HB 4705

Abstract

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, on and after June 1, 2004, neither a county board nor the corporate authorities of a municipality nor a retailer may enter into any agreement to share or rebate any portion of retailers' occupation taxes generated by retail sales of tangible personal property if: (1) the tax on those retail sales, absent the agreement, would have been paid to another unit of local government; and (2) the retailer maintains, within that other unit of local government, a retail location or a warehouse from which the tangible personal property is delivered to purchasers. Authorizes any unit of local government denied retailers' occupation tax revenue because of such an agreement to file an action in circuit court against the municipality or the county. Provides that if the unit of local government prevails in the circuit court action, it is entitled to damages in the amount of the tax revenue it was denied as a result of the agreement, statutory interest, costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and an amount equal to 50% of the tax. Provides that any agreement to share or rebate retailers' occupation taxes entered into prior to June 1, 2004 is not affected by the provisions of the amendatory Act. Preempts home rule. Effective immediately.