HB6848 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 21829 HLH 39751 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB6848

Introduced 4/13/2010, by Rep. Keith Farnham

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

35 ILCS 105/3-6 new
35 ILCS 105/3-10
35 ILCS 120/2-8 new
35 ILCS 120/2-10

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, from August 6, 2010 through August 15, 2010, and each year thereafter beginning on the first Friday in August and ending on the Sunday occurring 9 days thereafter, the tax imposed under the Acts on clothing and school supplies shall be at the rate of 1.25% (instead of 6.25%). Provides that the reduction is not authorized for periods after August 16, 2013. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning revenue.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Use Tax Act is amended by changing Section 3-10 and by adding Section 3-6 as follows:

(35 ILCS 105/3-6 new)

Sec. 3-6. Sales tax holiday items.

(a) The tangible personal property described in this subsection qualifies for the 1.25% reduced rate of tax for the period set forth in Section 3-10 of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the Sales Tax Holiday Period). The reduced rate on these items shall be administered under the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section. The following items are subject to the reduced rate:

(1) Clothing items that each have a retail selling price of less than $100.

"Clothing" means, unless otherwise specified in this Section, all human wearing apparel suitable for general use. "Clothing" does not include clothing accessories, protective equipment, or sport or recreational equipment. "Clothing" includes, but is not limited to: household and shop aprons; athletic supporters; bathing suits and caps; belts and suspenders; boots; coats and jackets; ear muffs; footlets; gloves and mittens for general use; hats and caps; hosiery; insoles for shoes; lab coats; neckties; overshoes; pantyhose; rainwear; rubber pants; sandals; scarves; shoes and shoelaces; slippers; sneakers; socks and stockings; steel-toed shoes; underwear; and school uniforms.

"Clothing accessories" means, but is not limited to: briefcases; cosmetics; hair notions, including, but not limited to barrettes, hair bows, and hair nets; handbags; handkerchiefs; jewelry; non-prescription sunglasses; umbrellas; wallets; watches; and wigs and hair pieces.

"Protective equipment" means, but is not limited to: breathing masks; clean room apparel and equipment; ear and hearing protectors; face shields; hard hats; helmets; paint or dust respirators; protective gloves; safety glasses and goggles; safety belts; tool belts; and welder's gloves and masks.

"Sport or recreational equipment" means, but is not limited to: ballet and tap shoes; cleated or spiked athletic shoes; gloves, including, but not limited to, baseball, bowling, boxing, hockey, and golf gloves; goggles; hand and elbow guards; life preservers and vests; mouth guards; roller and ice skates; shin guards; shoulder pads; ski boots; waders; and wetsuits and fins.

(2) School supplies. "School supplies" means, unless otherwise specified in this Section, items used by a student in a course of study. The purchase of school supplies for use by persons other than students for use in a course of study are not eligible for the reduced rate of tax. "School supplies" do not include school art supplies; school instructional materials; cameras; film and memory cards; videocameras, tapes, and videotapes; computers; cell phones; Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs); handheld electronic schedulers; and school computer supplies.

"School supplies" includes, but is not limited to: binders; book bags; calculators; cellophane tape; blackboard chalk; compasses; composition books; crayons; erasers; expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila folders; glue, paste, and paste sticks; highlighters; index cards; index card boxes; legal pads; lunch boxes; markers; notebooks; paper, including loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper; pencils; pencil leads; pens; ink and ink refills for pens; pencil boxes and other school supply boxes; pencil sharpeners; protractors; rulers; scissors; and writing-tablets.

"School art supply" means an item commonly used by a student in a course of study for artwork and includes only the following items: clay and glazes; acrylic, tempera, and oil paint; paintbrushes for artwork; sketch and drawing pads; and watercolors.

"School instructional material" means written material commonly used by a student in a course of study as a reference and to learn the subject being taught and includes only the following items: reference books; reference maps and globes; textbooks; and workbooks.

