House Sponsors: NOVAK-HARTKE-STEPHENS AND BLACK. Senate Sponsors: MAHAR-DILLARD-FARLEY Short description: PROPANE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Creates the Propane Education and Research Act. Provides that propane industry organizations may conduct a referendum for the creation of an Illinois Propane Education and Research Council. The Council shall consist of 12 members and shall develop programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training, to provide for research and development, and to inform and educate the public about safety and other issues associated with the use of propane. Provides for assessments on odorized propane which are to be collected by the entity which is the owner of odorized propane at the time of odorization or at the time of import of odorized propane and paid to the Council on a monthly basis. Those assessed may apply for and receive a refund from the Council in the amount of the assessment. No assessment funds may be used for lobbying. The price of propane shall be determined by market forces and assessment fees may not be passed on to consumers. FISCAL NOTE (Dept. of Agriculture) HB 279 of the IDOA would be minimal; until it is amended, the potential fiscal impact on IDOA is $5,000 to $10,000. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Deletes everything and replaces it with language similar to the bill as introduced but adds that the Director of Agriculture may serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Council, adds a 1% per month penalty for late payment of assessments to the Council, provides that those who obtain refunds of the assessment levied against them are not eligible for any benefits provided under the Council's programs, and provides that the Council shall notify the Director of the Department of Agriculture of the name, address, and propane-related affiliation, if any, of new Council members. Makes other changes. FISCAL NOTE, AMENDED (Dept. of Agriculture) With H-am 1, HB 279 would have no fiscal impact on IDOA. STATE MANDATES FISCAL NOTE, AMENDED In the opinion of DCCA, HB279, amended, fails to create a State mandate. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: 99-01-12 Location: House Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 1 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status