SB1123sam001 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Sen. David Koehler

Filed: 4/11/2011

09700SB1123sam001 LRB097 04839 AJO 54367 a

AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 1123

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend Senate Bill 1123 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 5. The Counties Code is amended by changing Sections 4-4001 and 4-12003 as follows:

(55 ILCS 5/4-4001) (from Ch. 34, par. 4-4001)

Sec. 4-4001. County Clerks; counties of first and second class. The fees of the county clerk in counties of the first and second class, except when increased by county ordinance pursuant to the provisions of this Section, shall be:

For each official copy of any process, file, record or other instrument of and pertaining to his office, 50¢ for each 100 words, and $1 additional for certifying and sealing the same.

For filing any paper not herein otherwise provided for, $1, except that no fee shall be charged for filing a Statement of economic interest pursuant to the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act or reports made pursuant to Article 9 of The Election Code.

For issuance of fireworks permits, $2.

For issuance of liquor licenses, $5.

For filing and recording of the appointment and oath of each public official, $3.

For officially certifying and sealing each copy of any process, file, record or other instrument of and pertaining to his office, $1.

For swearing any person to an affidavit, $1.

For issuing each license in all matters except where the fee for the issuance thereof is otherwise fixed, $4.

For issuing each marriage or civil union license, the certificate thereof, and for recording the same, including the recording of the parent's or guardian's consent where indicated, $20. $5 from all marriage or civil union license fees shall be remitted by the clerk to the State Treasurer for deposit into the Married Families Domestic Violence Fund.

For taking and certifying acknowledgments to any instrument, except where herein otherwise provided for, $1.

For issuing each certificate of appointment or commission, the fee for which is not otherwise fixed by law, $1.

For cancelling tax sale and issuing and sealing certificates of redemption, $3.

For issuing order to county treasurer for redemption of forfeited tax, $2.

For trying and sealing weights and measures by county standard, together with all actual expenses in connection therewith, $1.

For services in case of estrays, $2.

The following fees shall be allowed for services attending the sale of land for taxes, and shall be charged as costs against the delinquent property and be collected with the taxes thereon:

For services in attending the tax sale and issuing certificate of sale and sealing the same, for each tract or town lot sold, $4.

For making list of delinquent lands and town lots sold, to be filed with the Comptroller, for each tract or town lot sold, 10¢.

The foregoing fees allowed by this Section are the maximum fees that may be collected from any officer, agency, department or other instrumentality of the State. The county board may, however, by ordinance, increase the fees allowed by this Section and collect such increased fees from all persons and entities other than officers, agencies, departments and other instrumentalities of the State if the increase is justified by an acceptable cost study showing that the fees allowed by this Section are not sufficient to cover the cost of providing the service.

A Statement of the costs of providing each service, program and activity shall be prepared by the county board. All supporting documents shall be public record and subject to public examination and audit. All direct and indirect costs, as defined in the United States Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87, may be included in the determination of the costs of each service, program and activity.

The county clerk in all cases may demand and receive the payment of all fees for services in advance so far as the same can be ascertained.

The county board of any county of the first or second class may by ordinance authorize the county clerk to impose an additional $2 charge for certified copies of vital records as defined in Section 1 of the Vital Records Act, for the purpose of developing, maintaining, and improving technology in the office of the County Clerk.

The county board of any county of the first or second class may by ordinance authorize the county treasurer to establish a special fund for deposit of the additional charge. Moneys in the special fund shall be used solely to provide the equipment, material and necessary expenses incurred to help defray the cost of implementing and maintaining such document storage system.

(Source: P.A. 95-711, eff. 6-1-08; 95-837, eff. 1-1-09; 96-328, eff. 8-11-09.)

(55 ILCS 5/4-12003) (from Ch. 34, par. 4-12003)

Sec. 4-12003. Fees of county clerk in third class counties. The fees of the county clerk in counties of the third class are:

For issuing each marriage or civil union license, sealing, filing and recording the same and the certificate thereto (one charge), $35. $5 from all marriage or civil union license fees shall be remitted by the clerk to the State Treasurer for deposit into the Married Families Domestic Violence Fund.

For taking, certifying to and sealing the acknowledgment of a deed, power of attorney, or other writing, $1.

For filing and entering certificates in case of estrays, and furnishing notices for publication thereof (one charge), $1.50.

For recording all papers and documents required by law to be recorded in the office of the county clerk, $2 plus 30¢ for every 100 words in excess of 600 words.

For certificate and seal, not in a case in a court whereof he is clerk, $1.

For making and certifying a copy of any record or paper in his office, $2 for every page.

For filing papers in his office, 50¢ for each paper filed, except that no fee shall be charged for filing a Statement of economic interest pursuant to the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act or reports made pursuant to Article 9 of The Election Code.

For making transcript of taxable property for the assessors, 8¢ for each tract of land or town lot. For extending other than State and county taxes, 8¢ for each tax on each tract or lot, and 8¢ for each person's personal tax, to be paid by the authority for whose benefit the transcript is made and the taxes extended. The county clerk shall certify to the county collector the amount due from each authority for such services and the collector in his settlement with such authority shall reserve such amount from the amount payable by him to such authority.

For adding and bringing forward with current tax warrants amounts due for forfeited or withdrawn special assessments, 8¢ for each lot or tract of land described and transcribed.

For computing and extending each assessment or installment thereof and interest, 8¢ on each description; and for computing and extending each penalty, 8¢ on each description. These fees shall be paid by the city, village, or taxing body for whose benefit the transcript is made and the assessment and penalties are extended. The county clerk shall certify to the county collector the amount due from each city, village or taxing body, for such services, and the collector in his settlement with such taxing body shall reserve such amount from the amount payable by him to such city, village or other taxing body.

For cancelling certificates of sale, $4 for each tract or lot.

For making search and report of general taxes and special assessments for use in the preparation of estimate of cost of redemption from sales or forfeitures or withdrawals or for use in the preparation of estimate of cost of purchase of forfeited property, or for use in preparation of order on the county collector for searches requested by buyers at annual tax sale, for each lot or tract, $4 for the first year searched, and $2 for each additional year or fraction thereof.

For preparing from tax search report estimate of cost of redemption concerning property sold, forfeited or withdrawn for non-payment of general taxes and special assessments, if any, $1 for each lot or tract.

For certificate of deposit for redemption, $4.

For preparing from tax search report estimate of and order to county collector to receive amount necessary to redeem or purchase lands or lots forfeited for non-payment of general taxes, $3 for each lot or tract.

For preparing from tax search report estimate of and order to county collector to receive amount necessary to redeem or purchase lands or lots forfeited for non-payment of special assessments, $4 for each lot or tract.

For issuing certificate of sale of forfeited property, $10.

For noting on collector's warrants tax sales subject to redemption, 20¢ for each tract or lot of land, to be paid by either the person making the redemption from tax sale, the person surrendering the certificate of sale for cancellation, or the person taking out tax deed.

For noting on collector's warrant special assessments withdrawn from collection 20¢ for each tract or lot of land, to be charged against the lot assessed in the withdrawn special assessment when brought forward with current tax or when redeemed by the county clerk. The county clerk shall certify to the county collector the amount due from each city, village or taxing body for such fees, each year, and the county collector in his settlement with such taxing body shall reserve such amount from the amount payable by him to such taxing body.

For taking and approving official bond of a town assessor, filing and recording same, and issuing certificate of election or qualification to such official or to the Secretary of State, $10, to be paid by the officer-elect.

For certified copies of plats, 20¢ for each lot shown in copy, but no charge less than $4.

For tax search and issuing Statement regarding same on new plats to be recorded, $10.

For furnishing written description in conformity with permanent real estate index number, $2 for each written description.

The following fees shall be allowed for services in matters of taxes and assessments, and shall be charged as costs against the delinquent property, and collected with the taxes thereon:

For entering judgment, 8¢ for each tract or lot.

For services in attending the tax sale and issuing certificates of sale and sealing the same, $10 for each tract or lot.

For making list of delinquent lands and town lots sold, to be filed with the State Comptroller, 10¢ for each tract or lot sold.