"School computer supply" means an item commonly used by a student in a course of study in which a computer is used and applies only to the following items: flashdrives and other computer data storage devices; data storage media, such as diskettes and compact disks; boxes and cases for disk storage; external ports or drives; computer cases; computer cables; computer printers; and printer cartridges, toner, and ink.

(b) Administration. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the reduced rate of tax under Section 3-10 of this Act for clothing and school supplies shall be administered by the Department under the provisions of this subsection (b).

(1) Bundled sales. Items that qualify for the reduced rate of tax that are bundled together with items that do not qualify for the reduced rate of tax and that are sold for one itemized price will be subject to the reduced rate of tax only if the value of the items that qualify for the reduced rate of tax exceeds the value of the items that do not qualify for the reduced rate of tax.

(2) Coupons and discounts. An unreimbursed discount by the seller reduces the sales price of the property so that the discounted sales price determines whether the sales price is within a sales tax holiday price threshold. A coupon or other reduction in the sales price is treated as a discount if the seller is not reimbursed for the coupon or reduction amount by a third-party.

(3) Splitting of items normally sold together. Articles that are normally sold as a single unit must continue to be sold in that manner. Such articles cannot be priced separately and sold as individual items in order to obtain the reduced rate of tax. For example, a pair of shoes cannot have each shoe sold separately so that the sales price of each shoe is within a sales tax holiday price threshold.

(4) Rain checks. A rain check is a procedure that allows a customer to purchase an item at a certain price at a later time because the particular item was out of stock. Eligible property that customers purchase during the Sales Tax Holiday Period with the use of a rain check will qualify for the reduced rate of tax regardless of when the rain check was issued. Issuance of a rain check during the Sales Tax Holiday Period will not qualify eligible property for the reduced rate of tax if the property is actually purchased after the Sales Tax Holiday Period.

(5) Exchanges. The procedure for an exchange in regards to a sales tax holiday is as follows:

(A) If a customer purchases an item of eligible property during the Sales Tax Holiday Period, but later exchanges the item for a similar eligible item, even if a different size, different color, or other feature, no additional tax is due even if the exchange is made after the Sales Tax Holiday Period.

(B) If a customer purchases an item of eligible property during the Sales Tax Holiday Period, but after the Sales Tax Holiday Period has ended, the customer returns the item and receives credit on the purchase of a different item, the 6.25% general merchandise sales tax rate is due on the sale of the newly purchased item.

(C) If a customer purchases an item of eligible property before the Sales Tax Holiday Period, but during the Sales Tax Holiday Period the customer returns the item and receives credit on the purchase of a different item of eligible property, the reduced rate of tax is due on the sale of the new item if the new item is purchased during the Sales Tax Holiday Period.

(6) Delivery charges. Delivery charges, including shipping, handling and service charges, are part of the sales price of eligible property.

(7) Order date and back orders. For the purpose of a sales tax holiday, eligible property qualifies for the reduced rate of tax if: (i) the item is both delivered to and paid for by the customer during the Sales Tax Holiday Period or (ii) the customer orders and pays for the item and the seller accepts the order during the Sales Tax Holiday Period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the Sales Tax Holiday Period. The seller accepts an order when the seller has taken action to fill the order for immediate shipment. Actions to fill an order include placement of an "in date" stamp on an order or assignment of an "order number" to an order within the Sales Tax Holiday Period. An order is for immediate shipment when the customer does not request delayed shipment. An order is for immediate shipment notwithstanding that the shipment may be delayed because of a backlog of orders or because stock is currently unavailable to, or on back order by, the seller.

(8) Returns. For a 60-day period immediately after the Sales Tax Holiday Period, if a customer returns an item that would qualify for the reduced rate of tax, credit for or refund of sales tax shall be given only at the reduced rate unless the customer provides a receipt or invoice that shows tax was paid at the 6.25% general merchandise rate, or the seller has sufficient documentation to show that tax was paid at the 6.25% general merchandise rate on the specific item. This 60-day period is set solely for the purpose of designating a time period during which the customer must provide documentation that shows that the appropriate sales tax rate was paid on returned merchandise. The 60-day period is not intended to change a seller's policy on the time period during which the seller will accept returns.

