SB 29

Abstract

Creates the Illinois Energy Transition Zone Act. Provides for the certification by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity of municipal ordinances designating an area as an Energy Transition Zone. Provides that green energy enterprises located in Energy Transition Zones shall be eligible to apply for certain tax incentives. Provides that a green energy enterprise is a company that is engaged in the production of solar energy, wind energy, water energy, geothermal energy, bioenergy, or hydrogen fuel and cells. Contains provisions concerning qualifications and applications. Creates the Energy Transition Tax Credit Act. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall make income tax credit awards under the Act to foster job creation and the development of green energy in Energy Transition Zones. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and the Public Utilities Act to make conforming changes concerning tax incentives. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 In provisions creating the Energy Transition Tax Credit Act, removes language concerning the use of the credit as a tax payment by a pass through entity. Provides that the credit is exempt from the automatic sunset provision of the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the credit may be applied in more than 10 taxable years but not more than 15 taxable years for an eligible green energy enterprise that qualifies under the Energy Transition Tax Credit Act and the Corporate Headquarters Relocation Act and undertakes a qualifying project within the timeframe specified by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall extend the tax credit agreement to not more than 15 years and reduce the annual allocation to 60% of the maximum credit that would otherwise be available. Adds provisions allowing the credit to be carried forward. Makes changes concerning pass through entities. Provides that the investment credit for Energy Transition Zones applies for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2020. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Makes changes to provisions of the introduced bill creating the Illinois Energy Transition Zone Act. Provides that a person employed in a full-time equivalent job must earn a wage that meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for the locality in which the work is performed. Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Removes a reference to local rent control ordinances.