HB5391eng 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB5391 Engrossed LRB104 18487 RTM 31929 b

AN ACT concerning government.

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

Article 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1-1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 1-5. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to establish a uniform, simplified reporting framework for local government reporting requirements to the Comptroller with an independent review process.

Section 1-10. Definitions. In this Act:

"Agreed-upon procedures" or "AUPs" is an attestation engagement performed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants where a CPA firm performs specific procedures on financial or non-financial information and reports the CPA firm's findings without providing an opinion or conclusion.

"Annual cash receipts from all external sources" means all cash received by a local government from sources outside of the local government itself without duplication.

"Annual cash receipts from all external sources" includes, but is not limited to, cash receipts from:

(1) all tax revenues of any kind, whether ad valorem, sales, use, excise, special, or otherwise;

(2) all fees, charges, assessments, fines, forfeitures, service charges, and other similar revenues;

(3) all grants, reimbursements, shared revenues, or other intergovernmental revenues received from the federal government, any state, or any other political subdivision or public entity;

(4) all interest earnings and investment income;

(5) deposits and similar unearned income;

(6) all noncapital financing activities;

(7) all contributions, donations, gifts, and payments received from private persons, entities, nonprofit organizations, or other nongovernmental sources; and

(8) any other cash inflows received from third parties:

(A) in exchange for goods or services;

(B) under applicable law; or

(C) from activities not otherwise excluded under this definition.

"Annual cash receipts from all external sources" does not include cash receipts from:

(1) any entity included within the local government's financial reporting entity, except for discretely presented component units;

(2) the return of principal from investments or similar financial arrangements, including, but not limited to:

(A) certificates of deposit;

(B) money market accounts or money market funds;

(C) treasury bills, notes, or other government securities;

(D) repurchase agreements;

(E) commercial paper;

(F) corporate bonds or other debt securities;

(G) guaranteed investment contracts;

(H) external investment pools;

(I) time deposits; or

(J) other interest-bearing financial instruments held for income or capital preservation;

(3) collections of principal on outstanding loans or advances made by the local government;

(4) proceeds of indebtedness, including the principal amount and any premium received from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other debt obligations;

(5) refunds received related to an erroneous payment or overpayment made by the local government;

(6) interfund activity, including, but not limited to, transfers, reimbursements, loans, and interfund services provided or used;

(7) any transaction that is a capital or capital-related financing activity except for capital grants; or

(8) any other transaction that constitutes a conversion of assets rather than revenue.

"Attorney General" means the Attorney General of the State of Illinois.

"Audit committee" means a subcommittee of the responsible officials of a local government responsible for overseeing financial reporting, monitoring internal controls, receiving and reviewing internal audit reports and reports prepared by an independent CPA firm, providing guidance on accounting, auditing, and financial reporting matters, and recommending the selection, retention, and compensation of the local government's independent CPA firm.

"Cash basis of accounting" means a method of accounting under which revenues are recognized only when cash is received and expenses are recognized only when cash is paid, without regard to when the related income is earned or obligations are incurred. For an entity that qualifies as a government under applicable guidance issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the term means a method of accounting applied within the framework of funds recognized under GAAP promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, under which assets, liabilities, deferred inflows of resources, and deferred outflows of resources that do not involve cash are not recorded, inflows of resources are recognized when cash is received by a fund, outflows of resources are recognized when cash is disbursed by a fund, and fund balances or net position categories reflect only available cash classified in accordance with categories prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.

"Comptroller" means the Comptroller of the State of Illinois.

"Compliance examination" means an assertion-based examination engagement performed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants where the objectives of a CPA firm are to:

(1) obtain reasonable assurance about whether the subject matter as measured or evaluated against the criteria is free from material misstatement;

(2) express an opinion in a written report about whether the subject matter is in accordance with or based on the criteria, in all material respects, or the responsible party's assertion is fairly stated, in all material respects; and

(3) communicate as required by the relevant sections of the attestation standards.

"Consumer Price Index" means the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or its successor index, used to adjust dollar amounts for inflation.

"CPA" means a licensed certified public accountant.

"CPA firm" means a sole proprietorship, corporation, registered limited liability partnership, professional limited liability company, partnership, professional service corporation, or any other form of organization issued a license in accordance with the Illinois Public Accounting Act or a CPA firm authorized to use the CPA firm title under Section 5.2 of the Illinois Public Accounting Act.

"Corporate authorities" means:

(1) the mayor and alderpersons or similar body when the reference is to cities;

(2) the president and trustees or similar body when the reference is to villages or incorporated towns; and

(3) the council when the reference is to municipalities under the commission form of municipal government.

"Generally accepted accounting principles" or "GAAP" means the body of accounting principles, standards, conventions, rules, and procedures that are authoritatively established and generally accepted in the United States of America as of the relevant date.

"Generally accepted auditing standards" or "GAAS" means the professional standards governing the conduct of financial statement audits in the United States of America, as authoritatively established and generally accepted from time to time by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as of the relevant date.

"Generally accepted government auditing standards" or "GAGAS" means the professional auditing standards applicable in the United States of America for audits of government organizations, government programs, activities, and functions, and for audits of entities that receive government awards, as authoritatively issued and maintained by the Comptroller General of the United States through the U.S. Government Accountability Office as of the relevant date.

"Guidelines" means the guidelines developed, maintained, and published by the Comptroller under Section 15-25.

"Independent elector" means an individual who is a qualified elector of the local government and who has no direct or indirect financial interest in, and no familial relationship with, any officer, employee, or vendor of the local government other than their service as an independent elector. For the purposes of this subsection, familial interest means any direct or indirect relationship by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or adoption between an individual participating in the audit selection process and any owner, partner, principal, or employee of a responding CPA firm, including, but not limited to, a spouse or domestic partner, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, adopted child, sibling, stepsibling, half-sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or any relative residing in the same household.

"Licensed certified public accountant" means a certified public accountant who holds a license issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or an individual authorized to use the CPA title under Section 5.2 of the Illinois Public Accounting Act.

"Listing" means the listing of all local governments within the State that are currently seeking an independent CPA firm for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services established under Section 5-10.

"Local government" means any general or special purpose political subdivision of the State of Illinois, except for school districts or an entity subject to mandatory annual or biennial post-audits which are required to be audited by or under the direction of the Auditor General.

"Local Government Advisory Board" means the State Comptroller Local Government Advisory Board established under Section 22.1 of the State Comptroller Act.

"Local Government Registry" means the local government registry administered by the Comptroller created under Section 15-5.

"Management" means the persons with the executive responsibility for the conduct of the local government's operations, which may include some or all of the Responsible Officials.

"Request for qualifications" or "RFQ" means a solicitation issued by the responsible officials of a local government to identify CPA firms possessing the professional qualifications, experience, and capability to provide high-quality auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services.

"Responsible and responsive firm" means a CPA firm that meets all the requirements of the RFQ and demonstrates the ability to perform the required services satisfactorily.

"Responsible officials" means the elected or appointed persons charged with governance and the responsibility for overseeing the strategic direction of the local government and the obligations related to the accountability of the local government.

"Single audit" means an engagement performed in accordance with the audit requirements of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

"Statewide CPA organization" means a professional association organized and operating within the State whose membership consists primarily of CPAs, and which is designated by the Comptroller for purposes of professional consultation regarding accounting, auditing and attestation engagements, financial reporting, and other related matters.

"Statewide organization representing circuit clerks" means a professional association organized and operating within the State whose membership consists primarily of circuit clerks and is designated by the Comptroller for the purposes of professional consultation regarding the fiscal and administrative operations of circuit clerks.

"Template" means the template for the applicable fiscal year created and published by the Comptroller under Section 15-10.

Article 5. SELECTION, RETENTION, AND COMPENSATION OF A CPA

FIRM

Section 5-5. Purpose. The purpose of this Article is to establish a fair, transparent, and competitive process for the selection of a local government's independent CPA firm, ensuring the engagement team as a whole is qualified, competent, and capable of providing high-quality auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.

Section 5-10. Posting requests for CPA firms.

(a) The Comptroller shall maintain and publish on the Comptroller's official website a publicly accessible, up-to-date listing of all local governments within the State that are currently seeking an independent CPA firm for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services.

(b) The listing shall include, at a minimum, the name and contact information of the local government, the local government's RFQ, the deadline for the submission of responses to the local government's audit committee or responsible officials, and any other information deemed useful by the Comptroller.

(c) The Comptroller shall provide guidance, technical assistance, and other resources to responsible officials to support the selection of a qualified independent CPA firm for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services at each local government. The assistance provided by the Comptroller may include, but is not limited to, (i) guidance on the preparation and posting of a RFQ, including a draft fillable RFQ, (ii) best practices for evaluating the qualifications, independence, and experience of prospective CPA firms, (iii) sample engagement agreements, contract terms, and compensation arrangements consistent with professional standards and State law, (iv) guides or checklists for documenting the selection process and rationale for CPA firm retention, and (v) technical advice on compliance with applicable professional auditing standards and ethical requirements.

(d) All guidance, checklists, and informational resources provided by the Comptroller shall be made publicly available on the Comptroller's official website to ensure transparency and facilitate ease of access by responsible officials.

Section 5-15. Transition fiscal years.

(a) The Comptroller shall assign and publish on the Comptroller's official website each local government a transition fiscal year for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027 through fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2033, inclusive, no later than June 30, 2027. In determining a local government's transition year, the Comptroller shall, to the extent practicable, consider (i) the size of the local government, (ii) the scope and complexity of the auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services required by the local government, (iii) the local government's geographic region, (iv) the number of local governments anticipated to need to issue a RFQ during the earlier initial transition years, and (v) CPA firm capacity to balance the amount of RFQs during each fiscal year.

(b) During the transition year assigned by the Comptroller, the responsible officials of a local government shall initiate the independent CPA firm selection process by issuing a public RFQ for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services under Section 5-20.

(c) The responsible officials of a local government shall initiate the independent CPA firm selection process by issuing a public RFQ for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services under Section 5-20 earlier than the Comptroller's assigned transition year if the local government's current auditor was not retained under Section 5-25 or the local government did not have an independent CPA firm engaged for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

Section 5-20. Independent CPA firm selection process.

(a) At least once every 8 fiscal years, responsible officials of a local government shall initiate the independent CPA firm selection process by issuing a public RFQ for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services.

(b) The responsible officials or audit committee if designated by the responsible officials shall develop a RFQ which includes:

(1) a detailed description of the scope of services to be provided;

(2) deadlines for the delivery of anticipated reports, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and contractual requirements;

(3) minimum required qualifications for CPA firms;

(4) a request for responding CPA firms to provide information demonstrating their qualifications, including, but not limited to, the CPA firm's (i) professional qualifications and certifications, (ii) independence and continuing professional education, (iii) current peer review report and related letter of comments or a description why the CPA firm is not required to have a current peer review report, (iv) relevant governmental experience, (v) relevant experience with similar entities (vi) past performance and references, (vii) a description of the anticipated scope of services, (viii) evidence about the capacity of proposed team members to complete the engagement within the required timelines, and (ix) contact information for an individual authorized to negotiate with the price negotiator on behalf of the CPA firm; and

(5) the submission deadline, as well as the required format and delivery method for responding CPA firms to submit their written response to the RFQ, including all requested documentation, to either the responsible officials or audit committee, as determined by the responsible officials.

(c) The responsible officials shall approve the RFQ developed under subsection (b).

(d) The RFQ approved by the responsible officials shall be posted to the listing on the Comptroller's website for no fewer than 21 calendar days prior to the submission deadline.

(e) The responsible officials shall determine whether all submissions received shall be reviewed by either the entire body of responsible officials or the audit committee.

(f) The responsible officials shall designate one of its members to serve as the price negotiator who is not a member of management, unless all of the responsible officials are also members of management.

(g) All submissions received in response to the RFQ shall be reviewed to determine responsible and responsive firms.

(h) Each responsible and responsive firm shall be ranked and a shortlist of the most qualified CPA firms shall be prepared for further consideration.

(i) Upon establishing the shortlist, the price negotiator shall request detailed fixed-fee pricing proposals from each shortlisted firm via electronic mail, directed to the individual authorized to negotiate on behalf of the firm from the RFQ. The price negotiator shall establish a submission deadline for the pricing proposals, which shall be no fewer than 5 calendar days from the date of the request, and shall specify the required format and delivery method for the proposals.

(j) After receiving pricing proposals, the price negotiator may engage in further negotiations with the highest-ranked respondent to achieve a fair and reasonable fixed-fee price reflecting the scope, complexity, and professional standards of the engagement. If a mutually acceptable price cannot be reached, negotiations shall proceed down the shortlist until a fair and reasonable fixed-fee price reflecting the scope, complexity, and professional standards of the engagement is reached with the most qualified CPA firm.

(k) Upon recommendation of the price negotiator, the responsible officials shall award a contract for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services for one fiscal year to the CPA firm determined to be both the most qualified and offering a fair and reasonable fixed-fee price.

(l) No person participating in the selection process, including members of the audit committee, responsible officials, or any other individual involved in the review, evaluation, or recommendation of CPA firms, shall have a financial or familial interest in any responding CPA firm. For the purposes of this subsection, familial interest means any direct or indirect relationship by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or adoption between an individual participating in the audit selection process and any owner, partner, principal, or employee of a responding CPA firm, including, but not limited to, a spouse or domestic partner, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, adopted child, sibling, stepsibling, half-sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or any relative residing in the same household. The Comptroller may waive this requirement in writing for good cause.

Section 5-25. CPA firm retention.

(a) In any fiscal year in which the responsible officials do not initiate the independent CPA firm selection process under Section 5-20, the responsible officials shall determine whether to retain the local government's current independent CPA firm prior to awarding a contract for the next fiscal year's auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services.

(b) The responsible officials shall determine whether its current independent CPA firm shall be evaluated by either the entire body of responsible officials or the audit committee.

(c) The evaluation shall, at a minimum, assess the CPA firm's (i) independence and interest in continuing as the CPA firm serving the local government, (ii) compliance with applicable professional standards and legal requirements, including members of the assigned engagement team meeting continuing professional education requirements, (iii) quality, timeliness, and accuracy of reports and related communications, (iv) responsiveness to inquiries and requests from the local government, (v) current peer review report and related letter of comments or a description why the CPA firm is not required to have a current peer review report, (vi) cost-effectiveness, and (vii) any other factors deemed relevant to ensure continued competent auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services.

(d) The responsible officials shall consider the results of the evaluation when determining whether to retain or terminate its relationship with the independent CPA firm for the subsequent fiscal year. If the responsible officials determine to retain the CPA firm, the responsible officials shall designate one of its members to serve as the price negotiator who is not a member of management, unless all of the responsible officials are also members of management. If the responsible officials determine to terminate its relationship with the CPA firm or the CPA firm is not interested in providing services to the local government during the upcoming fiscal year, the responsible officials shall initiate the CPA firm selection process by issuing a public RFQ for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services under Section 5-20.

(e) The price negotiator shall request a detailed fixed-fee pricing proposal from the CPA firm by electronic mail. The price negotiator shall establish a submission deadline for the pricing proposal, which shall be no fewer than 5 calendar days from the date of the request, and shall specify the required format and delivery method for the proposals.

(f) Following receipt of the pricing proposal, the price negotiator may, at their discretion, engage in further negotiations with the CPA firm to achieve a fair and reasonable fixed-fee price that reflects the scope, complexity, and professional standards of the engagement. If a mutually acceptable price cannot be reached with the CPA firm, the responsible officials shall initiate the CPA firm selection process by issuing a public RFQ for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services under Section 5-20.

(g) Upon recommendation of the price negotiator, the responsible officials shall award a fixed-fee contract for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services for the next fiscal year to the CPA firm.

(h) No person or entity participating in the retention process, including members of the audit committee, responsible officials, or any other individual involved in the review, evaluation, or recommendation of CPA firms, shall have a financial or familial interest in the independent CPA firm. For the purposes of this subsection, familial interest means any direct or indirect relationship by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or adoption between an individual participating in the audit selection process and any owner, partner, principal, or employee of a responding CPA firm, including, but not limited to, a spouse or domestic partner, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, adopted child, sibling, stepsibling, half-sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or any relative residing in the same household. The Comptroller may waive this requirement in writing for good cause.

Section 5-30. Payments for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services.

(a) The costs for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services incurred by a local government to comply with the requirements of this Act shall be paid by the local government. Responsible officials shall make appropriate provisions for payment of these costs during the local government's budget process.

(b) All invoices for payments for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services incurred by a local government to comply with the requirements of this Act shall be reviewed and approved by the responsible officials prior to payment.

Section 5-35. Other competitive procurement requirements. Except as expressly provided in this Act, no other contracting or competitive procurement requirements shall apply to contracts let for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services.

Section 5-40. Auditing tax.

(a) The responsible officials of any local government, except the corporate authorities of a city, village, or incorporated town, having taxing powers may levy an auditing tax in an amount that shall not require extension of such tax at a rate in excess of 0.005% of the value of all taxable property in the unit as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue. It is the intent of the General Assembly for this Section to continue the authority for local governments to levy an auditing tax as provided under Section 9 of the Governmental Account Audit Act for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027.

This auditing tax may be in excess of or in addition to any statutory limitation of rate or amount. Money received from the auditing tax shall be held in a special fund and used only for the payment of costs for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services incurred by a local government to comply with the requirements of this Act.

(b) The corporate authorities of a city, village, or incorporated town shall have the power to annually levy an auditing tax upon all of the taxable property of the municipalities at the rate on the dollar which shall produce an amount which shall equal a sum sufficient to meet the cost of all expenses for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services incurred by a local government to comply with the requirements of this Act. It is the intent of the General Assembly for this Section to continue the authority for local governments to levy an auditing tax as provided under Section 8-8-8 of the Illinois Municipal Code for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027.

This auditing tax may be in excess of or in addition to any statutory limitation of rate or amount. Money received from the auditing tax shall be held in a special fund and used only for the payment of costs for auditing, attestation, or related professional accounting services incurred by a local government to comply with the requirements of this Act.

Article 10. CATEGORIZATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Section 10-5. Categories.

(a) Each local government shall annually determine its category, as soon as practicable after the close of its fiscal year. The local government shall determine its category using its annual cash receipts from all external sources for each of the 3 immediately preceding fiscal years.

A local government must at a minimum determine its category to meet the threshold for the lowest category for which it qualifies under subsection (b). The responsible officials of the local government may, at their discretion, determine that the local government qualifies for a higher category than the minimum.

For purposes of this subsection, if a local government does not meet the applicable dollar threshold for a higher category in each of the 3 immediately preceding fiscal years, the local government shall be classified in the lowest category for which it qualifies based on those fiscal years.

(b) For each fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2027, the Comptroller shall, in accordance with subsections (c) and (d), determine and publish on the Comptroller's official website, no later than November 15 of the current calendar year, the category thresholds to be used by local governments in determining their category for the fiscal year beginning after December 31 of the current calendar year.

(c) For the fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2027, a local government shall be classified into one of 4 categories based on its annual cash receipts from all external sources for each of the 3 immediately preceding fiscal years:

Category 1: A local government with annual cash receipts from all external sources of less than $100,000 during a fiscal year.

Category 2: A local government with annual cash receipts from all external sources of at least $100,000 but less than $3,500,000 during a fiscal year.

Category 3: A local government with annual cash receipts from all external sources of at least $3,500,000 but less than $35,000,000 during a fiscal year.

Category 4: A local government with annual cash receipts from all external sources of $35,000,000 or more, during a fiscal year.

(d) For each fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2028, the Comptroller shall calculate the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period ending on September 30 of the current calendar year and shall adjust the dollar thresholds for the 4 categories described in subsection (c) to reflect that change.

(e) The Comptroller shall develop instructions and examples in plain language about how responsible officials or management can determine a local government's category which are reasonably designed to promote the uniform application of this Section by local governments. All guidance, materials, and informational resources provided by the Comptroller shall be made publicly available on the Comptroller's official website to ensure transparency and facilitate ease of access by responsible officials.

Section 10-10. Category 1 Governments.

(a) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the responsible officials of a Category 1 local government shall appoint an auditing committee composed of 3 independent electors.

(b) The auditing committee shall inspect the Category 1 local government's records for the fiscal year under review, using the template for that fiscal year published by the Comptroller.

(c) All Category 1 local governments and their responsible officials, other elected or appointed officers, management, employees, and agents shall promptly comply with, and aid and assist the auditing committee in the exercise of its duties under the Act.

At the request of the auditing committee, each Category 1 local government shall, without delay, provide to the CPA firm's representative any record or information requested and shall provide for examination or copying all records, accounts, papers, reports, vouchers, correspondence, books and other documentation in the custody of the local government, including information stored in electronic data processing systems, which is related to or within the scope of any investigation under this Act.

(d) The auditing committee shall complete the template, documenting the procedures performed and the committee's findings, and submit it electronically to the responsible officials and management of the Category 1 local government for review. The auditing committee must ensure that the template does not include any information exempt from public disclosure under Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act.

(e) The responsible officials and management of the Category 1 local government may submit written views within 7 calendar days after receipt of the draft template from subsection (c) regarding the findings and conclusions of the auditing committee. Any comments received shall be included in the appropriate section of the template. Any comments received shall exclude information that is exempt from public disclosure under Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act.

(f) Upon receipt of any timely written views of the responsible officials or management, the auditing committee may respond to any written views that are inconsistent with or in conflict with the results of the inspection. The committee shall then finalize the template. The auditing committee's response to the written views shall exclude information exempt from public disclosure under Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act.

(g) Members of the auditing committee may be compensated for their services, with each member receiving an amount not exceeding $200, payable from the funds of the local government.

(h) Each Category 1 local government shall electronically submit the final template from the auditing committee to the Comptroller no later than 7 months after the end of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(i) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, and all reporting periods thereafter, each Category 1 local government shall electronically update its information within the Local Government Registry for the preceding fiscal year no later than 7 months after the conclusion of the local government's fiscal year. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(j) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, and all reporting periods thereafter, each Category 1 local government shall electronically submit a spreadsheet of the names, positions, and amounts paid to every recipient of a Form W-2 or a Form 1099 during the calendar year ended in a format prescribed by the Comptroller during the fiscal year no later than 7 months after the conclusion of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(k) The Comptroller shall charge a Category 1 local government a daily fee of no more than $100 and no less than $0 per day late for delinquent reporting under this Section. All fees collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Administrative Fund.

(l) The Comptroller may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements of subsections (h), (i), and (j), provided that such waiver is granted in writing and sets forth the specific grounds supporting the determination.

A written waiver may be granted upon a finding by the Comptroller that exigent circumstances exist that materially prevent the local government from complying with a requirement of subsection (h), (i), or (j). Exigent circumstances may include, but are not limited to, (i) the complete or substantial destruction of the local government's financial or administrative records due to fire, flood, natural disaster, cyber incident, or other catastrophic event; (ii) the sudden dissolution, closure, or legal incapacity of the local government; (iii) the seizure, impoundment, or restriction of access to records resulting from judicially authorized law enforcement activity; (iv) the existence of conditions that would materially limit, restrict, or impair the scope of the auditing committee's activities such that it is impracticable or impossible to satisfy the requirements prescribed by this Act, or (v) any other extraordinary event or circumstance that renders compliance impracticable.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be limited in duration to the period reasonably necessary to address the exigent circumstances; to specify whether the written waiver applies to all or only certain requirements of subsection (h), (i), and (j); and to include any conditions, alternative requirements, or remedial measures the Comptroller deems appropriate to protect the public interest.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be posted in the location within the Local Government Registry where the Category 1 local government's filing or filings would have otherwise appeared and shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, to (i) the responsible officials of the Category 1 local government and (ii) each member of the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate whose legislative district includes all or any portion of the territory within the jurisdiction of the Category 1 local government.

The Comptroller's determination under this subsection is final.

Section 10-15. Category 2 Governments.

(a) The responsible officials of a Category 2 local government shall enter into AUPs with the independent CPA firm they have retained under Article 5. The AUPs must align with the minimum AUPs for the relevant type of local government for that fiscal year, as published by the Comptroller under Section 15-15.

No Category 2 local government shall adopt procedures that are less stringent than those provided by the Comptroller. However, Category 2 local governments may include additional procedures to customize the report's findings and recommendations to better meet the needs of the responsible officials.

(b) The independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 shall perform the AUPs agreed-upon with the local government's responsible officials following the applicable attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

(c) If a Category 2 local government has a redevelopment project under Division 74.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code or redevelopment project under Division 74.6 of the Illinois Municipal Code, the responsible officials of a Category 2 local government shall enter into AUPs for each redevelopment project with the independent CPA firm they have retained under Article 5.

The AUPs shall be the AUPs designated by the Comptroller under Section 15-20 for each project. No Category 2 local government shall modify the AUPs published by the Comptroller.

(d) The independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 shall complete all of the AUPs and electronically submit the AUP's to the responsible officials and management of the Category 2 local government for review. The independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 must ensure all of the AUPs do not include any information exempt from public disclosure under Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act.

(e) The responsible officials and management of the Category 2 local government may submit written views within 7 calendar days after receipt of the draft report from any AUPs regarding the findings of the independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5. Any comments received shall be included in the appropriate section of the report. Any comments received shall exclude information that is exempt from public disclosure under Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act.

(f) Upon receipt of any timely written views from the responsible officials or management, the independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 may respond to any written views that are inconsistent with or in conflict with the results of the inspection. The committee shall then finalize the report. The response of the independent CPA firm to the written views shall exclude information exempt from public disclosure under Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act.

(g) A Category 2 local government may engage its independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 to perform any additional auditing, attestation, or other related professional accounting services to the local government, provided the independent CPA firm provides a written report at the conclusion of the engagement.

(h) All Category 2 local governments and their responsible officials, other elected or appointed officers, management, employees, and agents shall promptly comply with, and aid and assist the CPA firm in the exercise of its duties under the Act.

At the request of the CPA firm, each Category 2 local government shall, without delay, provide to the CPA firm's representative any record or information requested and shall provide for examination or copying all records, accounts, papers, reports, vouchers, correspondence, books and other documentation in the custody of the local government, including information stored in electronic data processing systems, which is related to or within the scope of any engagement under this Act.

(i) Each Category 2 local government shall electronically submit any reports prepared by the independent CPA firm under this Section to the Comptroller no later than 7 months after the end of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(j) Each Category 2 local government shall electronically submit any known or suspected fraud or noncompliance with laws or regulations communicated to those charged with governance or management as that term is defined under the attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants arising from the AUPs prepared by the independent CPA firm for engagements performed under this Section to the Comptroller no later than 7 months after the end of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(k) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, and all reporting periods thereafter, each Category 2 local government shall electronically update its information within the Local Government Registry for the preceding fiscal year no later than 7 months after the conclusion of the local government's fiscal year. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(l) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, and all reporting periods thereafter, each Category 2 local government shall electronically submit a spreadsheet of the names, positions, and amounts paid to every recipient of a Form W-2 or a Form 1099 during the calendar year ended in a format prescribed by the Comptroller during the fiscal year no later than 7 months after the conclusion of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(m) The Comptroller shall charge a Category 2 local government a daily fee of no more than $100 and no less than $0 per day late for delinquent reporting under this Section. All fees collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Administrative Fund.

(n) The Comptroller may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements of subsections (i), (j), (k), and (l), if the waiver is granted in writing and sets forth the specific grounds supporting the determination.

A written waiver may be granted upon a finding by the Comptroller that exigent circumstances exist that materially prevent the local government from complying with a requirement of subsection (i), (j), (k), or (l). Exigent circumstances include, but are not limited to, (i) the complete or substantial destruction of the local government's financial or administrative records due to fire, flood, natural disaster, cyber incident, or other catastrophic event; (ii) the sudden dissolution, closure, or legal incapacity of the local government; (iii) the seizure, impoundment, or restriction of access to records resulting from judicially authorized law enforcement activity; (iv) the existence of conditions that would materially limit, restrict, or impair the scope of the CPA firm's activities such that it is impracticable or impossible to satisfy the requirements prescribed by this Act; or (v) any other extraordinary event or circumstance that renders compliance impracticable.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be limited in duration to the period reasonably necessary to address the exigent circumstances; to specify whether the written waiver applies to all or only certain requirements of subsection (i), (j), (k), or (l); and to include any conditions, alternative requirements, or remedial measures the Comptroller deems appropriate to protect the public interest.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be posted in the location within the Local Government Registry where the Category 2 local government's filing or filings would have otherwise appeared and shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, to (i) the responsible officials of the Category 2 local government and (ii) each member of the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate whose legislative district includes all or any portion of the territory within the jurisdiction of the Category 2 local government.

The Comptroller's determination under this subsection is final.

(o) Within 60 days after the date of any report completed by the independent CPA firm pursuant to this Section, a partner at the independent CPA firm and such additional personnel from the CPA firm as deemed necessary by the independent CPA firm shall attend a public meeting of the responsible officials either in person or by a live phone or online virtual meeting to answer questions posed by the responsible officials about the engagement and present the major findings of the report. A public body may hold a closed session to consider internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews with the independent CPA firm's partner and such additional personnel from the CPA firm as deemed necessary by the independent CPA firm under Section 2 of the Open Meetings Act.

Section 10-20. Category 3 Governments.

(a) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the responsible officials of a Category 3 local government shall oversee management's preparation of the local government's draft financial statements following the cash basis of accounting. The financial statements of a Category 3 local government shall, at a minimum, present the government as a whole and its major funds, along with combining statements displaying each of the government's nonmajor funds. Upon completion of the draft financial statements, management shall furnish the draft financial statements to the local government's independent CPA firm for audit.

(b) The independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 shall not gather data, categorize and organize data, or prepare the draft financial statements of a local government.

(c) The independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 shall audit the local government's draft financial statements following GAAS and GAGAS.

(d) The responsible officials of a Category 3 local government shall enter into AUPs with the independent CPA firm they have retained under Article 5. The AUPs must align with the minimum AUPs for the relevant type of local government for that fiscal year, as published by the Comptroller under Section 15-15.

No Category 3 local government shall adopt procedures that are less stringent than those provided by the Comptroller. However, Category 3 local governments may include additional procedures to customize the report's findings and recommendations to better meet the needs of the responsible officials.

(e) The independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 shall perform the AUPs agreed-upon with the local government's responsible officials following the applicable attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

(f) If a Category 3 local government has a redevelopment project under Division 74.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code or redevelopment project under Division 74.6 of the Illinois Municipal Code, the responsible officials of a Category 3 local government shall enter into AUPs for each redevelopment project with the independent CPA firm they have retained under Article 5.

The AUPs shall be the AUPs designated by the Comptroller under Section 15-20 for each project. No Category 3 local government shall modify the AUPs published by the Comptroller.

(g) A Category 3 local government may engage its independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 to perform any additional auditing, attestation, or other related professional accounting services, including, but not limited to, a Single Audit, to the local government, provided the independent CPA firm provides a written report at the conclusion of the engagement.

(h) All Category 3 local governments and their responsible officials, other elected or appointed officers, management, employees, and agents shall promptly comply with, and aid and assist the CPA firm in the exercise of its duties under the Act.

At the request of the CPA firm, each Category 3 local government shall, without delay, provide to the CPA firm's representative any record or information requested and shall provide for examination or copying all records, accounts, papers, reports, vouchers, correspondence, books and other documentation in the custody of the local government, including information stored in electronic data processing systems, which is related to or within the scope of any engagement under this Act.

(i) Each Category 3 local government shall electronically submit any reports prepared by the independent CPA firm under this Section to the Comptroller no later than 7 months after the end of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(j) Each Category 3 local government shall electronically submit (i) the auditor's communication with those charged with governance under GAAS, (ii) the auditor's communication of deficiencies in internal control under GAAS to both those charged with governance or management as that term is defined under GAAS, (iii) any known or suspected fraud or noncompliance with laws or regulations communicated to those charged with governance or management as that term is defined under GAAS arising from the financial audit, and (iv) any known or suspected fraud or noncompliance with laws or regulations communicated to those charged with governance or management as that term is defined under the attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants arising from the AUPs prepared by the independent CPA firm for engagements performed under this Section to the Comptroller no later than 7 months after the end of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(k) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, and all reporting periods thereafter, each Category 3 local government shall electronically update its information within the Local Government Registry for the preceding fiscal year no later than 7 months after the conclusion of the local government's fiscal year. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(l) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, and all reporting periods thereafter, each Category 3 local government shall electronically submit a spreadsheet of the names, positions, and amounts paid to every recipient of a Form W-2 or a Form 1099 during the calendar year ended in a format prescribed by the Comptroller during the fiscal year no later than 7 months after the conclusion of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(m) The Comptroller shall charge a Category 3 local government a daily fee of no more than $100 and no less than $0 per day late for delinquent reporting under this Section. All fees collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Administrative Fund.

(n) The Comptroller may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements of subsections (i), (j), (k), and (l), if the waiver is granted in writing and sets forth the specific grounds supporting the determination.

A written waiver may be granted upon a finding by the Comptroller that exigent circumstances exist that materially prevent the local government from complying with a requirement of subsection (i), (j), (k), or (l). Exigent circumstances include, but are not limited to, (i) the complete or substantial destruction of the local government's financial or administrative records due to fire, flood, natural disaster, cyber incident, or other catastrophic event; (ii) the sudden dissolution, closure, or legal incapacity of the local government; (iii) the seizure, impoundment, or restriction of access to records resulting from judicially authorized law enforcement activity; (iv) the existence of conditions that would materially limit, restrict, or impair the scope of the CPA firm's activities such that it is impracticable or impossible to satisfy the requirements prescribed by this Act; or (v) any other extraordinary event or circumstance that renders compliance impracticable.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be limited in duration to the period reasonably necessary to address the exigent circumstances; to specify whether the written waiver applies to all or only certain requirements of subsection (i), (j), (k), or (l); and to include any conditions, alternative requirements, or remedial measures the Comptroller deems appropriate to protect the public interest.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be posted in the location within the Local Government Registry where the Category 3 local government's filing or filings would have otherwise appeared and shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, to (i) the responsible officials of the Category 3 local government and (ii) each member of the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate whose legislative district includes all or any portion of the territory within the jurisdiction of the Category 3 local government.

The Comptroller's determination under this subsection is final.