(c) The Department may implement the provisions of this Section through the use of emergency rules, along with permanent rules filed concurrently with such emergency rules, in accordance with the provisions of Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. For purposes of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, the adoption of rules to implement the provisions of this Section shall be deemed an emergency and necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(35 ILCS 105/3-10)

Sec. 3-10. Rate of tax. Unless otherwise provided in this Section, the tax imposed by this Act is at the rate of 6.25% of either the selling price or the fair market value, if any, of the tangible personal property. In all cases where property functionally used or consumed is the same as the property that was purchased at retail, then the tax is imposed on the selling price of the property. In all cases where property functionally used or consumed is a by-product or waste product that has been refined, manufactured, or produced from property purchased at retail, then the tax is imposed on the lower of the fair market value, if any, of the specific property so used in this State or on the selling price of the property purchased at retail. For purposes of this Section "fair market value" means the price at which property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. The fair market value shall be established by Illinois sales by the taxpayer of the same property as that functionally used or consumed, or if there are no such sales by the taxpayer, then comparable sales or purchases of property of like kind and character in Illinois.

Beginning on July 1, 2000 and through December 31, 2000, with respect to motor fuel, as defined in Section 1.1 of the Motor Fuel Tax Law, and gasohol, as defined in Section 3-40 of the Use Tax Act, the tax is imposed at the rate of 1.25%.

Beginning on August 6, 2010 through August 15, 2010, and each year thereafter beginning on the first Friday in August and ending on the Sunday occurring 9 days thereafter, with respect to sales tax holiday items as defined in Section 3-6 of this Act, the tax is imposed at the rate of 1.25%. The reduced rate of tax for sales tax holiday items as defined in Section 3-6 of this Act shall not be authorized for periods after August 16, 2013.

With respect to gasohol, the tax imposed by this Act applies to (i) 70% of the proceeds of sales made on or after January 1, 1990, and before July 1, 2003, (ii) 80% of the proceeds of sales made on or after July 1, 2003 and on or before December 31, 2013, and (iii) 100% of the proceeds of sales made thereafter. If, at any time, however, the tax under this Act on sales of gasohol is imposed at the rate of 1.25%, then the tax imposed by this Act applies to 100% of the proceeds of sales of gasohol made during that time.

With respect to majority blended ethanol fuel, the tax imposed by this Act does not apply to the proceeds of sales made on or after July 1, 2003 and on or before December 31, 2013 but applies to 100% of the proceeds of sales made thereafter.

With respect to biodiesel blends with no less than 1% and no more than 10% biodiesel, the tax imposed by this Act applies to (i) 80% of the proceeds of sales made on or after July 1, 2003 and on or before December 31, 2013 and (ii) 100% of the proceeds of sales made thereafter. If, at any time, however, the tax under this Act on sales of biodiesel blends with no less than 1% and no more than 10% biodiesel is imposed at the rate of 1.25%, then the tax imposed by this Act applies to 100% of the proceeds of sales of biodiesel blends with no less than 1% and no more than 10% biodiesel made during that time.

With respect to 100% biodiesel and biodiesel blends with more than 10% but no more than 99% biodiesel, the tax imposed by this Act does not apply to the proceeds of sales made on or after July 1, 2003 and on or before December 31, 2013 but applies to 100% of the proceeds of sales made thereafter.

With respect to food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold (other than alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and food that has been prepared for immediate consumption) and prescription and nonprescription medicines, drugs, medical appliances, modifications to a motor vehicle for the purpose of rendering it usable by a disabled person, and insulin, urine testing materials, syringes, and needles used by diabetics, for human use, the tax is imposed at the rate of 1%. For the purposes of this Section, until September 1, 2009: the term "soft drinks" means any complete, finished, ready-to-use, non-alcoholic drink, whether carbonated or not, including but not limited to soda water, cola, fruit juice, vegetable juice, carbonated water, and all other preparations commonly known as soft drinks of whatever kind or description that are contained in any closed or sealed bottle, can, carton, or container, regardless of size; but "soft drinks" does not include coffee, tea, non-carbonated water, infant formula, milk or milk products as defined in the Grade A Pasteurized Milk and Milk Products Act, or drinks containing 50% or more natural fruit or vegetable juice.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "soft drinks" means non-alcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. "Soft drinks" do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice or similar milk substitutes, or greater than 50% of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

Until August 1, 2009, and notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, "food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold" includes all food sold through a vending machine, except soft drinks, and food products that are dispensed hot from a vending machine, regardless of the location of the vending machine. Beginning August 1, 2009, and notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, "food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold" includes all food sold through a vending machine, except soft drinks, candy, and food products that are dispensed hot from a vending machine, regardless of the location of the vending machine.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold" does not include candy. For purposes of this Section, "candy" means a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. "Candy" does not include any preparation that contains flour or requires refrigeration.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "nonprescription medicines and drugs" does not include grooming and hygiene products. For purposes of this Section, "grooming and hygiene products" includes, but is not limited to, soaps and cleaning solutions, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, antiperspirants, and sun tan lotions and screens, unless those products are available by prescription only, regardless of whether the products meet the definition of "over-the-counter-drugs". For the purposes of this paragraph, "over-the-counter-drug" means a drug for human use that contains a label that identifies the product as a drug as required by 21 C.F.R. § 201.66. The "over-the-counter-drug" label includes:

(A) A "Drug Facts" panel; or

(B) A statement of the "active ingredient(s)" with a list of those ingredients contained in the compound, substance or preparation.

If the property that is purchased at retail from a retailer is acquired outside Illinois and used outside Illinois before being brought to Illinois for use here and is taxable under this Act, the "selling price" on which the tax is computed shall be reduced by an amount that represents a reasonable allowance for depreciation for the period of prior out-of-state use.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09; 96-38, eff. 7-13-09; revised 8-20-09.)

Section 10. The Retailers' Occupation Tax Act is amended by changing Section 2-10 and by adding Section 2-8 as follows:

(35 ILCS 120/2-8 new)

Sec. 2-8. Sales tax holiday items.

(a) The tangible personal property described in this subsection qualifies for the 1.25% reduced rate of tax for the period set forth in Section 2-10 of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the Sales Tax Holiday Period). The reduced rate on these items shall be administered under the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section. The following items are subject to the reduced rate:

(1) Clothing items that each have a retail selling price of less than $100.

"Clothing" means, unless otherwise specified in this Section, all human wearing apparel suitable for general use. "Clothing" does not include clothing accessories, protective equipment, or sport or recreational equipment. "Clothing" includes, but is not limited to: household and shop aprons; athletic supporters; bathing suits and caps; belts and suspenders; boots; coats and jackets; ear muffs; footlets; gloves and mittens for general use; hats and caps; hosiery; insoles for shoes; lab coats; neckties; overshoes; pantyhose; rainwear; rubber pants; sandals; scarves; shoes and shoelaces; slippers; sneakers; socks and stockings; steel-toed shoes; underwear; and school uniforms.

"Clothing accessories" means, but is not limited to: briefcases; cosmetics; hair notions, including, but not limited to barrettes, hair bows, and hair nets; handbags; handkerchiefs; jewelry; non-prescription sunglasses; umbrellas; wallets; watches; and wigs and hair pieces.

"Protective equipment" means, but is not limited to: breathing masks; clean room apparel and equipment; ear and hearing protectors; face shields; hard hats; helmets; paint or dust respirators; protective gloves; safety glasses and goggles; safety belts; tool belts; and welder's gloves and masks.