The following fees shall be audited and allowed by the board of county commissioners and paid from the county treasury.

For computing State or county taxes, on each description of real estate and each person's, firm's or corporation's personal property tax, for each extension of each tax, 4¢, which shall include the transcribing of the collector's books.

For computing, extending and bringing forward, and adding to the current tax, the amount due for general taxes on lands and lots previously forfeited to the State, for each extension of each tax, 4¢ for the first year, and for computing and extending the tax and penalty for each additional year, 6¢.

For making duplicate or triplicate sets of books, containing transcripts of taxable property, for the board of assessors and board of review, 3¢ for each description entered in each book.

For filing, indexing and recording or binding each birth, death or stillbirth certificate or report, 15¢, which fee shall be in full for all services in connection therewith, including the keeping of accounts with district registrars.

For posting new subdivisions or plats in official atlases, 25¢ for each lot.

For compiling new sheets for atlases, 20¢ for each lot.

For compiling new atlases, including necessary record searches, 25¢ for each lot.

For investigating and reporting on each new plat, referred to county clerk, $2.

For attending sessions of the board of county commissioners thereof, $5 per day, for each clerk in attendance.

For recording proceedings of the board of county commissioners, 15¢ per 100 words.

For filing papers which must be kept in office of comptroller of Cook County, 10¢ for each paper filed.

For filing and indexing contracts, bonds, communications, and other such papers which must be kept in office of comptroller of Cook County, 15¢ for each document.

For swearing any person to necessary affidavits relating to the correctness of claims against the county, 25¢.

For issuing warrants in payment of salaries, supplies and other accounts, and all necessary auditing and bookkeeping work in connection therewith, 10¢ each.

The fee requirements of this Section do not apply to units of local government or school districts.

(Source: P.A. 95-711, eff. 6-1-08.)

Section 10. The Clerks of Courts Act is amended by changing Section 27.1a as follows:

(705 ILCS 105/27.1a) (from Ch. 25, par. 27.1a)

Sec. 27.1a. The fees of the clerks of the circuit court in all counties having a population of not more than 500,000 inhabitants in the instances described in this Section shall be as provided in this Section. In those instances where a minimum and maximum fee is stated, the clerk of the circuit court must charge the minimum fee listed and may charge up to the maximum fee if the county board has by resolution increased the fee. The fees shall be paid in advance and shall be as follows:

(a) Civil Cases.

The fee for filing a complaint, petition, or other pleading initiating a civil action, with the following exceptions, shall be a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $160.

(A) When the amount of money or damages or the value of personal property claimed does not exceed $250, $10.

(B) When that amount exceeds $250 but does not exceed $500, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $20.

(C) When that amount exceeds $500 but does not exceed $2500, a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $40.

(D) When that amount exceeds $2500 but does not exceed $15,000, a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $75.

(E) For the exercise of eminent domain, a minimum of $45 and a maximum of $150. For each additional lot or tract of land or right or interest therein subject to be condemned, the damages in respect to which shall require separate assessment by a jury, a minimum of $45 and a maximum of $150.

(a-1) Family.

For filing a petition under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, $25.

For filing a petition for a marriage or civil union license, $10.

For performing a marriage or civil union in court, $10.

For filing a petition under the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984, $40.

(b) Forcible Entry and Detainer.

In each forcible entry and detainer case when the plaintiff seeks possession only or unites with his or her claim for possession of the property a claim for rent or damages or both in the amount of $15,000 or less, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $50. When the plaintiff unites his or her claim for possession with a claim for rent or damages or both exceeding $15,000, a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $160.

(c) Counterclaim or Joining Third Party Defendant.

When any defendant files a counterclaim as part of his or her answer or otherwise or joins another party as a third party defendant, or both, the defendant shall pay a fee for each counterclaim or third party action in an amount equal to the fee he or she would have had to pay had he or she brought a separate action for the relief sought in the counterclaim or against the third party defendant, less the amount of the appearance fee, if that has been paid.

(d) Confession of Judgment.

In a confession of judgment when the amount does not exceed $1500, a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $50. When the amount exceeds $1500, but does not exceed $15,000, a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $115. When the amount exceeds $15,000, a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $200.

