties that support the bureau with local hotel-motel taxes. Each bureau receiving funds under this Act will be certified by the Department as the designated recipient to serve an area of the State. Notwithstanding the criteria set forth in this subsection (a), or any rule adopted under this subsection (a), the Director of the Department may provide for the award of grant funds to one or more entities if in the Department's judgment that action is necessary in order to prevent a loss of funding critical to promoting tourism in a designated geographic area of the State.
    (b) To distribute grants to local tourism and convention bureaus from appropriations made from the Local Tourism Fund for that purpose. Of the amounts appropriated annually to the Department for expenditure under this Section prior to July 1, 2011, one-third of those monies shall be used for grants to convention and tourism bureaus in cities with a population greater than 500,000. The remaining two-thirds of the annual appropriation prior to July 1, 2011 shall be used for grants to convention and tourism bureaus in the remainder of the State, in accordance with a formula based upon the population served. Of the amounts appropriated annually to the Department for expenditure under this Section beginning July 1, 2011, 18% of such moneys shall be used for grants to convention and tourism bureaus in cities with a population greater than 500,000. Of the amounts appropriated annually to the Department for expenditure under this Section beginning July 1, 2011, 82% of such moneys shall be used for grants to convention bureaus in the remainder of the State, in accordance with a formula based upon the population served. The Department may reserve up to 10% of total local tourism funds available for costs of administering the program to conduct audits of grants, to provide incentive funds to those bureaus that will conduct promotional activities designed to further the Department's statewide advertising campaign, to fund special statewide promotional activities, and to fund promotional activities that support an increased use of the State's parks or historic sites. The Department shall require that any convention and tourism bureau receiving a grant under this Section that requires matching funds shall provide matching funds equal to no less than 50% of the grant amount. During fiscal year 2013, the Department shall reserve $2,000,000 of the available local tourism funds for appropriation to the Historic Preservation Agency for the operation of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and State historic sites.
(Source: P.A. 97-617, eff. 10-26-11; 97-732, eff. 6-30-12; 98-252, eff. 8-9-13.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-707) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.6d)
    Sec. 605-707. International Tourism Program.
    (a) The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity must establish a program for international tourism. The Department shall develop and implement the program on January 1, 2000 by rule. As part of the program, the Department may work in cooperation with local convention and tourism bureaus in Illinois in the coordination of international tourism efforts at the State and local level. The Department may (i) work in cooperation with local convention and tourism bureaus for efficient use of their international tourism marketing resources, (ii) promote Illinois in international meetings and tourism markets, (iii) work with convention and tourism bureaus throughout the State to increase the number of international tourists to Illinois, (iv) provide training, research, technical support, and grants to certified convention and tourism bureaus, (v) provide staff, administration, and related support required to manage the programs under this Section, and (vi) provide grants for the development of or the enhancement of international tourism attractions.
    (b) The Department shall make grants for expenses related to international tourism and pay for the staffing, administration, and related support from the International Tourism Fund, a special fund created in the State Treasury. Of the amounts deposited into the Fund in fiscal year 2000 after January 1, 2000 through fiscal year 2011, 55% shall be used for grants to convention and tourism bureaus in Chicago (other than the City of Chicago's Office of Tourism) and 45% shall be used for development of international tourism in areas outside of Chicago. Of the amounts deposited into the Fund in fiscal year 2001 and thereafter, 55% shall be used for grants to convention and tourism bureaus in Chicago, and of that amount not less than 27.5% shall be used for grants to convention and tourism bureaus in Chicago other than the City of Chicago's Office of Tourism, and 45% shall be used for administrative expenses and grants authorized under this Section and development of international tourism in areas outside of Chicago, of which not less than $1,000,000 shall be used annually to make grants to convention and tourism bureaus in cities other than Chicago that demonstrate their international tourism appeal and request to develop or expand their international tourism marketing program, and may also be used to provide grants under item (vi) of subsection (a) of this Section. All of the amounts deposited into the Fund in fiscal year 2012 and thereafter shall be used for administrative expenses and grants authorized under this Section and development of international tourism in areas outside of Chicago, of which not less than $1,000,000 shall be used annually to make grants to convention and tourism bureaus in cities other than Chicago that demonstrate their international tourism appeal and request to develop or expand their international tourism marketing program, and may also be used to provide grants under item (vi) of subsection (a) of this Section. Amounts appropriated to the State Comptroller for administrative expenses and grants authorized by the Illinois Global Partnership Act are payable from the International Tourism Fund.
    (c) A convention and tourism bureau is eligible to receive grant moneys under this Section if the bureau is certified to receive funds under Title 14 of the Illinois Administrative Code, Section 550.35. To be eligible for a grant, a convention and tourism bureau must provide matching funds equal to the grant amount. The Department shall require that any convention and tourism bureau receiving a grant under this Section that requires matching funds shall provide matching funds equal to no less than 50% of the grant amount. In certain circumstances as determined by the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, however, the City of Chicago's Office of Tourism or any other convention and tourism bureau may provide matching funds equal to no less than 50% of the grant amount to be eligible to receive the grant. One-half of this 50% may be provided through in-kind contributions. Grants received by the City of Chicago's Office of Tourism and by convention and tourism bureaus in Chicago may be expended for the general purposes of promoting conventions and tourism.
(Source: P.A. 97-617, eff. 10-26-11; 97-732, eff. 6-30-12; 98-252, eff. 8-9-13.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-710)
    Sec. 605-710. Regional tourism development organizations.
    (a) The Department may, subject to appropriation, provide grants from the Tourism Promotion Fund for the administrative costs of not-for-profit regional tourism development organizations that assist the Department in developing tourism throughout a multi-county geographical area designated by the Department. Regional tourism development organizations receiving funds under this Section may be required by the Department to submit to audits of contracts awarded by the Department to determine whether the regional tourism development organization has performed all contractual obligations under those contracts.
    Every employee of a regional tourism development organization receiving funds under this Section shall disclose to the organization's governing board and to the Department any economic interest that employee may have in any entity with which the regional tourism development organization has contracted or to which the regional tourism development organization has granted funds.
    (b) The Department, from moneys transferred from the General Revenue Fund to the Tourism Promotion Fund and appropriated from the Tourism Promotion Fund, shall first provide funding of $5,000,000 annually to a governmental entity with at least 2,000,000 square feet of exhibition space that has as part of its duties the promotion of cultural, scientific and trade exhibits and events within a county with a population of more than 3,000,000, to be used for any of the governmental entity's general corporate purposes.
(Source: P.A. 92-11, eff. 6-11-01; 92-38, eff. 6-28-01; 92-651, eff. 7-11-02.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-715) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.59)
    Sec. 605-715. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 91-798, eff. 7-9-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-720) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.16)
    Sec. 605-720. Publicizing Illinois facilities and attractions. To encourage and assist the efforts of other public and private organizations or groups of citizens to publicize the facilities and attractions of Illinois.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-725)
    Sec. 605-725. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 96-898, eff. 5-27-10. Repealed by P.A. 97-617, eff. 10-26-11.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-750)
    Sec. 605-750. Posting requirements; Illinois Workforce Investment Board. The Department must comply with the Internet posting requirements set forth in Section 7.2 of the Illinois Workforce Investment Board Act. The information must be posted on the Department's Internet website no later than 30 days after the Department receives the information from the Illinois Workforce Investment Board.
(Source: P.A. 97-356, eff. 1-1-12.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-800) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19a in part)
    Sec. 605-800. Training grants for skills in critical demand.
    (a) Grants to provide training in fields affected by critical demands for certain skills may be made as provided in this Section.
    (b) The Director may make grants to eligible employers or to other eligible entities on behalf of employers as authorized in subsection (c) to provide training for employees in fields for which there are critical demands for certain skills. No participating employee may be an unauthorized alien, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324a.
    (c) The Director may accept applications for training grant funds and grant requests from: (i) entities sponsoring multi-company eligible employee training projects as defined in subsection (d), including business associations, strategic business partnerships, institutions of secondary or higher education, large manufacturers for supplier network companies, federal Job Training Partnership Act administrative entities or grant recipients, and labor organizations when those projects will address common training needs identified by participating companies; and (ii) individual employers that are undertaking eligible employee training projects as defined in subsection (d), including intermediaries and training agents.
    (d) The Director may make grants to eligible applicants as defined in subsection (c) for employee training projects that include, but need not be limited to, one or more of the following:
        (1) Training programs in response to new or changing

    (20 ILCS 605/605-805) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19a in part)
    Sec. 605-805. Federal Job-Training Information Systems Revolving Fund. There is hereby created a special fund in the State treasury to be known as the Federal Job-Training Information Systems Revolving Fund. On September 1, 2000, or as soon thereafter as may be reasonably practicable, the State Comptroller shall transfer all unobligated funds from the Federal Job-Training Information Systems Revolving Fund into the Title III Social Security and Employment Fund. Moneys collected pursuant to subsection (g) of Section 605-800 may be used, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, only for the purpose of financing the maintenance and operation of the automated Federal Job-Training Information Systems described in that subsection.
(Source: P.A. 90-454, eff. 8-16-97; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00; 91-704, eff. 7-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-807)
    Sec. 605-807. Federal Workforce Training Fund.
    (a) The Federal Workforce Training Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. The Department may accept gifts, grants, awards, matching contributions, interest income, appropriations, and cost sharings from individuals, businesses, governments, and other third party sources, on terms that the Director deems advisable. Moneys received under this Section may be expended for purposes consistent with the conditions under which those moneys are received, subject to appropriations made by the General Assembly for those purposes.
    (b) Beginning on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly, all moneys received by the State pursuant to the federal Workforce Investment Act or Section 403(a)(5) of the federal Social Security Act shall be deposited into the Federal Workforce Training Fund, to be used for purposes consistent with the conditions under which those moneys are received by the State, except that any moneys received pursuant to the federal Workforce Investment Act and necessary to pay liabilities incurred in connection with that Act and outstanding as of June 30, 2003, or any moneys received pursuant to Section 403(a)(5) of the federal Social Security Act and necessary to pay liabilities incurred in connection with that Act and outstanding as of June 30, 2003, shall be deposited into the Title III Social Security and Employment Fund.
    On September 1, 2003, or as soon thereafter as may be reasonably practical, the State Comptroller shall transfer all unobligated moneys received by the State pursuant to the federal Workforce Investment Act or Section 403(a)(5) of the federal Social Security Act from the Title III Social Security and Employment Fund to the Federal Workforce Training Fund. The moneys transferred pursuant to this Amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly may be used or expended for purposes consistent with the conditions under which those moneys were received by the State.
    (c) Beginning on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly, all moneys received by the State pursuant to the federal Illinois Trade Adjustment Assistance Program shall be deposited into the Federal Workforce Training Fund, to be used for purposes consistent with the conditions under which those moneys are received by the State, except that any moneys received pursuant to the federal Illinois Trade Adjustment Assistance Program and necessary to pay liabilities incurred in connection with that program and outstanding as of June 30, 2003, shall be deposited into the Title III Social Security and Employment Fund.
    On July 1, 2003 or as soon thereafter as may be reasonably practical, the State Comptroller shall make one or more transfers of all moneys received by the State pursuant to the federal Illinois Trade Adjustment Assistance Program in excess of those necessary to pay liabilities in connection with that program and outstanding as of June 30, 2003 from the Title III Social Security and Employment Fund to the Federal Workforce Training Fund. The moneys transferred pursuant to this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly may be used or expended for purposes consistent with the conditions under which those moneys were received by the State.
(Source: P.A. 93-25, eff. 6-20-03.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-810) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19a in part)
    Sec. 605-810. Reemployment of former employees. When the Department is involved in developing a federal or State funded training or retraining program for any employer, the Department may assist and encourage that employer in making every effort to reemploy individuals previously employed at the facility. Further, the Department may provide a list of those employees to the employer for consideration for reemployment. This requirement shall be in effect when all of the following conditions are met:
        (1) The employer is reopening, or is proposing to

    (20 ILCS 605/605-812)
    Sec. 605-812. Employment opportunities grant program.
    (a) The Department shall administer a grant program to expand employment opportunities for targeted populations in eligible grant areas in Illinois. The goal of the program shall be to expand the number of people in targeted populations who enter and complete building trades apprenticeship programs and achieve journey-level status within a building trades union.
    (b) All successful grant applicants shall be required to partner with a joint labor and management-sponsored apprenticeship program or programs. All successful grant applicants must provide participating individuals with paid employment opportunities while participating in the program.