"Sport or recreational equipment" means, but is not limited to: ballet and tap shoes; cleated or spiked athletic shoes; gloves, including, but not limited to, baseball, bowling, boxing, hockey, and golf gloves; goggles; hand and elbow guards; life preservers and vests; mouth guards; roller and ice skates; shin guards; shoulder pads; ski boots; waders; and wetsuits and fins.

(2) School supplies. "School supplies" means, unless otherwise specified in this Section, items used by a student in a course of study. The purchase of school supplies for use by persons other than students for use in a course of study are not eligible for the reduced rate of tax. "School supplies" do not include school art supplies; school instructional materials; cameras; film and memory cards; videocameras, tapes, and videotapes; computers; cell phones; Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs); handheld electronic schedulers; and school computer supplies.

"School supplies" includes, but is not limited to: binders; book bags; calculators; cellophane tape; blackboard chalk; compasses; composition books; crayons; erasers; expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila folders; glue, paste, and paste sticks; highlighters; index cards; index card boxes; legal pads; lunch boxes; markers; notebooks; paper, including loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper; pencils; pencil leads; pens; ink and ink refills for pens; pencil boxes and other school supply boxes; pencil sharpeners; protractors; rulers; scissors; and writing-tablets.

"School art supply" means an item commonly used by a student in a course of study for artwork and includes only the following items: clay and glazes; acrylic, tempera, and oil paint; paintbrushes for artwork; sketch and drawing pads; and watercolors.

"School instructional material" means written material commonly used by a student in a course of study as a reference and to learn the subject being taught and includes only the following items: reference books; reference maps and globes; textbooks; and workbooks.

"School computer supply" means an item commonly used by a student in a course of study in which a computer is used and applies only to the following items: flashdrives and other computer data storage devices; data storage media, such as diskettes and compact disks; boxes and cases for disk storage; external ports or drives; computer cases; computer cables; computer printers; and printer cartridges, toner, and ink.

(b) Administration. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the reduced rate of tax under Section 3-10 of this Act for clothing and school supplies shall be administered by the Department under the provisions of this subsection (b).

(1) Bundled sales. Items that qualify for the reduced rate of tax that are bundled together with items that do not qualify for the reduced rate of tax and that are sold for one itemized price will be subject to the reduced rate of tax only if the value of the items that qualify for the reduced rate of tax exceeds the value of the items that do not qualify for the reduced rate of tax.

(2) Coupons and discounts. An unreimbursed discount by the seller reduces the sales price of the property so that the discounted sales price determines whether the sales price is within a sales tax holiday price threshold. A coupon or other reduction in the sales price is treated as a discount if the seller is not reimbursed for the coupon or reduction amount by a third-party.

(3) Splitting of items normally sold together. Articles that are normally sold as a single unit must continue to be sold in that manner. Such articles cannot be priced separately and sold as individual items in order to obtain the reduced rate of tax. For example, a pair of shoes cannot have each shoe sold separately so that the sales price of each shoe is within a sales tax holiday price threshold.

(4) Rain checks. A rain check is a procedure that allows a customer to purchase an item at a certain price at a later time because the particular item was out of stock. Eligible property that customers purchase during the Sales Tax Holiday Period with the use of a rain check will qualify for the reduced rate of tax regardless of when the rain check was issued. Issuance of a rain check during the Sales Tax Holiday Period will not qualify eligible property for the reduced rate of tax if the property is actually purchased after the Sales Tax Holiday Period.

(5) Exchanges. The procedure for an exchange in regards to a sales tax holiday is as follows:

(A) If a customer purchases an item of eligible property during the Sales Tax Holiday Period, but later exchanges the item for a similar eligible item, even if a different size, different color, or other feature, no additional tax is due even if the exchange is made after the Sales Tax Holiday Period.

