* In addition to the really big stuff, several “smaller” bills are moving through the legislative process, including this one…

House Bill 180 would require anyone picketing a funeral to be at least 300 feet away from the funeral site, instead of 200 feet.

“We need to protect those folks who are spending their last few minutes with a loved one,” said the House sponsor, Rep. Kay Hatcher, R-Yorkville.

Hatcher’s measure was suggested to her by a sociology class at Northern Illinois University.

“Illinois has the lowest yards and time restrictions for protesting,” said Gayle Deja-Schultz, 41, of Sugar Grove, who talked to Hatcher on behalf of the class.

* Small food vendors who prepare their products in their homes have also won a victory…

The Illinois House on Monday approved a measure that would allow vendors to prepare foods in their home kitchens on a 97-18 vote and heads to Gov. Pat Quinn for his consideration. It previously cleared the Senate earlier this month on a 42-6 vote.

Supporters say the proposal will reduce food prices at farmers markets, encourage entrepreneurship and increase the markets’ popularity.

“We want to keep farmers markets available for the smaller growers and farmers and for those folks involved in a more unique style of agriculture,” said Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), the bill’s sponsor. “This is an emerging area within the state, and we should do everything we can to encourage it.” […]

Opponents, including the Illinois Municipal League, meanwhile worry the plan, if signed into law, could lead to an outbreak of food-borne illnesses. They also say it strips municipalities of their authority.

* There are also some crime bills…

Illinois lawmakers have approved two bills designed to keep closer tabs on potentially dangerous criminals in the state.

One bill, which has passed the Illinois House, would require people convicted of first-degree murder to register with the state. […]

The State Senate also approved the bill, but, because of a clerical error, senators will have to vote on it again before sending it to Governor Pat Quinn for approval.

Another bill, which has been approved by both houses, would expand the state’s DNA database by requiring police to take DNA samples from people arrested for some violent crimes and sex crimes, even if those people have not been convicted.

* And then there’s this one…

After the state Health Facilities and Services Review Board denied Illinois’ Cook County from transforming its Oak Forest (Ill.) Hospital into an outpatient clinic, officials are now trying to make the hospital exempt from the board’s further review, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

Illinois’ Cook County officials are trying to exempt Oak Forest Hospital from review by the state Health Facilities and Services Review Board, according to the report. […]

County officials had hoped to close Oak Forest on June 1, and began reducing operations and giving notice to staff. After the board’s denial, which stunned county officials, the hospital suspended surgeries due to the retirement of its single anesthesiologist.

The proposed legislation is sponsored by House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago. Cook is the only county in the state where it would apply.

* But they all need to keep their eyes on the most important ball: Jobs…

After 60 years building dry fertilizer handling equipment in Quincy - Doyle Manufacturing is moving across the river [to Missouri].

Doyle is building a 210 thousand square foot facility just north of Palmyra on Highway 61 making a total capitol investment of 9 million dollars.

In announcing the move at ground breaking ceremonies Friday afternoon - Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said the effort to bring Doyle to the Show Me State has been going on for a while. […]

[Missouri] also authorized a $1.5 million incentive package and contributed to infrastructure improvements at the site.