(o) Within 60 days after the date of any report completed by the independent CPA firm pursuant to this Section, a partner at the independent CPA firm and such additional personnel from the CPA firm as deemed necessary by the independent CPA firm shall attend a public meeting of the responsible officials either in person or by a live phone or online virtual meeting to answer questions posed by the responsible officials about the engagement and present the major findings of the report. A public body may hold a closed session to consider internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews with the independent CPA firm's partner and such additional personnel from the CPA firm as deemed necessary by the independent CPA firm under Section 2 of the Open Meetings Act.

Section 10-25. Category 4 Governments.

(a) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the responsible officials of a Category 4 local government shall oversee management's preparation of the local government's draft financial statements following GAAP. The financial statements of a Category 4 local government shall, at a minimum, present the government as a whole and its major funds, along with combining statements displaying each of the government's nonmajor funds. Upon completion of the draft financial statements, management shall furnish the draft financial statements to the local government's independent CPA firm for audit.

(b) The independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 shall not gather data, categorize and organize data, or prepare the draft financial statements of a local government.

(c) The independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 shall audit the local government's draft financial statements following GAAS and GAGAS.

(d) The responsible officials of a Category 4 local government shall enter into AUPs with the independent CPA firm they have retained under Article 5. The AUPs must align with the minimum AUPs for the relevant type of local government for that fiscal year, as published by the Comptroller under Section 15-15.

No Category 4 local government shall adopt procedures that are less stringent than those provided by the Comptroller. However, Category 4 local governments may include additional procedures to customize the report's findings and recommendations to better meet the needs of the responsible officials.

(e) The independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 shall perform the AUPs agreed-upon with the local government's responsible officials following the applicable attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

(f) If a Category 4 local government has a redevelopment project under Division 74.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code or redevelopment project under Division 74.6 of the Illinois Municipal Code, the responsible officials of a Category 4 local government shall enter into AUPs for each redevelopment project with the independent CPA firm they have retained under Article 5.

The AUPs shall be the AUPs designated by the Comptroller under Section 15-20 for each project. No Category 4 local government shall modify the AUPs published by the Comptroller.

(g) A Category 4 local government may engage its independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 to perform any additional auditing, attestation, or other related professional accounting services, including, but not limited to, a Single Audit, to the local government, provided the independent CPA firm provides a written report at the conclusion of the engagement.

(h) All Category 4 local governments and their responsible officials, other elected or appointed officers, management, employees, and agents shall promptly comply with, and aid and assist the CPA firm in the exercise of its duties under the Act.

At the request of the CPA firm, each Category 4 local government shall, without delay, provide to the CPA firm's representative any record or information requested and shall provide for examination or copying all records, accounts, papers, reports, vouchers, correspondence, books and other documentation in the custody of the local government, including information stored in electronic data processing systems, which is related to or within the scope of any engagement under this Act.

(i) Each Category 4 local government shall electronically submit any reports prepared by the independent CPA firm under this Section to the Comptroller no later than 7 months after the end of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(j) Each Category 4 local government shall electronically submit (i) the auditor's communication with those charged with governance under GAAS, (ii) the auditor's communication of deficiencies in internal control under GAAS to both those charged with governance or management as that term is defined under GAAS, (iii) any known or suspected fraud or noncompliance with laws or regulations communicated to those charged with governance or management as that term is defined under GAAS arising from the financial audit, and (iv) any known or suspected fraud or noncompliance with laws or regulations communicated to those charged with governance or management as that term is defined under the attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants arising from the AUPs prepared by the independent CPA firm for engagements performed under this Section to the Comptroller no later than 7 months after the end of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(k) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, and all reporting periods thereafter, each Category 4 local government shall electronically update its information within the Local Government Registry for the preceding fiscal year no later than 7 months after the conclusion of the local government's fiscal year. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(l) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, and all reporting periods thereafter, each Category 4 local government shall electronically submit a spreadsheet of the names, positions, and amounts paid to every recipient of a Form W-2 or a Form 1099 during the calendar year ended in a format prescribed by the Comptroller during the fiscal year no later than 7 months after the conclusion of the local government's fiscal year for inclusion within the Local Government Registry. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause regarding this reporting deadline.

(m) The Comptroller shall charge a Category 4 local government a daily fee of no more than $100 and no less than $0 per day late for delinquent reporting under this Section. All fees collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Administrative Fund.

(n) The Comptroller may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements of subsections (i), (j), (k), and (l), if the waiver is granted in writing and sets forth the specific grounds supporting the determination.

A written waiver may be granted upon a finding by the Comptroller that exigent circumstances exist that materially prevent the local government from complying with a requirement of subsection (i), (j), (k), or (l). Exigent circumstances include, but are not limited to, (i) the complete or substantial destruction of the local government's financial or administrative records due to fire, flood, natural disaster, cyber incident, or other catastrophic event; (ii) the sudden dissolution, closure, or legal incapacity of the local government; (iii) the seizure, impoundment, or restriction of access to records resulting from judicially authorized law enforcement activity; (iv) the existence of conditions that would materially limit, restrict, or impair the scope of the CPA firm's activities such that it is impracticable or impossible to satisfy the requirements prescribed by this Act; or (v) any other extraordinary event or circumstance that renders compliance impracticable.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be limited in duration to the period reasonably necessary to address the exigent circumstances; to specify whether the written waiver applies to all or only certain requirements of subsection (i), (j), (k), or (l); and to include any conditions, alternative requirements, or remedial measures the Comptroller deems appropriate to protect the public interest.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be posted in the location within the Local Government Registry where the Category 4 local government's filing or filings would have otherwise appeared and shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, to (i) the responsible officials of the Category 4 local government and (ii) each member of the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate whose legislative district includes all or any portion of the territory within the jurisdiction of the Category 4 local government.

The Comptroller's determination under this subsection is final.

(o) Within 60 days after the date of any report completed by the independent CPA firm pursuant to this Section, a partner at the independent CPA firm and such additional personnel from the CPA firm as deemed necessary by the independent CPA firm shall attend a public meeting of the responsible officials either in person or by a live phone or online virtual meeting to answer questions posed by the responsible officials about the engagement and present the major findings of the report. A public body may hold a closed session to consider internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews with the independent CPA firm's partner and such additional personnel from the CPA firm as deemed necessary by the independent CPA firm under Section 2 of the Open Meetings Act.

Article 15. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGISTRY AND REPORTS

Section 15-5. Local government registry and report database.

(a) The Comptroller shall establish and maintain a public searchable electronic database of all local governments no later than December 31, 2027, which shall include:

(1) the name, address, contact information, and website of the local government;

(2) the names of the elected or appointed office holders of the local government and their positions, including their dates of service and any periods of vacancy within a position;

(3) links to access any reports filed by a local government showing the names, positions, and amounts paid to every recipient of a Form W-2 or a Form 1099 during a calendar year; and

(4) links to access any reports filed by a local government pursuant to this Act categorized by fiscal year.

(b) No later than June 30, 2027, each county clerk shall notify the Comptroller electronically in writing of the name of each local government within their jurisdiction along with contact information for the elected or appointed office holders of the local government and their positions in a manner and format determined by the Comptroller. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause for this reporting requirement.

(c) Within 30 days following the creation or dissolution of a local government within their jurisdiction after June 30, 2027, each county clerk shall notify the Comptroller electronically in writing of the name of the local government along with contact information for the elected or appointed office holders of the local government and their positions in a manner and format determined by the Comptroller. The Comptroller may grant extensions in writing for good cause for this reporting requirement.

(d) The Comptroller shall charge a county clerk a daily fee of no more than $10 and no less than $0 per day late for delinquent reporting under this Section. All fees collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Administrative Fund.

Section 15-10. Limited procedures.

(a) The Comptroller shall develop a template for the auditing committees of Category 1 governments to perform and report on their activities inspecting the local government's records for the fiscal year under review, with the advice of the Local Government Advisory Board and a statewide CPA organization.

(b) The template shall be written in plain language with procedures for the auditing committees of Category 1 governments to perform and document its:

(1) sampling of disbursements during the fiscal year and the testing of the selected disbursements to determine each sampled disbursement was properly recorded in the financial records and was supported by adequate documentation, including invoices, receipts, or contracts, as applicable;

(2) sampling of receipts during the fiscal year and the testing of the selected receipts to determine each sampled receipt was properly recorded in the financial records, was supported by adequate documentation, and was promptly deposited into the appropriate account no later than 2 working days after receipt; and

(3) performing the local government's reconciliations of its financial records to the records of third parties, including, but not limited to, bank statements, investment reports, and other external documents, during the fiscal year.

(c) The template shall include a section for the responsible officials and management of the local government to submit their written views regarding the findings and conclusions of the auditing committee. The template shall also include a section for the auditing committee to respond to any written views from the responsible officials and management, particularly if those views are inconsistent with or in conflict with the results of the inspection.

(d) For each fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2027, the Comptroller shall publish on the Comptroller's official website, no later than November 15 of the current calendar year, the template to be used by auditing committees of Category 1 governments for inspecting the local government's records for the fiscal year beginning after December 31 of the current calendar year.

Section 15-15. Agreed-upon procedures.

(a) The Comptroller shall develop minimum AUPs specific to each type of local government subject to this Act for the fiscal year under review, with the advice of the Local Government Advisory Board and a statewide CPA organization.

(b) For all local governments, the AUPs shall be written by the Comptroller using plain language, insofar as practicable. The Comptroller shall write specific and objective procedures designed to be performed by a CPA firm over a completed fiscal year to provide factual findings regarding:

(1) compliance by the local government and its responsible officials and agents with the training requirements and public records disclosures laws under the Freedom of Information Act;

(2) compliance by the local government and its responsible officials and agents with the training requirements under the Open Meetings Act;

(3) compliance by the local government and its responsible officials and agents with the records retention requirements under the Local Records Act;

(4) accountability for capital assets and leased assets;

(5) compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations regarding the compensation of the local government's responsible officials and all other elected or appointed officials;

(6) compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations regarding accounts at banks or savings and loan associations;

(7) compliance with bond requirements;

(8) testing of a sample of disbursements for appropriate internal controls and compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations;

(9) testing of a sample of receipts for appropriate internal controls and compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including timely deposit requirements;

(10) compliance with significant statutory reporting requirements;

(11) for community colleges, procedures regarding a student enrollments and other bases upon which claims are filed with the Illinois Community College Board, with the advice of the Illinois Community College Board;

(12) for fire protection districts and municipalities, procedures regarding disbursements to a foreign fire insurance board were used by the foreign fire insurance board only for the maintenance, use, and benefit of the department under Section 11-10-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code and Section 11i of the Fire Protection District Act; and

(13) for fire protection districts, when a district purchases fire protection services from any organization, procedures regarding compliance with the terms of the contract as it relates to financial matters, including, but not limited to, the amount charged to the purchasing Fire Protection District.

The Comptroller may establish such other procedures as deemed necessary to assess the accountability of responsible officials and management at the local government, after determining the perceived benefit of the additional accountability procedures outweigh the perceived costs to be incurred from implementing such procedures.

Section 15-20. Agreed-upon procedures.

(a) The Comptroller shall develop consistent AUPs specific to each redevelopment project under Division 74.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code or redevelopment project under Division 74.6 of the Illinois Municipal Code for the fiscal year under review, with the advice of the Local Government Advisory Board and a statewide CPA organization.

(b) For all local governments, the AUPs shall be written by the Comptroller using plain language, insofar as practicable. The Comptroller shall write specific and objective procedures designed to be performed by a CPA firm over a completed fiscal year to provide factual findings regarding:

(1) the date each redevelopment project area was designated or terminated;

(2) the balance in the special tax allocation fund at the beginning of the fiscal year, all receipts deposited into the special tax allocation fund by source, all disbursements from the special tax allocation fund by category of permissible redevelopment project cost, and the balance in the special tax allocation fund at the end of the fiscal year on the cash basis of accounting;

(3) a breakdown of the balance in the special tax allocation fund at the end of the fiscal year identifying any portion of the balance that is required, pledged, earmarked, or otherwise designated for payment of or securing of obligations and anticipated redevelopment project costs or surplus; and

(4) the nature of outstanding obligations of the special tax allocation fund, including the projected debt service including required reserves and debt coverage and actual debt service of the special tax allocation fund.

The Comptroller may establish such other procedures as deemed necessary to assess the accountability of responsible officials and management at the local government about a redevelopment project under Division 74.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code or redevelopment project under Division 74.6 of the Illinois Municipal Code, after determining the perceived benefit of the additional accountability procedures outweigh the perceived costs to be incurred from implementing such procedures.

Section 15-25. Guidelines for circuit clerks.

(a) The Comptroller shall develop, maintain, and publish the guidelines for circuit clerks, with the advice of the Local Government Advisory Board, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, a Statewide organization representing circuit clerks, and a Statewide CPA organization.

(b) For all fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the Comptroller shall prescribe the format of the annual written report submitted by each county's independent CPA firm retained by the responsible officials under Article 5 prepared in accordance with the guidelines.

(c) For all fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the guidelines shall establish procedures for each county's independent CPA firm to conduct, for each fiscal year, a compliance examination under the attestation standards and GAGAS to:

(1) examine whether fees, fines, surcharges, costs, penalties, bonds, and judgments were properly collected and disbursed to the appropriate entities in compliance with applicable laws and other requirements, limited to those situations in which applicable laws, rules, regulations, and court orders require the circuit clerk to collect, hold, and disburse moneys to applicable parties or entities, excluding moneys already on deposit in county accounts controlled by other county officials or funds used to finance the regular operations of the circuit clerk's office;

(2) determine whether the circuit clerk has complied, in all material respects, with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and court orders in its financial and fiscal operations;

(3) determine whether moneys or negotiable securities or similar assets handled by the circuit clerk or held in trust by the circuit clerk have been properly and legally administered, and the accounting and recordkeeping thereto is proper, accurate, and in accordance with law; and

(4) obtain a sufficient understanding of internal control over compliance relevant to the specified requirements to plan the engagement, assess control risk for compliance with the specified requirements, and design procedures to achieve the objectives of the attestation engagement.

(d) For all fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the guidelines shall require circuit clerks to prepare, for each fiscal year, a schedule of accountabilities under the cash basis of accounting which includes all accounts and funds where applicable laws, rules, regulations, and court orders require the circuit clerk to collect, hold, and disburse moneys to applicable parties or entities, excluding moneys already on deposit in county accounts controlled by other county officials or funds used to finance the regular operations of the circuit clerk's office.

(e) The guidelines shall prohibit the local government's independent CPA firm from gathering data, categorizing or organizing data, or preparing the schedule of accountabilities.

(f) For all fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the guidelines shall require the circuit clerk to furnish the draft schedule of accountabilities to the local government's independent CPA firm to examine the schedule of accountabilities. The guidelines shall require each county's independent CPA firm to conduct, for each fiscal year, a compliance examination to examine the schedule of accountabilities to obtain reasonable assurance that the:

(1) schedule of accountabilities, including its footnotes, is complete and accurately presented in accordance with the guidelines, and the beginning and ending balances reconcile to the circuit clerk's cash, savings, and investment accounts;

(2) reported events and transactions are accurately recorded, properly classified, complete, and occurred within the fiscal year under examination; and

(3) reported balances of cash, savings, and investment accounts exist, are completely reported, the circuit clerk's rights and obligations related to those moneys are not in question, and account valuations are confirmed.

(g) For all fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the guidelines shall require each county's independent CPA firm to express an opinion on whether the schedule of accountabilities is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the county's financial statements as a whole in accordance with GAAS.

(h) For all fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, upon a written agreement between the Comptroller and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the guidelines may require each county's independent CPA firm to express an opinion on whether other reports used by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts are fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the county's financial statements as a whole in accordance with GAAS.

Article 20. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 20-5. Assurances. Each local government shall establish and maintain a system, or systems, of internal fiscal and administrative controls, which shall provide assurance that:

(1) resources are used efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with applicable law;

(2) obligations and costs are in compliance with applicable law;

(3) funds, property, and other assets and resources are safeguarded against waste, loss, unauthorized use, and misappropriation; and

(4) revenues, receipts, expenses, disbursements, expenditures, and transfers of assets, resources, or funds applicable to operations are properly recorded and accounted for to permit the preparation of accounts and reliable financial and statistical reports and to maintain accountability over the local government's resources.

Section 20-10. Conflicts of interest.

(a) Each local government shall maintain an appropriate segregation of duties to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure proper internal controls that its resources are used appropriately and financial transactions are properly authorized, recorded, and monitored.

(b) In instances where segregation of duties is not feasible due to limited personnel or other operational constraints, each local government shall implement compensating controls to mitigate the risks associated with the lack of segregation. Such compensating controls shall be designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance that its resources are used appropriately and financial transactions are properly authorized, recorded, and monitored.

Section 20-15. Capitalization threshold.

(a) The responsible officials of each local government shall establish a capitalization threshold for the various categories of capital assets and leased assets.

(b) The responsible officials of each local government shall implement procedures for tracking, managing, and disposing of capital assets and leased assets that either (i) exceed the capitalization threshold established in subsection (a), or (ii) are tangible and movable assets subject to theft, regardless of original cost, including, but not limited to, tools, vehicles, weapons, and items that store data.

(c) Each local government's responsible officials shall establish procedures for tracking, managing, and disposing of its capital assets and leased assets which either (i) exceed the capitalization threshold set in subsection (a) or (ii) are tangible and movable assets that are subject to theft regardless of original cost, including, but not limited to, tools, vehicles, and weapons or items that store data.

Section 20-20. Audit committees. The responsible officials of a local government may establish and determine the duties and membership of an audit committee, so long as any duties and responsibilities of the audit committee do not conflict with this Act.

Section 20-25. Delinquent reports.

(a) If a local government fails to comply with the requirements of this Act and is more than 270 days late in meeting its reporting obligations, after considering any extensions granted by the Comptroller, the Comptroller shall review the local government's actions. The review shall assess whether the local government is taking appropriate corrective action to bring itself into compliance with the provisions of this Act.

(b) If the Comptroller's review determines the local government is implementing appropriate corrective action in a timely manner, the Comptroller shall communicate the delay in writing to the local government's responsible officials and the Comptroller shall post the written letter in the location where the local government's missing filing would otherwise have been posted within the Local Government Registry.

Thereafter, the Comptroller shall review the local government's actions taken at least every 28 days until either (i) the local government comes into compliance with the Act or (ii) the Comptroller determines the local government is not implementing appropriate corrective action in a timely manner.

(c) If the Comptroller determines that the local government is not implementing appropriate corrective action in a timely manner, the Comptroller shall communicate the delay in writing to the local government's responsible officials and the Comptroller shall post the written letter in the location where the local government's missing filing would otherwise have been posted within the Local Government Registry.

(d) If the Comptroller determines that the local government is not implementing appropriate corrective action in a timely manner, the Comptroller shall request the Attorney General to seek an appropriate judicial remedy to compel the responsible officials and management of the local government to perform their duties under this Act in a timely manner.

Section 20-30. Rules. The Comptroller shall adopt administrative rules pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to implement and enforce the provisions of this Act.

Section 20-35. Other duties of responsible officials. This Act does not relieve any member of the responsible officials or management of a local government of any other duties required by law of that person with respect to the auditing of public accounts or the disbursement of public funds.

Section 20-40. Reports to other State agencies. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, any local government that files reports with the Comptroller in compliance with this Act shall not be required to file the same report with any State agencies as defined in the Illinois State Auditing Act. All state agencies may obtain copies of any report filed with the Comptroller in compliance with this Act.

Section 20-45. Effect on taxes. Failure of the responsible officials of any local government to comply with the provisions of this Act does not affect the legality of taxes levied for any of the funds of the local government.

Section 20-50. Home rule. A home rule municipality may not regulate financial reporting in a manner inconsistent with this Act. This Act is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State.

Article 900.

Section 900-5. The Intergovernmental Cooperation Act is amended by changing Section 3.1 and by adding Section 10 as follows:

(5 ILCS 220/3.1) (from Ch. 127, par. 743.1)

Sec. 3.1. Municipal Joint Action Water Agency.

(a) Any municipality or municipalities of this State, any county or counties of this State, any township in a county with a population under 700,000 of this State, any public water district or districts of this State, State university, or any combination thereof may, by intergovernmental agreement, establish a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency to provide adequate supplies of water on an economical and efficient basis for member municipalities, public water districts and other incorporated and unincorporated areas within such counties. Any such Agency shall itself be a municipal corporation, public body politic and corporate. A Municipal Joint Action Water Agency so created shall not itself have taxing power except as hereinafter provided.

A Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall be established by an intergovernmental agreement among the various member municipalities, public water districts, townships, State universities, and counties, upon approval by an ordinance adopted by the corporate authorities of each member municipality, public water district, township, State university, or county. This agreement may be amended at any time upon the adoption of concurring ordinances by the corporate authorities of all member municipalities, public water districts, townships, State universities, and counties. The agreement may provide for additional municipalities, public water districts, any State universities, townships in counties with a population under 700,000, or counties to join the Agency upon adoption of an ordinance by the corporate authorities of the joining municipality, public water district, township, or county, and upon such consents, conditions and approvals of the governing body of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency and of existing member municipalities, public water districts, townships, State universities, and counties as shall be provided in the agreement. The agreement shall provide the manner and terms on which any municipality, public water district, township, or county may withdraw from membership in the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency and on which the Agency may terminate and dissolve in whole or in part. The agreement shall set forth the corporate name of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency and its duration. Promptly upon any agreement establishing a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency being entered into, or upon the amending of any such agreement, a copy of such agreement or amendment shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State of Illinois. Promptly upon the addition or withdrawal of any municipality, public water district, township in a county with a population under 700,000, or county, or upon the dissolution of a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency, that fact shall be certified by an officer of the Agency to the Secretary of State of Illinois.

(b) The governing body of any Municipal Joint Action Water Agency established pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be a Board of Directors. There shall be one Director from each member municipality, public water district, township, State university, and county of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency appointed by ordinance of the corporate authorities of the municipality, public water district, township, or county. Each Director shall have one vote, and shall meet the requirements of paragraphs (1) or (2), as applicable.

(1) Each Director shall be the Mayor or President of the member municipality, or the chairman of the board of trustees of the member public water district, the supervisor of the member township, the appointee of the State university, or the chairman of the county board or chief executive officer of the member county or a county board member appointed by the chairman of the county board of the member county, appointing the Director; an elected member of the corporate authorities of that municipality, public water district, township, or county; or other elected official of the appointing municipality, public water district, township, or county. Any agreement establishing a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall specify the period during which a Director shall hold office and may provide for the appointment of Alternate Directors from member municipalities, public water districts, townships, or counties. The Board of Directors shall elect one Director to serve as Chairman, and shall elect persons, who need not be Directors, to such other offices as shall be designated in the agreement.

(2) For any Municipal Joint Action Water Agency established after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly, each Director shall either: (i) meet the qualifications specified under paragraph (1); or (ii) be an appointed official of a member municipality, public water district, township, State university, or county, as designated by ordinance or other official action, from time to time by the corporate authorities of the member municipality, public water district, township, State university, or county.

The Board of Directors shall determine the general policy of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency, shall approve the annual budget, shall make all appropriations (which may include appropriations made at any time in addition to those made in any annual appropriation document), shall approve all contracts for the purchase or sale of water, shall adopt any resolutions providing for the issuance of bonds or notes by the Agency, shall adopt its by-laws, rules and regulations, and shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed in the agreement. Such agreement may further specify those powers and actions of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency which shall be authorized only upon votes of greater than a majority of all Directors or only upon consents of the corporate authorities of a certain number of member municipalities, public water districts, townships, State universities, or counties.

The agreement may provide for the establishment of an Executive Committee to consist of the municipal manager or other elected or appointed official of each member municipality, public water district, township, State university, or county, as designated by ordinance or other official action, from time to time by the corporate authorities of the member municipality, public water district, township, State university, or county, and may prescribe powers and duties of the Executive Committee for the efficient administration of the Agency.

(c) A Municipal Joint Action Water Agency established pursuant to this Section 3.1 may plan, construct, improve, extend, acquire, finance (including the issuance of revenue bonds or notes as provided in this Section 3.1), operate, maintain, and contract for a joint waterworks or water supply system which may include, or may consist of, without limitation, facilities for receiving, storing, and transmitting water from any source for supplying water to member municipalities, public water districts, townships, or counties (including county special service areas created under the Special Service Area Tax Act and county service areas authorized under the Counties Code), or other public agencies, persons, or corporations. Facilities of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency may be located within or without the corporate limits of any member municipality.

A Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall have such powers as shall be provided in the agreement establishing it, which may include, but need not be limited to, the following powers:

(i) to sue or be sued;

(ii) to apply for and accept gifts or grants or loans of funds or property or financial or other aid from any public agency or private entity;

(iii) to acquire, hold, sell, lease as lessor or lessee, transfer or dispose of such real or personal property, or interests therein, as it deems appropriate in the exercise of its powers, and to provide for the use thereof by any member municipality, public water district, township, or county;

(iv) to make and execute all contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers (including contracts with member municipalities, with public water districts, with townships, and with counties on behalf of county service areas); and

(v) to employ agents and employees and to delegate by resolution to one or more of its Directors or officers such powers as it may deem proper.

Member municipalities, public water districts, townships, State universities, or counties may, for the purposes of, and upon request by, the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency, exercise the power of eminent domain available to them, convey property so acquired to the Agency for the cost of acquisition, and be reimbursed for all expenses related to this exercise of eminent domain power on behalf of the Agency.

All property, income and receipts of or transactions by a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall be exempt from all taxation, the same as if it were the property, income or receipts of or transaction by the member municipalities, public water districts, townships, State universities, or counties.

(d) A Municipal Joint Action Water Agency established pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall have the power to buy water and to enter into contracts with any person, corporation or public agency (including any member municipality, public water district, township, or county) for that purpose. Any such contract made by an Agency for a supply of water may contain provisions whereby the Agency is obligated to pay for the supply of water without setoff or counterclaim and irrespective of whether the supply of water is ever furnished, made available or delivered to the Agency or whether any project for the supply of water contemplated by any such contract is completed, operable or operating and notwithstanding any suspension, interruption, interference, reduction or curtailment of the supply of water from such project. Any such contract may provide that if one or more of the other purchasers defaults in the payment of its obligations under such contract or a similar contract made with the supplier of the water one or more of the remaining purchasers party to such contract or such similar contract shall be required to pay for all or a portion of the obligations of the defaulting purchasers. No such contract may have a term in excess of 50 years.

A Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall have the power to sell water and to enter into contracts with any person, corporation or public agency (including any member municipality, any public water district, any township, any State university, or any county on behalf of a county service area as set forth in this Section) for that purpose. No such contract may have a term in excess of 50 years. Any such contract entered into to sell water to a public agency may provide that the payments to be made thereunder by such public agency shall be made solely from revenues to be derived by such public agency from the operation of its waterworks system or its combined waterworks and sewerage system. Any public agency so contracting to purchase water shall establish from time to time such fees and charges for its water service or combined water and sewer service as will produce revenues sufficient at all times to pay its obligations to the Agency under the purchase contract. Any such contract so providing shall not constitute indebtedness of such public agency so contracting to buy water within the meaning of any statutory or constitutional limitation. Any such contract of a public agency to buy water shall be a continuing, valid and binding obligation of such public agency payable from such revenues.

A Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall establish fees and charges for the purchase of water from it or for the use of its facilities. No prior appropriation shall be required by either the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency or any public agency before entering into any contract authorized by this paragraph (d).

The changes in this Section made by this amendatory Act of 1984 are intended to be declarative of existing law.

(e) 1. A Municipal Joint Action Water Agency established pursuant to this Section 3.1 may, from time to time, borrow money and, in evidence of its obligation to repay the borrowing, issue its negotiable water revenue bonds or notes pursuant to this paragraph (e) for any of the following purposes: for paying costs of constructing, acquiring, improving or extending a joint waterworks or water supply system; for paying other expenses incident to or incurred in connection with such construction, acquisition, improvement or extension; for repaying advances made to or by the Agency for such purposes; for paying interest on the bonds or notes until the estimated date of completion of any such construction, acquisition, improvement or extension and for such period after the estimated completion date as the Board of Directors of the Agency shall determine; for paying financial, legal, administrative and other expenses of the authorization, issuance, sale or delivery of bonds or notes; for paying costs of insuring payment of the bonds or notes; for providing or increasing a debt service reserve fund with respect to any or all of the Agency's bonds or notes; and for paying, refunding or redeeming any of the Agency's bonds or notes before, after or at their maturity, including paying redemption premiums or interest accruing or to accrue on such bonds or notes being paid or redeemed or for paying any other costs in connection with any such payment or redemption.

2. Any bonds or notes issued pursuant to this paragraph (e) by a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall be authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Agency adopted by the affirmative vote of Directors from a majority of the member municipalities, public water districts, townships, State universities, and counties, and any additional requirements as may be set forth in the agreement establishing the Agency. The authorizing resolution may be effective immediately upon its adoption. The authorizing resolution shall describe in a general way any project contemplated to be financed by the bonds or notes, shall set forth the estimated cost of the project and shall determine its period of usefulness. The authorizing resolution shall determine the maturity or maturities of the bonds or notes, the rate or rates at which the bonds or notes are to bear interest and all the other terms and details of the bonds or notes. All such bonds or notes shall mature within the period of estimated usefulness of the project with respect to which such bonds or notes are issued, as determined by the Board of Directors, but in any event not more than 50 years from their date of issue. The bonds and notes may bear interest, payable at such times, at a rate or rates not exceeding the maximum rate established in the Bond Authorization Act, as from time to time in effect. Bonds or notes of a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall be sold in such manner as the Board of Directors of the Agency shall determine, either at par or at a premium or discount, but such that the effective interest cost (excluding any redemption premium) to the Agency of the bonds or notes shall not exceed a rate equal to the rate of interest specified in the Act referred to in the preceding sentence.

The resolution authorizing the issuance of any bonds or notes pursuant to this paragraph (e) shall constitute a contract with the holders of the bonds and notes. The resolution may contain such covenants and restrictions with respect to the purchase or sale of water by the Agency and the contracts for such purchases or sales, the operation of the joint waterworks system or water supply system, the issuance of additional bonds or notes by the Agency, the security for the bonds and notes, and any other matters, as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the Board of Directors to assure the payment of the bonds or notes of the Agency.

3. The resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or notes by a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall pledge and provide for the application of revenues derived from the operation of the Agency's joint waterworks or water supply system (including from contracts for the sale of water by the Agency) and investment earnings thereon to the payment of the cost of operation and maintenance of the system (including costs of purchasing water), to provision of adequate depreciation, reserve or replacement funds with respect to the system or the bonds or notes, and to the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the bonds or notes of the Agency (including amounts for the purchase of such bonds or notes). The resolution shall provide that revenues of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency so derived from the operation of the system, sufficient (together with other receipts of the Agency which may be applied to such purposes) to provide for such purposes, shall be set aside as collected in a separate fund or funds and used for such purposes. The resolution may provide that revenues not required for such purposes may be used for any proper purpose of the Agency or may be returned to member municipalities.

Any notes of a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency issued in anticipation of the issuance of bonds by it may, in addition, be secured by a pledge of proceeds of bonds to be issued by the Agency, as specified in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such notes.

4. (i) Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii) of this subparagraph 4 of this paragraph (e), all bonds and notes of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency issued pursuant to this paragraph (e) shall be revenue bonds or notes. Such revenue bonds or notes shall have no claim for payment other than from revenues of the Agency derived from the operation of its joint waterworks or water supply system (including from contracts for the sale of water by the Agency) and investment earnings thereon, from bond or note proceeds and investment earnings thereon, or from such other receipts of the Agency as the agreement establishing the Agency may authorize to be pledged to the payment of revenue bonds or notes, all as and to the extent as provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors authorizing the issuance of the revenue bonds or notes. Revenue bonds or notes issued by a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency pursuant to this paragraph (e) shall not constitute an indebtedness of the Agency or of any member municipality, public water district, township, or county within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation. It shall be plainly stated on each revenue bond and note that it does not constitute an indebtedness of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency or of any member municipality, public water district, township, or county within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation.

(ii) If the Agreement so provides and subject to the referendum provided for in clause (iii) of this subparagraph 4 of this paragraph (e), the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency may borrow money for corporate purposes on the credit of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency, and issue general obligation bonds therefor, in such amounts and form and on such conditions as it shall prescribe, but shall not become indebted in any manner or for any purpose in an amount including existing indebtedness in the aggregate which exceeds 5.75% of the aggregate value of the taxable property within the boundaries of the participating municipalities, public water districts, townships, and county service areas within a member county determined by the governing body of the county by resolution to be served by the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency (including any territory added to the Agency after the issuance of such general obligation bonds), collectively defined as the "Service Area", as equalized and assessed by the Department of Revenue and as most recently available at the time of the issue of said bonds. Before or at the time of incurring any such general obligation indebtedness, the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall provide for the collection of a direct annual tax, which shall be unlimited as to rate or amount, sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls due and also to pay and discharge the principal thereof at maturity, which shall be within 40 years after the date of issue thereof. Such tax shall be levied upon and collected from all of the taxable property within the territorial boundaries of such Service Area at the time of the referendum provided for in clause (iii) and shall be levied upon and collected from all taxable property within the boundaries of any territory subsequently added to the Service Area. Dissolution of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency for any reason shall not relieve the taxable property within such Service Area from liability for such tax. Liability for such tax for property transferred to or released from such Service Area shall be determined in the same manner as for general obligation bonds of such county, if in an unincorporated area, and of such municipality, if within the boundaries thereof. The clerk or other officer of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency shall file a certified copy of the resolution or ordinance by which such bonds are authorized to be issued and such tax is levied with the County Clerk or Clerks of the county or counties containing the Service Area, and such filing shall constitute, without the doing of any other act, full and complete authority for such County Clerk or Clerks to extend such tax for collection upon all the taxable property within the Service Area subject to such tax in each and every year, as required, in amounts sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds, as aforesaid, without limit as to rate or amount. Such tax shall be in addition to and in excess of all other taxes authorized to be levied by the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency or by such county, municipality, township, or public water district. The issuance of such general obligation bonds shall be subject to the other provisions of this paragraph (e), except for the provisions of clause (i) of this subparagraph 4.