    (c) The Department shall establish criteria for (i) prioritizing grant requests from eligible grant applicants and (ii) determining what project activities qualify for funding. Entities eligible to apply for grant funding shall include: community-based organizations and educational institutions. These eligible entities shall have the following capabilities: a demonstrated expertise in serving targeted populations; knowledge of the construction industry; demonstrated success in placing clients in employment; previous experience offering employment services for targeted populations; and expertise in preparing workers for employment in the building trades.
    (d) The Department shall determine the targeted populations to be served by the program. The Department shall establish geographic boundaries of eligible grant areas.
    (e) The Department shall require all successful grant applicants to report quarterly on implementation of planned activities and success in reaching key milestones. Successful grant applicants must also maintain and report individual-level information on types of services received and resulting outcomes, including placement into specific apprenticeship programs.
    (f) The Department shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly on December 31, 2007 and on December 31 of each year thereafter as long as grant-funded activities are provided on the activities undertaken by all successful grant applicants. The report shall include an evaluation of those activities and their success in assisting participating individuals to enter and complete building trades apprenticeship programs and achieve journey-level status.
(Source: P.A. 94-839, eff. 6-6-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-815) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19a in part)
    Sec. 605-815. Unemployed and underemployed single parents. The Department, in cooperation with the Departments of Human Services and Employment Security, may establish a program to encourage community action agencies to establish programs that will help unemployed and underemployed single parents to identify, access, and develop, through such means as counseling or mentoring, internal and external resources that will enable those single parents to become emotionally and financially self-sufficient. The intended primary beneficiaries of the local programs shall be female heads of households who are at least 22 but less than 46 years of age and who are physically able to work but are unemployed or underemployed. The Department may make grants, subject to the availability of funding, to communities and local agencies for the purpose of establishing local programs as described in this Section. A grant under this Section shall be made for a period of one year and may be renewed if the Department determines that the program is successful in meeting its objectives. If the Department determines that implementation of a program has resulted in a savings of State moneys that otherwise would have been paid to beneficiaries of the program, the Department, on renewing a grant, may adjust the grant amount for those demonstrated savings.
    For purposes of this Section, a person is underemployed if his or her income from employment is less than 185% of the federal official poverty income guideline.
(Source: P.A. 90-454, eff. 8-16-97; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-817) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19k)
    Sec. 605-817. Family loan program.
    (a) From amounts appropriated for such purpose, the Department in consultation with the Department of Human Services shall solicit proposals to establish programs to be known as family loan programs. Such programs shall provide small, no-interest loans to custodial parents with income below 200% of the federal poverty level an who are working or enrolled in a post-secondary education program, to aid in covering the costs of unexpected expenses that could interfere with their ability to maintain employment or continue education. Loans awarded through a family loan program may be paid directly to a third party on behalf of a loan recipient and in either case shall not constitute income or resources for the purposes of public assistance and care so long as the funds are used for the intended purpose.
    (b) The Director shall enter into written agreements with not-for-profit organizations or local government agencies to administer loan pools. Agreements shall be entered into with no more than 4 organizations or agencies, no more than one of which shall be located in the city of Chicago.
    (c) Program sites shall be approved based on the demonstrated ability of the organization or governmental agency to secure funding from private or public sources sufficient to establish a loan pool to be maintained through repayment agreements entered into by eligible low-income families. Funds awarded by the Department to approved program sites shall be used for the express purposes of covering staffing and administration costs associated with administering the loan pool.
(Source: P.A. 91-372, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-820) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.49)
    Sec. 605-820. Public hearings on Job Training Partnership Act plans and programs. To require Service Delivery Areas established under the federal Job Training Partnership Act to hold public hearings on the job training plans developed for their respective jurisdictions pursuant to Section 104 of the federal Job Training Partnership Act. The public hearings shall be held by the Service Delivery Areas prior to the submission of the job training plans to the Department for review and approval or disapproval on behalf of the Governor. The Department shall, as part of its plan submission requirements, direct Service Delivery Areas to submit evidence that the hearings have been held.