(B) If a customer purchases an item of eligible property during the Sales Tax Holiday Period, but after the Sales Tax Holiday Period has ended, the customer returns the item and receives credit on the purchase of a different item, the 6.25% general merchandise sales tax rate is due on the sale of the newly purchased item.

(C) If a customer purchases an item of eligible property before the Sales Tax Holiday Period, but during the Sales Tax Holiday Period the customer returns the item and receives credit on the purchase of a different item of eligible property, the reduced rate of tax is due on the sale of the new item if the new item is purchased during the Sales Tax Holiday Period.

(6) Delivery charges. Delivery charges, including shipping, handling and service charges, are part of the sales price of eligible property.

(7) Order date and back orders. For the purpose of a sales tax holiday, eligible property qualifies for the reduced rate of tax if: (i) the item is both delivered to and paid for by the customer during the Sales Tax Holiday Period or (ii) the customer orders and pays for the item and the seller accepts the order during the Sales Tax Holiday Period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the Sales Tax Holiday Period. The seller accepts an order when the seller has taken action to fill the order for immediate shipment. Actions to fill an order include placement of an "in date" stamp on an order or assignment of an "order number" to an order within the Sales Tax Holiday Period. An order is for immediate shipment when the customer does not request delayed shipment. An order is for immediate shipment notwithstanding that the shipment may be delayed because of a backlog of orders or because stock is currently unavailable to, or on back order by, the seller.

(8) Returns. For a 60-day period immediately after the Sales Tax Holiday Period, if a customer returns an item that would qualify for the reduced rate of tax, credit for or refund of sales tax shall be given only at the reduced rate unless the customer provides a receipt or invoice that shows tax was paid at the 6.25% general merchandise rate, or the seller has sufficient documentation to show that tax was paid at the 6.25% general merchandise rate on the specific item. This 60-day period is set solely for the purpose of designating a time period during which the customer must provide documentation that shows that the appropriate sales tax rate was paid on returned merchandise. The 60-day period is not intended to change a seller's policy on the time period during which the seller will accept returns.

(c) The Department may implement the provisions of this Section through the use of emergency rules, along with permanent rules filed concurrently with such emergency rules, in accordance with the provisions of Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. For purposes of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, the adoption of rules to implement the provisions of this Section shall be deemed an emergency and necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(35 ILCS 120/2-10)

Sec. 2-10. Rate of tax. Unless otherwise provided in this Section, the tax imposed by this Act is at the rate of 6.25% of gross receipts from sales of tangible personal property made in the course of business.

Beginning on July 1, 2000 and through December 31, 2000, with respect to motor fuel, as defined in Section 1.1 of the Motor Fuel Tax Law, and gasohol, as defined in Section 3-40 of the Use Tax Act, the tax is imposed at the rate of 1.25%.

Beginning on August 6, 2010 through August 15, 2010, and each year thereafter beginning on the first Friday in August and ending on the Sunday occurring 9 days thereafter, with respect to sales tax holiday items as defined in Section 2-8 of this Act, the tax is imposed at the rate of 1.25%. The reduced rate of tax for sales tax holiday items as defined in Section 2-8 of this Act shall not be authorized for periods after August 16, 2013.

Within 14 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, each retailer of motor fuel and gasohol shall cause the following notice to be posted in a prominently visible place on each retail dispensing device that is used to dispense motor fuel or gasohol in the State of Illinois: "As of July 1, 2000, the State of Illinois has eliminated the State's share of sales tax on motor fuel and gasohol through December 31, 2000. The price on this pump should reflect the elimination of the tax." The notice shall be printed in bold print on a sign that is no smaller than 4 inches by 8 inches. The sign shall be clearly visible to customers. Any retailer who fails to post or maintain a required sign through December 31, 2000 is guilty of a petty offense for which the fine shall be $500 per day per each retail premises where a violation occurs.

With respect to gasohol, as defined in the Use Tax Act, the tax imposed by this Act applies to (i) 70% of the proceeds of sales made on or after January 1, 1990, and before July 1, 2003, (ii) 80% of the proceeds of sales made on or after July 1, 2003 and on or before December 31, 2013, and (iii) 100% of the proceeds of sales made thereafter. If, at any time, however, the tax under this Act on sales of gasohol, as defined in the Use Tax Act, is imposed at the rate of 1.25%, then the tax imposed by this Act applies to 100% of the proceeds of sales of gasohol made during that time.

With respect to majority blended ethanol fuel, as defined in the Use Tax Act, the tax imposed by this Act does not apply to the proceeds of sales made on or after July 1, 2003 and on or before December 31, 2013 but applies to 100% of the proceeds of sales made thereafter.

With respect to biodiesel blends, as defined in the Use Tax Act, with no less than 1% and no more than 10% biodiesel, the tax imposed by this Act applies to (i) 80% of the proceeds of sales made on or after July 1, 2003 and on or before December 31, 2013 and (ii) 100% of the proceeds of sales made thereafter. If, at any time, however, the tax under this Act on sales of biodiesel blends, as defined in the Use Tax Act, with no less than 1% and no more than 10% biodiesel is imposed at the rate of 1.25%, then the tax imposed by this Act applies to 100% of the proceeds of sales of biodiesel blends with no less than 1% and no more than 10% biodiesel made during that time.

With respect to 100% biodiesel, as defined in the Use Tax Act, and biodiesel blends, as defined in the Use Tax Act, with more than 10% but no more than 99% biodiesel, the tax imposed by this Act does not apply to the proceeds of sales made on or after July 1, 2003 and on or before December 31, 2013 but applies to 100% of the proceeds of sales made thereafter.

With respect to food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold (other than alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and food that has been prepared for immediate consumption) and prescription and nonprescription medicines, drugs, medical appliances, modifications to a motor vehicle for the purpose of rendering it usable by a disabled person, and insulin, urine testing materials, syringes, and needles used by diabetics, for human use, the tax is imposed at the rate of 1%. For the purposes of this Section, until September 1, 2009: the term "soft drinks" means any complete, finished, ready-to-use, non-alcoholic drink, whether carbonated or not, including but not limited to soda water, cola, fruit juice, vegetable juice, carbonated water, and all other preparations commonly known as soft drinks of whatever kind or description that are contained in any closed or sealed bottle, can, carton, or container, regardless of size; but "soft drinks" does not include coffee, tea, non-carbonated water, infant formula, milk or milk products as defined in the Grade A Pasteurized Milk and Milk Products Act, or drinks containing 50% or more natural fruit or vegetable juice.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "soft drinks" means non-alcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. "Soft drinks" do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice or similar milk substitutes, or greater than 50% of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

Until August 1, 2009, and notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, "food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold" includes all food sold through a vending machine, except soft drinks, and food products that are dispensed hot from a vending machine, regardless of the location of the vending machine. Beginning August 1, 2009, and notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, "food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold" includes all food sold through a vending machine, except soft drinks, candy, and food products that are dispensed hot from a vending machine, regardless of the location of the vending machine.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold" does not include candy. For purposes of this Section, "candy" means a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. "Candy" does not include any preparation that contains flour or requires refrigeration.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "nonprescription medicines and drugs" does not include grooming and hygiene products. For purposes of this Section, "grooming and hygiene products" includes, but is not limited to, soaps and cleaning solutions, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, antiperspirants, and sun tan lotions and screens, unless those products are available by prescription only, regardless of whether the products meet the definition of "over-the-counter-drugs". For the purposes of this paragraph, "over-the-counter-drug" means a drug for human use that contains a label that identifies the product as a drug as required by 21 C.F.R. § 201.66. The "over-the-counter-drug" label includes:

(A) A "Drug Facts" panel; or

(B) A statement of the "active ingredient(s)" with a list of those ingredients contained in the compound, substance or preparation.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09; 96-38, eff. 7-13-09; revised 8-20-09.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.