(iii) No issue of general obligation bonds of the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency (except bonds to refund an existing bonded indebtedness) shall be authorized unless the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency certifies the proposition of issuing such bonds to the proper election authorities, who shall submit the proposition to the voters in the Service Area at an election in accordance with the general election law, and the proposition has been approved by a majority of those voting on the proposition.

The proposition shall be substantially in the following form:

--------------------------------------------------------

Shall general obligation bonds for the purpose of (state purpose), in the sum not to exceed $....(insert amount), Yes be issued by the ......... ------------------------

(insert corporate name of the No Municipal Joint Action Water Agency)? -------------------------------------------------------------

5. As long as any bonds or notes of a Municipal Joint Action Water Agency created pursuant to this Section 3.1 are outstanding and unpaid, the Agency shall not terminate or dissolve and, except as permitted by the resolution or resolutions authorizing outstanding bonds or notes, no member municipality, public water district, township, or county may withdraw from the Agency. While any such bonds or notes are outstanding, all contracts for the sale of water by the Agency to member municipalities, public water districts, townships, or counties shall be irrevocable except as permitted by the resolution or resolutions authorizing such bonds or notes. The Agency shall establish fees and charges for its operations sufficient to provide adequate revenues to meet all of the requirements under its various resolutions authorizing bonds or notes.

6. A holder of any bond or note issued pursuant to this paragraph (e) may, in any civil action, mandamus or other proceeding, enforce and compel performance of all duties required to be performed by the Agency or such counties, as provided in the authorizing resolution, or by any of the public agencies contracting with the Agency to purchase water, including the imposition of fees and charges, the collection of sufficient revenues and the proper application of revenues as provided in this paragraph (e) and the levying, extension and collection of such taxes.

7. In addition, the resolution authorizing any bonds or notes issued pursuant to this paragraph (e) may provide for a pledge, assignment, lien or security interest, for the benefit of the holders of any or all bonds or notes of the Agency, (i) on any or all revenues derived from the operation of the joint waterworks or water supply system (including from contracts for the sale of water) and investment earnings thereon or (ii) on funds or accounts securing the payment of the bonds or notes as provided in the authorizing resolution. In addition, such a pledge, assignment, lien or security interest may be made with respect to any receipts of the Agency which the agreement establishing the Agency authorizes it to apply to payment of bonds or notes. Any such pledge, assignment, lien or security interest for the benefit of holders of bonds or notes shall be valid and binding from the time the bonds or notes are issued, without any physical delivery or further act, and shall be valid and binding as against or prior to any claims of any other party having any claims of any kind against the Agency irrespective of whether such other parties have notice of such pledge, assignment, lien or security interest.

A resolution of a Municipal Joint Water Agency authorizing the issuance of bonds or notes pursuant to this paragraph (e) may provide for the appointment of a corporate trustee with respect to any or all of such bonds or notes (which trustee may be any trust company or state or national bank having the power of a trust company within Illinois). In that event, the resolution shall prescribe the rights, duties and powers of the trustee to be exercised for the benefit of the Agency and the protection of the holders of such bonds or notes. The resolution may provide for the trustee to hold in trust, invest and use amounts in funds and accounts created as provided in the resolution. The resolution authorizing the bonds or notes may provide for the assignment and direct payment to the trustee of amounts owed by public agencies to the Municipal Joint Action Water Agency under water sales contracts for application by the trustee to the purposes for which such revenues are to be used as provided in this paragraph (e) and as provided in the authorizing resolution. Upon receipt of notice of such assignment, the public agency shall thereafter make the assigned payments directly to such trustee.

Nothing in this Section authorizes a Joint Action Water Agency to provide water service directly to residents within a municipality or in territory within one mile or less of the corporate limits of a municipality that operates a public water supply unless the municipality has consented in writing to such service being provided.

(f) For fiscal years beginning before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the operations and fiscal activities of each municipal joint action water agency are subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(g) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the operations and fiscal activities of each municipal joint action water agency are subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-1076, eff. 8-24-18.)

(5 ILCS 220/10 new)

Sec. 10. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) Any separate legal entity, whether currently existing or created in the future, that is established by a public agency subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act shall also be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027.

(b) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the wastewater treatment authority established by the City of West Chicago and Village of Winfield shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(c) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the operations and fiscal activities of the wastewater treatment authority established by the City of West Chicago and Village of Winfield shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-10. The State Comptroller Act is amended by changing Section 23.7 as follows:

(15 ILCS 405/23.7)

Sec. 23.7. Comptroller; local government and school district registry.

(a) Through December 31, 2027, the The Comptroller shall establish and maintain a registry of all units of local government and school districts within the State. Within 60 days following the creation or dissolution of a unit of local government or school district, each county clerk shall provide to the Comptroller information for the registry in a manner prescribed by the Comptroller. Information in the registry may include, but shall not be limited to, the name, address, and type of government unit, the names of current elected or appointed office holders, and such other information as the Comptroller may determine. Each county clerk shall notify the Comptroller upon learning of the creation or dissolution of any unit of local government or school district.

(b) On and after January 1, 2028, the Comptroller shall maintain a registry of local governments in accordance with the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-34, eff. 6-28-19.)

Section 900-15. The Property Tax Code is amended by adding Section 2-23 as follows:

(35 ILCS 200/2-23 new)

Sec. 2-23. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each multi-township assessment district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each multi-township assessment district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(35 ILCS 200/30-30 rep.)

(35 ILCS 200/30-31 rep.)

Section 900-17. The Property Tax Code is amended by repealing Sections 30-30 and 30-31.

Section 900-20. The Public Building Commission Act is amended by changing Section 10 as follows:

(50 ILCS 20/10) (from Ch. 85, par. 1040)

Sec. 10. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) A Public Building Commission shall provide for the proper safekeeping of its records, subject to the provisions of the "The Local Records Act", enacted by the Seventy-second General Assembly, and shall keep a minute book for the recording of the corporate action of the Board of Commissioners. A complete record of the meetings and proceedings of the Board of Commissioners shall be kept in such minute book and such minutes shall be signed by the Secretary of the Public Building Commission. The Commission shall keep a true and accurate account of its receipts and disbursements and an annual audit shall be made of its books, records and accounts for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028. The audit shall be presented annually for review to each governing body under whose resolution the Commission is organized. If an audit is not presented on an annual basis, any or all governing bodies under whose resolutions the Commission is organized may order their own audit of the Commission's books, records, and accounts. The Commission shall cooperate by providing all requested documentation. When an audit is conducted at the direction of a governing body, no more than one audit shall be conducted for all governing bodies under whose resolutions the Commission is organized and the audit shall be paid for from Commission funds. All officers and employees authorized to receive or retain the custody of money or to sign vouchers, checks, warrants, or evidences of indebtedness on behalf of the Commission, shall furnish surety bond for the faithful performance of their duties and the faithful accounting of all monies that may come into their hands, in an amount to be fixed and in a form to be approved by the Board of Commissioners.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a Commission shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-702, eff. 8-7-98.)

Section 900-25. The Local Government Financial Statement Act is amended by changing Section 1 as follows:

(50 ILCS 305/1) (from Ch. 85, par. 601)

Sec. 1. Through December 31, 2027, the The corporate authorities of all counties and municipal corporations and all public officers who in the discharge of their official duties receive all or any part of their funds from the County Collector or the County Treasurer and all fee officers other than city or village treasurers or municipal officers who are required to file an annual report, which report is required to be published, shall furnish as herein provided, within 60 days after January 1st and July 1st of each year a sworn, detailed and itemized statement of all receipts and expenditures of any character for the preceding 6 months and showing the names, addresses, positions and salaries of every employee of the county office or municipal corporation.

A copy of such statement shall be furnished for reference, on request, to all daily newspapers published in each city, in such county, and to the city library of each city. Copies shall also be furnished to the clerk of the circuit court or to the clerk of such municipal corporation, respectively, such copies to be kept available for inspection by persons applying therefor. The governing body of any such county or municipal corporation may direct the publication of such reports, respectively, in one or more daily newspapers respectively published therein, and the city council of cities of 300,000 or more population shall so direct the publication thereof.

Nothing in this Act shall apply to the corporate authorities or any officer of a county which has a population of more than 3,000,000.

(Source: P.A. 86-412.)

Section 900-30. The Governmental Account Audit Act is amended by changing Section 4.5 and by adding Sections 7.5 and 10.5 as follows:

(50 ILCS 310/4.5)

Sec. 4.5. Comptroller's Audit Expense Revolving Fund. There is created the Comptroller's Audit Expense Revolving Fund as a special fund to be held by the State Treasurer, ex officio, as custodian, but separate and apart from the funds in the State treasury. The following moneys shall be deposited into that Fund:

(1) All moneys received by the Comptroller for reimbursement of the Comptroller's cost of performing audits and preparing or completing reports under Section 4 of this Act, Section 6-31004 of the Counties Code, or Section 8-8-4 of the Illinois Municipal Code.

(2) All moneys appropriated to that Fund by the General Assembly.

Expenditures from the Fund shall be made on vouchers signed by the Comptroller, for the sole purpose of paying the Comptroller's cost of performing audits and preparing or completing reports under Section 4 of this Act, Section 6-31004 of the Counties Code, or Section 8-8-4 of the Illinois Municipal Code.

The State Treasurer shall invest moneys in the Fund in the same manner and subject to the same restrictions as moneys in the State treasury.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, on June 30, 2030, or as soon thereafter as practical, the State Comptroller shall direct and the State Treasurer shall transfer the remaining balance from the Comptroller's Audit Expense Revolving Fund into the Comptroller's Administrative Fund. Upon completion of the transfer, the Comptroller's Audit Expense Revolving Fund is dissolved, and any future deposits due to that Fund and any outstanding obligations or liabilities of that Fund shall pass to the Comptroller's Administrative Fund.

(Source: P.A. 88-280.)

(50 ILCS 310/7.5 new)

Sec. 7.5. Delinquent reports.

(a) In this Section:

"CPA firm" means a sole proprietorship, corporation, registered limited liability company, partnership, professional service corporation, or any other form of organization issued a license in accordance with the Illinois Public Accounting Act or a CPA firm authorized to use the CPA firm title under Section 5.2 of the Illinois Public Accounting Act.

"Responsible officials" means the elected or appointed persons charged with governance and the responsibility for overseeing the strategic direction of the governmental unit and the obligations related to the accountability of the governmental unit.

(b) On or after March 15, 2027, if a governmental unit fails to comply with the requirements of this Act or any other State law mandating the governmental unit to undergo an audit and is more than 63 days late in meeting its reporting obligations, after considering any extensions granted by the Comptroller, the Comptroller shall review the governmental unit's actions. The review shall assess whether the governmental unit is taking appropriate corrective action to bring itself into compliance with the provisions of this Act.

(c) If the Comptroller's review determines the governmental unit is implementing appropriate corrective action in a timely manner, then the Comptroller shall

(1) communicate the delay in writing to the governmental unit's responsible officials and the Comptroller shall post the written letter on the Comptroller's primary website;

(2) review the governmental unit's actions taken at least every 28 days until either:

(A) the governmental unit complies with this Act; or

(B) the Comptroller determines the governmental unit is not implementing appropriate corrective action in a timely manner.

(d) If the Comptroller determines that the governmental unit is not implementing appropriate corrective action in a timely manner, then the Comptroller shall communicate the delay in writing to the governmental unit's responsible officials and the Comptroller shall post the written letter on the Comptroller's primary website.

(e) The Comptroller may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements of this Act or any other State law, except the requirements of the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act mandating the governmental unit to undergo an audit, if the waiver is granted in writing and sets forth the specific grounds supporting the determination.

A written waiver may be granted upon a finding by the Comptroller that exigent circumstances exist that materially prevent the governmental unit from complying with the requirements of this Act or any other State law except the requirements of the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act mandating the governmental unit to undergo a financial audit. Exigent circumstances include, but are not limited to, (i) the complete or substantial destruction of the governmental unit's financial or administrative records due to fire, flood, natural disaster, cyber incident, or other catastrophic event; (ii) the sudden dissolution, closure, or legal incapacity of the governmental unit; (iii) the seizure, impoundment, or restriction of access to records resulting from judicial authorized law enforcement activity; (iv) the existence of conditions that would materially limit, restrict, or impair the scope of the engagement such that it is impracticable or impossible to satisfy the requirements prescribed by this Act; or (v) any other extraordinary event or circumstance that renders compliance impracticable.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be limited in duration to the period reasonably necessary to address the exigent circumstances; to specify whether the written waiver applies to all or only certain requirements of the requirements of this Act or any other State law, except the requirements of the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act mandating the governmental unit to undergo a financial audit; and to include any conditions, alternative requirements, or remedial measures the Comptroller deems appropriate to protect the public interest.

Any written waiver granted by the Comptroller shall be posted on the Comptroller's primary website and shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, to (i) the responsible officials of the governmental unit and (ii) each member of the General Assembly whose legislative district includes all or any portion of the territory within the jurisdiction of the governmental unit.

The Comptroller's determination under this Section is final.

(50 ILCS 310/10.5 new)

Sec. 10.5. Operability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act to the contrary, the provisions of this Act shall only apply to reports for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

Section 900-35. The Counties Code is amended by changing Sections 6-31003, 6-31004, 6-31005, 6-31006, 6-31008, 6-31009, 6-31010, 6-31011, 6-31012, and 6-31013 and by adding Section 6-31007 as follows:

(55 ILCS 5/6-31003) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-31003)

Sec. 6-31003. Annual audits and reports. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, The county board of each county shall cause an audit of all of the funds and accounts of the county to be performed annually by an auditor or auditors chosen by the county board or by an auditor or auditors retained by the Comptroller, as hereinafter provided. In addition, each county shall file with the Comptroller a financial report containing information required by the Comptroller. Such financial report shall be on a form so designed by the Comptroller as not to require professional accounting services for its preparation. All audits and reports to be filed with the Comptroller under this Section must be submitted electronically and the Comptroller must post the audits and reports on the Internet no later than 45 days after they are received. If the county provides the Comptroller's Office with sufficient evidence that the audit or report cannot be filed electronically, the Comptroller may waive this requirement. The Comptroller must also post a list of counties that are not in compliance with the reporting requirements set forth in this Section.

Any financial report under this Section shall include the name of the purchasing agent who oversees all competitively bid contracts. If there is no purchasing agent, the name of the person responsible for oversight of all competitively bid contracts shall be listed.

The audit shall commence as soon as possible after the close of each fiscal year and shall be completed within 180 days after the close of such fiscal year, unless an extension of time is granted by the Comptroller in writing. Such extension of time shall not exceed 60 days. When the auditor or auditors have completed the audit a full report thereof shall be made and not less than 2 copies of each audit report shall be submitted to the county board. Each audit report shall be signed by the auditor performing the audit and shall include only financial information, findings and conclusions that are adequately supported by evidence in the auditor's working papers to demonstrate or prove, when called upon, the basis for the matters reported and their correctness and reasonableness. In connection with this, each county board shall retain the right of inspection of the auditor's working papers and shall make them available to the Comptroller, or his designee, upon request.

Within 60 days of receipt of an audit report, each county board shall file one copy of each audit report and each financial report with the Comptroller and any comment or explanation that the county board may desire to make concerning such audit report may be attached thereto. An audit report which fails to meet the requirements of this Division shall be rejected by the Comptroller and returned to the county board for corrective action. One copy of each such report shall be filed with the county clerk of the county so audited.

This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule counties of powers and functions exercised by the State.

(Source: P.A. 101-419, eff. 1-1-20.)

(55 ILCS 5/6-31004) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-31004)

Sec. 6-31004. Overdue reports.

(a) In the event the required reports for a county are not filed with the Comptroller in accordance with Section 6-31003 within 180 days after the close of the fiscal year of the county, the Comptroller shall notify the county board in writing that the reports are due, and may also grant an extension of time of up to 60 days for the filing of the reports. In the event the required reports are not filed within the time specified in such written notice, the Comptroller shall cause the audit to be performed and the audit report prepared by an auditor or auditors.

(b) The Comptroller may decline to order an audit and the preparation of an audit report if an initial examination of the books and records of the governmental unit indicates that the books and records of the governmental unit are inadequate or unavailable due to the passage of time or the occurrence of a natural disaster.

(c) The State Comptroller may grant extensions for delinquent audits or reports. The Comptroller may charge a county a fee for a delinquent audit or report of $5 per day for the first 15 days past due, $10 per day for 16 through 30 days past due, $15 per day for 31 through 45 days past due, and $20 per day for the 46th day and every day thereafter. These amounts may be reduced at the Comptroller's discretion. All fees collected under this subsection (c) shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Administrative Fund.

(d) This Section only applies to audits for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 101-419, eff. 1-1-20.)

(55 ILCS 5/6-31005) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-31005)

Sec. 6-31005. Funds managed by county officials. For officials that leave office prior to January 1, 2027, in In addition to any other audit required by this Division, the County Board shall cause an audit to be made of all funds and accounts under the management or control of a county official as soon as possible after such official leaves office for any reason. The audit shall be filed with the county board not later than 180 days after the official leaves office. The audit shall be performed and the audit report shall be prepared and filed with the Chairman of the County Board by an auditor.

As used in this Section, "county official" means any elected county officer or any officer appointed by the county board who is charged with the management or control of any county funds; and "audit" means a post facto examination of books, documents, records, and other evidence relating to the obligation, receipt, expenditure or use of public funds of the county, including governmental operations relating to such obligations, receipt, expenditure or use.

(Source: P.A. 101-419, eff. 1-1-20.)

(55 ILCS 5/6-31006) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-31006)

Sec. 6-31006. Audit report.

(a) Prior to fiscal year 2019, the audit report shall contain statements that are in conformity with generally accepted public accounting principles or other comprehensive basis of accounting and shall set forth the financial position and the results of financial operations for each fund, account, and office of the county government. The audit report shall also include the professional opinion of the auditor or auditors with respect to the financial status and operations or, if an opinion cannot be expressed, a declaration that such auditor is unable to express such opinion and an explanation of the reasons he or she cannot do so. Each audit report shall include the certification of the auditor or auditors making the audit that the audit has been performed in compliance with generally accepted auditing standards. Each audit report filed with the Comptroller shall be accompanied by a copy of each official statement or other offering of materials prepared in connection with the issuance of indebtedness of the county since the filing of the last audit report.

(b) For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter through the fiscal year ending immediately preceding January 1, 2028, the audit report shall contain statements that set forth the financial position and the results of financial operations for financial statements for governmental activities, business-type activities, discretely presented component units, and each major fund and aggregated nonmajor funds for each fund, account, and office of the county government. The audit report shall include the professional opinion or opinions of an auditor or auditors with respect to the financial status and statements or, if an opinion cannot be expressed, a declaration that the auditor is unable to express an opinion and an explanation of the reasons he or she cannot do so. Each auditor's report shall include the representation of the auditor or auditors conducting the audit that the audit has been performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Each audit report filed with the Comptroller shall be accompanied by a copy of each official statement or other offering of materials prepared in connection with the issuance of indebtedness of the county since the filing of the last audit report.

(c) For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter through the fiscal year ending immediately preceding January 1, 2028, audit reports shall contain financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and audited in conformity with generally accepted auditing standards if the last audit report filed preceding fiscal year 2019 expressed an unmodified or modified opinion by the auditor that the financial statements were presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(d) For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter through the fiscal year ending immediately preceding January 1, 2028, audit reports containing financial statements prepared in accordance with an other comprehensive basis of accounting may follow the best practices and guidelines outlined by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and shall be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. If the county board of a county submits an audit report containing financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, thereafter all future audit reports shall also contain financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(e) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, audits Audits may be made on financial statements prepared using either an accrual or cash basis of accounting, depending upon the system followed by the county, and audit reports shall comply with this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-837, eff. 8-13-18; 101-419, eff. 1-1-20.)

(55 ILCS 5/6-31007 new)

Sec. 6-31007. Transitional agreed-upon engagements.

(a) No later than 10 days after certification of the election results after October 31, 2026, the county board chairperson, county board president, or county executive shall notify newly elected countywide officials of the option for an independent CPA or CPA firm, as those terms are defined in Section 0.03 of the Illinois Public Accounting Act, to conduct transitional agreed-upon procedures at the county's expense. The county board shall pay all costs associated with these agreed-upon procedures. The agreed-upon procedures shall assist users in understanding if funds received or funds expended during the current fiscal year by the official for whom the newly elected official is taking over were consistent with the county board's financial allocations to that official and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

(b) A home rule county shall not regulate transitional agreed-upon engagements in a manner inconsistent with this Section. This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State

(55 ILCS 5/6-31008) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-31008)

Sec. 6-31008. Expenses of audit. The expenses of conducting the audit and making the required audit report or financial statement for each county, whether ordered by the county board or the Comptroller, shall be paid by the county and the county board shall make provisions for such payment. If the audit is made by an auditor or auditors retained by the Comptroller, the county, through the county board, shall pay to the Comptroller reasonable compensation and expenses to reimburse him for the cost of making such audit. Moneys paid to the Comptroller pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Audit Expense Revolving Fund.

Such expenses shall be paid from the general corporate fund of the county.

Contracts for the performance of audits required by this Division may be entered into without competitive bidding.

This Section only applies to fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 101-419, eff. 1-1-20.)

(55 ILCS 5/6-31009) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-31009)

Sec. 6-31009. Public records. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, all All audit reports and financial statements are public records and shall be open to public inspection. The clerk of the county board shall furnish a copy of the audit report or financial statement to any person making a request and paying the fee therefor. The fee shall be set by the county board and shall not exceed $15.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/6-31010) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-31010)

Sec. 6-31010. Construction. The provisions of this Division and the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act shall not be construed to relieve any officer of any duty otherwise required of him by law with relation to the auditing, management, collection or disbursement of public funds. Failure of the county board to comply with any of the provisions of this Division shall not affect the legality of any taxes levied by the county board.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/6-31011) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-31011)

Sec. 6-31011. Audit committee. The corporate authorities of a county may establish an audit committee, and may appoint members of the corporate authority or other appropriate officers to the committee, to review audit reports prepared under this Division, the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act, and any other financial reports and documents, including management letters prepared by or on behalf of the county.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/6-31012)

Sec. 6-31012. Audit report disclosure. Each fiscal year through the fiscal year ending immediately preceding January 1, 2028, within 60 days of the close of an audit under this Division, the auditor conducting the audit of all of the funds and accounts of a county shall do each of the following:

(1) Provide a copy of any management letter and a copy of any audited financial statements to each member of the county board. If the county maintains an Internet website, the county board shall post this information to its website.

(2) Present the information from the audit to the county board either in person or by a live phone or web connection during a public meeting.

(Source: P.A. 98-738, eff. 1-1-15.)

(55 ILCS 5/6-31013)

Sec. 6-31013. Transitional audits.

(a) No later than 10 days after certification of the election results through October 31, 2026, the county board chairperson, county board president, or county executive shall notify newly elected countywide officials of the option for an auditor to conduct a transitional audit at the county's expense. An elected county auditor shall conduct the audit upon a request of the newly elected countywide official. In a county that does not have an elected county auditor, the newly elected countywide official may hire a qualified auditing firm. The county board shall pay all costs associated with an audit. The transitional audit shall examine funds expended by the official for whom the newly elected official is taking over and report if the expended funds were consistent with the county board's financial allocations to that official.

(b) A county board shall give the option for a transitional financial audit to all county officials elected in or after November 2016 through September 30, 2026.

(c) A home rule county shall not regulate transitional audits in a manner inconsistent with this Section. This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State.

(Source: P.A. 101-544, eff. 8-23-19.)

Section 900-40. The Township Code is amended by changing Sections 80-20, 80-65, and 205-90 as follows:

(60 ILCS 1/80-20)

Sec. 80-20. Independent audit of accounts.

(a) All accounts audited under this Article (and those rejected, if any) shall be delivered with the certificate of the trustees (or a majority of them) to the township clerk, who shall keep them on file for the inspection of any of the inhabitants of the township. They shall also be produced by the township clerk at the next annual meeting and shall be read at the meeting by the clerk.

(b) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, in In townships that receive revenue of $850,000 or more during any fiscal year, exclusive of road funds, the township board shall have the accounts and all records of the township thoroughly audited by a certified public accountant within 6 months after the close of each fiscal year. The board shall have a copy of the accountant's report and recommendations filed with the township clerk and another copy filed with the county clerk for public inspection.

(c) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, in In townships that receive revenue of less than $850,000 during any fiscal year, exclusive of road funds, the township board shall have the accounts and all records of the township audited and inspected by an independent auditing committee composed of 3 township electors chosen by the board. The audit shall be completed within 6 months after the close of each fiscal year. A copy of the auditing committee's report and recommendations shall be filed with the township clerk and another copy shall be filed with the county clerk for public inspection. The auditing committee shall not contain any member of the township board or any person related to a trustee. Members of the auditing committee shall be proficient in accounting principles and practices and shall be compensated at a rate determined by the township board but not to exceed $50 per day. In addition to the other audit requirements imposed by law, in townships subject to this subsection, the township board shall have the accounts and all records of the township thoroughly audited by a certified public accountant within 6 months after (i) the end of each term of office of the township supervisor and (ii) a vacancy occurs in the office of township supervisor. A copy of the accountant's report and recommendations shall be filed with the township clerk and another copy shall be filed with the county clerk for public inspection.

(d) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each township and road district comprised of a single township shall be combined and shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 92-582, eff. 7-1-02.)

(60 ILCS 1/80-65)

Sec. 80-65. Annual audit. The township board shall comply with the Governmental Account Audit Act for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 88-62.)

(60 ILCS 1/205-90)

Sec. 205-90. System of accounts; audits.

(a) The township board of each township availing itself of the provisions of this Article shall maintain a proper system of accounts showing the receipts from the operation of the system and the application of those receipts and shall at least once each year cause the accounts to be properly audited by independent public accountants for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028. Copies of the audits shall be filed in the office of the township clerk and shall be made available for inspection at all proper times by any water user, township board member, or other interested person.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each waterworks system, sewerage system, combined waterworks and sewerage system, or system shall be combined with the township and shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 82-783; 88-62.)

Section 900-45. The Illinois Municipal Code is amended by changing Sections 3.1-35-115, 4-5-16, 8-8-3, 8-8-3.5, 8-8-4, 8-8-5, 8-8-7, 8-8-8, 8-8-10, 8-8-10.5, 8-12-15, 11-10-2, 11-65-9, 11-74.4-5, 11-74.4-8a, 11-74.6-22, 11-94-5, 11-117-13, 11-119.1-4, 11-119.2-4, 11-122-5, 11-123-14, 11-130-11, 11-139-10, and 11-141-8 as follows:

(65 ILCS 5/3.1-35-115) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-35-115)

Sec. 3.1-35-115. Comptroller; duties.

(a) The comptroller, if one is elected or appointed in a municipality (and if not, then the municipal clerk), shall exercise a general supervision over all the officers of the municipality charged in any manner with the receipt, collection, or disbursement of the municipal revenue, or with the collection and return of the municipal revenue, or with the collection and return of the municipal revenue into the treasury.

(b) The comptroller shall have custody and control of all municipal documents, books, and papers designated by the corporate authorities.

(c) On or before May 15 of each year, and before the annual appropriation ordinance is prepared by the corporate authorities, the comptroller shall submit to the corporate authorities a report of the comptroller's estimate, as nearly as may be, of the money necessary to defray the expenses of the municipality during the current fiscal year. For the purpose of making this report, the comptroller is authorized to require all officers to submit statements of the condition and expenses of their respective offices or departments, with any proposed municipal improvements and the probable expense of those improvements, all unperformed contracts, and the amount of all unexpended appropriations of the preceding year.

(d) In this report, the comptroller shall (i) classify the different objects and purposes of expenditure, giving, as nearly as may be, the amount required for each, (ii) show the aggregate income of the preceding fiscal year, from all sources, (iii) show the amount of liabilities upon which interest is to be paid, (iv) show the bonds and debts payable during the year, when due and payable, and (v) give all other information to the corporate authorities the comptroller deems necessary, so that the corporate authorities may fully understand the demands upon the municipality for the current fiscal year.

(e) In municipalities of 500,000 or more inhabitants, the preparation of the report required by this Section and its form and substance, including the classification of the different objects and purposes of expenditures, shall be performed by the budget director of the municipality. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, in In those municipalities the comptroller shall prepare an annual post-audit of all funds for the preceding year which shall be known as the "comptroller's report", a copy of which shall be sent by the municipal comptroller to the State Comptroller.

(Source: P.A. 87-1119.)

(65 ILCS 5/4-5-16) (from Ch. 24, par. 4-5-16)

Sec. 4-5-16. Statement of receipts and expenses; examination of books and accounts; expenditure greater than appropriation.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, in In municipalities with 25,000 or more inhabitants, the council each month shall print in pamphlet form, a detailed itemized statement of all receipts and expenses of the municipality and a summary of its proceedings during the preceding month. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, in In municipalities with fewer than 25,000 inhabitants, the council shall print a similar statement annually instead of monthly. The council shall furnish printed copies of each statement to (i) the State Library, (ii) the city library, (iii) all the daily and weekly newspapers with a general circulation in the municipality, and (iv) persons who apply for a copy at the office of the municipal clerk.

(b) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At the end of each fiscal year, the council shall have licensed Certified Public Accountants permitted to perform audits under the Illinois Public Accounting Act make a full and complete examination of all books and accounts of the municipality and shall distribute the result of that examination in the manner provided in this Section.

(c) It is unlawful for the council or any commissioner to expend, directly or indirectly, a greater amount for any municipal purpose than the amount appropriated for that purpose in the annual appropriation ordinance passed for that fiscal year. A violation of this provision by any member of the council shall constitute a petty offense.

(Source: P.A. 93-486, eff. 1-1-04; 94-465, eff. 8-4-05.)

(65 ILCS 5/8-8-3) (from Ch. 24, par. 8-8-3)

Sec. 8-8-3. Audit requirements.

(a) The corporate authorities of each municipality coming under the provisions of this Division 8 shall cause an audit of the funds and accounts of the municipality to be made by an auditor or auditors employed by such municipality or by an auditor or auditors retained by the Comptroller, as hereinafter provided.

(b) Until Fiscal Year 2027, the accounts and funds of each municipality having a population of 800 or more or having a bonded debt or owning or operating any type of public utility shall be audited annually. The audit herein required shall include all of the accounts and funds of the municipality. Such audit shall be begun as soon as possible after the close of the fiscal year, and shall be completed and the report submitted within 180 days after the close of such fiscal year, unless an extension of time shall be granted by the Comptroller in writing. The auditor or auditors performing perform the audit shall submit not less than 2 copies of the audit report to the corporate authorities of the municipality being audited. Municipalities not operating utilities may cause audits of the accounts of municipalities to be made more often than herein provided, by an auditor or auditors. The audit report of such audit when filed with the Comptroller together with an audit report covering the remainder of the period for which an audit is required to be filed hereunder shall satisfy the requirements of this Section section. This subsection (b) becomes inoperative inoperable in Fiscal Year 2027.

(c) Until Fiscal Year 2027, municipalities of less than 800 population which do not own or operate public utilities and do not have bonded debt, shall file annually with the Comptroller a financial report containing information required by the Comptroller. Such annual financial report shall be on forms devised by the Comptroller in such manner as to not require professional accounting services for its preparation. This subsection (c) becomes inoperative inoperable in Fiscal Year 2027.

(d) Until Fiscal Year 2027, in addition to any audit report required, all municipalities, except municipalities of less than 800 population which do not own or operate public utilities and do not have bonded debt, shall file annually with the Comptroller a supplemental report on forms devised and approved by the Comptroller. This subsection (d) becomes inoperative inoperable in Fiscal Year 2027.

(e) Until Fiscal Year 2027, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if a municipality (i) has a population of less than 200, (ii) has bonded debt in the amount of $50,000 or less, and (iii) owns or operates a public utility, then the municipality shall cause an audit of the funds and accounts of the municipality to be performed by an auditor employed by the municipality or retained by the Comptroller for fiscal year 2011 and every fourth fiscal year thereafter or until the municipality has a population of 200 or more, has bonded debt in excess of $50,000, or no longer owns or operates a public utility. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as limiting the municipality's duty to file an annual financial report with the Comptroller or to comply with the filing requirements concerning the county clerk. This subsection (e) becomes inoperative inoperable in Fiscal Year 2027.

(f) All audits and reports to be filed with the Comptroller under this Section must be submitted electronically and the Comptroller must post the audits and reports on the Internet no later than 45 days after they are received. If the municipality provides the Comptroller's Office with sufficient evidence that the audit or report cannot be filed electronically, the Comptroller may waive this requirement. The Comptroller must also post a list of municipalities that are not in compliance with the reporting requirements set forth in this Section.

(g) Subsection (f) of this Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule municipalities of powers and functions exercised by the State.

(h) Any financial report under this Section shall include the name of the purchasing agent who oversees all competitively bid contracts. If there is no purchasing agent, the name of the person responsible for oversight of all competitively bid contracts shall be listed.

(i) Beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, if a municipality has a population of less than 1,000, does not own or operate public utilities, and does not have bonded debt, then the municipality shall file annually with the Comptroller an annual financial report.

(j) Beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, a municipality with a population of less than 1,000 shall annually file an annual financial report with the Comptroller if the municipality owns or operates public utilities or has bonded debt. Additionally, the municipality shall file an audit report once every 4 years unless the latest audit report filed with the Comptroller contains an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion. If the audit report contains an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, then the municipality shall file an audit report annually until the audit report shows no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion.

(k) Beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, if a municipality has a population of 1,000 or more, then the municipality shall file annually with the Comptroller an audit report and annual financial report.

(l) Beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, municipalities shall submit completed audit reports and annual financial reports within 180 days after the close of such fiscal year, unless an extension is granted by the Comptroller in writing. The auditor performing the audit shall submit not less than 2 copies of the audit report to the corporate authorities of the municipality being audited. The audit report of such audit when filed with the Comptroller together with an audit report covering the remainder of the period for which an audit is required to be filed under this Section shall satisfy the requirements of this Section.

This Section only applies to fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 104-167, eff. 1-1-26; revised 12-12-25.)