    The Department shall hold public hearings regarding those Job Training Partnership Act programs set aside under that Act for direct administration and implementation by the Governor. The public hearings shall be held prior to the submission of the Governor's Coordination and Special Services Plan to the General Assembly for review and comment and to the Governor for approval.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-825) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.65)
    Sec. 605-825. Earnfare Program. The Department shall, through the Job Training Partnership Act and local private industry councils, provide job skills training, job placement, client management, and supportive services for Earnfare participants, using existing II-A funds.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-850) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.32a in part)
    Sec. 605-850. Labor-management-community relations; Labor-Management-Community Cooperation Committee.
    (a) Because economic development investment programs must be supplemented with efforts to maintain a skilled, stable, and diverse workforce able to meet the needs of new and growing business enterprises, the Department shall promote better labor-management-community and government operations by providing assistance in the development of local labor-management-community committees and coalitions established to address employment issues facing families and by helping Illinois current and prospective employers attract and retain a diverse and productive workforce through the promotion and support of dependent care policies and programs in the workplace and community.
    (b) In the Department there shall be a Labor-Management-Community Cooperation Committee composed of 18 public members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Six members shall represent executive level management of businesses, 6 members shall represent major labor union leadership, and 6 members shall represent community leadership. The Governor shall designate one business representative and one labor representative as cochairmen. Appointed members shall not be represented at a meeting by another person. There shall be 9 ex officio nonvoting members: the Director, who shall serve as Secretary, the Director of Labor, the Secretary of Human Services, the Director of Public Health, the Director of Employment Security, the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. Each ex officio member shall serve during the term of his or her office. Ex officio members may be represented by duly authorized substitutes.
    In making the initial public member appointments to the Committee, 3 of the business representatives and 3 of the labor union representatives shall be appointed for terms expiring July 1, 1987. The remaining public members shall be appointed for terms expiring July 1, 1988. The public members appointed under this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly shall be divided into 2 groups with the first group having terms that expire on July 1, 2002 and the second group having terms that expire on July 1, 2003. Thereafter, public members of the Committee shall be appointed for terms of 2 years expiring on July 1, or until their successors are appointed and qualified. The Governor may at any time, with the advice and consent of the Senate, make appointments to fill vacancies for the balance of an unexpired term. Public members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed by the Department for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The Department shall provide staff assistance to the Committee.
    (c) The Committee shall have the following duties:
        (1) To improve communications between labor,

    (20 ILCS 605/605-855) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.32a in part)
    Sec. 605-855. Grants to local coalitions and labor-management-community committees.
    (a) The Director, with the advice of the Labor-Management-Community Cooperation Committee, shall have the authority to provide grants to employee coalitions or other coalitions that enhance or promote work and family programs and address specific community concerns, and to provide matching grants, grants, and other resources to establish or assist area labor-management-community committees and other projects that serve to enhance labor-management-community relations. The Department shall have the authority, with the advice of the Labor-Management-Community Cooperation Committee, to award grants or matching grants in the areas provided in subsections (b) through (g).
    (b) Matching grants to existing local labor-management-community committees. To be eligible for matching grants pursuant to this subsection, local labor-management-community committees shall meet all of the following criteria:
        (1) Be a formal, not-for-profit organization

    (20 ILCS 605/605-860) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.32a in part)
    Sec. 605-860. Office of Work and Family Issues. To administer the grant programs created by this Law, the Department shall establish an Office of Work and Family Issues. The purpose of this office shall include, but not be limited to the following:
        (1) To administer the grant programs, including

    (20 ILCS 605/605-865)
    Sec. 605-865. Family-friendly workplace initiative. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, with the advice of members of the business community, may establish a family-friendly workplace initiative. The Department may develop a program to annually collect information regarding the State's private eligible employers with 50 or fewer employees and private eligible employers with 51 or more employees in the State providing the most family-friendly benefits to their employees. The same program may be established for public employers. The criteria for determining eligible employers includes, but is not limited to, the following:
        (1) consideration of the dependent care scholarship

    (20 ILCS 605/605-875) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.68)
    Sec. 605-875. Safety loan program.
    (a) The Department may develop and implement a small business safety loan program to allow employers the opportunity to improve workplace safety. The loans shall be made from appropriations for that purpose. The loans shall be secured by adequate collateral, may be for a term of no more than 5 years, and may bear interest at a discounted rate. The Department shall promulgate all necessary rules to implement the program.
