* SB86…

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. In the Section prohibiting the use of video devices, provides that “video device” includes cellular telephones, tablets, laptops, two-way messaging devices, and electronic games, but does not include two-way radios, citizens’ band radios, or amateur radio equipment. Provides that “using an electronic communication device” includes: (1) holding a personal electronic device in either hand or both hands; (2) using a hand or finger to compose, send, read, view, access, browse, transmit, save or retrieve email, text messages, instant messages, photographs, or other electronic data; and (3) watching video on a personal electronic device. Provides that “using an electronic communication device” does not include the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the device.

Provides that the definition of “electronic communication device” does not include a global positioning system or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.

* Illinois Public Radio…

Current law forbids “using an electronic communications device,” which it defines as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant, or computer. But it‘s silent on what “using” consists of. […]

A separate law already prohibits driving if a television or video screen is operating where the driver can see it. Stadelman’s legislation would expand that list to include “video devices” such as cell phones, laptops and electonic games. It makes exceptions for GPS systems, radios, and devices that are physically or electronically integrated into vehicles.

“It’s a dangerous situation, so whatever we can do as far as the state of Illinois to discourage that and explicitly state that watching videos is not allowed, that’s what this legislation’s all about,” Stadelman says.

* This bill was sent to subcommittee over two weeks ago, where it died after missing the deadline. It’s now stuck in Rules…

Lawmakers in the Illinois House are weighing a bill that would tax streaming and satellite service users “for the privilege to witness, view, or otherwise enjoy the entertainment.”

Illinoisans who stream movies on Netflix, watch satellite TV or listen to music on smart speakers may need to pay a state tax to enjoy them.

House Bill 3359 would create the “Video Service Tax Modernization Act” and “Entertainment Tax Fairness Act,” which would impose new taxes on satellite and video streaming service providers and subscribers. Users of those services would pay a 1 percent tax “for the privilege to witness, view, or otherwise enjoy the entertainment,” while companies would pay a 5 percent tax on their gross revenues.

* Other bills…

* Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs law creating parole review for young offenders with lengthy sentences: The law, effective June 1, will allow people who commit a crime before turning 21 to petition the Illinois Prisoner Review Board for parole, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Victims, witnesses and others will have the opportunity to present testimony to the board. People convicted of first-degree murder or aggravated criminal sexual assault will be eligible for review after 20 years, and those convicted of predatory criminal assault of a child or given a life sentence will not be eligible. The measure marks the first time the state will be allowed to grant discretionary parole since the practice was abolished in 1978.

* Illinois Home Care Aides Pushing For Higher Wages: Workers say home care agencies under the state’s Community Care Program (CCP) should receive a higher pay rate from the state. Lawmakers in Springfield are considering a proposal that would increase the home care rate to support a $13 minimum wage by this summer. … The CCP home care rate is $18.29 while caregivers earn a minimum of $10.67. If the General Assembly approves the proposal, that CCP rate would increase to $21.64 by July 1, 2019, which would be used to cover a raise for home aides.

* Illinois Nurses, Hospital CEOs At Odds Over Patient Limits: [A.J. Wilhelmi, with the Illinois Hospital Association] said not every hospital has the same resources, and the legislation does not include funding to hire more nurses. “About 42 percent of our hospitals are currently operating at a negative or very thin margin of less than two percent,” he said. Wilhelmi said the plan would drive up healthcare costs by more than $2 billion a year — which would be especially burdensome for safety-net and critical-access hospitals, like Touchette Regional Hospital in Centreville, where Sulbrena Day is the CEO.

* More Grad Students Could Get Right To Strike: Graduate students who work as teachers assistants are classified as university employees, and already have the right to join a union. No college or university has registered any opposition to the bill. A similar measure was approved by the General Assembly last year, but vetoed by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner. The bill now heads to the Senate.