(65 ILCS 5/8-8-3.5)

Sec. 8-8-3.5. Tax Increment Financing Report. The reports filed under subsection (d) of Section 11-74.4-5 of the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act and the reports filed under subsection (d) of Section 11-74.6-22 of the Industrial Jobs Recovery Law in the Illinois Municipal Code must be separate from any other annual report filed with the Comptroller. The Comptroller must, in cooperation with reporting municipalities, create a format for the reporting of information described in paragraphs (1.5), (5), and (8) and in subparagraph (G) of paragraph (7) of subsection (d) of Section 11-74.4-5 of the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act and the information described in paragraphs (1.5), (5), and (8) and in subparagraph (G) of paragraph (7) of subsection (d) of Section 11-74.6-22 of the Industrial Jobs Recovery Law that facilitates consistent reporting among the reporting municipalities. The Comptroller may allow these reports to be filed electronically and may display the report, or portions of the report, electronically via the Internet. All reports filed under this Section must be made available for examination and copying by the public at all reasonable times. A Tax Increment Financing Report must be filed electronically with the Comptroller within 180 days after the close of the municipal fiscal year or as soon thereafter as the audit for the redevelopment project area for that fiscal year becomes available. If the Tax Increment Finance administrator provides the Comptroller's office with sufficient evidence that the report is in the process of being completed by an auditor, the Comptroller may grant an extension. If the required report is not filed within the time extended by the Comptroller, the Comptroller shall notify the corporate authorities of that municipality that the audit report is past due. The Comptroller may charge a municipality a fee of $5 per day for the first 15 days past due, $10 per day for 16 through 30 days past due, $15 per day for 31 through 45 days past due, and $20 per day for the 46th day and every day thereafter. These amounts may be reduced at the Comptroller's discretion. In the event the required audit report is not filed within 60 days of such notice, the Comptroller shall cause such audit to be made by an auditor or auditors. The Comptroller may decline to order an audit and the preparation of an audit report if an initial examination of the books and records of the municipality indicates that books and records of the municipality are inadequate or unavailable to support the preparation of the audit report or the supplemental report due to the passage of time or the occurrence of a natural disaster. All fees collected pursuant to this Section shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Administrative Fund. In the event the Comptroller causes an audit to be made in accordance with the requirements of this Section, the municipality shall pay to the Comptroller reasonable compensation and expenses to reimburse her for the cost of preparing or completing such report. Moneys paid to the Comptroller pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Audit Expense Revolving Fund.

This Section only applies to fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 101-419, eff. 1-1-20; 102-127, eff. 7-23-21.)

(65 ILCS 5/8-8-4) (from Ch. 24, par. 8-8-4)

Sec. 8-8-4. Overdue reports.

(a) In the event the required audit report for a municipality is not filed with the Comptroller in accordance with Section 8-8-7 within 180 days after the close of the fiscal year of the municipality, the Comptroller shall notify the corporate authorities of that municipality in writing that the audit report is due, and may also grant an extension of time of 60 days, for the filing of the audit report. In the event the required audit report is not filed within the time specified in such written notice, the Comptroller shall cause such audit to be made by an auditor or auditors. In the event the required annual or supplemental report for a municipality is not filed within 6 months after the close of the fiscal year of the municipality, the Comptroller shall notify the corporate authorities of that municipality in writing that the annual or supplemental report is due and may grant an extension in time of 60 days for the filing of such annual or supplemental report.

(b) In the event the annual or supplemental report is not filed within the time extended by the Comptroller, the Comptroller shall cause such annual or supplemental report to be prepared or completed and the municipality shall pay to the Comptroller reasonable compensation and expenses to reimburse him for the cost of preparing or completing such annual or supplemental report. Moneys paid to the Comptroller pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Audit Expense Revolving Fund.

(c) The Comptroller may decline to order an audit or the completion of the supplemental report if an initial examination of the books and records of the municipality indicates that books and records of the municipality are inadequate or unavailable to support the preparation of the audit report or the supplemental report due to the passage of time or the occurrence of a natural disaster.

(d) The State Comptroller may grant extensions for delinquent audits or reports. The Comptroller may charge a municipality a fee for a delinquent audit or report of $5 per day for the first 15 days past due, $10 per day for 16 through 30 days past due, $15 per day for 31 through 45 days past due, and $20 per day for the 46th day and every day thereafter. These amounts may be reduced at the Comptroller's discretion. All fees collected under this subsection (d) shall be deposited into the Comptroller's Administrative Fund.

(e) This Section only applies to fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 101-419, eff. 1-1-20.)

(65 ILCS 5/8-8-5) (from Ch. 24, par. 8-8-5)

Sec. 8-8-5. (a) Prior to fiscal year 2019, the audit shall be made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Reporting on the financial position and results of financial operations for each fund of the municipality shall be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or other comprehensive basis of accounting. Each audit report shall include only financial information, findings, and conclusions that are adequately supported by evidence in the auditor's working papers to demonstrate or prove, when called upon, the basis for the matters reported and their correctness and reasonableness. In connection with this, each municipality shall retain the right of inspection of the auditor's working papers and shall make them available to the Comptroller, or his or her designee, upon request. The audit report shall consist of the professional opinion of the auditor or auditors with respect to the financial statements or, if an opinion cannot be expressed, a declaration that the auditor is unable to express such opinion and an explanation of the reasons he or she cannot do so. Municipal authorities shall not impose limitations on the scope of the audit to the extent that the effect of such limitations will result in the qualification of the opinion of the auditor or auditors. Each audit report filed with the Comptroller shall be accompanied by a copy of each official statement or other offering of materials prepared in connection with the issuance of indebtedness of the municipality since the filing of the last audit report.

(b) For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, the audit report shall include the financial statements for governmental activities, business-type activities, discretely presented component units, and each major fund and aggregated nonmajor fund. The audit report shall also include the professional opinion or opinions of the auditor or auditors with respect to the financial statements or, if an opinion cannot be expressed, a declaration that the auditor is unable to express an opinion and an explanation of the reasons he or she cannot do so. Each auditor's report shall include a representation by the auditor or auditors conducting the audit has been performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Municipal authorities shall not impose limitations on the scope of the audit to the extent that the effect of the limitations will result in the modification of the opinion or opinions of the auditor or auditors. Each audit report filed with the Comptroller shall be accompanied by a copy of each official statement or other offering of materials prepared in connection with the issuance of indebtedness of the municipality since the filing of the last audit report.

(c) For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, audit reports shall contain financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards if the last audit report filed preceding fiscal year 2019 expressed an unmodified or modified opinion by the auditor that the financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(d) For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, audit reports containing financial statements prepared in accordance with an other comprehensive basis of accounting may follow the best practices and guidelines outlined by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and shall be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. If the corporate authority of a municipality submits an audit report containing financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, thereafter all future audit reports shall also contain financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(e) Audits may be made on financial statements prepared using either an accrual or cash basis of accounting, depending upon the system followed by the municipality, and audit reports shall comply with this Section.

(f) This Section only applies to fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 100-837, eff. 8-13-18; 101-419, eff. 1-1-20.)

(65 ILCS 5/8-8-7) (from Ch. 24, par. 8-8-7)

Sec. 8-8-7.

(a) When the auditor or auditors have completed the audit, not less than 2 copies of a report of the audit shall be made and signed by the making such audit, and shall immediately be filed with the municipality audited. Each audit report shall include the certification of the auditor or auditors making the audit that the audit has been performed in compliance with generally accepted auditing standards. The municipality shall immediately make one copy of the report, or one copy of the report authorized by this Division 8 in lieu of an audit report, a part of its public records and at all times thereafter this copy shall be open to public inspection. In addition, the municipality shall file one copy of the report with the Comptroller. An audit report which fails to meet the requirements of this Act shall be rejected by the Comptroller and returned to the municipal authorities for corrective action. Nothing in this Section shall be construed as preventing a municipality, in filing its audit report with the Comptroller, from transmitting with such report any comment or explanation that it may desire to make concerning that report. The audit report filed with the Comptroller, together with any accompanying comment or explanation, shall immediately become a part of his public records and shall at all times thereafter be open to public inspection. It shall be unlawful for the auditor to make any disclosure of the result of any examination of any public account excepting as he does so directly to the corporate authorities of the municipality audited.

(b) This Section only applies to fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 101-419, eff. 1-1-20.)

(65 ILCS 5/8-8-8) (from Ch. 24, par. 8-8-8)

Sec. 8-8-8. The expenses of the audit and investigation of public accounts provided for in Division 8, whether ordered by the corporate authorities or the Comptroller, shall be paid by the municipality for which the audit is made. Payment shall be ordered by the corporate authorities out of the funds of the municipality and it shall be the duty of such authorities to make provisions for payment. Contracts for the performance of audits required by this Division 8 may be entered into without competitive bidding. If the audit is made by an auditor or auditors retained by the Comptroller, the municipality shall pay to the Comptroller reasonable compensation and expenses to reimburse him for the cost of making such audit.

The corporate authorities of all municipalities coming under the provisions of this Division 8 shall have the power to annually levy a "Municipal Auditing Tax" upon all of the taxable property of the municipalities at the rate on the dollar which will produce an amount which will equal a sum sufficient to meet the cost of all auditing and reports thereunder. Such municipal auditing tax shall be held in a special fund and used for no other purpose than the payment of expenses occasioned by this Division 8.

The tax authorized by this Section shall be in addition to taxes for general corporate purposes authorized under Section 8-3-1 of this Act.

This Section only applies to fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 101-419, eff. 1-1-20.)

(65 ILCS 5/8-8-10) (from Ch. 24, par. 8-8-10)

Sec. 8-8-10. The corporate authorities of a municipality may establish an audit committee, and may appoint members of the corporate authority or other appropriate officers to the committee, to review audit reports prepared under this Act, the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act, and any other financial reports and documents, including management letters prepared by or on behalf of the municipality.

(Source: P.A. 82-644.)

(65 ILCS 5/8-8-10.5)

Sec. 8-8-10.5. Audit report disclosure. Each fiscal year through the fiscal year ending immediately preceding January 1, 2028, within 60 days of the close of an audit under this Act, the auditor conducting the audit of all of the funds and accounts of a municipality shall do each of the following:

(1) Provide a copy of any management letter and a copy of any audited financial statements to each member of the municipality's corporate authorities. If the municipality maintains an Internet website, the corporate authorities shall post this information to its website.

(2) Present the information from the audit to the municipality's corporate authorities either in person or by a live phone or web connection during a public meeting.

(Source: P.A. 98-738, eff. 1-1-15.)

(65 ILCS 5/8-12-15) (from Ch. 24, par. 8-12-15)

Sec. 8-12-15. The financially distressed city shall develop, adopt and submit to the Authority, within 45 days after this Division first becomes applicable to the city as provided in Section 8-12-4, for approval by the Authority, an initial Financial Plan with respect to the remaining portion of what is the city's current fiscal year at the time this Division first becomes applicable to the city as provided in Section 8-12-4 and for the 2 succeeding fiscal years. The city shall develop and adopt subsequent Financial Plans annually and during interim periods as directed by the Authority. Interim updates shall be directed only when the Authority in its discretion determines that a change in circumstances warrants such an update. The Authority shall require that each Financial Plan cover a period of at least 3 fiscal years. After adoption by the city, the city shall submit each plan to the Authority for its approval not later than 60 days prior to the commencement of the first fiscal year to which the Financial Plan relates. The Authority shall approve or reject the Financial Plan not later than 30 days prior to the commencement of the fiscal year. No Financial Plan shall have force or effect without approval of the Authority. Each Financial Plan shall be developed, submitted, approved and monitored in accordance with the following procedures:

(1) The financially distressed city shall determine and submit to the Authority, at a time and in a manner prescribed by the Authority, estimates of revenues available to the city during the period for which the Financial Plan is to be in effect. The Authority shall approve, reject or amend the revenue estimates. In the event the city fails, for any reason, to submit to the Authority estimates of revenue as required by this paragraph, the Authority may prepare such estimates. The Financial Plan submitted by the city shall be based upon revenue estimates approved or prepared by the Authority. As soon as practicable following the establishment of the Authority, the corporate authorities of the city shall, at the request of the Chairperson of the Authority, make available to such Chairperson copies of the audited financial statements and of the books and records of account of the city for the preceding 3 fiscal years of the city.

(2) Each Financial Plan for each fiscal year or part thereof to which it relates, shall contain: (i) a description of revenues and expenditures, provision for debt service, cash resources and uses, and capital improvements, each in such manner and detail as the Authority shall prescribe; (ii) a description of the means by which the Budget will be brought into balance in accordance with Section 8-12-14; and (iii) such other financial matters that the Authority, in its discretion, requires. The Authority may prescribe any reasonable time, standards, procedures or forms for preparation and submission of the Financial Plan.

(3) The Authority shall approve the initial and each subsequent Financial Plan if, in its judgement, the plan is complete, is reasonably capable of being achieved, and meets the requirement set forth in Section 8-12-14. Otherwise, the Authority shall reject the Financial Plan. The Authority's review of the Financial Plan shall be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and standards. No Financial Plan submitted by the financially distressed city shall be arbitrarily or capriciously rejected by the Authority. Any rejection by the Authority of any Financial Plan submitted by the city shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the rejection. In the event of rejection, the Authority may prescribe a procedure and standards for revision of the Financial Plan by the financially distressed city.

(4) The financially distressed city shall report to the Authority, at such times and in such manner as the Authority may direct, concerning the city's compliance with each Financial Plan. The Authority may review the city's operation, obtain budgetary data and financial statements, require the city to produce reports, and have access to any other information in the possession of the city that it deems relevant to the Financial Plan and the city's compliance with that Plan. The Authority may issue recommendations or directives within its powers to the city to assure compliance with the Financial Plan. The city shall produce such budgetary data, financial statements, reports and other information and comply with such directives.

(5) After approval of each Financial Plan, the financially distressed city shall regularly reexamine the revenue and expenditure estimates on which it was based and revise them as necessary. The city shall promptly notify the Authority of any material change in the revenue or expenditure estimates in the Financial Plan. The city may submit to the Authority, or the Authority may require the city to submit, modified Financial Plans based upon revised revenue or expenditure estimates or for any other good reason. The Authority shall approve or reject each modified Financial Plan pursuant to paragraph (3) of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 86-1211.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-10-2) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-10-2)

Sec. 11-10-2. (a) A foreign fire insurance board shall be created by and among the sworn members of the fire department of each municipality with fewer than 500,000 inhabitants that has an organized fire department. The board shall consist of 7 trustees; the fire chief, who shall hold office by virtue of rank, and 6 members, who shall be elected at large by the sworn members of the department. If there is an insufficient number of candidates to fill all these positions, the number of board members may be reduced, but not to fewer than 3 trustees. All sworn members of the department shall be eligible to be elected as officers of the foreign fire insurance board. The members of this board shall annually elect officers. These officers shall be a chairman, a treasurer, and any other officers deemed necessary by the board. The members of the foreign fire insurance board shall make all needful rules and regulations with respect to the foreign fire insurance board and the management of the funds to be paid to the board. The foreign fire insurance board may establish, manage, and maintain an account for the holding and expenditure of all funds paid to the board. The foreign fire insurance board may contract for the purchase of goods and services using funds paid to the board. Contracting for services includes, but is not limited to, the procurement and payment of all accounting, legal, collection, or other professional services deemed by the board to be necessary to the execution of its duties under this Division using funds paid to the board. The foreign fire insurance board may sue all parties necessary to enforce its rights under this Section. The officers of the foreign fire insurance board shall develop and maintain a listing of those items that the board feels are appropriate expenditures under this Act. The treasurer of the foreign fire insurance board shall receive the funds paid as provided in Section 1 and shall pay out the funds upon the order of the foreign fire insurance board for the maintenance, use, and benefit of the department or as otherwise permitted by this Division. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, these These funds shall be audited to verify that the funds have been expended by that board only for the maintenance, use, and benefit of the department using funds paid to the board. Contracting for services includes, but is not limited to, the procurement and payment of all accounting, legal, collection, or other professional services deemed by the board to be necessary to the execution of its duties under this Division using funds paid to the board.

Disputes between a fire chief and the remaining members of a foreign fire insurance board concerning whether any expenditure of funds by the board is for the maintenance, use, or benefit of the department or for any other purpose authorized by this Division shall be resolved through binding arbitration, pursuant to a written arbitration agreement established by the foreign fire insurance board, that is recognized under the Uniform Arbitration Act. Arbitrations held pursuant to a written arbitration agreement are the exclusive remedy available for resolving such disputes.

(b) As used in this subsection, "active member" means a member of the Chicago Fire Department who is not receiving a disability pension, retired, or a deferred pensioner of the Firemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago.

A department foreign fire insurance board is created within the Chicago Fire Department. The board shall consist of 7 trustees who shall be initially elected on or before January 1, 2019: the fire commissioner, who shall hold office by virtue of rank, and 6 elected trustees, who shall be elected at large by the sworn members of the department. If there is an insufficient number of candidates seeking election to each vacant trustee position, the number of board members is reduced to 5 trustees, including the fire commissioner of the department, until the next election cycle when there are enough active members seeking election to fill all 7 member seats. All active members are eligible to be elected as trustees of the department foreign fire insurance board. Of the trustees first elected, 3 trustees shall be elected to a 2-year term and 3 trustees shall be elected to a 3-year term. After the initial election, a trustee shall be elected for a term of 3 years. If a member of the board resigns, is removed, or is unable to continue serving on the board, the vacancy shall be filled by special election of the active members or, in the case of a vacancy that will exist for fewer than 180 days until the term expires, by appointment by majority vote of the members of the board.

The members of the board shall annually elect officers. These officers shall be a chairman, treasurer, and secretary. The trustees of the board shall make rules and regulations with respect to the board and the management of the money appropriated to the board. The officers of the board shall develop and maintain a listing of those items that the board believes are appropriate expenditures under this subsection. The treasurer of the board shall give a sufficient bond to the City of Chicago. The cost of the bond shall be paid out of the moneys in the board's fund. The bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance by the treasurer of his or her duties under the rules and regulations provided for in this subsection. The treasurer of the board shall receive the appropriated proceeds and shall disburse the proceeds upon the order of the board for the maintenance, use, and benefit of the department consistent with this subsection. As part of the annual municipal audit for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, these funds shall be audited to verify that the funds have been expended lawfully by the board consistent with this subsection.

Within 30 days after receipt of any foreign fire insurance proceeds by the City of Chicago, the City of Chicago shall transfer the proceeds to the board by depositing the proceeds into an account determined by the board, except that if the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly is after July 31, 2018, then the City of Chicago shall, for budget year 2019 only, transfer only 50% of the proceeds to the board. Notwithstanding any other provision of law: 50% of the foreign fire insurance proceeds received by the board shall be used for the maintenance, use, benefit, or enhancement of fire stations or training facilities used by the active members of the fire department; 25% of the foreign fire insurance proceeds received by the board shall be used for the maintenance, use, benefit, or enhancement of emergency response vehicles, tools, and equipment used by the active members of the department; and 25% of the foreign fire insurance proceeds received by the board shall be used for the maintenance and enhancement of the department and for the use and benefit of the active members of the department in a manner otherwise consistent with this subsection. Foreign fire insurance proceeds may not be used to purchase, maintain, or enhance personal property of a member of the department, except for personal property used in the performance of his or her duties or training activities.

(c) The provisions of this Section shall be the exclusive power of the State, pursuant to subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Constitution.

(Source: P.A. 102-740, eff. 1-1-23.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-65-9) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-65-9)

Sec. 11-65-9. Every municipality owning and operating such a municipal convention hall shall keep books of account for the municipal convention hall separate and distinct from other municipal accounts and in such manner as to show the true and complete financial standing and results of the municipal ownership and operation. These accounts shall be so kept as to show: (1) the actual cost to the municipality of maintenance, extension, and improvement, (2) all operating expenses of every description, (3) if water or other service is furnished for the use of the municipal convention hall without charge, as nearly as possible, the value of that service, and also the value of any use or service rendered by the municipal convention hall to the municipality without charge, (4) reasonable allowances for interest, depreciation, and insurance, and (5) estimates of the amount of taxes that would be chargeable against the property if owned by a private corporation. The corporate authorities shall publish a report annually showing the financial results, in the form specified in this Section section, of the municipal ownership and operation in one or more newspapers published in the municipality, or, if no newspaper is published therein, then in one or more newspapers with a general circulation within the municipality.

For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The accounts of the convention hall shall be examined at least once a year by a licensed Certified Public Accountant permitted to perform audits under the Illinois Public Accounting Act who shall report to the corporate authorities the results of his examination. This accountant shall be selected as the corporate authorities may direct, and he shall receive for his services such compensation, to be paid out of the revenue from the municipal convention hall, as the corporate authorities may prescribe.

(Source: P.A. 94-465, eff. 8-4-05.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-5) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-74.4-5)

Sec. 11-74.4-5. Public hearing; joint review board.

(a) The changes made by this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly do not apply to a municipality that, (i) before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, has adopted an ordinance or resolution fixing a time and place for a public hearing under this Section or (ii) before July 1, 1999, has adopted an ordinance or resolution providing for a feasibility study under Section 11-74.4-4.1, but has not yet adopted an ordinance approving redevelopment plans and redevelopment projects or designating redevelopment project areas under Section 11-74.4-4, until after that municipality adopts an ordinance approving redevelopment plans and redevelopment projects or designating redevelopment project areas under Section 11-74.4-4; thereafter the changes made by this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly apply to the same extent that they apply to redevelopment plans and redevelopment projects that were approved and redevelopment projects that were designated before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly.

Prior to the adoption of an ordinance proposing the designation of a redevelopment project area, or approving a redevelopment plan or redevelopment project, the municipality by its corporate authorities, or as it may determine by any commission designated under subsection (k) of Section 11-74.4-4 shall adopt an ordinance or resolution fixing a time and place for public hearing. At least 10 days prior to the adoption of the ordinance or resolution establishing the time and place for the public hearing, the municipality shall make available for public inspection a redevelopment plan or a separate report that provides in reasonable detail the basis for the eligibility of the redevelopment project area. The report along with the name of a person to contact for further information shall be sent within a reasonable time after the adoption of such ordinance or resolution to the affected taxing districts by certified mail. On and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, the municipality shall print in a newspaper of general circulation within the municipality a notice that interested persons may register with the municipality in order to receive information on the proposed designation of a redevelopment project area or the approval of a redevelopment plan. The notice shall state the place of registration and the operating hours of that place. The municipality shall have adopted reasonable rules to implement this registration process under Section 11-74.4-4.2. The municipality shall provide notice of the availability of the redevelopment plan and eligibility report, including how to obtain this information, by mail within a reasonable time after the adoption of the ordinance or resolution, to all residential addresses that, after a good faith effort, the municipality determines are located outside the proposed redevelopment project area and within 750 feet of the boundaries of the proposed redevelopment project area. This requirement is subject to the limitation that in a municipality with a population of over 100,000, if the total number of residential addresses outside the proposed redevelopment project area and within 750 feet of the boundaries of the proposed redevelopment project area exceeds 750, the municipality shall be required to provide the notice to only the 750 residential addresses that, after a good faith effort, the municipality determines are outside the proposed redevelopment project area and closest to the boundaries of the proposed redevelopment project area. Notwithstanding the foregoing, notice given after August 7, 2001 (the effective date of Public Act 92-263) and before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly to residential addresses within 750 feet of the boundaries of a proposed redevelopment project area shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given in compliance with this Act if given only to residents outside the boundaries of the proposed redevelopment project area. The notice shall also be provided by the municipality, regardless of its population, to those organizations and residents that have registered with the municipality for that information in accordance with the registration guidelines established by the municipality under Section 11-74.4-4.2.

At the public hearing any interested person or affected taxing district may file with the municipal clerk written objections to and may be heard orally in respect to any issues embodied in the notice. The municipality shall hear all protests and objections at the hearing and the hearing may be adjourned to another date without further notice other than a motion to be entered upon the minutes fixing the time and place of the subsequent hearing. At the public hearing or at any time prior to the adoption by the municipality of an ordinance approving a redevelopment plan, the municipality may make changes in the redevelopment plan. Changes which (1) add additional parcels of property to the proposed redevelopment project area, (2) substantially affect the general land uses proposed in the redevelopment plan, (3) substantially change the nature of or extend the life of the redevelopment project, or (4) increase the number of inhabited residential units to be displaced from the redevelopment project area, as measured from the time of creation of the redevelopment project area, to a total of more than 10, shall be made only after the municipality gives notice, convenes a joint review board, and conducts a public hearing pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Section and in Section 11-74.4-6 of this Act. Changes which do not (1) add additional parcels of property to the proposed redevelopment project area, (2) substantially affect the general land uses proposed in the redevelopment plan, (3) substantially change the nature of or extend the life of the redevelopment project, or (4) increase the number of inhabited residential units to be displaced from the redevelopment project area, as measured from the time of creation of the redevelopment project area, to a total of more than 10, may be made without further hearing, provided that the municipality shall give notice of any such changes by mail to each affected taxing district and registrant on the interested parties registry, provided for under Section 11-74.4-4.2, and by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected taxing district. Such notice by mail and by publication shall each occur not later than 10 days following the adoption by ordinance of such changes. Hearings with regard to a redevelopment project area, project or plan may be held simultaneously.

(b) Prior to holding a public hearing to approve or amend a redevelopment plan or to designate or add additional parcels of property to a redevelopment project area, the municipality shall convene a joint review board. The board shall consist of a representative selected by each community college district, local elementary school district and high school district or each local community unit school district, park district, library district, township, fire protection district, and county that will have the authority to directly levy taxes on the property within the proposed redevelopment project area at the time that the proposed redevelopment project area is approved, a representative selected by the municipality and a public member. The public member shall first be selected and then the board's chairperson shall be selected by a majority of the board members present and voting.

For redevelopment project areas with redevelopment plans or proposed redevelopment plans that would result in the displacement of residents from 10 or more inhabited residential units or that include 75 or more inhabited residential units, the public member shall be a person who resides in the redevelopment project area. If, as determined by the housing impact study provided for in paragraph (5) of subsection (n) of Section 11-74.4-3, or if no housing impact study is required then based on other reasonable data, the majority of residential units are occupied by very low, low, or moderate income households, as defined in Section 3 of the Illinois Affordable Housing Act, the public member shall be a person who resides in very low, low, or moderate income housing within the redevelopment project area. Municipalities with fewer than 15,000 residents shall not be required to select a person who lives in very low, low, or moderate income housing within the redevelopment project area, provided that the redevelopment plan or project will not result in displacement of residents from 10 or more inhabited units, and the municipality so certifies in the plan. If no person satisfying these requirements is available or if no qualified person will serve as the public member, then the joint review board is relieved of this paragraph's selection requirements for the public member.

Within 90 days of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, each municipality that designated a redevelopment project area for which it was not required to convene a joint review board under this Section shall convene a joint review board to perform the duties specified under paragraph (e) of this Section.

All board members shall be appointed and the first board meeting shall be held at least 14 days but not more than 28 days after the mailing of notice by the municipality to the taxing districts as required by Section 11-74.4-6(c). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a municipality that adopted either a public hearing resolution or a feasibility resolution between July 1, 1999 and July 1, 2000 that called for the meeting of the joint review board within 14 days of notice of public hearing to affected taxing districts is deemed to be in compliance with the notice, meeting, and public hearing provisions of the Act. Such notice shall also advise the taxing bodies represented on the joint review board of the time and place of the first meeting of the board. Additional meetings of the board shall be held upon the call of any member. The municipality seeking designation of the redevelopment project area shall provide administrative support to the board.

The board shall review (i) the public record, planning documents and proposed ordinances approving the redevelopment plan and project and (ii) proposed amendments to the redevelopment plan or additions of parcels of property to the redevelopment project area to be adopted by the municipality. As part of its deliberations, the board may hold additional hearings on the proposal. A board's recommendation shall be an advisory, non-binding recommendation. The recommendation shall be adopted by a majority of those members present and voting. The recommendations shall be submitted to the municipality within 30 days after convening of the board. Failure of the board to submit its report on a timely basis shall not be cause to delay the public hearing or any other step in the process of designating or amending the redevelopment project area but shall be deemed to constitute approval by the joint review board of the matters before it.

The board shall base its recommendation to approve or disapprove the redevelopment plan and the designation of the redevelopment project area or the amendment of the redevelopment plan or addition of parcels of property to the redevelopment project area on the basis of the redevelopment project area and redevelopment plan satisfying the plan requirements, the eligibility criteria defined in Section 11-74.4-3, and the objectives of this Act.

The board shall issue a written report describing why the redevelopment plan and project area or the amendment thereof meets or fails to meet one or more of the objectives of this Act and both the plan requirements and the eligibility criteria defined in Section 11-74.4-3. In the event the Board does not file a report it shall be presumed that these taxing bodies find the redevelopment project area and redevelopment plan satisfy the objectives of this Act and the plan requirements and eligibility criteria.

If the board recommends rejection of the matters before it, the municipality will have 30 days within which to resubmit the plan or amendment. During this period, the municipality will meet and confer with the board and attempt to resolve those issues set forth in the board's written report that led to the rejection of the plan or amendment.

Notwithstanding the resubmission set forth above, the municipality may commence the scheduled public hearing and either adjourn the public hearing or continue the public hearing until a date certain. Prior to continuing any public hearing to a date certain, the municipality shall announce during the public hearing the time, date, and location for the reconvening of the public hearing. Any changes to the redevelopment plan necessary to satisfy the issues set forth in the joint review board report shall be the subject of a public hearing before the hearing is adjourned if the changes would (1) substantially affect the general land uses proposed in the redevelopment plan, (2) substantially change the nature of or extend the life of the redevelopment project, or (3) increase the number of inhabited residential units to be displaced from the redevelopment project area, as measured from the time of creation of the redevelopment project area, to a total of more than 10. Changes to the redevelopment plan necessary to satisfy the issues set forth in the joint review board report shall not require any further notice or convening of a joint review board meeting, except that any changes to the redevelopment plan that would add additional parcels of property to the proposed redevelopment project area shall be subject to the notice, public hearing, and joint review board meeting requirements established for such changes by subsection (a) of Section 11-74.4-5.

In the event that the municipality and the board are unable to resolve these differences, or in the event that the resubmitted plan or amendment is rejected by the board, the municipality may proceed with the plan or amendment, but only upon a three-fifths vote of the corporate authority responsible for approval of the plan or amendment, excluding positions of members that are vacant and those members that are ineligible to vote because of conflicts of interest.

(c) After a municipality has by ordinance approved a redevelopment plan and designated a redevelopment project area, the plan may be amended and additional properties may be added to the redevelopment project area only as herein provided. Amendments which (1) add additional parcels of property to the proposed redevelopment project area, (2) substantially affect the general land uses proposed in the redevelopment plan, (3) substantially change the nature of the redevelopment project, (4) increase the total estimated redevelopment project costs set out in the redevelopment plan by more than 5% after adjustment for inflation from the date the plan was adopted, (5) add additional redevelopment project costs to the itemized list of redevelopment project costs set out in the redevelopment plan, or (6) increase the number of inhabited residential units to be displaced from the redevelopment project area, as measured from the time of creation of the redevelopment project area, to a total of more than 10, shall be made only after the municipality gives notice, convenes a joint review board, and conducts a public hearing pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Section and in Section 11-74.4-6 of this Act. Changes which do not (1) add additional parcels of property to the proposed redevelopment project area, (2) substantially affect the general land uses proposed in the redevelopment plan, (3) substantially change the nature of the redevelopment project, (4) increase the total estimated redevelopment project cost set out in the redevelopment plan by more than 5% after adjustment for inflation from the date the plan was adopted, (5) add additional redevelopment project costs to the itemized list of redevelopment project costs set out in the redevelopment plan, or (6) increase the number of inhabited residential units to be displaced from the redevelopment project area, as measured from the time of creation of the redevelopment project area, to a total of more than 10, may be made without further public hearing and related notices and procedures including the convening of a joint review board as set forth in Section 11-74.4-6 of this Act, provided that the municipality shall give notice of any such changes by mail to each affected taxing district and registrant on the interested parties registry, provided for under Section 11-74.4-4.2, and by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected taxing district. Such notice by mail and by publication shall each occur not later than 10 days following the adoption by ordinance of such changes.

(d) After the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, a municipality shall submit in an electronic format the following information for each redevelopment project area (i) to the State Comptroller under Section 8-8-3.5 of the Illinois Municipal Code, subject to any extensions or exemptions provided at the Comptroller's discretion under that Section, and (ii) to all taxing districts overlapping the redevelopment project area no later than 180 days after the close of each municipal fiscal year or as soon thereafter as the audited financial statements become available and, in any case, shall be submitted before the annual meeting of the Joint Review Board to each of the taxing districts that overlap the redevelopment project area:

(1) Any amendments to the redevelopment plan, the redevelopment project area, or the State Sales Tax Boundary.

(1.5) A list of the redevelopment project areas administered by the municipality and, if applicable, the date each redevelopment project area was designated or terminated by the municipality.

(2) Audited financial statements of the special tax allocation fund once a cumulative total of $100,000 has been deposited in the fund for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(3) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the municipality that the municipality has complied with all of the requirements of this Act during the preceding fiscal year.

(4) An opinion of legal counsel that the municipality is in compliance with this Act.

(5) An analysis of the special tax allocation fund which sets forth:

(A) the balance in the special tax allocation fund at the beginning of the fiscal year;

(B) all amounts deposited in the special tax allocation fund by source;

(C) an itemized list of all expenditures from the special tax allocation fund by category of permissible redevelopment project cost; and

(D) the balance in the special tax allocation fund at the end of the fiscal year including a breakdown of that balance by source and a breakdown of that balance identifying any portion of the balance that is required, pledged, earmarked, or otherwise designated for payment of or securing of obligations and anticipated redevelopment project costs. Any portion of such ending balance that has not been identified or is not identified as being required, pledged, earmarked, or otherwise designated for payment of or securing of obligations or anticipated redevelopment projects costs shall be designated as surplus as set forth in Section 11-74.4-7 hereof.

(6) A description of all property purchased by the municipality within the redevelopment project area including:

(A) Street address.

(B) Approximate size or description of property.

(C) Purchase price.

(D) Seller of property.

(7) A statement setting forth all activities undertaken in furtherance of the objectives of the redevelopment plan, including:

(A) Any project implemented in the preceding fiscal year.

(B) A description of the redevelopment activities undertaken.

(C) A description of any agreements entered into by the municipality with regard to the disposition or redevelopment of any property within the redevelopment project area or the area within the State Sales Tax Boundary.

(D) Additional information on the use of all funds received under this Division and steps taken by the municipality to achieve the objectives of the redevelopment plan.

(E) Information regarding contracts that the municipality's tax increment advisors or consultants have entered into with entities or persons that have received, or are receiving, payments financed by tax increment revenues produced by the same redevelopment project area.

(F) Any reports submitted to the municipality by the joint review board.

(G) A review of public and, to the extent possible, private investment actually undertaken to date after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly and estimated to be undertaken during the following year. This review shall, on a project-by-project basis, set forth the estimated amounts of public and private investment incurred after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly and provide the ratio of private investment to public investment to the date of the report and as estimated to the completion of the redevelopment project.

(8) With regard to any obligations issued by the municipality:

(A) copies of any official statements; and

(B) an analysis prepared by financial advisor or underwriter, chosen by the municipality, setting forth the: (i) nature and term of obligation; (ii) projected debt service including required reserves and debt coverage; and (iii) actual debt service.

(9) For special tax allocation funds that have experienced cumulative deposits of incremental tax revenues of $100,000 or more, a certified audit report reviewing compliance with this Act performed by an independent public accountant certified and licensed by the authority of the State of Illinois. The financial portion of the audit must be conducted in accordance with Standards for Audits of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions adopted by the Comptroller General of the United States (1981), as amended, or the standards specified by Section 8-8-5 of the Illinois Municipal Auditing Law of the Illinois Municipal Code. The audit report shall contain a letter from the independent certified public accountant indicating compliance or noncompliance with the requirements of subsection (q) of Section 11-74.4-3. For redevelopment plans or projects that would result in the displacement of residents from 10 or more inhabited residential units or that contain 75 or more inhabited residential units, notice of the availability of the information, including how to obtain the report, required in this subsection shall also be sent by mail to all residents or organizations that operate in the municipality that register with the municipality for that information according to registration procedures adopted under Section 11-74.4-4.2. All municipalities are subject to this provision.

(10) A list of all intergovernmental agreements in effect during the fiscal year to which the municipality is a party and an accounting of any moneys transferred or received by the municipality during that fiscal year pursuant to those intergovernmental agreements.

In addition to information required to be reported under this Section, for Fiscal Year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, reporting municipalities shall also report to the Comptroller annually in a manner and format prescribed by the Comptroller: (1) the number of jobs, if any, projected to be created for each redevelopment project area at the time of approval of the redevelopment agreement; (2) the number of jobs, if any, created as a result of the development to date for that reporting period under the same guidelines and assumptions as was used for the projections used at the time of approval of the redevelopment agreement; (3) the amount of increment projected to be created at the time of approval of the redevelopment agreement for each redevelopment project area; (4) the amount of increment created as a result of the development to date for that reporting period using the same assumptions as was used for the projections used at the time of the approval of the redevelopment agreement; and (5) the stated rate of return identified by the developer to the municipality for each redevelopment project area, if any. Stated rates of return required to be reported in item (5) shall be independently verified by a third party chosen by the municipality. Reporting municipalities shall also report to the Comptroller a copy of the redevelopment plan each time the redevelopment plan is enacted, amended, or extended in a manner and format prescribed by the Comptroller. These requirements shall only apply to redevelopment projects beginning in or after Fiscal Year 2022.

(d-1) Prior to the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, municipalities with populations of over 1,000,000 shall, after adoption of a redevelopment plan or project, make available upon request to any taxing district in which the redevelopment project area is located the following information:

(1) Any amendments to the redevelopment plan, the redevelopment project area, or the State Sales Tax Boundary; and

(2) In connection with any redevelopment project area for which the municipality has outstanding obligations issued to provide for redevelopment project costs pursuant to Section 11-74.4-7, for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, audited financial statements of the special tax allocation fund.

(e) The joint review board shall meet annually 180 days after the close of the municipal fiscal year, or, for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, year or as soon as the redevelopment project audit for that fiscal year becomes available to review the effectiveness and status of the redevelopment project area up to that date.

(f) (Blank).

(g) In the event that a municipality has held a public hearing under this Section prior to March 14, 1994 (the effective date of Public Act 88-537), the requirements imposed by Public Act 88-537 relating to the method of fixing the time and place for public hearing, the materials and information required to be made available for public inspection, and the information required to be sent after adoption of an ordinance or resolution fixing a time and place for public hearing shall not be applicable.

(h) On and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, the State Comptroller must post on the State Comptroller's official website the information submitted by a municipality pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section. The information must be posted no later than 45 days after the State Comptroller receives the information from the municipality. The State Comptroller must also post a list of the municipalities not in compliance with the reporting requirements set forth in subsection (d) of this Section.

(i) No later than 10 years after the corporate authorities of a municipality adopt an ordinance to establish a redevelopment project area, the municipality must compile a status report concerning the redevelopment project area. The status report must detail without limitation the following: (i) the amount of revenue generated within the redevelopment project area, (ii) any expenditures made by the municipality for the redevelopment project area including without limitation expenditures from the special tax allocation fund, (iii) the status of planned activities, goals, and objectives set forth in the redevelopment plan including details on new or planned construction within the redevelopment project area, (iv) the amount of private and public investment within the redevelopment project area, and (v) any other relevant evaluation or performance data. Within 30 days after the municipality compiles the status report, the municipality must hold at least one public hearing concerning the report. The municipality must provide 20 days' public notice of the hearing.

(j) Beginning in fiscal year 2011 and in each fiscal year thereafter, a municipality must detail in its annual budget (i) the revenues generated from redevelopment project areas by source and (ii) the expenditures made by the municipality for redevelopment project areas.

(Source: P.A. 102-127, eff. 7-23-21.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-8a) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-74.4-8a)

Sec. 11-74.4-8a. (1) Until June 1, 1988, a municipality which has adopted tax increment allocation financing prior to January 1, 1987, may by ordinance (1) authorize the Department of Revenue, subject to appropriation, to annually certify and cause to be paid from the Illinois Tax Increment Fund to such municipality for deposit in the municipality's special tax allocation fund an amount equal to the Net State Sales Tax Increment and (2) authorize the Department of Revenue to annually notify the municipality of the amount of the Municipal Sales Tax Increment which shall be deposited by the municipality in the municipality's special tax allocation fund. Provided that for purposes of this Section no amendments adding additional area to the redevelopment project area which has been certified as the State Sales Tax Boundary shall be taken into account if such amendments are adopted by the municipality after January 1, 1987. If an amendment is adopted which decreases the area of a State Sales Tax Boundary, the municipality shall update the list required by subsection (3)(a) of this Section. The Retailers' Occupation Tax liability, Use Tax liability, Service Occupation Tax liability and Service Use Tax liability for retailers and servicemen located within the disconnected area shall be excluded from the base from which tax increments are calculated and the revenue from any such retailer or serviceman shall not be included in calculating incremental revenue payable to the municipality. A municipality adopting an ordinance under this subsection (1) of this Section for a redevelopment project area which is certified as a State Sales Tax Boundary shall not be entitled to payments of State taxes authorized under subsection (2) of this Section for the same redevelopment project area. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent a municipality from receiving payment of State taxes authorized under subsection (2) of this Section for a separate redevelopment project area that does not overlap in any way with the State Sales Tax Boundary receiving payments of State taxes pursuant to subsection (1) of this Section.

A certified copy of such ordinance shall be submitted by the municipality to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Revenue not later than 30 days after the effective date of the ordinance. Upon submission of the ordinances, and the information required pursuant to subsection 3 of this Section, the Department of Revenue shall promptly determine the amount of such taxes paid under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, the Municipal Retailers' Occupation Tax Act and the Municipal Service Occupation Tax Act by retailers and servicemen on transactions at places located in the redevelopment project area during the base year, and shall certify all the foregoing "initial sales tax amounts" to the municipality within 60 days of submission of the list required of subsection (3)(a) of this Section.

If a retailer or serviceman with a place of business located within a redevelopment project area also has one or more other places of business within the municipality but outside the redevelopment project area, the retailer or serviceman shall, upon request of the Department of Revenue, certify to the Department of Revenue the amount of taxes paid pursuant to the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Municipal Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act and the Municipal Service Occupation Tax Act at each place of business which is located within the redevelopment project area in the manner and for the periods of time requested by the Department of Revenue.

When the municipality determines that a portion of an increase in the aggregate amount of taxes paid by retailers and servicemen under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, or the Service Occupation Tax Act is the result of a retailer or serviceman initiating retail or service operations in the redevelopment project area by such retailer or serviceman with a resulting termination of retail or service operations by such retailer or serviceman at another location in Illinois in the standard metropolitan statistical area of such municipality, the Department of Revenue shall be notified that the retailers occupation tax liability, use tax liability, service occupation tax liability, or service use tax liability from such retailer's or serviceman's terminated operation shall be included in the base Initial Sales Tax Amounts from which the State Sales Tax Increment is calculated for purposes of State payments to the affected municipality; provided, however, for purposes of this paragraph "termination" shall mean a closing of a retail or service operation which is directly related to the opening of the same retail or service operation in a redevelopment project area which is included within a State Sales Tax Boundary, but it shall not include retail or service operations closed for reasons beyond the control of the retailer or serviceman, as determined by the Department.

If the municipality makes the determination referred to in the prior paragraph and notifies the Department and if the relocation is from a location within the municipality, the Department, at the request of the municipality, shall adjust the certified aggregate amount of taxes that constitute the Municipal Sales Tax Increment paid by retailers and servicemen on transactions at places of business located within the State Sales Tax Boundary during the base year using the same procedures as are employed to make the adjustment referred to in the prior paragraph. The adjusted Municipal Sales Tax Increment calculated by the Department shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of subsection (1) of this Section.

When a municipality which has adopted tax increment allocation financing in 1986 determines that a portion of the aggregate amount of taxes paid by retailers and servicemen under the Retailers Occupation Tax Act, Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, or Service Occupation Tax Act, the Municipal Retailers' Occupation Tax Act and the Municipal Service Occupation Tax Act, includes revenue of a retailer or serviceman which terminated retailer or service operations in 1986, prior to the adoption of tax increment allocation financing, the Department of Revenue shall be notified by such municipality that the retailers' occupation tax liability, use tax liability, service occupation tax liability or service use tax liability, from such retailer's or serviceman's terminated operations shall be excluded from the Initial Sales Tax Amounts for such taxes. The revenue from any such retailer or serviceman which is excluded from the base year under this paragraph, shall not be included in calculating incremental revenues if such retailer or serviceman reestablishes such business in the redevelopment project area.

For State fiscal year 1992, the Department of Revenue shall budget, and the Illinois General Assembly shall appropriate from the Illinois Tax Increment Fund in the State treasury, an amount not to exceed $18,000,000 to pay to each eligible municipality the Net State Sales Tax Increment to which such municipality is entitled.

Beginning on January 1, 1993, each municipality's proportional share of the Illinois Tax Increment Fund shall be determined by adding the annual Net State Sales Tax Increment and the annual Net Utility Tax Increment to determine the Annual Total Increment. The ratio of the Annual Total Increment of each municipality to the Annual Total Increment for all municipalities, as most recently calculated by the Department, shall determine the proportional shares of the Illinois Tax Increment Fund to be distributed to each municipality.

Beginning in October, 1993, and each January, April, July and October thereafter, the Department of Revenue shall certify to the Treasurer and the Comptroller the amounts payable quarter annually during the fiscal year to each municipality under this Section. The Comptroller shall promptly then draw warrants, ordering the State Treasurer to pay such amounts from the Illinois Tax Increment Fund in the State treasury.

The Department of Revenue shall utilize the same periods established for determining State Sales Tax Increment to determine the Municipal Sales Tax Increment for the area within a State Sales Tax Boundary and certify such amounts to such municipal treasurer who shall transfer such amounts to the special tax allocation fund.

The provisions of this subsection (1) do not apply to additional municipal retailers' occupation or service occupation taxes imposed by municipalities using their home rule powers or imposed pursuant to Sections 8-11-1.3, 8-11-1.4 and 8-11-1.5 of this Act. A municipality shall not receive from the State any share of the Illinois Tax Increment Fund unless such municipality deposits all its Municipal Sales Tax Increment and the local incremental real property tax revenues, as provided herein, into the appropriate special tax allocation fund. If, however, a municipality has extended the estimated dates of completion of the redevelopment project and retirement of obligations to finance redevelopment project costs by municipal ordinance to December 31, 2013 under subsection (n) of Section 11-74.4-3, then that municipality shall continue to receive from the State a share of the Illinois Tax Increment Fund so long as the municipality deposits, from any funds available, excluding funds in the special tax allocation fund, an amount equal to the municipal share of the real property tax increment revenues into the special tax allocation fund during the extension period. The amount to be deposited by the municipality in each of the tax years affected by the extension to December 31, 2013 shall be equal to the municipal share of the property tax increment deposited into the special tax allocation fund by the municipality for the most recent year that the property tax increment was distributed. A municipality located within an economic development project area created under the County Economic Development Project Area Property Tax Allocation Act which has abated any portion of its property taxes which otherwise would have been deposited in its special tax allocation fund shall not receive from the State the Net Sales Tax Increment.

(2) A municipality which has adopted tax increment allocation financing with regard to an industrial park or industrial park conservation area, prior to January 1, 1988, may by ordinance authorize the Department of Revenue to annually certify and pay from the Illinois Tax Increment Fund to such municipality for deposit in the municipality's special tax allocation fund an amount equal to the Net State Utility Tax Increment. Provided that for purposes of this Section no amendments adding additional area to the redevelopment project area shall be taken into account if such amendments are adopted by the municipality after January 1, 1988. Municipalities adopting an ordinance under this subsection (2) of this Section for a redevelopment project area shall not be entitled to payment of State taxes authorized under subsection (1) of this Section for the same redevelopment project area which is within a State Sales Tax Boundary. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent a municipality from receiving payment of State taxes authorized under subsection (1) of this Section for a separate redevelopment project area within a State Sales Tax Boundary that does not overlap in any way with the redevelopment project area receiving payments of State taxes pursuant to subsection (2) of this Section.

A certified copy of such ordinance shall be submitted to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Revenue not later than 30 days after the effective date of the ordinance.

When a municipality determines that a portion of an increase in the aggregate amount of taxes paid by industrial or commercial facilities under the Public Utilities Act, is the result of an industrial or commercial facility initiating operations in the redevelopment project area with a resulting termination of such operations by such industrial or commercial facility at another location in Illinois, the Department of Revenue shall be notified by such municipality that such industrial or commercial facility's liability under the Public Utility Tax Act shall be included in the base from which tax increments are calculated for purposes of State payments to the affected municipality.

After receipt of the calculations by the public utility as required by subsection (4) of this Section, the Department of Revenue shall annually budget and the Illinois General Assembly shall annually appropriate from the General Revenue Fund through State Fiscal Year 1989, and thereafter from the Illinois Tax Increment Fund, an amount sufficient to pay to each eligible municipality the amount of incremental revenue attributable to State electric and gas taxes as reflected by the charges imposed on persons in the project area to which such municipality is entitled by comparing the preceding calendar year with the base year as determined by this Section. Beginning on January 1, 1993, each municipality's proportional share of the Illinois Tax Increment Fund shall be determined by adding the annual Net State Utility Tax Increment and the annual Net Utility Tax Increment to determine the Annual Total Increment. The ratio of the Annual Total Increment of each municipality to the Annual Total Increment for all municipalities, as most recently calculated by the Department, shall determine the proportional shares of the Illinois Tax Increment Fund to be distributed to each municipality.

A municipality shall not receive any share of the Illinois Tax Increment Fund from the State unless such municipality imposes the maximum municipal charges authorized pursuant to Section 9-221 of the Public Utilities Act and deposits all municipal utility tax incremental revenues as certified by the public utilities, and all local real estate tax increments into such municipality's special tax allocation fund.

(3) Within 30 days after the adoption of the ordinance required by either subsection (1) or subsection (2) of this Section, the municipality shall transmit to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Revenue the following:

(a) if applicable, a certified copy of the ordinance required by subsection (1) accompanied by a complete list of street names and the range of street numbers of each street located within the redevelopment project area for which payments are to be made under this Section in both the base year and in the year preceding the payment year; and the addresses of persons registered with the Department of Revenue; and, the name under which each such retailer or serviceman conducts business at that address, if different from the corporate name; and the Illinois Business Tax Number of each such person (The municipality shall update this list in the event of a revision of the redevelopment project area, or the opening or closing or name change of any street or part thereof in the redevelopment project area, or if the Department of Revenue informs the municipality of an addition or deletion pursuant to the monthly updates given by the Department.);

(b) if applicable, a certified copy of the ordinance required by subsection (2) accompanied by a complete list of street names and range of street numbers of each street located within the redevelopment project area, the utility customers in the project area, and the utilities serving the redevelopment project areas;

(c) certified copies of the ordinances approving the redevelopment plan and designating the redevelopment project area;

(d) a copy of the redevelopment plan as approved by the municipality;

(e) an opinion of legal counsel that the municipality had complied with the requirements of this Act; and

(f) a certification by the chief executive officer of the municipality that with regard to a redevelopment project area: (1) the municipality has committed all of the municipal tax increment created pursuant to this Act for deposit in the special tax allocation fund, (2) the redevelopment projects described in the redevelopment plan would not be completed without the use of State incremental revenues pursuant to this Act, (3) the municipality will pursue the implementation of the redevelopment plan in an expeditious manner, (4) the incremental revenues created pursuant to this Section will be exclusively utilized for the development of the redevelopment project area, and (5) the increased revenue created pursuant to this Section shall be used exclusively to pay redevelopment project costs as defined in this Act.

(4) The Department of Revenue upon receipt of the information set forth in paragraph (b) of subsection (3) shall immediately forward such information to each public utility furnishing natural gas or electricity to buildings within the redevelopment project area. Upon receipt of such information, each public utility shall promptly:

(a) provide to the Department of Revenue and the municipality separate lists of the names and addresses of persons within the redevelopment project area receiving natural gas or electricity from such public utility. Such list shall be updated as necessary by the public utility. Each month thereafter the public utility shall furnish the Department of Revenue and the municipality with an itemized listing of charges imposed pursuant to Sections 9-221 and 9-222 of the Public Utilities Act on persons within the redevelopment project area.

(b) determine the amount of charges imposed pursuant to Sections 9-221 and 9-222 of the Public Utilities Act on persons in the redevelopment project area during the base year, both as a result of municipal taxes on electricity and gas and as a result of State taxes on electricity and gas and certify such amounts both to the municipality and the Department of Revenue; and

(c) determine the amount of charges imposed pursuant to Sections 9-221 and 9-222 of the Public Utilities Act on persons in the redevelopment project area on a monthly basis during the base year, both as a result of State and municipal taxes on electricity and gas and certify such separate amounts both to the municipality and the Department of Revenue.

After the determinations are made in paragraphs (b) and (c), the public utility shall monthly during the existence of the redevelopment project area notify the Department of Revenue and the municipality of any increase in charges over the base year determinations made pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c).

(5) The payments authorized under this Section shall be deposited by the municipal treasurer in the special tax allocation fund of the municipality, which for accounting purposes shall identify the sources of each payment as: municipal receipts from the State retailers occupation, service occupation, use and service use taxes; and municipal public utility taxes charged to customers under the Public Utilities Act and State public utility taxes charged to customers under the Public Utilities Act.

(6) Before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, any municipality receiving payments authorized under this Section for any redevelopment project area or area within a State Sales Tax Boundary within the municipality shall submit to the Department of Revenue and to the taxing districts which are sent the notice required by Section 6 of this Act annually within 180 days after the close of each municipal fiscal year the following information for the immediately preceding fiscal year:

(a) Any amendments to the redevelopment plan, the redevelopment project area, or the State Sales Tax Boundary.

(b) Audited financial statements of the special tax allocation fund for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(c) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the municipality that the municipality has complied with all of the requirements of this Act during the preceding fiscal year.

(d) An opinion of legal counsel that the municipality is in compliance with this Act.

(e) An analysis of the special tax allocation fund which sets forth:

(1) the balance in the special tax allocation fund at the beginning of the fiscal year;

(2) all amounts deposited in the special tax allocation fund by source;

(3) all expenditures from the special tax allocation fund by category of permissible redevelopment project cost; and

(4) the balance in the special tax allocation fund at the end of the fiscal year including a breakdown of that balance by source. Such ending balance shall be designated as surplus if it is not required for anticipated redevelopment project costs or to pay debt service on bonds issued to finance redevelopment project costs, as set forth in Section 11-74.4-7 hereof.

(f) A description of all property purchased by the municipality within the redevelopment project area including:

1. Street address

2. Approximate size or description of property

3. Purchase price

4. Seller of property.

(g) A statement setting forth all activities undertaken in furtherance of the objectives of the redevelopment plan, including:

1. Any project implemented in the preceding fiscal year

2. A description of the redevelopment activities undertaken

3. A description of any agreements entered into by the municipality with regard to the disposition or redevelopment of any property within the redevelopment project area or the area within the State Sales Tax Boundary.

(h) With regard to any obligations issued by the municipality:

1. copies of bond ordinances or resolutions

2. copies of any official statements

3. an analysis prepared by financial advisor or underwriter setting forth: (a) nature and term of obligation; and (b) projected debt service including required reserves and debt coverage.

(i) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, a A certified audit report reviewing compliance with this statute performed by an independent public accountant certified and licensed by the authority of the State of Illinois. The financial portion of the audit must be conducted in accordance with Standards for Audits of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions adopted by the Comptroller General of the United States (1981), as amended. The audit report shall contain a letter from the independent certified public accountant indicating compliance or noncompliance with the requirements of subsection (q) of Section 11-74.4-3. If the audit indicates that expenditures are not in compliance with the law, the Department of Revenue shall withhold State sales and utility tax increment payments to the municipality until compliance has been reached, and an amount equal to the ineligible expenditures has been returned to the Special Tax Allocation Fund.

(6.1) After July 29, 1988 and before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, any funds which have not been designated for use in a specific development project in the annual report shall be designated as surplus. No funds may be held in the Special Tax Allocation Fund for more than 36 months from the date of receipt unless the money is required for payment of contractual obligations for specific development project costs. If held for more than 36 months in violation of the preceding sentence, such funds shall be designated as surplus. Any funds designated as surplus must first be used for early redemption of any bond obligations. Any funds designated as surplus which are not disposed of as otherwise provided in this paragraph, shall be distributed as surplus as provided in Section 11-74.4-7.

(7) Any appropriation made pursuant to this Section for the 1987 State fiscal year shall not exceed the amount of $7 million and for the 1988 State fiscal year the amount of $10 million. The amount which shall be distributed to each municipality shall be the incremental revenue to which each municipality is entitled as calculated by the Department of Revenue, unless the requests of the municipality exceed the appropriation, then the amount to which each municipality shall be entitled shall be prorated among the municipalities in the same proportion as the increment to which the municipality would be entitled bears to the total increment which all municipalities would receive in the absence of this limitation, provided that no municipality may receive an amount in excess of 15% of the appropriation. For the 1987 Net State Sales Tax Increment payable in Fiscal Year 1989, no municipality shall receive more than 7.5% of the total appropriation; provided, however, that any of the appropriation remaining after such distribution shall be prorated among municipalities on the basis of their pro rata share of the total increment. Beginning on January 1, 1993, each municipality's proportional share of the Illinois Tax Increment Fund shall be determined by adding the annual Net State Sales Tax Increment and the annual Net Utility Tax Increment to determine the Annual Total Increment. The ratio of the Annual Total Increment of each municipality to the Annual Total Increment for all municipalities, as most recently calculated by the Department, shall determine the proportional shares of the Illinois Tax Increment Fund to be distributed to each municipality.

(7.1) No distribution of Net State Sales Tax Increment to a municipality for an area within a State Sales Tax Boundary shall exceed in any State Fiscal Year an amount equal to 3 times the sum of the Municipal Sales Tax Increment, the real property tax increment and deposits of funds from other sources, excluding state and federal funds, as certified by the city treasurer to the Department of Revenue for an area within a State Sales Tax Boundary. After July 29, 1988, for those municipalities which issue bonds between June 1, 1988 and 3 years from July 29, 1988 to finance redevelopment projects within the area in a State Sales Tax Boundary, the distribution of Net State Sales Tax Increment during the 16th through 20th years from the date of issuance of the bonds shall not exceed in any State Fiscal Year an amount equal to 2 times the sum of the Municipal Sales Tax Increment, the real property tax increment and deposits of funds from other sources, excluding State and federal funds.

(8) Any person who knowingly files or causes to be filed false information for the purpose of increasing the amount of any State tax incremental revenue commits a Class A misdemeanor.

(9) The following procedures shall be followed to determine whether municipalities have complied with the Act for the purpose of receiving distributions after July 1, 1989 pursuant to subsection (1) of this Section 11-74.4-8a.

(a) The Department of Revenue shall conduct a preliminary review of the redevelopment project areas and redevelopment plans pertaining to those municipalities receiving payments from the State pursuant to subsection (1) of Section 8a of this Act for the purpose of determining compliance with the following standards:

(1) For any municipality with a population of more than 12,000 as determined by the 1980 U.S. Census: (a) the redevelopment project area, or in the case of a municipality which has more than one redevelopment project area, each such area, must be contiguous and the total of all such areas shall not comprise more than 25% of the area within the municipal boundaries nor more than 20% of the equalized assessed value of the municipality; (b) the aggregate amount of 1985 taxes in the redevelopment project area, or in the case of a municipality which has more than one redevelopment project area, the total of all such areas, shall be not more than 25% of the total base year taxes paid by retailers and servicemen on transactions at places of business located within the municipality under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, and the Service Occupation Tax Act. Redevelopment project areas created prior to 1986 are not subject to the above standards if their boundaries were not amended in 1986.

(2) For any municipality with a population of 12,000 or less as determined by the 1980 U.S. Census: (a) the redevelopment project area, or in the case of a municipality which has more than one redevelopment project area, each such area, must be contiguous and the total of all such areas shall not comprise more than 35% of the area within the municipal boundaries nor more than 30% of the equalized assessed value of the municipality; (b) the aggregate amount of 1985 taxes in the redevelopment project area, or in the case of a municipality which has more than one redevelopment project area, the total of all such areas, shall not be more than 35% of the total base year taxes paid by retailers and servicemen on transactions at places of business located within the municipality under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, and the Service Occupation Tax Act. Redevelopment project areas created prior to 1986 are not subject to the above standards if their boundaries were not amended in 1986.

(3) Such preliminary review of the redevelopment project areas applying the above standards shall be completed by November 1, 1988, and on or before November 1, 1988, the Department shall notify each municipality by certified mail, return receipt requested that either (1) the Department requires additional time in which to complete its preliminary review; or (2) the Department is issuing either (a) a Certificate of Eligibility or (b) a Notice of Review. If the Department notifies a municipality that it requires additional time to complete its preliminary investigation, it shall complete its preliminary investigation no later than February 1, 1989, and by February 1, 1989 shall issue to each municipality either (a) a Certificate of Eligibility or (b) a Notice of Review. A redevelopment project area for which a Certificate of Eligibility has been issued shall be deemed a "State Sales Tax Boundary."

(4) The Department of Revenue shall also issue a Notice of Review if the Department has received a request by November 1, 1988 to conduct such a review from taxpayers in the municipality, local taxing districts located in the municipality or the State of Illinois, or if the redevelopment project area has more than 5 retailers and has had growth in State sales tax revenue of more than 15% from calendar year 1985 to 1986.

(b) For those municipalities receiving a Notice of Review, the Department will conduct a secondary review consisting of: (i) application of the above standards contained in subsection (9)(a)(1)(a) and (b) or (9)(a)(2)(a) and (b), and (ii) the definitions of blighted and conservation area provided for in Section 11-74.4-3. Such secondary review shall be completed by July 1, 1989.

Upon completion of the secondary review, the Department will issue (a) a Certificate of Eligibility or (b) a Preliminary Notice of Deficiency. Any municipality receiving a Preliminary Notice of Deficiency may amend its redevelopment project area to meet the standards and definitions set forth in this paragraph (b). This amended redevelopment project area shall become the "State Sales Tax Boundary" for purposes of determining the State Sales Tax Increment.

(c) If the municipality advises the Department of its intent to comply with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this subsection outlined in the Preliminary Notice of Deficiency, within 120 days of receiving such notice from the Department, the municipality shall submit documentation to the Department of the actions it has taken to cure any deficiencies. Thereafter, within 30 days of the receipt of the documentation, the Department shall either issue a Certificate of Eligibility or a Final Notice of Deficiency. If the municipality fails to advise the Department of its intent to comply or fails to submit adequate documentation of such cure of deficiencies the Department shall issue a Final Notice of Deficiency that provides that the municipality is ineligible for payment of the Net State Sales Tax Increment.

(d) If the Department issues a final determination of ineligibility, the municipality shall have 30 days from the receipt of determination to protest and request a hearing. Such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Sections 10-25, 10-35, 10-40, and 10-50 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The decision following the hearing shall be subject to review under the Administrative Review Law.

(e) Any Certificate of Eligibility issued pursuant to this subsection 9 shall be binding only on the State for the purposes of establishing municipal eligibility to receive revenue pursuant to subsection (1) of this Section 11-74.4-8a.

(f) It is the intent of this subsection that the periods of time to cure deficiencies shall be in addition to all other periods of time permitted by this Section, regardless of the date by which plans were originally required to be adopted. To cure said deficiencies, however, the municipality shall be required to follow the procedures and requirements pertaining to amendments, as provided in Sections 11-74.4-5 and 11-74.4-6 of this Act.

(10) If a municipality adopts a State Sales Tax Boundary in accordance with the provisions of subsection (9) of this Section, such boundaries shall subsequently be utilized to determine Revised Initial Sales Tax Amounts and the Net State Sales Tax Increment; provided, however, that such revised State Sales Tax Boundary shall not have any effect upon the boundary of the redevelopment project area established for the purposes of determining the ad valorem taxes on real property pursuant to Sections 11-74.4-7 and 11-74.4-8 of this Act nor upon the municipality's authority to implement the redevelopment plan for that redevelopment project area. For any redevelopment project area with a smaller State Sales Tax Boundary within its area, the municipality may annually elect to deposit the Municipal Sales Tax Increment for the redevelopment project area in the special tax allocation fund and shall certify the amount to the Department prior to receipt of the Net State Sales Tax Increment. Any municipality required by subsection (9) to establish a State Sales Tax Boundary for one or more of its redevelopment project areas shall submit all necessary information required by the Department concerning such boundary and the retailers therein, by October 1, 1989, after complying with the procedures for amendment set forth in Sections 11-74.4-5 and 11-74.4-6 of this Act. Net State Sales Tax Increment produced within the State Sales Tax Boundary shall be spent only within that area. However expenditures of all municipal property tax increment and municipal sales tax increment in a redevelopment project area are not required to be spent within the smaller State Sales Tax Boundary within such redevelopment project area.

(11) The Department of Revenue shall have the authority to issue rules and regulations for purposes of this Section.

(12) If, under Section 5.4.1 of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act, a municipality determines that property that lies within a State Sales Tax Boundary has an improvement, rehabilitation, or renovation that is entitled to a property tax abatement, then that property along with any improvements, rehabilitation, or renovations shall be immediately removed from any State Sales Tax Boundary. The municipality that made the determination shall notify the Department of Revenue within 30 days after the determination. Once a property is removed from the State Sales Tax Boundary because of the existence of a property tax abatement resulting from an enterprise zone, then that property shall not be permitted to be amended into a State Sales Tax Boundary.

(Source: P.A. 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-74.6-22)

Sec. 11-74.6-22. Adoption of ordinance; requirements; changes.

(a) Before adoption of an ordinance proposing the designation of a redevelopment planning area or a redevelopment project area, or both, or approving a redevelopment plan or redevelopment project, the municipality or commission designated pursuant to subsection (l) of Section 11-74.6-15 shall fix by ordinance or resolution a time and place for public hearing. Prior to the adoption of the ordinance or resolution establishing the time and place for the public hearing, the municipality shall make available for public inspection a redevelopment plan or a report that provides in sufficient detail, the basis for the eligibility of the redevelopment project area. The report along with the name of a person to contact for further information shall be sent to the affected taxing district by certified mail within a reasonable time following the adoption of the ordinance or resolution establishing the time and place for the public hearing.

At the public hearing any interested person or affected taxing district may file with the municipal clerk written objections to the ordinance and may be heard orally on any issues that are the subject of the hearing. The municipality shall hear and determine all alternate proposals or bids for any proposed conveyance, lease, mortgage or other disposition of land and all protests and objections at the hearing and the hearing may be adjourned to another date without further notice other than a motion to be entered upon the minutes fixing the time and place of the later hearing. At the public hearing or at any time prior to the adoption by the municipality of an ordinance approving a redevelopment plan, the municipality may make changes in the redevelopment plan. Changes which (1) add additional parcels of property to the proposed redevelopment project area, (2) substantially affect the general land uses proposed in the redevelopment plan, or (3) substantially change the nature of or extend the life of the redevelopment project shall be made only after the municipality gives notice, convenes a joint review board, and conducts a public hearing pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Section and in Section 11-74.6-25. Changes which do not (1) add additional parcels of property to the proposed redevelopment project area, (2) substantially affect the general land uses proposed in the redevelopment plan, or (3) substantially change the nature of or extend the life of the redevelopment project may be made without further hearing, provided that the municipality shall give notice of any such changes by mail to each affected taxing district and by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected taxing district. Such notice by mail and by publication shall each occur not later than 10 days following the adoption by ordinance of such changes.

(b) Before adoption of an ordinance proposing the designation of a redevelopment planning area or a redevelopment project area, or both, or amending the boundaries of an existing redevelopment project area or redevelopment planning area, or both, the municipality shall convene a joint review board to consider the proposal. The board shall consist of a representative selected by each taxing district that has authority to levy real property taxes on the property within the proposed redevelopment project area and that has at least 5% of its total equalized assessed value located within the proposed redevelopment project area, a representative selected by the municipality and a public member. The public member and the board's chairperson shall be selected by a majority of other board members.

All board members shall be appointed and the first board meeting held within 14 days following the notice by the municipality to all the taxing districts as required by subsection (c) of Section 11-74.6-25. The notice shall also advise the taxing bodies represented on the joint review board of the time and place of the first meeting of the board. Additional meetings of the board shall be held upon the call of any 2 members. The municipality seeking designation of the redevelopment project area may provide administrative support to the board.

