HB5579 - 104th General Assembly

LOCAL REFERENDUM NEUTRALITY
Last Action
3/27/2026 - House: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
House Sponsors
Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
New Act
5 ILCS 430/5-15.5 new
Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Local Referendum Neutrality and Taxpayer Protection Act. Provides that a public body may only expend public funds related to a local referendum for specified purposes. Provides for the designation of an official committee in favor and the official committee opposed to the local referendum. Provides for the preparation of arguments in favor of or in opposition to the local referendum by the committees. Provides that an election authority shall review the arguments and publish the arguments in a voter information package. Sets forth provisions concerning conduct by public employees and public bodies. Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Provides that activities intended to influence voter support for or opposition to a referendum or potential referendum, when conducted using public funds, public facilities, or employee compensated time, constitute prohibited political activity. Effective immediately.
Actions
Date Chamber Action
2/06/2026 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro
2/13/2026 House First Reading
2/13/2026 House Referred to Rules Committee
3/18/2026 House Assigned to Ethics & Elections
3/27/2026 House Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee