From AFFI:

Governor Quinn placed his signature on two AFFI legislative initiatives in the last couple of days.
On August 12, 2009, the Governor signed SB 337. This bill becomes effective January 1, 2010,
and will require the local government employer to keep the employee on payroll when ordered to
active military service should the employee choose the option of returning military base pay to the
employer. To their credit, a large majority of municipalities and districts have already handled
these cases in the manner in which we sought.

State Statute read that local government employers must continue to keep employees ordered to
active duty on payroll in only three instances. 1) when on basic training 2) when on specialized
training up to sixty days, and 3) when on annual training tour (typically 15 days). The new
language adds a fourth and all-encompassing scenario…… whenever ordered to active military
duty.

You may remember this bill started as SB 1333. Due to General Assembly nuances and maneuvers
this bill took a long circuitous route to the Governor’s desk. The Illinois Municipal League
opposed the legislation in committee where it was heard on three different occasions.
The AFFI Legislative Committee would like to thank Senator Linda Holmes for agreeing to
sponsor the bill initially as well as Speaker Madigan and Representative Mike Zalewski for their
unwavering support in the House. Without their persistence, this bill could have very easily been
lost in the shuffle.

On August 14, 2009, the Governor signed HB 587 into law. This bill allows Fire Districts to create
a Foreign Fire Insurance Board and also dictates how ALL Foreign Fire Insurance Boards are to be
seated including the number of members it must seat.

This legislation originated as an AFFI Convention Resolution on many occasions. The AFFI
Legislative Committee was ultimately successful in getting it passed through both chambers and
obtaining the Governor’s signature against strong opposition brought forth by the Fire Districts.
Thanks to Representative Mike Bost who passed it out of the House on a 116-0 vote and Senator
Koehler who championed it through Senate committee and the Senate floor with a vote of 46-10.
Both of these individuals are to be commended for their efforts and strong support of the AFFI. We
would also like to thank Governor Quinn for his signature and support of these two initiatives.
As always, contact your Legislative Representative with questions or concerns. Links to the Public
Acts can be found below.

SB 337
HB 587
Fraternally,

Eddy Crews, Chairman

Chuck Sullivan, Secretary
Richard Martin, PAC Treasurer

Pat Devaney, President