The board shall review the public record, planning documents and proposed ordinances approving the redevelopment plan and project to be adopted by the municipality. As part of its deliberations, the board may hold additional hearings on the proposal. A board's recommendation, if any, shall be a written recommendation adopted by a majority vote of the board and submitted to the municipality within 30 days after the board convenes. A board's recommendation shall be binding upon the municipality. Failure of the board to submit its recommendation on a timely basis shall not be cause to delay the public hearing or the process of establishing or amending the redevelopment project area. The board's recommendation on the proposal shall be based upon the area satisfying the applicable eligibility criteria defined in Section 11-74.6-10 and whether there is a basis for the municipal findings set forth in the redevelopment plan as required by this Act. If the board does not file a recommendation it shall be presumed that the board has found that the redevelopment project area satisfies the eligibility criteria.

(c) After a municipality has by ordinance approved a redevelopment plan and designated a redevelopment planning area or a redevelopment project area, or both, the plan may be amended and additional properties may be added to the redevelopment project area only as herein provided. Amendments which (1) add additional parcels of property to the proposed redevelopment project area, (2) substantially affect the general land uses proposed in the redevelopment plan, (3) substantially change the nature of the redevelopment project, (4) increase the total estimated redevelopment project costs set out in the redevelopment plan by more than 5% after adjustment for inflation from the date the plan was adopted, or (5) add additional redevelopment project costs to the itemized list of redevelopment project costs set out in the redevelopment plan shall be made only after the municipality gives notice, convenes a joint review board, and conducts a public hearing pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Section and in Section 11-74.6-25. Changes which do not (1) add additional parcels of property to the proposed redevelopment project area, (2) substantially affect the general land uses proposed in the redevelopment plan, (3) substantially change the nature of the redevelopment project, (4) increase the total estimated redevelopment project cost set out in the redevelopment plan by more than 5% after adjustment for inflation from the date the plan was adopted, or (5) add additional redevelopment project costs to the itemized list of redevelopment project costs set out in the redevelopment plan may be made without further hearing, provided that the municipality shall give notice of any such changes by mail to each affected taxing district and by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected taxing district. Such notice by mail and by publication shall each occur not later than 10 days following the adoption by ordinance of such changes.

Notwithstanding Section 11-74.6-50, the redevelopment project area established by an ordinance adopted in its final form on December 19, 2011 by the City of Loves Park may be expanded by the adoption of an ordinance to that effect without further hearing or notice to include land that (i) is at least in part contiguous to the existing redevelopment project area, (ii) does not exceed approximately 16.56 acres, (iii) at the time of the establishment of the redevelopment project area would have been otherwise eligible for inclusion in the redevelopment project area, and (iv) is zoned so as to comply with this Act prior to its inclusion in the redevelopment project area.

(d) After the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, a municipality shall submit the following information for each redevelopment project area (i) to the State Comptroller under Section 8-8-3.5 of the Illinois Municipal Code, subject to any extensions or exemptions provided at the Comptroller's discretion under that Section, and (ii) to all taxing districts overlapping the redevelopment project area no later than 180 days after the close of each municipal fiscal year, or, for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, year or as soon thereafter as the audited financial statements become available and, in any case, shall be submitted before the annual meeting of the joint review board to each of the taxing districts that overlap the redevelopment project area:

(1) Any amendments to the redevelopment plan, or the redevelopment project area.

(1.5) A list of the redevelopment project areas administered by the municipality and, if applicable, the date each redevelopment project area was designated or terminated by the municipality.

(2) Audited financial statements of the special tax allocation fund once a cumulative total of $100,000 of tax increment revenues has been deposited in the fund for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(3) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the municipality that the municipality has complied with all of the requirements of this Act during the preceding fiscal year.

(4) An opinion of legal counsel that the municipality is in compliance with this Act.

(5) An analysis of the special tax allocation fund which sets forth:

(A) the balance in the special tax allocation fund at the beginning of the fiscal year;

(B) all amounts deposited in the special tax allocation fund by source;

(C) an itemized list of all expenditures from the special tax allocation fund by category of permissible redevelopment project cost; and

(D) the balance in the special tax allocation fund at the end of the fiscal year including a breakdown of that balance by source and a breakdown of that balance identifying any portion of the balance that is required, pledged, earmarked, or otherwise designated for payment of or securing of obligations and anticipated redevelopment project costs. Any portion of such ending balance that has not been identified or is not identified as being required, pledged, earmarked, or otherwise designated for payment of or securing of obligations or anticipated redevelopment project costs shall be designated as surplus as set forth in Section 11-74.6-30 hereof.

(6) A description of all property purchased by the municipality within the redevelopment project area including:

(A) Street address.

(B) Approximate size or description of property.

(C) Purchase price.

(D) Seller of property.

(7) A statement setting forth all activities undertaken in furtherance of the objectives of the redevelopment plan, including:

(A) Any project implemented in the preceding fiscal year.

(B) A description of the redevelopment activities undertaken.

(C) A description of any agreements entered into by the municipality with regard to the disposition or redevelopment of any property within the redevelopment project area.

(D) Additional information on the use of all funds received under this Division and steps taken by the municipality to achieve the objectives of the redevelopment plan.

(E) Information regarding contracts that the municipality's tax increment advisors or consultants have entered into with entities or persons that have received, or are receiving, payments financed by tax increment revenues produced by the same redevelopment project area.

(F) Any reports submitted to the municipality by the joint review board.

(G) A review of public and, to the extent possible, private investment actually undertaken to date after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly and estimated to be undertaken during the following year. This review shall, on a project-by-project basis, set forth the estimated amounts of public and private investment incurred after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly and provide the ratio of private investment to public investment to the date of the report and as estimated to the completion of the redevelopment project.

(8) With regard to any obligations issued by the municipality:

(A) copies of any official statements; and

(B) an analysis prepared by financial advisor or underwriter, chosen by the municipality, setting forth: (i) nature and term of obligation; (ii) projected debt service including required reserves and debt coverage; and (iii) actual debt service.

(9) For special tax allocation funds that have received cumulative deposits of incremental tax revenues of $100,000 or more, a certified audit report reviewing compliance with this Act performed by an independent public accountant certified and licensed by the authority of the State of Illinois. The financial portion of the audit must be conducted in accordance with Standards for Audits of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions adopted by the Comptroller General of the United States (1981), as amended, or the standards specified by Section 8-8-5 of the Illinois Municipal Auditing Law of the Illinois Municipal Code. The audit report shall contain a letter from the independent certified public accountant indicating compliance or noncompliance with the requirements of subsection (o) of Section 11-74.6-10.

In addition to information required to be reported under this Section, for Fiscal Year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, reporting municipalities shall also report to the Comptroller annually in a manner and format prescribed by the Comptroller: (1) the number of jobs, if any, projected to be created for each redevelopment project area at the time of approval of the redevelopment agreement; (2) the number of jobs, if any, created as a result of the development to date for that reporting period under the same guidelines and assumptions as was used for the projections used at the time of approval of the redevelopment agreement; (3) the amount of increment projected to be created at the time of approval of the redevelopment agreement for each redevelopment project area; (4) the amount of increment created as a result of the development to date for that reporting period using the same assumptions as was used for the projections used at the time of the approval of the redevelopment agreement; and (5) the stated rate of return identified by the developer to the municipality for each redevelopment project area, if any. Stated rates of return required to be reported in item (5) shall be independently verified by a third party chosen by the municipality. Reporting municipalities shall also report to the Comptroller a copy of the redevelopment plan each time the redevelopment plan is enacted, amended, or extended in a manner and format prescribed by the Comptroller. These requirements shall only apply to redevelopment projects beginning in or after Fiscal Year 2022.

(e) The joint review board shall meet annually 180 days after the close of the municipal fiscal year, or, for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, year or as soon as the redevelopment project audit for that fiscal year becomes available to review the effectiveness and status of the redevelopment project area up to that date.

(Source: P.A. 102-127, eff. 7-23-21.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-94-5) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-94-5)

Sec. 11-94-5. Each municipality which issues bonds and constructs or acquires or improves a facility under this Division 94 shall charge for the use thereof at a rate which at all times is sufficient to pay maintenance and operation costs, depreciation and the principal and interest on the bonds. Such a municipality may make, enact, and enforce all needful rules and regulations for the construction, acquisition, improvement, extension, management, maintenance, care, and protection of its natatoriums or swimming pools, indoor or outdoor tennis courts, handball, racquetball or squash courts, artificial ice skating rinks or golf courses, or any other recreational facility, or any combination of facilities, as the case may be, and for the use thereof. Charges or rates for the use of the facility shall be established, revised, maintained, and payable as the corporate authorities may determine by ordinance.

While any bond issued under this Division 94 is outstanding, such a municipality is required to maintain and operate its natatoriums or swimming pools, indoor or outdoor tennis courts, handball, racquetball or squash courts, artificial ice skating rinks or golf courses, or any other recreational facility, or any combination of facilities, as long as it can do so out of the revenue derived from the operation thereof. It shall not sell, lease, loan, mortgage or in any other manner dispose of the natatoriums or swimming pools, indoor or outdoor tennis courts, handball, racquetball or squash courts, artificial ice skating rinks or golf courses, or any other recreational facility, or any combination of facilities, until all of the bonds so issued have been paid in full, both principal and interest or until provision has been made for the payment of all of the bonds and interests thereon in full.

Such a municipality shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts, showing the amount of revenue received from the operation of its natatoriums or swimming pools, indoor or outdoor tennis courts, handball, racquetball or squash courts, artificial ice skating rinks or golf courses. At least once each year, the municipality shall have the accounts properly audited for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028. A report of this audit shall be open for inspection at all times to any taxpayer, or to a holder of any bond or coupon of any bond issued under this Division 94, or to their respective representatives.

This amendatory Act of 1973 is not a limit upon any municipality which is a home rule unit.

This amendatory Act of 1975 is not a limit upon any municipality which is a home rule unit.

(Source: P.A. 81-1509.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-117-13) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-117-13)

Sec. 11-117-13. Any municipality, owning a public utility, shall keep the accounts for each public utility distinct from other municipal accounts and in such manner as to show the true and complete financial results of municipal ownership or ownership and operation, as the case may be. These accounts shall be so kept as to show (1) the actual cost of the municipality of each public utility owned; (2) all costs of maintenance, extension, and improvement; (3) all operating expenses of every description, in case of municipal operation; (4) the amounts set aside for sinking fund purposes; (5) if water or other service is furnished for the use of a public utility without charge, as nearly as possible, the value of that service and also the value of any similar service rendered by each public utility to any other municipal department without charge; (6) reasonable allowances for interest, depreciation, and insurance; and (7) estimates of the amount of taxes that would be chargeable against each public utility if owned by a private corporation.

For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The corporate authorities shall print annually for public distribution, a report, in the form specified in this Section, showing the financial results of the municipal ownership or ownership and operation. The accounts of each public utility shall be examined once each year by a licensed Certified Public Accountant permitted to perform audits under the Illinois Public Accounting Act who shall report to the corporate authorities the results of his examination. This accountant shall be selected in such manner as the corporate authorities may direct, and he shall receive for his services such compensation, to be paid out of the revenue from each public utility, as the municipality may prescribe.

(Source: P.A. 94-465, eff. 8-4-05.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-119.1-4) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-119.1-4)

Sec. 11-119.1-4. Municipal Power Agencies.

A. Any 2 or more municipalities, contiguous or noncontiguous, and which operate an electric utility system, may form a municipal power agency by the execution of an agency agreement authorized by an ordinance adopted by the governing body of each municipality. The agency agreement may state:

(1) that the municipal power agency is created and incorporated under the provisions of this Division as a body politic and corporate, municipal corporation and unit of local government of the State of Illinois;

(2) the name of the agency and the date of its establishment;

(3) that names of the municipalities which have adopted the agency agreement and constitute the initial members of the municipal power agency;

(4) the names and addresses of the persons initially appointed in the ordinances adopting the agency agreement to serve on the Board of Directors and act as the representatives of the municipalities, respectively, in the exercise of their powers as members;

(5) the limitations, if any, upon the terms of office of the directors, provided that such directors shall always be selected and vacancies in their offices declared and filled by ordinances adopted by the governing body of the respective municipalities;

(6) the location by city, village or incorporated town in the State of Illinois of the principal office of the municipal power agency;

(7) provisions for the disposition, division or distribution of obligations, property and assets of the municipal power agency upon dissolution; and

(8) any other provisions for regulating the business of the municipal power agency or the conduct of its affairs which may be agreed to by the member municipalities, consistent with this Division, including, without limitation, any provisions for weighted voting among the member municipalities or by the directors.

B. The presiding officer of the Board of Directors of any municipal power agency established pursuant to this Division or such other officer selected by the Board of Directors, within 3 months after establishment, shall file a certified copy of the agency agreement and a list of the municipalities which have adopted the agreement with the recorder of deeds of the county in which the principal office is located. The recorder of deeds shall record this certified copy and list and shall immediately transmit the certified copy and list to the Secretary of State, together with his certificate of recordation. The Secretary of State shall file these documents and issue his certificate of approval over his signature and the Great Seal of the State. The Secretary of State shall make and keep a register of municipal power agencies established under this Division.

C. Each municipality which becomes a member of the municipal power agency shall appoint a representative to serve on the Board of Directors, which representative may be a member of the governing body of the municipality. Each appointment shall be made by the mayor, or president, subject to the confirmation of the governing body. The directors so appointed shall hold office for a term of 3 years, or until a successor has been duly appointed and qualified, except that the directors first appointed shall determine by lot at their initial meeting the respective directors which shall serve for a term of one, 2 or 3 years from the date of that meeting. A vacancy shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

The Board of Directors is the corporate authority of the municipal power agency and shall exercise all the powers and manage and control all of the affairs and property of the agency. The Board of Directors shall have full power to pass all necessary ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations for the proper management and conduct of the business of the board, and for carrying into effect the objects for which the agency was established.

At the initial meeting of the Board of Directors to be held within 30 days after the date of establishment of the municipal power agency, the directors shall elect from their members a presiding officer to preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors and an alternative presiding officer and may elect an executive board. The Board of Directors shall determine and designate in the agency's bylaws the titles for the presiding officers. The directors shall also elect a secretary and treasurer, who need not be directors. The board may select such other officers, employees and agents as deemed to be necessary, who need not be directors or residents of any of the municipalities which are members of the municipal power agency. The board may designate appropriate titles for all other officers, employees, and agents. All persons selected by the board shall hold their respective offices during the pleasure of the board, and give such bond as may be required by the board.

D. The bylaws of the municipal power agency, and any amendments thereto, shall be adopted by the Board of Directors by a majority vote (adjusted for weighted voting, if provided in the Agency Agreement) to provide the following:

(1) the conditions and obligations of membership, if any;

(2) the manner and time of calling regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors;

(3) the procedural rules of the Board of Directors;

(4) the composition, powers and responsibilities of any committee or executive board;

(5) the rights and obligations of new members, and the disposition of rights and obligations upon termination of membership; and

(6) such other rules or provisions for regulating the affairs of the municipal power agency as the board shall determine to be necessary.

E. Every municipal power agency shall maintain an office in the State of Illinois to be known as its principal office. When a municipal power agency desires to change the location of such office, it shall file with the Secretary of State a certificate of change of location, stating the new address and the effective date of change. Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any place within the State of Illinois, designated by the Board of Directors, after notice. Unless otherwise provided by the bylaws, an act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present is the act of the Board of Directors.

F. The Board of Directors shall hold at least one meeting each year for the election of officers and for the transaction of any other business. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called for any purpose upon written request to the presiding officer of the Board of Directors or secretary to call the meeting. Such officer shall give notice of the meeting to be held not less than 10 days and not more than 60 days after receipt of such request. Unless the bylaws provide for a different percentage, a quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors is a majority of all members then in office. All meetings of the board shall be held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act "An Act in relation to meetings", approved July 11, 1957, as amended.

G. The agency agreement may be amended as proposed at any meeting of the Board of Directors for which notice, stating the purpose, shall be given to each director and, unless the bylaws prescribe otherwise, such amendment shall become effective when ratified by ordinances adopted by a majority of the governing bodies of the member municipalities. Each amendment, duly certified, shall be recorded and filed in the same manner as for the original agreement.

H. Each member municipality shall have full power and authority, subject to the provisions of its charter and laws regarding local finance, to appropriate money for the payment of the expenses of the municipal power agency and of its representative in exercising its functions as a member of the municipal power agency.

I. Any additional municipality which operates an electric utility system may join the municipal power agency, or any member municipality may withdraw therefrom upon the approval by ordinance adopted by the governing body of the majority of the municipalities which are then members of the municipal power agency. Any new member shall agree to assume its proportionate share of the outstanding obligations of the municipal power agency and any member permitted to withdraw shall remain obligated to make payments under any outstanding contract or agreement with the municipal power agency. Any such change in membership shall be recorded and filed in the same manner as for the original agreement.

J. Any 2 or more municipal power agencies organized pursuant to this Division may consolidate to form a new municipal power agency when approved by ordinance adopted by the governing body of each municipality which is a member of the respective municipal power agency and by the execution of an agency agreement as provided in this Section.

K. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a municipal power agency shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

L. For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a municipal power agency shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-204, eff. 1-1-10.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-119.2-4) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-119.2-4)

Sec. 11-119.2-4. A. Any 2 or more municipalities, contiguous or noncontiguous, and which operate a natural gas plant or system, may form a municipal natural gas agency by the execution of an agency agreement authorized by an ordinance adopted by the governing body of each municipality. The agency agreement may state:

(1) that the municipal natural gas agency is created and incorporated under the provisions of this Division as a body politic and corporate, municipal corporation and unit of local government of the State of Illinois;

(2) the name of the agency and the date of its establishment;

(3) the names of the municipalities which have adopted the agency agreement and constitute the initial members of the municipal natural gas agency;

(4) the names and addresses of the persons initially appointed in the ordinances adopting the agency agreement to serve on the Board of Directors and act as the representatives of the municipalities, respectively, in the exercise of their powers as members;

(5) the limitations, if any, upon the terms of office of the directors, provided that such directors shall always be selected and vacancies in their offices declared and filled by ordinances adopted by the governing body of the respective municipalities;

(6) the location by city, village or incorporated town in the State of Illinois of the principal office of the municipal natural gas agency;

(7) provisions for the disposition, division or distribution of obligations, property and assets of the municipal natural gas agency upon dissolution; and

(8) any other provisions for regulating the business of the municipal natural gas agency or the conduct of its affairs which may be agreed to by the member municipalities, consistent with this Division, including, without limitation, any provisions for weighted voting among the member municipalities or by the directors.

B. The presiding officer of the Board of Directors of any municipal natural gas agency established pursuant to this Division or such other officer selected by the Board of Directors, within 3 months after establishment, shall file a certified copy of the agency agreement and a list of the municipalities which have adopted the agreement with the recorder of the county in which the principal office is located. The recorder shall record this certified copy and list and shall immediately transmit the certified copy and list to the Secretary of State, together with his certificate of recordation. The Secretary of State shall file these documents and issue his certificate of approval over his signature and the Great Seal of the State. The Secretary of State shall make and keep a register of municipal natural gas agencies established under this Division.

C. Each municipality which becomes a member of the municipal natural gas agency shall appoint a representative to serve on the Board of Directors, which representative may be a member of the governing body of the municipality. Each appointment shall be made by the mayor, or president, subject to the confirmation of the governing body. The directors so appointed shall hold office for a term of 3 years, or until a successor has been duly appointed and qualified, except that the directors first appointed shall determine by lot at their initial meeting the respective directors which shall serve for a term of one, 2 or 3 years from the date of that meeting. A vacancy shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

The Board of Directors is the corporate authority of the municipal natural gas agency and shall exercise all the powers and manage and control all of the affairs and property of the agency. The Board of Directors shall have full power to pass all necessary ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations for the proper management and conduct of the business of the board, and for carrying into effect the objects for which the agency was established.

At the initial meeting of the Board of Directors to be held within 30 days after the date of establishment of the municipal natural gas agency, the directors shall elect from their members a presiding officer to preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors and an alternate presiding officer and may elect an executive board. The Board of Directors shall determine and designate in the agency's bylaws the titles for the presiding officers. The directors shall also elect a secretary and treasurer, who need not be directors. The board may select such other officers, employees and agents as deemed to be necessary, who need not be directors or residents of any of the municipalities which are members of the municipal natural gas agency. The board may designate appropriate titles for all other officers, employees, and agents. All persons selected by the board shall hold their respective offices during the pleasure of the board, and give such bond as may be required by the board.

D. The bylaws of the municipal natural gas agency, and any amendments thereto, shall be adopted by the Board of Directors by a majority vote (adjusted for weighted voting, if provided in the Agency Agreement) to provide the following:

(1) the conditions and obligations of membership, if any;

(2) the manner and time of calling regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors;

(3) the procedural rules of the Board of Directors;

(4) the composition, powers and responsibilities of any committee or executive board;

(5) the rights and obligations of new members, and the disposition of rights and obligations upon termination of membership; and

(6) such other rules or provisions for regulating the affairs of the municipal natural gas agency as the board shall determine to be necessary.

E. Every municipal natural gas agency shall maintain an office in the State of Illinois to be known as its principal office. When a municipal natural gas agency desires to change the location of such office, it shall file with the Secretary of State a certificate of change of location, stating the new address and the effective date of change. Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any place within the State of Illinois, designated by the Board of Directors, after notice. Unless otherwise provided by the bylaws, an act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present is the act of the Board of Directors.

F. The Board of Directors shall hold at least one meeting each year for the election of officers and for the transaction of any other business. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called for any purpose upon written request to the presiding officer of the Board of Directors or secretary to call the meeting. Such officer shall give notice of the meeting to be held not less than 10 days and not more than 60 days after receipt of such request. Unless the bylaws provide for a different percentage, a quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors is a majority of all members then in office. All meetings of the board shall be held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act.

G. The agency agreement may be amended as proposed at any meeting of the Board of Directors for which notice, stating the purpose, shall be given to each director and, unless the bylaws prescribe otherwise, such amendment shall become effective when ratified by ordinances adopted by a majority of the governing bodies of the member municipalities. Each amendment, duly certified, shall be recorded and filed in the same manner as for the original agreement.

H. Each member municipality shall have full power and authority, subject to the provisions of its charter and laws regarding local finance, to appropriate money for the payment of the expenses of the municipal natural gas agency and of its representative in exercising its functions as a member of the municipal natural gas agency.

I. Any additional municipality which operates a natural gas plant or system may join the municipal natural gas agency, or any member municipality may withdraw therefrom upon the approval by ordinance adopted by the governing body of the majority of the municipalities which are then members of the municipal natural gas agency. Any new member shall agree to assume its proportionate share of the outstanding obligations of the municipal natural gas agency and any member permitted to withdraw shall remain obligated to make payments under any outstanding contract or agreement with the municipal natural gas agency. Any such change in membership shall be recorded and filed in the same manner as for the original agreement.

J. Any 2 or more municipal natural gas agencies organized pursuant to this Division may consolidate to form a new municipal natural gas agency when approved by ordinance adopted by the governing body of each municipality which is a member of the respective municipal natural gas agency and by the execution of an agency agreement as provided in this Section.

K. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a municipal natural gas agency shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

L. For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a municipal natural gas agency shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-204, eff. 1-1-10.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-122-5) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-122-5)

Sec. 11-122-5. Every city owning, or owning and operating, street railways, shall keep the books of account for these street railways distinct from other city accounts and in such manner as to show the true and complete financial results of the city ownership, or ownership and operation, as the case may be. These accounts shall be so kept as to show: (1) the actual cost to the city of street railways owned, (2) all costs of maintenance, extension, and improvement, (3) all operating expenses of every description, in case of city operation, (4) the amount set aside for sinking fund purposes, (5) if water or other service is furnished for the use of the street railways without charge, as nearly as possible, the value of this service, and also the value of any similar service rendered by the street railways to any other city department without charge, (6) reasonable allowances for interest, depreciation, and insurance, and (7) estimates of the amount of taxes that would be chargeable against the property if owned by a private corporation. The city council shall print annually for public distribution, a report showing the financial results, in the form specified in this section, of the city ownership, or ownership and operation.

For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The accounts of those street railways, shall be examined at least once a year by a licensed Certified Public Accountant permitted to perform audits under the Illinois Public Accounting Act, who shall report to the city council the results of his examination. This accountant shall be selected in such manner as the city council may direct, and he shall receive for his services such compensation, to be paid out of the income from those street railways, as the city council may prescribe.

(Source: P.A. 94-465, eff. 8-4-05.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-123-14) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-123-14)

Sec. 11-123-14. Every city and village owning and operating, or owning and leasing any portion of a utility, shall keep the accounts for the utilities separate and distinct from other municipal accounts and in such manner as to show the true and complete financial standing and results of the municipal ownership and operation or of the municipal ownership and leasing, as the case may be. These accounts shall be so kept as to show: (1) the actual cost of the municipality of the utilities owned; (2) all costs of maintenance, extension, and improvement; (3) all operating expenses of every description, in case of municipal operation, whether of the whole or of a part of the utilities; (4) if water or other service is furnished for the use of the utilities without charge, as nearly as possible, the value of that service, and also the value of any service rendered by the utilities to any reasonable allowances for interest, depreciation, and other municipal department without charge; (5) insurance; and (6) estimates of the amount of taxes that would be chargeable against the utilities if owned by a private corporation. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The corporate authorities of the municipality shall have printed annually for public distribution, a report showing the financial standing and results, in the form specified in this section, of the municipal ownership and operation, or of municipal ownership and leasing. This report shall be published in one or more newspapers published in the municipality, or, if no newspaper is published therein, then in one or more newspapers with a general circulation within the municipality. In municipalities with less than 500 population in which no newspaper is published, publication may instead be made by posting a notice in 3 prominent places within the municipality.

For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The accounts of the utilities shall be examined at least once a year by a licensed Certified Public Accountant permitted to perform audits under the Illinois Public Accounting Act, who shall report to the corporate authorities the results of his examination. This accountant shall be selected in such manner as the corporate authorities may direct, and he shall receive for his services such compensation, to be paid out of the revenue from the utilities, as the corporate authorities may prescribe.

(Source: P.A. 94-465, eff. 8-4-05.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-130-11) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-130-11)

Sec. 11-130-11. Any municipality issuing revenue bonds under this Division 130 shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts, showing the amount of revenue received and its application. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once a year the municipality shall have the accounts properly audited by a competent auditor. The report of that audit shall be open for inspection at all proper times to any taxpayer, water-user, or any holder of bonds issued under this Division 130, or to anyone acting for and on behalf of the taxpayer, water-user, or bondholder.

The treasurer of the municipality shall be custodian of the funds derived from income received from waterworks purchased or constructed either in whole or in part under the provisions of this Division 130. He shall give proper bond for the faithful discharge of his duties as such custodian, and this bond shall be fixed and approved by the corporate authorities of the municipality.

All of the funds received as income from waterworks purchased or constructed in whole or in part under the provisions of this Division 130, and all of the funds received from the sale of revenue bonds issued to construct such a waterworks system, shall be kept separate and apart from the other funds of the municipality. The treasurer shall maintain separate accounts in which shall be placed (1) the interest and sinking fund, (2) the depreciation fund and (3) the operating and maintenance fund. He shall also provide for refunding outstanding certificates payable out of water revenue.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 576.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-139-10) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-139-10)

Sec. 11-139-10. Any municipality operating a combined waterworks and sewerage system under this Division 139, shall set up and maintain a proper system of accounts showing the amount of revenue received from the combined waterworks and sewerage system and the application of this revenue. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year the municipality shall have these accounts properly audited, and a report of this audit shall be open to the public for inspection at all reasonable times.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 576.)

(65 ILCS 5/11-141-8) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-141-8)

Sec. 11-141-8. Every municipality which issues bonds under this Division 141 shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts showing the amount of revenue received from the sewerage system and the application of that revenue. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year the municipality shall have the accounts properly audited. A report of that audit shall be open for inspection at all proper times to any taxpayer, sewerage system user, or the holder of any bond issued under this Division 141, or their respective representatives.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 576.)

Section 900-47. The Home Equity Assurance Act is amended by changing Section 11 and by adding Section 5.5 as follows:

(65 ILCS 95/5.5 new)

Sec. 5.5. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a home equity program and its related governing commission shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a home equity program and its related governing commission shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(65 ILCS 95/11) (from Ch. 24, par. 1611)

Sec. 11. Guarantee Fund.

(a) Each governing commission and program created by referendum under the provisions of this Act shall maintain a guarantee fund for the purposes of paying the costs of administering the program and extending protection to members pursuant to the limitations and procedures set forth in this Act.

(b) The guarantee fund shall be raised by means of an annual tax levied on all residential property within the territory of the program having at least one, but not more than 6 dwelling units and classified by county ordinance as residential. The rate of this tax may be changed from year to year by majority vote of the governing commission but in no case shall it exceed a rate of .12% of the equalized assessed valuation of all property in the territory of the program having at least one, but not more than 6 dwelling units and classified by county ordinance as residential, or the maximum tax rate approved by the voters of the territory at the referendum which created the program or, in the case of a merged program, the maximum tax rate approved by the voters at the referendum authorizing the merger, whichever rate is lower. The commissioners shall cause the amount to be raised by taxation in each year to be certified to the county clerk in the manner provided by law, and any tax so levied and certified shall be collected and enforced in the same manner and by the same officers as those taxes for the purposes of the county and city within which the territory of the commission is located. Any such tax, when collected, shall be paid over to the proper officer of the commission who is authorized to receive and receipt for such tax. The governing commission may issue tax anticipation warrants against the taxes to be assessed for the calendar year in which the program is created and for the first full calendar year after the creation of the program.

(c) The moneys deposited in the guarantee fund shall, as nearly as practicable, be fully and continuously invested or reinvested by the governing commission in investment obligations which shall be in such amounts, and shall mature at such times, that the maturity or date of redemption at the option of the holder of such investment obligations shall coincide, as nearly as practicable, with the times at which monies will be required for the purposes of the program. For the purposes of this Section investment obligation shall mean direct general municipal, state, or federal obligations which at the time are legal investments under the laws of this State and the payment of principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by the governing body issuing them.

(d) Except as permitted by this subsection and subsection (d-5), the guarantee fund shall be used solely and exclusively for the purpose of providing guarantees to members of the particular Guaranteed Home Equity Program and for reasonable salaries, expenses, bills, and fees incurred in administering the program, and shall be used for no other purpose.

A governing commission, with no less than $4,000,000 in its guarantee fund, may, if authorized (i) by referendum duly adopted by a majority of the voters or (ii) by resolution of the governing commission upon approval by two-thirds of the commissioners, establish a Low Interest Home Improvement Loan Program in accordance with and subject to procedures established by a financial institution, as defined in the Illinois Banking Act. Whenever the question of creating a Low Interest Home Improvement Loan Program is initiated by resolution or ordinance of the corporate authorities of the municipality or by a petition signed by not less than 10% of the total number of registered voters of each precinct in the territory, the registered voters of which are eligible to sign the petition, it shall be the duty of the election authority having jurisdiction over the municipality to submit the question of creating the program to the electors of each precinct within the territory at the regular election specified in the resolution, ordinance, or petition initiating the question. A petition initiating a question described in this subsection shall be filed with the election authority having jurisdiction over the municipality. The petition shall be filed and objections to the petition shall be made in the manner provided in the Election Code. A resolution, ordinance, or petition initiating a question described in this subsection shall specify the election at which the question is to be submitted. The referendum on the question shall be held in accordance with the Election Code. The question shall be in substantially the following form:

"Shall the (name of the home equity program) implement a Low Interest Home Improvement Loan Program with money from the guarantee fund of the established guaranteed home equity program?" The votes must be recorded as "Yes" or "No".

Whenever a majority of the voters on the public question approve the creation of the program as certified by the proper election authorities or a resolution of the governing commission is approved by a two-thirds majority, the commission shall establish the program and administer the program with funds collected under the Guaranteed Home Equity Program, subject to the following conditions:

(1) At any given time, the cumulative total of all loans and loan guarantees (if applicable) issued under this program may not reduce the balance of the guarantee fund to less than $3,000,000.

(2) Only eligible applicants may apply for a loan.

(3) The loan must be used for the repair, maintenance, remodeling, alteration, or improvement of a guaranteed residence. This condition is intended to include the repair or maintenance of a guaranteed residence's water and sewer pipes and repair of a guaranteed residence, including, but not limited to, basement repairs, following flooding damage or other natural disaster damage to the property. This condition is not intended to exclude the repair, maintenance, remodeling, alteration, or improvement of a guaranteed residence's landscape. This condition is intended to exclude the demolition of a current residence. This condition is also intended to exclude the construction of a new residence.

(4) An eligible applicant may not borrow more than the amount of equity value in his or her residence.

(5) A commission must ensure that loans issued are secured with collateral that is at least equal to the amount of the loan or loan guarantee.

(6) A commission shall charge an interest rate which it determines to be below the market rate of interest generally available to the applicant.

(7) A commission may, by resolution, establish other administrative rules and procedures as are necessary to implement this program including, but not limited to, loan dollar amounts and terms. A commission may also impose on loan applicants a one-time application fee for the purpose of defraying the costs of administering the program.

(8) A commission may use loan funds to issue a grant or rebate for repairs, maintenance, remodeling, alteration, or improvement of a guaranteed residence for purposes of preventing or repairing damage as a result of a natural disaster, including, but not limited to, flooding.

(d-5) A governing commission, with no less than $4,000,000 in its guarantee fund, may, if authorized by referendum duly adopted by a majority of the voters, establish a Foreclosure Prevention Loan Fund to provide low interest emergency loans to eligible applicants that may be forced into foreclosure proceedings.

Whenever the question of creating a Foreclosure Prevention Loan Fund is initiated by resolution or ordinance of the corporate authorities of the municipality or by a petition signed by not less than 10% of the total number of registered voters of each precinct in the territory, the registered voters of which are eligible to sign the petition, it shall be the duty of the election authority having jurisdiction over the municipality to submit the question of creating the program to the electors of each precinct within the territory at the regular election specified in the resolution, ordinance, or petition initiating the question. A petition initiating a question described in this subsection shall be filed with the election authority having jurisdiction over the municipality. The petition shall be filed and objections to the petition shall be made in the manner provided in the Election Code. A resolution, ordinance, or petition initiating a question described in this subsection shall specify the election at which the question is to be submitted. The referendum on the question shall be held in accordance with the Election Code. The question shall be in substantially the following form:

"Shall the (name of the home equity program) implement a Foreclosure Prevention Loan Fund with money from the guarantee fund of the established guaranteed home equity program?"

The votes must be recorded as "Yes" or "No".

Whenever a majority of the voters on the public question approve the creation of a Foreclosure Prevention Loan Fund as certified by the proper election authorities, the commission shall establish the program and administer the program with funds collected under the Guaranteed Home Equity Program, subject to the following conditions:

(1) At any given time, the cumulative total of all loans and loan guarantees (if applicable) issued under this program may not exceed $3,000,000.

(2) Only eligible applicants may apply for a loan. The Commission may establish, by resolution, additional criteria for eligibility.

(3) The loan must be used to assist with preventing foreclosure proceedings.

(4) An eligible applicant may not borrow more than the amount of equity value in his or her residence.

(5) A commission must ensure that loans issued are secured as a second lien on the property.

(6) A commission shall charge an interest rate which it determines to be below the market rate of interest generally available to the applicant.

(7) A commission may, by resolution, establish other administrative rules and procedures as are necessary to implement this program including, but not limited to, eligibility requirements for eligible applicants, loan dollar amounts, and loan terms.

(8) A commission may also impose on loan applicants a one-time application fee for the purpose of defraying the costs of administering the program.

(d-10) The Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program may, if authorized (i) by referendum approved by a majority of the voters or (ii) by resolution of the governing commission upon approval by two-thirds of the commissioners, establish a Delinquent Tax Repayment Loan Fund to provide low-interest emergency loans to eligible applicants.

If the question of creating a Delinquent Tax Repayment Loan Fund is initiated by resolution or ordinance of the corporate authorities of the municipality or by a petition signed by not less than 10% of the total number of registered voters of each precinct in the territory, the registered voters of which are eligible to sign the petition, it shall be the duty of the election authority having jurisdiction over the municipality to submit the question of creating the program to the electors of each precinct within the territory at the regular election specified in the resolution, ordinance, or petition initiating the question. A resolution, ordinance, or petition initiating a question described in this subsection shall be filed with the election authority having jurisdiction over the municipality. The resolution, ordinance, or petition shall be filed and objections to the resolution, ordinance, or petition shall be made in the manner provided in the Election Code. A resolution, ordinance, or petition initiating a question described in this subsection shall specify the election at which the question is to be submitted. The referendum on the question shall be held in accordance with the Election Code. The question shall be in substantially the following form:

"Shall the (name of the home equity program) implement a Delinquent Tax Repayment Loan Fund with money from the guarantee fund of the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program?"

The votes must be recorded as "Yes" or "No".

If a majority of the voters on the question approve the creation of a Delinquent Tax Repayment Loan Fund as certified by the proper election authorities or two-thirds of the commissioners, by resolution, approve the creation of a Delinquent Tax Repayment Loan Fund, the commission shall establish the program and administer the program with funds collected under the program, subject to the following conditions:

(1) At any given time, the cumulative total of all loans and loan guarantees (if applicable) issued under this program may not exceed $3,000,000.

(2) Only eligible applicants may apply for a loan. The commission may establish, by resolution, additional criteria for eligibility.

(3) The loan must be used to assist with repayment of delinquent property taxes and for those facing imminent delinquency.

(4) An eligible applicant may not borrow more than the amount due to the treasurer's office.

(5) A commission shall charge an interest rate which it determines to be below the market rate of interest generally available to the applicant.

(6) A commission may, by resolution, establish other administrative rules and procedures as are necessary to implement this program including, but not limited to, eligibility requirements for eligible applicants, loan dollar amounts, and loan terms.

(7) Where practicable, it shall be required that a borrower obtain free housing counseling services prior to applying to this tax program for the purpose of assisting with budgeting and providing a recommendation as to whether this client is suited for this program.

(8) A commission may also impose on loan applicants a one-time application fee for the purpose of defraying the costs of administering the program.

(e) The guarantee fund shall be maintained, invested, and expended exclusively by the governing commission of the program for whose purposes it was created. Under no circumstance shall the guarantee fund be used by any person or persons, governmental body, or public or private agency or concern other than the governing commission of the program for whose purposes it was created. Under no circumstances shall the guarantee fund be commingled with other funds or investments.

(e-1) No commissioner or family member of a commissioner, or employee or family member of an employee, may receive any financial benefit, either directly or indirectly, from the guarantee fund. Nothing in this subsection (e-1) shall be construed to prohibit payment of expenses to a commissioner in accordance with Section 4 or payment of salaries or expenses to an employee in accordance with this Section.

As used in this subsection (e-1), "family member" means a spouse, child, stepchild, parent, brother, or sister of a commissioner or a child, stepchild, parent, brother, or sister of a commissioner's spouse.

(f) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, an An independent audit of the guarantee fund and the management of the program shall be conducted annually and made available to the public through any office of the governing commission or a public facility such as a local public library located within the territory of the program.

(Source: P.A. 102-599, eff. 1-1-22; 103-737, eff. 1-1-25.)

Section 900-50. The Airport Authorities Act is amended by changing Section 11 as follows:

(70 ILCS 5/11) (from Ch. 15 1/2, par. 68.11)

Sec. 11. Records of authority and officers' bonds.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The Board shall provide for the proper and safe keeping of its permanent records and for the recording of the corporate action of the Authority. It shall keep a true and accurate account of its receipts and an annual audit shall be made of its books, records and accounts. All officers and employees authorized to receive or retain the custody of money or to sign vouchers, checks, warrants or evidences of indebtedness binding upon the Authority shall furnish surety bond for the faithful performance of their duties and the faithful accounting for all moneys that may come into their hands in an amount to be fixed and in a form to be approved by the Board.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, the Board shall provide for the proper and safe keeping of its permanent records and for the recording of the corporate action of the Authority. It shall keep a true and accurate account of its receipts and disbursements. All officers and employees authorized to receive or retain the custody of money or to sign vouchers, checks, warrants or evidences of indebtedness binding upon the Authority shall furnish surety bond for the faithful performance of their duties and the faithful accounting for all moneys that may come into their hands in an amount to be fixed and in a form to be approved by the Board.

(c) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the airport authority shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1945, p. 290.)

Section 900-55. The Interstate Airport Authorities Act is amended by changing Section 3 as follows:

(70 ILCS 10/3) (from Ch. 15 1/2, par. 253)

Sec. 3. (a) A party state shall not be obligated to appropriate funds of the state for the development, support and maintenance of the airport authority. All revenue received from the air facility and the property, both real and personal, within the jurisdiction and control of the airport authority shall be applied to the maintenance and development of the air facility. All limitations upon expenditures, which may be an element of title to the real estate held by the airport authority, shall be observed.

(b) Revenue bonds to be retired exclusively from income received from the operation of the air facility may be issued by the airport authority and in the name of such authority in accordance with the laws of the state in which the air facility is located, which laws prescribe the terms and conditions for the issuance of revenue bonds by airport authorities.

(c) The airport authority may secure loans from private financing and offer as collateral those assets, real, personal or mixed, not inconsistent with the laws of the state in which the airport is located.

(d) Each year on or before the first day of July, the airport authority shall prepare a budget of its estimated expenditures for the fiscal year beginning on the first day of January of the succeeding year and shall on or before the first of July submit a copy of said report to the various combining governmental units. The estimated expenditures shall be allocated and prorated equally between the various combining governmental units and a statement of the allocated amount shall be included in the copy of the budgetary report submitted to the combining governmental units. To provide funds to pay its share of the proposed expenditures, each combining governmental unit is authorized to annually levy a tax on property located within the governmental unit at a rate sufficient to raise funds to pay its prorated share of estimated expenditures. Said tax shall be levied and collected in the same manner as other property taxes are levied and collected by the governmental unit and in accordance with the tax laws of the state in which such unit is located. The money raised by the levying of such tax shall be appropriated and distributed to the airport authority by the governmental unit: Provided, That such funds so appropriated shall be used exclusively for the development and maintenance of the air facility.

(e) The airport authority may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds made available to it under the provisions of section 2 of this Act: Provided, That the airport authority takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to the incurring of any obligation to be met in whole or in part in this manner.

(f) The expenses and any other costs for each member of the airport authority shall be met by the airport authority in accordance with such standards and procedures as it may establish under its bylaws and rules and regulations.

(g) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The airport authority shall be required to keep accurate record of all accounts of receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the airport authority shall be subject to an annual audit, and accounting procedures established under its bylaws: Provided, That all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the airport authority shall be audited by a qualified public accountant and the report of the audit shall be incorporated into and become a part of the annual report of the airport authority.

(h) The accounts of the airport authority shall be open to inspection by the general public at any reasonable time.

(i) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the airport authority shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1963, P. 2121.)

Section 900-60. The Cemetery Maintenance District Act is amended by changing Section 5 as follows:

(70 ILCS 105/5) (from Ch. 21, par. 64.24e)

Sec. 5. Report and financial statement.

(a) The trustees shall exercise all of the powers and control all the affairs of such district. The board of trustees, immediately after their appointment and at their first meeting in May of each year thereafter, shall elect one of their number as president and one of their number as secretary. The board shall prescribe the duties and fix the compensation of all of the officers and employees of the cemetery maintenance district; but no member of the board of trustees shall receive a sum to exceed $50.00 per annum. The board of trustees shall have full power to pass all necessary ordinances, rules and regulations for the proper management and conduct of the business of the cemetery maintenance district for carrying into effect the objects for which the district was formed.

(b) The board of trustees may incur indebtedness on behalf of the district not to exceed $50,000 in the aggregate for the purpose of acquiring land for grave sites. The indebtedness shall be evidenced by a promissory note of the district requiring repayment in full no more than 20 years after the date the indebtedness is incurred. The board of trustees may give a mortgage on the land acquired to secure the indebtedness.

(c) The board of trustees may accept gifts on behalf of the district. The gifts may be in any form, from any source, and for any legal purpose.

(d) The board of trustees shall keep a true and accurate account of its receipts and disbursements.

(e) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Board shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 86-144; 86-396.)

Section 900-65. The Civic Center Code is amended by changing Sections 2-135, 15-40, 20-70, 30-35, 50-35, 55-60, 100-55, 110-35, 125-50, 155-65, 175-30, 185-55, 190-55, 195-35, 200-65, 205-105, 250-40, 255-130, and 280-90 as follows:

(70 ILCS 200/2-135)

Sec. 2-135. Report and financial statement.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of its operations and of its assets and liabilities. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested upon request and a copy thereof shall be filed with the county clerk and the appointing officers.

(b) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Board shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(c) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Board shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/15-40)

Sec. 15-40. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-3. Purpose.

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-15. Duties; auditorium, recreational, and other buildings; lease of space.

Section 2-20. Rights and powers, including eminent domain.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-50. Borrowing; revenue bonds; suits to compel performance.

Section 2-55. Bonds; nature of indebtedness.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-95. Meetings; action by 5 Board members.

Section 2-100. Secretary; treasurer.

Section 2-105. Funds.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-122. Rules and regulations; penalties.

Section 2-125. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by vote of 5 Board members.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/20-70)

Sec. 20-70. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-3. Purpose.

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-76. Board members; financial matters; compensation for secretary or treasurer; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-83. Removal of Board member from office.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-97. Board meetings; public records.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-128. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by three-fourths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-132. Bidders; civil action to compel compliance.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/30-35)

Sec. 30-35. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-17. Duties; auditorium and other buildings.

Section 2-21. Rights and powers.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-36. Acquisition of property from person or governmental agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-51. Borrowing; revenue bonds; mandamus or other actions to compel performance.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-95. Meetings; action by 5 Board members.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-106. Funds; compliance with Public Funds Investment Act.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-127. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by four-fifths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/50-35)

Sec. 50-35. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-17. Duties; auditorium and other buildings.

Section 2-21. Rights and powers.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-36. Acquisition of property from person or governmental agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-76. Board members; financial matters; compensation for secretary or treasurer; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-83. Removal of Board member from office.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-95. Meetings; action by 5 Board members.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-106. Funds; compliance with Public Funds Investment Act.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-127. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by four-fifths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/55-60)

Sec. 55-60. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-3. Purpose.

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-15. Duties; auditorium, recreational, and other buildings; lease of space.

Section 2-20. Rights and powers, including eminent domain.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-50. Borrowing; revenue bonds; suits to compel performance.

Section 2-55. Bonds; nature of indebtedness.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-97. Board meetings; public records.

Section 2-100. Secretary; treasurer.

Section 2-105. Funds.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-122. Rules and regulations; penalties.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/100-55)

Sec. 100-55. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-17. Duties; auditorium and other buildings.

Section 2-21. Rights and powers.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-36. Acquisition of property from person or governmental agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-83. Removal of Board member from office.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-95. Meetings; action by 5 Board members.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-106. Funds; compliance with Public Funds Investment Act.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-127. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by four-fifths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/110-35)

Sec. 110-35. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-3. Purpose.

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-15. Duties; auditorium, recreational, and other buildings; lease of space.

Section 2-20. Rights and powers, including eminent domain.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-50. Borrowing; revenue bonds; suits to compel performance.

Section 2-55. Bonds; nature of indebtedness.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-95. Meetings; action by 5 Board members.

Section 2-100. Secretary; treasurer.

Section 2-105. Funds.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-122. Rules and regulations; penalties.

Section 2-125. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by vote of 5 Board members.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-132. Bidders; civil action to compel compliance.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/125-50)

Sec. 125-50. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-16. Duties; auditorium and other buildings; lease of space.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-76. Board members; financial matters; compensation for secretary or treasurer; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-83. Removal of Board member from office.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-95. Meetings; action by 5 Board members.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-106. Funds; compliance with Public Funds Investment Act.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-127. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by four-fifths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/155-65)

Sec. 155-65. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-17. Duties; auditorium and other buildings.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-96. Meetings; action by 4 Board members.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-106. Funds; compliance with Public Funds Investment Act.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/175-30)

Sec. 175-30. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-17. Duties; auditorium and other buildings.

Section 2-21. Rights and powers.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-36. Acquisition of property from person or governmental agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-51. Borrowing; revenue bonds; mandamus or other actions to compel performance.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-83. Removal of Board member from office.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-96. Meetings; action by 4 Board members.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-106. Funds; compliance with Public Funds Investment Act.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-127. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by four-fifths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/185-55)

Sec. 185-55. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-16. Duties; auditorium and other buildings; lease of space.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-76. Board members; financial matters; compensation for secretary or treasurer; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-83. Removal of Board member from office.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-95. Meetings; action by 5 Board members.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-106. Funds; compliance with Public Funds Investment Act.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-127. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by four-fifths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/190-55)

Sec. 190-55. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-17. Duties; auditorium and other buildings.

Section 2-21. Rights and powers.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-36. Acquisition of property from person or governmental agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-51. Borrowing; revenue bonds; mandamus or other actions to compel performance.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-83. Removal of Board member from office.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-96. Meetings; action by 4 Board members.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-106. Funds; compliance with Public Funds Investment Act.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-127. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by four-fifths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/195-35)

Sec. 195-35. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-3. Purpose.

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-15. Duties; auditorium, recreational, and other buildings; lease of space.

Section 2-20. Rights and powers, including eminent domain.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-50. Borrowing; revenue bonds; suits to compel performance.

Section 2-55. Bonds; nature of indebtedness.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-95. Meetings; action by 5 Board members.

Section 2-100. Secretary; treasurer.

Section 2-105. Funds.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-122. Rules and regulations; penalties.

Section 2-125. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by vote of 5 Board members.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-132. Bidders; civil action to compel compliance.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/200-65)

Sec. 200-65. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-16. Duties; auditorium and other buildings; lease of space.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-50. Borrowing; revenue bonds; suits to compel performance.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-76. Board members; financial matters; compensation for secretary or treasurer; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-83. Removal of Board member from office.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-100. Secretary; treasurer.

Section 2-105. Funds.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/205-105)

Sec. 205-105. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/250-40)

Sec. 250-40. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-17. Duties; auditorium and other buildings.

Section 2-21. Rights and powers.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-36. Acquisition of property from person or governmental agency.

Section 2-40. Federal money.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-51. Borrowing; revenue bonds; mandamus or other actions to compel performance.

Section 2-75. Board members; financial matters; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-83. Removal of Board member from office.

Section 2-85. Board members; vacancy in office.

Section 2-90. Organization of the Board.

Section 2-96. Meetings; action by 4 Board members.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-106. Funds; compliance with Public Funds Investment Act.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-127. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by four-fifths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/255-130)

Sec. 255-130. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-76. Board members; financial matters; compensation for secretary or treasurer; conflict of interest.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-128. Contracts; award to other than highest or lowest bidder by three-fourths vote.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

Section 2-155. Partial invalidity.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/280-90)

Sec. 280-90. Standard civic center provisions incorporated by reference. The following Sections of this Code are incorporated by reference into this Article:

Section 2-3. Purpose.

Section 2-5. Definitions.

Section 2-10. Lawsuits; common seal.

Section 2-25. Incurring obligations.

Section 2-30. Prompt payment.

Section 2-35. Acquisition of property from person, State, or local agency.

Section 2-45. Insurance.

Section 2-60. Investment in bonds.

Section 2-76. Board members; financial matters; compensation for secretary or treasurer; conflict of interest.

Section 2-80. Board members' oath.

Section 2-101. Secretary; treasurer; funds deposited in bank or savings and loan association.

Section 2-110. Signatures on checks or drafts.

Section 2-115. General manager; other appointments.

Section 2-120. Ordinances, rules, and regulations; fines and penalties.

Section 2-130. Bids and advertisements.

Section 2-132. Bidders; civil action to compel compliance.

Section 2-135. Report and financial statement.

Section 2-140. State financial support.

Section 2-145. Anti-trust laws.

Section 2-150. Tax exemption.

(Source: P.A. 90-328, eff. 1-1-98.)

(70 ILCS 200/15-35 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/20-65 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/30-30 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/50-30 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/55-55 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/100-50 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/110-30 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/125-45 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/155-60 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/175-25 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/185-50 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/190-50 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/195-30 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/200-60 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/205-85 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/250-35 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/255-110 rep.)

(70 ILCS 200/280-85 rep.)

Section 900-70. The Civic Center Code is amended by repealing Sections 15-35, 20-65, 30-30, 50-30, 55-55, 100-50, 110-30, 125-45, 155-60, 175-25, 185-50, 190-50, 195-30, 200-60, 205-85, 250-35, 255-110, and 280-85.

Section 900-75. The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Act is amended by changing Section 26 as follows:

(70 ILCS 210/26) (from Ch. 85, par. 1246)

Sec. 26. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of its operations and of its assets and liabilities. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor, the Mayor, the General Assembly and the Park District President. Within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1985, or as soon thereafter as is possible, the Authority shall adopt an accounting system which shall not be implemented until it has been approved by the Auditor General as appropriate for the Authority's operations.

(b) With respect to construction by the Authority funded in whole or in part with State or borrowed funds, including the Project, the Authority shall prepare a monthly report of the progress of construction. The report shall include a discussion of: (1) the status of construction; (2) delays or anticipated delays in the completion of the construction; (3) cost overruns; (4) funds available for construction and the current construction budget; (5) the status of the implementation of the Authority's affirmative action program by contractor, trade and levels of skill; and (6) any problems, or anticipated problems, with respect to construction or costs of construction. The monthly reports required by this Section shall be submitted to the Governor, the Mayor and the General Assembly.

In connection with any construction by the Authority funded in whole or in part by State or borrowed funds, including the Project, the Authority will, when such construction is to be done by a general contractor or a construction manager operating in a general contractor capacity, institute a quality assurance program, including independent quality control inspections. The Authority will file not less frequently than quarterly written reports on the results of its quality assurance program with the Governor, the Mayor and the General Assembly.

(c) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Authority shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 84-1027.)

Section 900-80. The Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act is amended by changing Section 7 as follows:

(70 ILCS 405/7) (from Ch. 5, par. 112)

Sec. 7. Employees and assistance of other agencies.

(a) Subject to the provisions of the "Personnel Code" enacted by the 69th General Assembly, the Department may employ an administrative officer, technical experts and such other agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as it may require. The Department may call upon the Attorney General of the State for such legal services as it may require. The Department shall require surety bonds for all its officers and employees who are entrusted with funds or property under this Act and shall provide for an annual audit of their accounts for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028. The Department may establish and provide suitable office accommodations and the necessary supplies and equipment.

(b) Upon request of the Department, for the purpose of carrying out any of its functions, the supervising officer of any State agency, or of any State institution of learning shall, in so far as may be possible under available appropriations, and having due regard to the needs of the agency to which the request is directed, assign or detail to the Department members of the staff or personnel of such agency or institution of learning and make such special reports, surveys or studies as the Department may request.

(c) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Board shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1955, p. 2146.)

Section 900-85. The Conservation District Act is amended by changing Sections 6 and 15.6 as follows:

(70 ILCS 410/6) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7106)

Sec. 6. Officers and employees.

(a) As soon as possible after the initial election or the initial appointments, as the case may be, the trustees shall organize by selecting from their members a president, secretary, treasurer, and other officers as are deemed necessary, who shall hold office for 2 years in the case of an elected board, or the fiscal year in which elected in the case of an appointed board, and until their successors are selected and qualify. Three trustees shall constitute a quorum of the board for the transaction of business if the district has 5 trustees. If the district has 7 trustees, 4 trustees shall constitute a quorum of the board for the transaction of business. The board shall hold regular monthly meetings. Special meetings may be called by the president and shall be called on the request of a majority of members, as may be required.

(b) The board shall provide for the proper and safe keeping of its permanent records and for the recording of the corporate action of the district. It shall keep a proper system of accounts showing a true and accurate record of its receipts and disbursements, and it shall cause an annual audit to be made of its books, records, and accounts for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(c) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the board shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(d) The records of the district shall be subject to public inspection at all reasonable hours and under regulations as the board may prescribe.

(e) The district shall annually make a full and complete report to the county board of each county within the district and to the Department of Natural Resources of its transactions and operations for the preceding year. The report shall contain a full statement of its receipts, disbursements, and the program of work for the period covered, and may include recommendations as may be deemed advisable.

(f) Executive or ministerial duties may be delegated to one or more trustees or to an authorized officer, employee, agent, attorney, or other representative of the district.

(g) All officers and employees authorized to receive or retain the custody of money or to sign vouchers, checks, warrants, or evidences of indebtedness binding upon the district shall furnish surety bond for the faithful performance of their duties and the faithful accounting for all moneys that may come into their hands in an amount to be fixed and in a form to be approved by the board.

(h) All contracts for supplies, material, or work involving an expenditure in excess of $60,000 for supplies or materials and $30,000 for work, or a lower amount for any contract for supplies, material, or work if required by board policy, shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder, after due advertisement, excepting work requiring personal confidence or necessary supplies under the control of monopolies, where competitive bidding is impossible, or as otherwise provided in the Forest Preserve District and Conservation District Design-Build Authorization Act. All contracts for supplies, material, or work shall be signed by the president of the board and by any other officer as the board in its discretion may designate.

(Source: P.A. 104-114, eff. 8-1-25.)

(70 ILCS 410/15.6) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7122)

Sec. 15.6. Revenue and audits.

(a) All revenue derived from the operation of such facility or facilities constructed, equipped, extended or improved in whole or in part with the proceeds of any bonds issued under Sections 15.2 through 15.9 of this Act for the construction, equipping, extension, or improvement of such facility or facilities shall be deposited in a separate fund. Each fund shall be used only for paying the cost of operation and maintenance of the recreational facility or facilities or any combination thereof constructed, equipped, extended or improved in whole or in part with the proceeds of such bonds so issued for such facility or facilities, and for paying the principal of and interest on the bonds so issued and creating the accounts provided for by the ordinance authorizing their issuance.

(b) The district shall install and maintain a proper system of account for each fund, showing the amount received and disbursed from the operation of such facility or facilities.

(c) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year the district shall have such accounts for bonds properly audited, and the report of this audit shall be open to the public for inspection at all times.

(d) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Board shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 77-1330.)

Section 900-90. The Illinois Drainage Code is amended by changing Section 4-32 and by adding Section 4-50 as follows:

(70 ILCS 605/4-32) (from Ch. 42, par. 4-32)

Sec. 4-32. Financial Reports of Commissioners. On or before the last day of November in each year, and more often if the court so requires, the commissioners shall make a report, under oath, to the court, showing the amount of money collected by the district since the last preceding report and the manner in which the funds of the district at the beginning and the end of the period reported have been expended during that period. Such report shall also contain an itemized statement of the notes, bonds and orders, if any, outstanding and unpaid at the close of the report period and the balance on hand in the treasury of the district. Upon the filing of the report with the clerk of the court, the same shall be presented to the court, and the clerk of the court shall give notice of the date on or before which objections must be filed by publishing a notice thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the district was organized. Any owner of land within the district may file an objection to the report with the clerk of the court within 10 days after the publication of the notice. If any objections are filed within the time prescribed, the court shall set a hearing at a time not later than 4 weeks after the date of the filing of the report. If no objection to the report is filed, the court may approve the report without a hearing. At a hearing on the report the court shall hear evidence on any and all objections which may be urged against the report and evidence in support thereof and may continue the hearing to a day certain or from time to time. At the conclusion of a hearing, the court may approve the report, disapprove the report or order the report modified or amended. Upon the approval of a report, the same shall be recorded in the drainage record. Copies of any the financial reports covering any portion of the period since the last annual meeting of the district report shall be available at the annual meeting of the district under Section 4-12 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 86-129; 86-297; 86-1028.)

(70 ILCS 605/4-50 new)

Sec. 4-50. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-95. The Fire Protection District Act is amended by changing Sections 6.1, 11a, and 11i as follows:

(70 ILCS 705/6.1) (from Ch. 127 1/2, par. 26.1)

Sec. 6.1. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, when When an audit is required under the Governmental Account Audit Act, the trustees of the Fire Protection District created under this Act shall employ a person licensed to practice public accounting under the laws of this State to annually audit the district's financial statements of all accounts, funds, and other moneys in the care, custody, or control of the trustees. The audit shall be conducted in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and in accordance with the Governmental Account Audit Act. A fire protection district receiving revenues of less than $850,000 for the fiscal year shall prepare the financial report required by Section 3 of the Governmental Account Audit Act. In addition to any other filing requirements, the audit report or financial report shall be filed with the county clerk of the county in which the Fire Protection District was organized as a public record and a copy thereof shall be filed with the secretary of the district as part of its corporate records.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a fire protection district created under this Act shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 93-126, eff. 1-1-04.)

(70 ILCS 705/11a) (from Ch. 127 1/2, par. 31a)

Sec. 11a. (a) The Board of Trustees of any fire protection district organized hereunder may contract with any corporation organized to furnish fire protection service or with any association organized to furnish fire protection service or with any city, village, incorporated town, or organized fire protection district lying adjacent to such district for fire protection service to be furnished by such corporation or such association or such municipality or fire protection district for the property within such district or to be furnished by such district for the property within such municipality. The board of trustees may also contract for the installation, rental or use of fire hydrants within the fire protection district and for the furnishing of water to be used within such district for fire protection purposes, and for mutual aid from and to other fire protection districts, and for mutual aid from and to corporations and associations organized to furnish fire protection service and for mutual aid from and to municipalities.

(b) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, when When the Board of Trustees of a Fire Protection District purchases fire protection services from an organization (specifically including without limitation a city, village, incorporated town, or adjacent fire protection district) that is required to be audited by "An Act in relation to audits of the accounts of certain governmental units and to repeal an Act therein named", approved May 10, 1967, or by The Illinois Municipal Auditing Law, the scope of the audit of the organization providing the fire protection services shall be expanded to require the licensed public accountant performing the audit to specifically report on compliance with the terms of the contract as it relates to financial matters, including but not limited to the amount charged to the purchasing Fire Protection District. To the extent possible, the financial statements of the providing organization shall segregate accounts relating to fire protection service transactions and present them as a separate fund or as a separate department within a fund. A copy of the providing organization audit report shall be furnished to the purchasing Fire Protection District within 6 months after the close of the fiscal year of the organization providing the fire protection services.

(c) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, when When the Board of Trustees of a Fire Protection District purchases fire protection services from an organization (specifically including without limitation a not-for-profit corporation or a for-profit corporation or association) that is not required to be audited by "An Act in relation to audits of the accounts of certain governmental units and to repeal an Act therein named", approved May 10, 1967, or by The Illinois Municipal Auditing Law, the organization providing the fire protection services shall employ a person licensed to practice public accounting under the laws of this State to annually audit the providing organization's financial statements of all accounts, funds, and other moneys in the care, custody, or control of the providing organization. Such audit shall be conducted in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and the scope of such audit shall be expanded to require the licensed public accountant performing the audit to specifically report on compliance with the terms of the contract as it relates to financial matters, including but not limited to the amount charged to the purchasing Fire Protection District. To the extent possible, the financial statements of the providing organization shall segregate accounts relating to fire protection service transactions and present them as a separate fund or as a separate department within a fund. A copy of the providing organization audit report shall be furnished to the purchasing Fire Protection District within 6 months after the close of the fiscal year of the organization providing the fire protection services. Within 15 days after the first meeting of the board of directors or trustees of the organization providing the fire protection services that occurs after receiving the audit report, the organization providing the fire protection services shall publish excerpts from the audit report that relate to fire protection service operations in accordance with Section 7 of this Act. When fire protection services are rendered in more than one geographic area, publication or distribution should be made in each geographic area served.

(Source: P.A. 86-216; 86-1023.)

(70 ILCS 705/11i)

Sec. 11i. Department foreign fire insurance board.

(a) A department foreign fire insurance board shall exist within the fire department of each fire protection district that has an organized fire department, employs full-time firefighters, and is subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

(b) The board shall consist of 7 trustees; the fire chief, who shall hold office by virtue of rank, and 6 members, who shall be elected at large by the sworn members of the department. If there are an insufficient number of candidates to fill all these positions, the number of board members may be reduced, but not to fewer than 3 trustees. All sworn members of the department shall be eligible to vote for and be elected as officers of the board.

(c) The members of the board shall annually elect officers. These officers shall be a chairman and a treasurer.

(d) The trustees of the board shall make rules with respect to the board and the management of the money to be appropriated to the board.

(e) The treasurer of the board shall give a sufficient bond to the board of trustees of the fire protection district, conditioned upon the faithful performance by the treasurer of his or her duties under this Section. This bond must be approved by the board of trustees of the fire protection district.

(f) The officers of the department foreign fire insurance board shall develop and maintain a listing of those items that the board feels are appropriate expenditures under this Section. The officers shall make rules concerning the board and the management of the money appropriated to the board.

(g) All of the money paid to the secretary of the fire protection district under Section 11-10-1 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-10-1) shall be set apart and shall be appropriated annually by the board of trustees of the fire protection district to the department foreign fire insurance board.

(h) The treasurer of the department foreign fire insurance board shall receive the appropriated money and shall pay out the money upon the order of the board for the maintenance, use, and benefit of the department. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As part of the fire protection district's annual audit, these funds shall be audited to verify that the funds have been expended by the board only for the maintenance, use, and benefit of the department.

(Source: P.A. 96-505, eff. 8-14-09.)

Section 900-100. The Flood Prevention District Act is amended by changing Section 35 as follows:

(70 ILCS 750/35)

Sec. 35. Financial audit of the District.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, a A financial audit of the District shall be conducted annually by a certified public accountant (CPA) that is licensed at the time of the audit by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The CPA shall meet all of the general standards concerning qualifications, independence, due professional care, and quality control as required by the Government Auditing Standards, 1994 Revision, Chapter 3, including the requirements for continuing professional education and external peer review. The financial audit is to be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for field work and reporting, generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS) and AICPA Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS) current at the time the audit is commenced. The audit shall be made publicly available and sent to the county board chairman of the county in which the district is situated and to the Illinois Secretary of State.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District created under this Act shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 95-719, eff. 5-21-08; 95-723, eff. 6-23-08.)

Section 900-105. The Beardstown Regional Flood Prevention District Act is amended by changing Section 30 as follows:

(70 ILCS 755/30)

Sec. 30. Financial audit of the district.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, a A financial audit of the district shall be conducted annually by a certified public accountant (CPA) that is licensed at the time of the audit by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The CPA shall meet all of the general standards concerning qualifications, independence, due professional care, and quality control as required by the Government Auditing Standards, 1994 Revision, Chapter 3, including the requirements for continuing professional education and external peer review. The financial audit is to be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for field work and reporting, generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), and AICPA Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS) current at the time the audit is commenced. The audit shall be made publicly available and sent to the county board chairperson and to the Secretary of State.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District created under this Act shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-309, eff. 8-11-11.)

Section 900-110. The Downstate Forest Preserve District Act is amended by changing Sections 13.3, 13.7, and 18.5 as follows:

(70 ILCS 805/13.3) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 6326)

Sec. 13.3. (a) The board of each forest preserve district organized under this Act shall fix a fiscal year for the district. The board shall, within or before the first quarter of each fiscal year, adopt an annual appropriation ordinance appropriating such sums of money as may be required to defray all necessary expenses and liabilities of the district to be paid or incurred during the fiscal year.

(b) The failure of the board to adopt an annual appropriation ordinance or to otherwise comply with the provisions of this Section shall not affect the validity of any tax levy of the forest preserve district. The annual appropriation ordinance for any fiscal year need not be intended or required to be in support of or in relation to any tax levy made during that fiscal year.

(c) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, nothing Nothing in this Act shall be construed as requiring any forest preserve district to change or as preventing any forest preserve district from changing from a cash basis of financing to a surplus or deficit basis of financing, or as requiring any forest preserve district to change or as preventing any forest preserve district from changing its system of accounting.

(d) Any forest preserve district that determines to change its fiscal year may adopt an annual appropriation ordinance for a transition period of more or less than 12 months as may be necessary to effect such change, and appropriations made for such transition period shall terminate with the close of such period.

(e) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of any conservancy district organized under this Act created under this Act shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 85-1165.)

(70 ILCS 805/13.7)

Sec. 13.7. Endowment Fund.