    (b) Any loan made under this Section shall: (1) be made only if on-site safety and health consultations and recommendations for correction have been completed by both the Department's Industrial Service Division, with regard to requirements of State and federal environmental regulations, and the Department of Labor, with regard to requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration; and (2) finance no more than $50,000 or 80% of the total project and no less than $10,000.
    (c) The Illinois Safety Revolving Loan Fund is created as a separate fund within the State treasury.
    The purpose of the Fund is to provide loans to and finance administration of loans to small businesses in Illinois.
    There shall be deposited into the Fund amounts including, but not limited to, the following:
        (1) All receipts, including dividends, principal, and

    (20 ILCS 605/605-900) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.6b)
    Sec. 605-900. Construction loans to local governments for revenue producing capital facilities. To make loans to units of local government for construction of revenue producing capital facilities, subject to the terms and conditions it deems necessary to ensure repayment.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-905) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.41b)
    Sec. 605-905. Grants to local governments in connection with federal prisons. To make grants to units of local government for (i) land acquisition and all necessary improvements upon or related thereto for the purpose of facilitating the location of federal prisons in Illinois and (ii) for the development of industrial or commercial parks, or both, that are adjacent to or abut any federal prison constructed in Illinois after January 9, 1990 (the effective date of Public Act 86-1017).
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-907)
    Sec. 605-907. River Edge Redevelopment Zone assistance program. The Department may establish and maintain a program to provide, subject to appropriation, grants and assistance in connection River Edge Redevelopment Zones that are established under the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Act. The Department may adopt any rules necessary for the administration of the program under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 94-1021, eff. 7-12-06.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-910) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.56)
    Sec. 605-910. Grants to municipalities for site development along waterways. In cooperation with the Department of Transportation, to make grants and provide financial assistance to municipalities for site development along waterways in order to promote commercial and industrial development.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-915) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.45)
    Sec. 605-915. Assisting local governments to achieve lower borrowing costs. To cooperate with the Illinois Finance Authority in assisting local governments to achieve overall lower borrowing costs and more favorable terms under the Illinois Finance Authority Act, including using the Department's federally funded Community Development Assistance Program for those purposes.
(Source: P.A. 93-205, eff. 1-1-04.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-920) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.47)
    Sec. 605-920. Assisting local governments; debt management, capital facility planning, infrastructure. To provide, in cooperation with the Illinois Finance Authority, technical assistance to local governments with respect to debt management and bond issuance, capital facility planning, infrastructure financing, infrastructure maintenance, fiscal management, and other infrastructure areas.
(Source: P.A. 93-205, eff. 1-1-04.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-925) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.48)
    Sec. 605-925. Helping local governments reduce infrastructure costs. To develop and recommend to the Governor and the General Assembly, in cooperation with the Illinois Finance Authority and local governments, methods and techniques that can be used to help local governments reduce their public infrastructure costs, including strengthened local financial management, user fees, and other appropriate options.
(Source: P.A. 93-205, eff. 1-1-04.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-930) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.27)
    Sec. 605-930. Assisting home rule units; composite bond issues for mortgages. At the request of any home rule unit, to assist the home rule unit in providing composite bond issues for mortgages in order to enable the home rule unit to benefit from the federal allocation of tax exempt mortgage revenue bonds authorized under the federal Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1981 (Title XI of Public Law 96-499).
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-935) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.32)
    Sec. 605-935. Referrals to State universities for special economic problems. To encourage the establishment, with the assistance of the Board of Higher Education, of a system for referring representatives of communities in which there exist special economic problems and opportunities to the most appropriate State university for assistance. The Department may also cooperate with the universities in providing advice and assistance to communities or groups of citizens seeking to offset the economic impact of the removal or termination of substantial industrial or commercial operations.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 605/605-940) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.37)
    Sec. 605-940. Clearing house for local government problems; aid with financial and administrative matters. The Department shall provide for a central clearing house for information concerning local government problems and various solutions to those problems and shall assist and aid local governments of the State in matters relating to budgets, fiscal procedures, and administration. In performing this responsibility the Department shall have the power and duty to do the following:
        (1) Maintain communication with all local governments