(e) Appearance.

The fee for filing an appearance in each civil case shall be a minimum of $15 and a maximum of $60, except as follows:

(A) When the plaintiff in a forcible entry and detainer case seeks possession only, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $50.

(B) When the amount in the case does not exceed $1500, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $30.

(C) When that amount exceeds $1500 but does not exceed $15,000, a minimum of $15 and a maximum of $60.

(f) Garnishment, Wage Deduction, and Citation.

In garnishment affidavit, wage deduction affidavit, and citation petition when the amount does not exceed $1,000, a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $15; when the amount exceeds $1,000 but does not exceed $5,000, a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $30; and when the amount exceeds $5,000, a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $50.

(g) Petition to Vacate or Modify.

(1) Petition to vacate or modify any final judgment or order of court, except in forcible entry and detainer cases and small claims cases or a petition to reopen an estate, to modify, terminate, or enforce a judgment or order for child or spousal support, or to modify, suspend, or terminate an order for withholding, if filed before 30 days after the entry of the judgment or order, a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $50.

(2) Petition to vacate or modify any final judgment or order of court, except a petition to modify, terminate, or enforce a judgment or order for child or spousal support or to modify, suspend, or terminate an order for withholding, if filed later than 30 days after the entry of the judgment or order, a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $75.

(3) Petition to vacate order of bond forfeiture, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $40.

(h) Mailing.

When the clerk is required to mail, the fee will be a minimum of $2 and a maximum of $10, plus the cost of postage.

(i) Certified Copies.

Each certified copy of a judgment after the first, except in small claims and forcible entry and detainer cases, a minimum of $2 and a maximum of $10.

(j) Habeas Corpus.

For filing a petition for relief by habeas corpus, a minimum of $60 and a maximum of $100.

(k) Certification, Authentication, and Reproduction.

(1) Each certification or authentication for taking the acknowledgment of a deed or other instrument in writing with the seal of office, a minimum of $2 and a maximum of $6.

(2) Court appeals when original documents are forwarded, under 100 pages, plus delivery and costs, a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $60.

(3) Court appeals when original documents are forwarded, over 100 pages, plus delivery and costs, a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $150.

(4) Court appeals when original documents are forwarded, over 200 pages, an additional fee of a minimum of 20 cents and a maximum of 25 cents per page.

(5) For reproduction of any document contained in the clerk's files:

(A) First page, a minimum of $1 and a maximum of $2.

(B) Next 19 pages, 50 cents per page.

(C) All remaining pages, 25 cents per page.

(l) Remands.

In any cases remanded to the Circuit Court from the Supreme Court or the Appellate Court for a new trial, the clerk shall file the remanding order and reinstate the case with either its original number or a new number. The Clerk shall not charge any new or additional fee for the reinstatement. Upon reinstatement the Clerk shall advise the parties of the reinstatement. A party shall have the same right to a jury trial on remand and reinstatement as he or she had before the appeal, and no additional or new fee or charge shall be made for a jury trial after remand.

(m) Record Search.

For each record search, within a division or municipal district, the clerk shall be entitled to a search fee of a minimum of $4 and a maximum of $6 for each year searched.

(n) Hard Copy.

For each page of hard copy print output, when case records are maintained on an automated medium, the clerk shall be entitled to a fee of a minimum of $4 and a maximum of $6.

(o) Index Inquiry and Other Records.

No fee shall be charged for a single plaintiff/defendant index inquiry or single case record inquiry when this request is made in person and the records are maintained in a current automated medium, and when no hard copy print output is requested. The fees to be charged for management records, multiple case records, and multiple journal records may be specified by the Chief Judge pursuant to the guidelines for access and dissemination of information approved by the Supreme Court.

(p) (Blank).

(q) Alias Summons.

For each alias summons or citation issued by the clerk, a minimum of $2 and a maximum of $5.

(r) Other Fees.

Any fees not covered in this Section shall be set by rule or administrative order of the Circuit Court with the approval of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.

The clerk of the circuit court may provide additional services for which there is no fee specified by statute in connection with the operation of the clerk's office as may be requested by the public and agreed to by the clerk and approved by the chief judge of the circuit court. Any charges for additional services shall be as agreed to between the clerk and the party making the request and approved by the chief judge of the circuit court. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require any clerk to provide any service not otherwise required by law.

(s) Jury Services.

The clerk shall be entitled to receive, in addition to other fees allowed by law, the sum of a minimum of $62.50 and a maximum of $212.50, as a fee for the services of a jury in every civil action not quasi-criminal in its nature and not a proceeding for the exercise of the right of eminent domain and in every other action wherein the right of trial by jury is or may be given by law. The jury fee shall be paid by the party demanding a jury at the time of filing the jury demand. If the fee is not paid by either party, no jury shall be called in the action or proceeding, and the same shall be tried by the court without a jury.

(t) Voluntary Assignment.

For filing each deed of voluntary assignment, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $20; for recording the same, a minimum of 25 cents and a maximum of 50 cents for each 100 words. Exceptions filed to claims presented to an assignee of a debtor who has made a voluntary assignment for the benefit of creditors shall be considered and treated, for the purpose of taxing costs therein, as actions in which the party or parties filing the exceptions shall be considered as party or parties plaintiff, and the claimant or claimants as party or parties defendant, and those parties respectively shall pay to the clerk the same fees as provided by this Section to be paid in other actions.

(u) Expungement Petition.

The clerk shall be entitled to receive a fee of a minimum of $15 and a maximum of $60 for each expungement petition filed and an additional fee of a minimum of $2 and a maximum of $4 for each certified copy of an order to expunge arrest records.

(v) Probate.

The clerk is entitled to receive the fees specified in this subsection (v), which shall be paid in advance, except that, for good cause shown, the court may suspend, reduce, or release the costs payable under this subsection:

(1) For administration of the estate of a decedent (whether testate or intestate) or of a missing person, a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $150, plus the fees specified in subsection (v)(3), except:

(A) When the value of the real and personal property does not exceed $15,000, the fee shall be a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $40.

(B) When (i) proof of heirship alone is made, (ii) a domestic or foreign will is admitted to probate without administration (including proof of heirship), or (iii) letters of office are issued for a particular purpose without administration of the estate, the fee shall be a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $40.

(C) For filing a petition to sell Real Estate, $50.

(2) For administration of the estate of a ward, a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $75, plus the fees specified in subsection (v)(3), except:

(A) When the value of the real and personal property does not exceed $15,000, the fee shall be a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $40.

(B) When (i) letters of office are issued to a guardian of the person or persons, but not of the estate or (ii) letters of office are issued in the estate of a ward without administration of the estate, including filing or joining in the filing of a tax return or releasing a mortgage or consenting to the marriage of the ward, the fee shall be a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $20.

(C) For filing a Petition to sell Real Estate, $50.

(3) In addition to the fees payable under subsection (v)(1) or (v)(2) of this Section, the following fees are payable:

(A) For each account (other than one final account) filed in the estate of a decedent, or ward, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $25.

(B) For filing a claim in an estate when the amount claimed is $150 or more but less than $500, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $25; when the amount claimed is $500 or more but less than $10,000, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $40; when the amount claimed is $10,000 or more, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $60; provided that the court in allowing a claim may add to the amount allowed the filing fee paid by the claimant.

(C) For filing in an estate a claim, petition, or supplemental proceeding based upon an action seeking equitable relief including the construction or contest of a will, enforcement of a contract to make a will, and proceedings involving testamentary trusts or the appointment of testamentary trustees, a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $60.

(D) For filing in an estate (i) the appearance of any person for the purpose of consent or (ii) the appearance of an executor, administrator, administrator to collect, guardian, guardian ad litem, or special administrator, no fee.

(E) Except as provided in subsection (v)(3)(D), for filing the appearance of any person or persons, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $30.

(F) For each jury demand, a minimum of $62.50 and a maximum of $137.50.

(G) For disposition of the collection of a judgment or settlement of an action or claim for wrongful death of a decedent or of any cause of action of a ward, when there is no other administration of the estate, a minimum of $30 and a maximum of $50, less any amount paid under subsection (v)(1)(B) or (v)(2)(B) except that if the amount involved does not exceed $5,000, the fee, including any amount paid under subsection (v)(1)(B) or (v)(2)(B), shall be a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $20.

(H) For each certified copy of letters of office, of court order or other certification, a minimum of $1 and a maximum of $2, plus a minimum of 50 cents and a maximum of $1 per page in excess of 3 pages for the document certified.

(I) For each exemplification, a minimum of $1 and a maximum of $2, plus the fee for certification.

(4) The executor, administrator, guardian, petitioner, or other interested person or his or her attorney shall pay the cost of publication by the clerk directly to the newspaper.

(5) The person on whose behalf a charge is incurred for witness, court reporter, appraiser, or other miscellaneous fee shall pay the same directly to the person entitled thereto.

(6) The executor, administrator, guardian, petitioner, or other interested person or his or her attorney shall pay to the clerk all postage charges incurred by the clerk in mailing petitions, orders, notices, or other documents pursuant to the provisions of the Probate Act of 1975.

(w) Criminal and Quasi-Criminal Costs and Fees.

(1) The clerk shall be entitled to costs in all criminal and quasi-criminal cases from each person convicted or sentenced to supervision therein as follows:

(A) Felony complaints, a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $100.

(B) Misdemeanor complaints, a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $75.

(C) Business offense complaints, a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $75.

(D) Petty offense complaints, a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $75.

(E) Minor traffic or ordinance violations, $10.

(F) When court appearance required, $15.

(G) Motions to vacate or amend final orders, a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $40.

(H) Motions to vacate bond forfeiture orders, a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $40.

(I) Motions to vacate ex parte judgments, whenever filed, a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $40.

(J) Motions to vacate judgment on forfeitures, whenever filed, a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $40.

(K) Motions to vacate "failure to appear" or "failure to comply" notices sent to the Secretary of State, a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $40.

(2) In counties having a population of not more than 500,000 inhabitants, when the violation complaint is issued by a municipal police department, the clerk shall be entitled to costs from each person convicted therein as follows:

(A) Minor traffic or ordinance violations, $10.

(B) When court appearance required, $15.

(3) In ordinance violation cases punishable by fine only, the clerk of the circuit court shall be entitled to receive, unless the fee is excused upon a finding by the court that the defendant is indigent, in addition to other fees or costs allowed or imposed by law, the sum of a minimum of $62.50 and a maximum of $137.50 as a fee for the services of a jury. The jury fee shall be paid by the defendant at the time of filing his or her jury demand. If the fee is not so paid by the defendant, no jury shall be called, and the case shall be tried by the court without a jury.

(x) Transcripts of Judgment.

For the filing of a transcript of judgment, the clerk shall be entitled to the same fee as if it were the commencement of a new suit.

(y) Change of Venue.

(1) For the filing of a change of case on a change of venue, the clerk shall be entitled to the same fee as if it were the commencement of a new suit.

(2) The fee for the preparation and certification of a record on a change of venue to another jurisdiction, when original documents are forwarded, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $40.

(z) Tax objection complaints.

For each tax objection complaint containing one or more tax objections, regardless of the number of parcels involved or the number of taxpayers joining on the complaint, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $50.

(aa) Tax Deeds.

(1) Petition for tax deed, if only one parcel is involved, a minimum of $45 and a maximum of $200.

(2) For each additional parcel, add a fee of a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $60.

(bb) Collections.

(1) For all collections made of others, except the State and county and except in maintenance or child support cases, a sum equal to a minimum of 2% and a maximum of 2.5% of the amount collected and turned over.

(2) Interest earned on any funds held by the clerk shall be turned over to the county general fund as an earning of the office.

(3) For any check, draft, or other bank instrument returned to the clerk for non-sufficient funds, account closed, or payment stopped, $25.

(4) In child support and maintenance cases, the clerk, if authorized by an ordinance of the county board, may collect an annual fee of up to $36 from the person making payment for maintaining child support records and the processing of support orders to the State of Illinois KIDS system and the recording of payments issued by the State Disbursement Unit for the official record of the Court. This fee shall be in addition to and separate from amounts ordered to be paid as maintenance or child support and shall be deposited into a Separate Maintenance and Child Support Collection Fund, of which the clerk shall be the custodian, ex-officio, to be used by the clerk to maintain child support orders and record all payments issued by the State Disbursement Unit for the official record of the Court. The clerk may recover from the person making the maintenance or child support payment any additional cost incurred in the collection of this annual fee.

The clerk shall also be entitled to a fee of $5 for certifications made to the Secretary of State as provided in Section 7-703 of the Family Financial Responsibility Law and these fees shall also be deposited into the Separate Maintenance and Child Support Collection Fund.

(cc) Corrections of Numbers.

For correction of the case number, case title, or attorney computer identification number, if required by rule of court, on any document filed in the clerk's office, to be charged against the party that filed the document, a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $25.

(dd) Exceptions.

(1) The fee requirements of this Section shall not apply to police departments or other law enforcement agencies. In this Section, "law enforcement agency" means an agency of the State or a unit of local government which is vested by law or ordinance with the duty to maintain public order and to enforce criminal laws or ordinances. "Law enforcement agency" also means the Attorney General or any state's attorney.

(2) No fee provided herein shall be charged to any unit of local government or school district.

(3) The fee requirements of this Section shall not apply to any action instituted under subsection (b) of Section 11-31-1 of the Illinois Municipal Code by a private owner or tenant of real property within 1200 feet of a dangerous or unsafe building seeking an order compelling the owner or owners of the building to take any of the actions authorized under that subsection.

(4) The fee requirements of this Section shall not apply to the filing of any commitment petition or petition for an order authorizing the administration of psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code.

(ee) Adoptions.

(1) For an adoption...............................$65

(2) Upon good cause shown, the court may waive the adoption filing fee in a special needs adoption. The term "special needs adoption" shall have the meaning ascribed to it by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

(ff) Adoption exemptions.

No fee other than that set forth in subsection (ee) shall be charged to any person in connection with an adoption proceeding nor may any fee be charged for proceedings for the appointment of a confidential intermediary under the Adoption Act.

(Source: P.A. 95-172, eff. 8-14-07; 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

Section 15. The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act is amended by changing Section 30 and adding Section 65 as follows:

(750 ILCS 75/30)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

Sec. 30. Application, license, and certification.

(a) The Director of Public Health shall prescribe the form for an application, license, and certificate for a civil union.

(b) An application for a civil union shall include the following information:

(1) name, sex, occupation, address, social security number, date and place of birth of each party to the civil union;

(2) name and address of the parents or guardian of each party;

(3) whether the parties are related to each other and, if so, their relationship; and

(4) in the event either party was previously married or entered into a civil union or a substantially similar legal relationship, provide the name, date, place and the court in which the marriage or civil union or substantially similar legal relationship was dissolved or declared invalid or the date and place of death of the former spouse or of the party to the civil union or substantially similar legal relationship.

(c) When an application has been completed and signed by both parties, applicable fees provided by rule or statute have been paid, and both parties have appeared before the county clerk, the county clerk shall issue a license and a certificate of civil union upon being furnished satisfactory proof that the civil union is not prohibited.

(d) A license becomes effective in the county where it was issued one day after the date of issuance, and expires 60 days after it becomes effective.

(e) The certificate must be completed and returned to the county clerk that issued the license within 10 days of the civil union.

(f) A copy of the completed certificate from the county clerk or the return provided to the Department of Public Health by a county clerk shall be presumptive evidence of the civil union in all courts.

(Source: P.A. 96-1513, eff. 6-1-11.)

(750 ILCS 75/65 new)

Sec. 65. Religious child welfare agencies. A child welfare agency that is religiously based or owned by, operated by, or affiliated with a bona fide religious organization may decline an adoption or foster family home application, including any related licensure and placement, from a party to a civil union if acceptance of that application would constitute a violation of the organization's sincerely held religious beliefs. If an agency declines an application pursuant to this Section, then it must provide the applicant with information on how to contact the Department of Children and Family Services to obtain information concerning other regional licensed child welfare agencies.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect June 1, 2011.".