(a) Each forest preserve district may create, maintain, and increase a separate fund to be known as the "Endowment Fund" to pay all costs and expenses incurred or anticipated by the forest preserve district for the long-term maintenance and improvement of forest preserve facilities and lands, and for the future purchase of real property. Only one "Endowment Fund" may be created by a forest preserve district, but the fund may provide for the collection, maintenance, investment, and expenditure of monies for more than one purpose. All revenues deposited in the Endowment Fund shall be designated by purpose and appropriated and expended for the purpose for which it was designated. No appropriation in the Endowment Fund shall lapse, and the monies received and designated for a specific purpose shall not become part of the general funds of the district or considered an asset available for appropriation for another purpose in a subsequent year unless the purpose for which the monies were originally appropriated has been completed. Revenues deposited in the Endowment Fund must come from private sources, whether received before, on, or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995. No revenues shall come from any Federal, State, or local government source, except for those received as a result of agreements obligating the district to the long-term maintenance of improvements constructed on district lands. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The Fund shall be audited annually by a licensed certified public accountant.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, if the Endowment Fund is a separate legal entity from the forest preserve district, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Endowment Fund shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 89-119, eff. 7-7-95.)

(70 ILCS 805/18.5) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 6339)

Sec. 18.5. All revenue derived from the operation of such facility or facilities constructed, equipped, acquired, extended or improved in whole or in part with the proceeds of any bonds issued under Sections 18.1 through 18.10 of this Act for the construction, equipping, acquisition, extension, or improvement of such facility or facilities shall be deposited in a separate fund. Each fund shall be used only for paying the cost of operation and maintenance of the recreational facility or facilities or any combination thereof constructed, equipped, acquired, extended or improved in whole or in part with the proceeds of such bonds so issued for such facility or facilities, and for paying the principal of and interest on the bonds so issued and creating the accounts provided for by the ordinance authorizing their issuance.

Such forest preserve district shall install and maintain a proper system of account for each fund, showing the amount received and disbursed from the operation of such facility or facilities. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year, such district shall have such accounts for bonds properly audited, and the report of this audit shall be open to the public for inspection at all times.

(Source: Laws 1968, p. 228.)

Section 900-115. The Cook County Forest Preserve District Act is amended by changing Sections 24 and 35 as follows:

(70 ILCS 810/24) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 6427)

Sec. 24. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) The fiscal year of each forest preserve district subject to this Act shall extend from January 1, until December 31. The forest preserve district shall, before the commencement or within 60 days after the commencement of each fiscal year, adopt an annual appropriation ordinance, which shall appropriate sums of money required to defray all necessary expenses and liabilities of the district to be paid or incurred during that fiscal year. Transfers from one appropriation of any one fund to another of the same fund, not affecting the total amount appropriated, may be made at any meeting of the Board.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each forest preserve district created under this Act shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 87-1191.)

(70 ILCS 810/35) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 6438)

Sec. 35. All revenue derived from the operation of such facility or facilities constructed, equipped, acquired, extended or improved in whole or in part with the proceeds of any bonds issued under Sections 31 through 39 of this Act for the construction, equipping, acquisition, extension, or improvement of such facility or facilities shall be deposited in a separate fund. Each fund shall be used only for paying the cost of operation and maintenance of the recreational facility or facilities or any combination thereof constructed, equipped, acquired, extended or improved in whole or in part with the proceeds of such bonds so issued for such facility or facilities, and for paying the principal of and interest on the bonds so issued and creating the accounts provided for by the ordinance authorizing their issuance.

Such forest preserve district shall install and maintain a proper system of account for each fund, showing the amount received and disbursed from the operation of such facility or facilities. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year, such district shall have such accounts for bonds properly audited, and the report of this audit shall be open to the public for inspection at all times.

(Source: P.A. 80-320.)

Section 900-120. The Public Health District Act is amended by changing Sections 15 and 18 and by adding Section 16 as follows:

(70 ILCS 905/15) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 15)

Sec. 15. Each board of health shall:

1. Hold an annual meeting in April of each year, at which meeting officers shall be elected for the ensuing year;

2. Hold meetings at least quarterly;

3. Hold special meetings upon a written request signed by 2 members and filed with the Secretary;

4. Levy, annually, subject to Section 21 in addition to all other taxes which are now or hereafter may be authorized to be levied on the aggregate valuation of all property within the public health district, a special "public health tax", not to exceed .1% of the value, as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue, of all taxable property embraced within such public health district, according to the valuation of the same as made for the purpose of State and county taxation, which shall form, when collected, a fund to be known as the "public health fund", (i) except that the tax authorized by this subsection 4 may be levied at a rate over .1% but not to exceed .15%, not subject to Section 21 of this Act, if the board of health by resolution initiates a referendum to be held in accordance with the general election law and the question of authorizing a rate not to exceed .15% is approved by a majority of the electors voting on the question, and (ii) further except, if a public health district is situated within any county or multiple-county health department for whose benefit a tax is levied under "An Act in relation to the establishment and maintenance of county and multiple-county public health departments", approved July 9, 1943, as amended, the county clerk shall reduce and abate from the tax levied by the authority of this Act a rate which would produce an amount equal to the amount of the tax accruing to the public health district under the above-named Act. In any public health district in which a health department was established by a referendum prior to January 1, 1970, the board of health may, by a resolution adopted by at least a three-fifths vote and without subsequent referendum, levy a tax at a rate not to exceed the rate set forth above;

5. Appoint a medical health officer as the executive officer of the board of health, who shall be a citizen of the United States or has made declaration of intention to become a citizen, who shall possess such qualifications as may be prescribed by the State Department of Public Health, or appoint a Public Health Administrator who shall possess such qualifications as may be prescribed by the State Department of Public Health as executive officer of the board of health, provided that the board of health shall make available medical supervision which is considered adequate by the Director of the Department of Public Health;

6. Appoint, upon the advice and approval of the executive officer, professional and technical personnel who meet the qualifications established by the State Department of Public Health and such clerical and other personnel as the executive officer deems necessary;

7. Fix the compensation of the medical health officer or administrator;

8. Provide, equip and maintain suitable offices, facilities and appliances for the health officer or administrator and his staff;

9. If determined necessary by the board of health, establish, equip and maintain an analytical biological and research laboratory;

10. Pay, from the "public health fund", the salary of the medical health officer or administrator and the salaries of all appointees and employees and the expenses of maintenance of the public health department, including therein the expense of administering the sanitation and health laws and ordinances;

11. Consult with other private and public health agencies in the district on the development of local plans for the most efficient performance of health services;

12. Acquire, hold, lease and sell, in the name of the public health district, real estate and personal property;

13. Receive contributions of money or property and charge fees for health services;

14. Publish, annually, on or soon after the second Tuesday in April, in pamphlet form, for free distribution, an annual report showing the condition of their trust on April 1, of that year, the sums of money received from taxation and from other sources, giving the name of the donor, how all moneys have been expended and for what purpose, and such other statistics and information in regard to the work of the health department as they deem of general interest for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(Source: P.A. 86-338.)

(70 ILCS 905/16 new)

Sec. 16. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each public health district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each public health district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-125. The Hospital District Law is amended by changing Section 18 as follows:

(70 ILCS 910/18) (from Ch. 23, par. 1268)

Sec. 18. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) The Board shall provide for the proper and safe keeping of its permanent records and for the recording of the corporate action of the District. It shall keep a true and accurate account of its receipts and an annual audit shall be made of its books, records and accounts for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028. All officers and employees authorized to receive or retain the custody of money or to sign vouchers, checks, warrants or evidences of indebtedness binding upon the District shall furnish surety bond for the faithful performance of their duties and the faithful accounting for all moneys that may come into their hands in an amount to be fixed and in a form to be approved by the board.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1949, p. 361.)

Section 900-130. The Mosquito Abatement District Act is amended by adding Section 9.3 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1005/9.3 new)

Sec. 9.3. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-135. The Museum District Act is amended by changing Section 20 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1105/20) (from Ch. 85, par. 6820)

Sec. 20. Fiscal year and appropriation ordinances.

(a) The board shall fix a fiscal year for the district. The board shall, within or before the first quarter of each fiscal year, adopt an annual appropriation ordinance appropriating the sums of money that will be required to defray all necessary expenses and liabilities of the district to be paid or incurred during the fiscal year.

(b) The failure of the board to adopt an annual appropriation ordinance or to otherwise comply with the provisions of this Section shall not affect the validity of any tax levy of the district. The annual appropriation ordinance for any fiscal year need not be intended or required to be in support of or in relation to any tax levy made during that fiscal year.

(c) A district that determines to change its fiscal year may adopt an appropriation ordinance for a transition period of more or less than 12 months as may be necessary to effect the change. Appropriations made for the transition period shall end with the close of the transition period.

(d) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(e) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 86-477.)

Section 900-140. The Park District Code is amended by changing Sections 9-1d, 9.1-5, 9.2-5, and 9.3-5 and by adding Sections 2-29 and 8-58 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1205/2-29 new)

Sec. 2-29. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(70 ILCS 1205/8-58 new)

Sec. 8-58. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the River Valley Special Recreation Association shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the River Valley Special Recreation Association shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(70 ILCS 1205/9-1d) (from Ch. 105, par. 9-1d)

Sec. 9-1d. Each park district which issues bonds and constructs a swimming pool, or an artificial ice skating rink, under Section 9-1 hereof shall charge for the use thereof at a rate which at all times is sufficient to pay maintenance and operation cost, depreciation, and the principal and interest on the bonds. Such district may make, enact, and enforce all needful rules and regulations for the construction, acquisition, improvement, extension, management, maintenance, care and protection of its swimming pool, or its artificial ice skating rink, and for the use thereof. Charges or rates for the use of the swimming pool, or the artificial ice skating rink, shall be such as the board may from time to time determine.

While any bond issued under Section 9-1 hereof is outstanding, such district is required to maintain and operate its swimming pool, or its artificial ice skating rink, as long as it can do so, out of the revenue derived from the operation thereof. It shall not sell, loan, mortgage, or in any other manner dispose of the swimming pool, or the artificial ice skating rink, until all of the bonds so issued have been paid in full, both principal and interest, or until provision has been made for the payment of all of the bonds and interest thereon in full. Nothing in this paragraph shall, however, prohibit any park district from leasing any such swimming pool or artificial ice skating rink to any municipality, school district, or other unit of local government, or from entering into any other agreement with any municipality, school district, or other unit of local government by which lease or other agreement such swimming pool or artificial ice skating rink may be operated and/or used in whole or in part by or for such municipality, school district or other unit of local government, where such lease or other agreement is not prohibited by the terms of such revenue bonds or the ordinance of the park district authorizing them and where the revenues of the park district derived from such lease or other agreement are deposited in the fund required by Section 9-1c hereof in connection with such revenue bonds.

Such a park district shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts, showing the amount of revenue received from the operation of its swimming pool, or its artificial ice skating rink. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year, the district shall have the accounts properly audited. A report of this audit shall be open for public inspection at all times.

(Source: P.A. 79-356.)

(70 ILCS 1205/9.1-5) (from Ch. 105, par. 9.1-5)

Sec. 9.1-5. Each park district which issues bonds and acquires or constructs, or extends or improves a golf course and facilities shall charge for the use thereof at a rate which at all times is sufficient to pay maintenance and operation costs, depreciation, and the principal and interest on the bonds. Such district may make, enact, and enforce all needful rules and regulations for the construction, acquisition, improvement, extension, management, maintenance, care and protection of its golf course and for the use thereof. Charges or rates for the use of the golf course or courses shall be such as the board may from time to time determine.

While any bond issued under Section 9.1-1 of this Article is outstanding such district is required to maintain and operate its golf course or courses, as long as it can do so, out of the revenue derived from the operation thereof. It shall not sell, lease, loan, mortgage, or in any other manner dispose of the golf course or courses until all of the bonds so issued have been paid in full, both principal and interest, or until provision has been made for the payment of all of the bonds and interest thereon in full. Nothing in this Section prohibits any park district from leasing any such golf course and facilities to any school district, municipality, or other unit of local government, or from entering into any other agreement with any school district, municipality, or other unit of local government by which lease or other agreement such golf course and facilities may be operated or used in whole or in part by or for such school district, municipality, or other unit of local government, where such lease or other agreement is not prohibited by the terms of such revenue bonds or the ordinance of the park district authorizing them and where the revenues of the park district derived from such lease or other agreement are deposited in the fund required by Section 9.1-4 of this Act in connection with such revenue bonds.

Such a park district shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts, showing the amount of revenue received from the operation of its golf course. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year, the district shall have the accounts properly audited. A report of this audit shall be open for public inspection at all times.

(Source: P.A. 79-1423.)

(70 ILCS 1205/9.2-5) (from Ch. 105, par. 9.2-5)

Sec. 9.2-5. Each park district which issues bonds and acquires or constructs or extends or improves indoor or outdoor tennis courts, handball, racquetball, or squash courts, or zoos and facilities shall charge for the use thereof at a rate which at all times is sufficient to pay maintenance and operation costs, depreciation, and the principal and interest on the bonds. Such district may make, enact and enforce all needful rules and regulations for the construction, acquisition, improvement, extension, management, maintenance, care and protection of its courts or zoo and for the use thereof. Charges or rates for the use of the courts or zoo facilities shall be such as the board may from time to time determine.

While any bond issued under Section 9.2-1 of this Article is outstanding such district is required to maintain and operate its tennis, handball, racquetball, or squash courts or zoo facilities as long as it can do so, out of the revenue derived from the operation thereof. It shall not sell, lease, loan, mortgage or in any other manner dispose of the courts or zoo facilities until all of the bonds so issued have been paid in full, both principal and interest, or until provision has been made for the payment of all the bonds and interest thereon in full. Nothing in this Section prohibits any park district from leasing any such indoor or outdoor tennis courts, handball, racquetball, or squash courts, or zoos and facilities to any school district, municipality, or other unit of local government or from entering into any other agreement with any school district, municipality, or other unit of local government by which lease or other agreement such indoor or outdoor tennis courts, handball, racquetball, or squash courts, or zoos and facilities may be operated or used in whole or in part by or for such school district, municipality, or other unit of local government, where such lease or other agreement is not prohibited by the terms of such revenue bonds or the ordinance of the park district authorizing them and where the revenues of the park district derived from such lease or other agreement are deposited in the fund required by Section 9.2-4 of this Act in connection with such revenue bonds.

Such a park district shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts, showing the amount of revenue received from the operation of its tennis, handball, racquetball, or squash courts or zoo. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year, the district shall have the accounts properly audited. A report of this audit shall be open for public inspection at all times.

(Source: P.A. 79-1423.)

(70 ILCS 1205/9.3-5) (from Ch. 105, par. 9.3-5)

Sec. 9.3-5. Each park district which issues bonds and acquires or constructs, extends or improves indoor or outdoor recreational facilities under the provisions of this Article shall charge for the use thereof at a rate which at all times is sufficient to pay maintenance and operation costs, depreciation, and the principal and interest on the bonds. Such district may make, enact and enforce all needful rules and regulations for the construction, acquisition, improvements, extension, management, maintenance, care and protection of the facility and for the use thereof. Charges or rates for the use of the facility shall be such as the board may from time to time determine.

While any bond issued under Section 9.3-1 is outstanding such district is required to maintain and operate the facility as long as it can do so, out of the revenue derived from the operation thereof. It shall not sell, lease, loan, mortgage or in any other manner dispose of the facility or facilities until all of the bonds so issued have been paid in full, both principal and interest, or until provision has been made for the payment of all of the bonds and interest thereon in full.

Such park district shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts, showing the amount of revenue received from the operation of the facility. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year, the district shall have the accounts properly audited. A report of this audit shall be open for public inspection at all times.

(Source: P.A. 78-1256.)

Section 900-145. The Chicago Park District Act is amended by changing Section 26.10-3 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1505/26.10-3) (from Ch. 105, par. 333.23u-3)

Sec. 26.10-3. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the commissioners shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the district's operations and of the district's assets and liabilities. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be delivered to the appropriate committee of the Chicago City Council.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 85-1411.)

Section 900-150. The Metro-East Park and Recreation District Act is amended by changing Section 45 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1605/45)

Sec. 45. Report.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The board shall, by the end of the District's fiscal year, submit a financial report to the State Comptroller.

(b) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(c) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-103, eff. 7-13-99.)

Section 900-155. The Alexander-Cairo Port District Act is amended by changing Section 140 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1801/140)

Sec. 140. Report and financial statement.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of the report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerk and the presiding officer of the County Board of Alexander County. A copy of the report shall be addressed to and mailed to the corporate authorities of each municipality within the area of the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-1015, eff. 7-8-10.)

Section 900-160. The Havana Regional Port District Act is amended by changing Section 33 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1805/33) (from Ch. 19, par. 633)

Sec. 33. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the Port District operations and of its assets and liabilities and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor, the county clerk of each county which is partially or wholly within the Port District, and a copy mailed to the Mayor and City Council or President and Board of Trustees of each municipality within the Port District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 3589.)

Section 900-170. The Heart of Illinois Regional Port District Act is amended by changing Section 150 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1807/150)

Sec. 150. Report and financial statement.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the Board shall prepare and print a complete and detailed report and financial statement of its operations and of its assets and liabilities. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of the report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy of the report shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerk of each county that is within the area of the district. A copy of the report shall be addressed to and mailed to the mayor and city council or president and board of trustees of each municipality within the area of the district.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 93-262, eff. 7-22-03.)

Section 900-175. The Illinois International Port District Act is amended by changing Section 22 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1810/22) (from Ch. 19, par. 173)

Sec. 22. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of its operations and of its assets and liabilities. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerk of each county which is partially or wholly within the area of operation of the District. A copy of such report shall be addressed to and mailed to the Mayor and city council or president and board of trustees of each municipality within the area of the District. (b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1951, p. 256.)

Section 900-180. The Illinois Valley Regional Port District Act is amended by changing Section 43 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1815/43) (from Ch. 19, par. 843)

Sec. 43. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the Port District operations and of its assets and liabilities. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor, and the county clerk of each county which is partially or wholly within the Port District. A copy of such report shall be addressed and mailed to the corporate authorities of each municipality within the Port District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 77-1799.)

Section 900-185. The Illinois Waterway Ports Commission Act is amended by adding Section 20 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1816/20 new)

Sec. 20. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Commission shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Commission shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-190. The Jackson-Union Counties Regional Port District Act is amended by changing Section 25 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1820/25) (from Ch. 19, par. 875)

Sec. 25. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerks and the presiding officer of the county boards of Jackson and Union counties. A copy of such report shall be addressed to and mailed to the corporate authorities of each municipality within the area of the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Port District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 79-1475.)

Section 900-195. The Joliet Regional Port District Act is amended by changing Section 24 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1825/24) (from Ch. 19, par. 274)

Sec. 24. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerk and the presiding officer of the county board of Will County. A copy of such report shall be addressed to and mailed to the Mayor and city council or president and board of trustees of each municipality within the area of the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Port District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1957, p. 1302.)

Section 900-200. The Kaskaskia Regional Port District Act is amended by changing Section 44 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1830/44) (from Ch. 19, par. 544)

Sec. 44. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the Port District operations and of its assets and liabilities. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor, and the county clerk of each county which is partially or wholly within the Port District. A copy of such report shall be addressed and mailed to the Mayor and City Council of President and Board of Trustees of each municipality within the Port District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Port District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1965, p. 1013.)

Section 900-205. The Massac-Metropolis Port District Act is amended by changing Section 140 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1831/140)

Sec. 140. Report and financial statement.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerk and the presiding officer of the county board of Massac County. A copy of such report shall be addressed to and mailed to the corporate authorities of each municipality within the area of the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Port District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-838, eff. 12-16-09.)

Section 900-210. The Mid-America Intermodal Authority Port District Act is amended by changing Section 150 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1832/150)

Sec. 150. Report and financial statement.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the Board shall prepare and print a complete and detailed report and financial statement of its operations and of its assets and liabilities. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of the report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy of the report shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerk of each county that is within the area of the district. A copy of the report shall be addressed to and mailed to the mayor and city council or president and board of trustees of each municipality within the area of the district.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-636, eff. 7-24-98.)

Section 900-215. The Ottawa Port District Act is amended by changing Section 140 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1837/140)

Sec. 140. Report and financial statement.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall prepare and print a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations, assets, and liabilities of the District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of the report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy of the report shall be filed with the Governor, the county clerk, and the presiding officer of the county board of LaSalle County. A copy of the report shall be mailed to the corporate authorities of each municipality located within the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-1522, eff. 2-14-11.)

Section 900-220. The Rock Island Regional Port District Act is amended by changing Section 110 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1842/110)

Sec. 110. Report and financial statement.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of a fiscal year, a participating municipality's city council shall have prepared by a certified public accountant a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District within the municipality's corporate limits. Copies of the report shall be prepared for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy of the report and financial statement shall be filed with the Governor and with the Rock Island County Clerk.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-242, eff. 1-1-24.)

Section 900-225. The Seneca Regional Port District Act is amended by changing Section 25 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1845/25) (from Ch. 19, par. 375)

Sec. 25. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerks and the presiding officer of the county boards of La Salle and Grundy counties. A copy of such report shall be addressed to and mailed to the corporate authorities of each municipality within the area of the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 2957.)

Section 900-230. The Shawneetown Regional Port District Act is amended by changing Section 25 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1850/25) (from Ch. 19, par. 425)

Sec. 25. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerks and the presiding officer of the county boards of Gallatin and Hardin counties. A copy of such report shall be addressed to and mailed to the corporate authorities of each municipality within the area of the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 2975.)

Section 900-235. The America's Central Port District Act is amended by changing Section 25 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1860/25) (from Ch. 19, par. 308)

Sec. 25. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 9 months after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall cause an independent auditor to prepare and print a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy of the report shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerks of Madison and Jersey Counties. A copy of such report or a summary of the report shall be addressed and submitted to the Mayor or ranking official of each municipality within the area of the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Port District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 104-206, eff. 1-1-26.)

Section 900-240. The Upper Mississippi River International Port District Act is amended by changing Section 31 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1863/31)

Sec. 31. Financial statement.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall prepare and print a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy shall be filed with the Governor and the County Clerk and the County Board Chair of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Port District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-636, eff. 8-24-09.)

Section 900-245. The Waukegan Port District Act is amended by changing Section 25 as follows:

(70 ILCS 1865/25) (from Ch. 19, par. 203)

Sec. 25. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, within Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of the operations and assets and liabilities of the Port District. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor and the county clerk and the presiding officer of the county board of each county which is partially or wholly within the area of operation of the District. A copy of such report shall be addressed to and mailed to the Mayor and city council or president and board of trustees of each municipality within the area of the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Port District shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1955, p. 657.)

Section 900-250. The Emergency Services Districts Act is amended by adding Section 16 as follows:

(70 ILCS 2005/16 new)

Sec. 16. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each emergency services district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each emergency services district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-255. The River Conservancy Districts Act is amended by adding Section 24.5 as follows:

(70 ILCS 2105/24.5 new)

Sec. 24.5. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act. For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of any conservancy district organized under this Act created under this Act shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-260. The Sanitary District Act of 1907 is amended by changing Sections 26.1 and 27 as follows:

(70 ILCS 2205/26.1) (from Ch. 42, par. 272.1)

Sec. 26.1. The board of trustees, its clerk and treasurer, prior to the 15th day of each month for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, shall submit to the circuit court in which such district was organized a verified statement showing for the preceding month a listing of all persons employed by the district and the total amount of money paid to each person for services performed for the district during the preceding month, including salary, wages, commissions, expenses or other emolument.

(Source: P.A. 77-1299.)

(70 ILCS 2205/27) (from Ch. 42, par. 273)

Sec. 27. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) Said board, its clerk and treasurer, shall submit to the circuit court of the county in which said district is organized, annually for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, between the first and tenth days of April, or oftener, if required by said court, verified reports, showing all moneys received and the manner in which the same may have been expended. Three weeks' notice of the filing of such report shall be given by publication in like manner as provided in section 2 of this act, and any person interested may appear and object to the approval of the same, in whole or in part, and the court shall make such orders in reference thereto as shall be just.

(b) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(c) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 3815.)

Section 900-265. The North Shore Water Reclamation District Act is amended by changing Section 11 and by adding Section 5.1 as follows:

(70 ILCS 2305/5.1 new)

Sec. 5.1. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(70 ILCS 2305/11) (from Ch. 42, par. 287)

Sec. 11. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, all contracts for purchases or sales by the municipality, the expense of which will exceed the mandatory competitive bid threshold, shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder therefor upon not less than 14 days' public notice of the terms and conditions upon which the contract is to be let, having been given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation published in the district, and the board may reject any and all bids and readvertise. In determining the lowest responsible bidder, the board shall take into consideration the qualities and serviceability of the articles supplied, their conformity with specifications, their suitability to the requirements of the district, the availability of support services, the uniqueness of the service, materials, equipment, or supplies as it applies to network integrated computer systems, the compatibility of the service, materials, equipment or supplies with existing equipment, and the delivery terms. Contracts for services in excess of the mandatory competitive bid threshold may, subject to the provisions of this Section, be let by competitive bidding at the discretion of the district board of trustees. All contracts for purchases or sales that will not exceed the mandatory competitive bid threshold may be made in the open market without publication in a newspaper as above provided, but whenever practical shall be based on at least 3 competitive bids. For purposes of this Section, the "mandatory competitive bid threshold" is a dollar amount equal to 0.1% of the total general fixed assets of the district as reported in the most recent required audit report. In no event, however, shall the mandatory competitive bid threshold dollar amount be less than $10,000, nor more than $40,000.

Cash, a cashier's check, a certified check, or a bid bond with adequate surety approved by the board of trustees as a deposit of good faith, in a reasonable amount, but not in excess of 10% of the contract amount, may be required of each bidder by the district on all bids involving amounts in excess of the mandatory competitive bid threshold and, if so required, the advertisement for bids shall so specify.

Contracts which by their nature are not adapted to award by competitive bidding, including, without limitation, contracts for the services of individuals, groups or firms possessing a high degree of professional skill where the ability or fitness of the individual or organization plays an important part, contracts for financial management services undertaken pursuant to "An Act relating to certain investments of public funds by public agencies", approved July 23, 1943, as now or hereafter amended, contracts for the purchase or sale of utilities, contracts for commodities including supply contracts for natural gas and electricity, contracts for materials economically procurable only from a single source of supply, contracts for services, supplies, materials, parts, or equipment which are available only from a single source or contracts for maintenance, repairs, OEM supplies, or OEM parts from the manufacturer or from a source authorized by the manufacturer, contracts for the use, purchase, delivery, movement, or installation of data processing equipment, software, or services and telecommunications and interconnect equipment, software, or services, contracts for duplicating machines and supplies, contracts for goods or services procured from another governmental agency, purchases of equipment previously owned by an entity other than the district itself, purchases of used equipment, purchases at auction or similar transactions which by their very nature are not suitable to competitive bids, and leases of real property where the sanitary district is the lessee shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements of this Section.

The District may use a design-build procurement method for any public project which shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements of this Section provided the Board of Trustees approves the contract for the public project by a vote of 4 of the 5 trustees. For the purposes of this Section, "design-build" means a delivery system that provides responsibility within a single contract for the furnishing of architecture, engineering, land surveying and related services as required, and the labor, materials, equipment, and other construction services for the project.

In the case of an emergency affecting the public health or safety so declared by the Board of Trustees of the municipality at a meeting thereof duly convened, which declaration shall require the affirmative vote of four of the five Trustees, and shall set forth the nature of the danger to the public health or safety, contracts totaling not more than the emergency contract cap may be let to the extent necessary to resolve such emergency without public advertisement or competitive bidding. For purposes of this Section, the dollar amount of an emergency contract shall not be less than $40,000, nor more than $500,000. The Resolution or Ordinance in which such declaration is embodied shall fix the date upon which such emergency shall terminate which date may be extended or abridged by the Board of Trustees as in their judgment the circumstances require. A full written account of any such emergency, together with a requisition for the materials, supplies, labor or equipment required therefor shall be submitted immediately upon completion and shall be open to public inspection for a period of at least one year subsequent to the date of such emergency purchase.

To address operating emergencies not affecting the public health or safety, the Board of Trustees shall authorize, in writing, officials or employees of the sanitary district to purchase in the open market and without advertisement any supplies, materials, equipment, or services for immediate delivery to meet the bona fide operating emergency, without filing a requisition or estimate therefor, in an amount not in excess of $100,000; provided that the Board of Trustees must be notified of the operating emergency. A full, written account of each operating emergency and a requisition for the materials, supplies, equipment, and services required to meet the operating emergency must be immediately submitted by the officials or employees authorized to make purchases to the Board of Trustees. The account must be available for public inspection for a period of at least one year after the date of the operating emergency purchase. The exercise of authority with respect to purchases for a bona fide operating emergency is not dependent on a declaration of an operating emergency by the Board of Trustees.

The competitive bidding requirements of this Section do not apply to contracts, including contracts for both materials and services incidental thereto, for the repair or replacement of a sanitary district's treatment plant, sewers, equipment, or facilities damaged or destroyed as the result of a sudden or unexpected occurrence, including, but not limited to, a flood, fire, tornado, earthquake, storm, or other natural or man-made disaster, if the board of trustees determines in writing that the awarding of those contracts without competitive bidding is reasonably necessary for the sanitary district to maintain compliance with a permit issued under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) or any successor system or with any outstanding order relating to that compliance issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, or the Illinois Pollution Control Board. The authority to issue contracts without competitive bidding pursuant to this paragraph expires 6 months after the date of the writing determining that the awarding of contracts without competitive bidding is reasonably necessary.

No Trustee shall be interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract, work or business of the municipality, or in the sale of any article, whenever the expense, price or consideration of the contract work, business or sale is paid either from the treasury or by any assessment levied by any Statute or Ordinance. No Trustee shall be interested, directly or indirectly, in the purchase of any property which (1) belongs to the municipality, or (2) is sold for taxes or assessments of the municipality, or (3) is sold by virtue of legal process in the suit of the municipality.

A contract for any work or other public improvement, to be paid for in whole or in part by special assessment or special taxation, shall be entered into and the performance thereof controlled by the provisions of Division 2 of Article 9 of the "Illinois Municipal Code", approved May 29, 1961, as heretofore or hereafter amended, as near as may be. However, contracts may be let for making proper and suitable connections between the mains and outlets of the respective sanitary sewers in the district with any conduit, conduits, main pipe or pipes that may be constructed by such sanitary district.

(Source: P.A. 101-575, eff. 8-23-19.)

Section 900-270. The Sanitary District Act of 1917 is amended by changing Sections 11 and 16.12 and by adding Section 32 as follows:

(70 ILCS 2405/11) (from Ch. 42, par. 310)

Sec. 11. Except as otherwise hereinafter provided, all contracts for purchases or sales by a sanitary district organized under this Act, the expense of which will exceed the mandatory competitive bid threshold, shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder therefor upon not less than 14 days' public notice of the terms and conditions upon which the contract is to be let, having been given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation published in the district, and the board may reject any and all bids, and readvertise. In determining the lowest responsible bidder, the board shall take into consideration the qualities and serviceability of the articles supplied, their conformity with specifications, their suitability to the requirements of the district, the availability of support services, the uniqueness of the service, materials, equipment, or supplies as it applies to network integrated computer systems, the compatibility of the service, materials, equipment or supplies with existing equipment, and the delivery terms. Contracts for services in excess of the mandatory competitive bid threshold may, subject to the provisions of this Section, be let by competitive bidding at the discretion of the district board of trustees.

Cash, a cashier's check, a certified check, or a bid bond with adequate surety approved by the board of trustees as a deposit of good faith, in a reasonable amount, but not in excess of 10% of the contract amount, may be required of each bidder by the district on all bids involving amounts in excess of the mandatory competitive bid threshold and, if so required, the advertisement for bids shall so specify.

All contracts for purchases or sales that will not exceed the mandatory competitive bid threshold may be made in the open market without publication in a newspaper as above provided, but whenever practical shall be based on at least 3 competitive bids. For purposes of this Section, the "mandatory competitive bid threshold" is a dollar amount equal to 0.1% of the total general capital fixed assets of the district as reported in the most recent required audit report. In no event, however, shall the mandatory competitive bid threshold dollar amount be less than $10,000, nor more than $40,000.

If a unit of local government performs non-emergency construction, alteration, repair, improvement, or maintenance work on the public way, the sanitary district may enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the unit of local government allowing similar construction work to be performed by the sanitary district on the same project, in an amount no greater than $100,000, to save taxpayer funds and eliminate duplication of government effort. The sanitary district and the other unit of local government shall, before work is performed by either unit of local government on a project, adopt a resolution by a majority vote of both governing bodies certifying work will occur at a specific location, the reasons why both units of local government require work to be performed in the same location, and the projected cost savings if work is performed by both units of local government on the same project. Officials or employees of the sanitary district may, if authorized by resolution, purchase in the open market any supplies, materials, equipment, or services for use within the project in an amount no greater than $100,000 without advertisement or without filing a requisition or estimate. A full written account of each project performed by the sanitary district and a requisition for the materials, supplies, equipment, and services used by the sanitary district required to complete the project must be submitted by the officials or employees authorized to make purchases to the board of trustees of the sanitary district no later than 30 days after purchase. The full written account must be available for public inspection for at least one year after expenditures are made.

Contracts which by their nature are not adapted to award by competitive bidding, including, without limitation, contracts for the services of individuals, groups or firms possessing a high degree of professional skill where the ability or fitness of the individual or organization plays an important part, contracts for financial management services undertaken pursuant to "An Act relating to certain investments of public funds by public agencies", approved July 23, 1943, as now or hereafter amended, contracts for the purchase or sale of utilities, contracts for materials economically procurable only from a single source of supply, contracts for the use, purchase, delivery, movement, or installation of data processing equipment, software, or services and telecommunications and interconnect equipment, software, or services, contracts for duplicating machines and supplies, contracts for goods or services procured from another governmental agency, purchases of equipment previously owned by an entity other than the district itself, and leases of real property where the sanitary district is the lessee shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements of this Section.

The competitive bidding requirements of this Section do not apply to contracts for construction of a facility or structure for the sanitary district when the facility or structure will be designed, built, and tested before being conveyed to the sanitary district.

The competitive bidding requirements of this Section do not apply to contracts, including contracts for both materials and services incidental thereto, for the repair or replacement of a sanitary district's treatment plant, sewers, equipment, or facilities damaged or destroyed as the result of a sudden or unexpected occurrence, including, but not limited to, a flood, fire, tornado, earthquake, storm, or other natural or man-made disaster, if the board of trustees determines in writing that the awarding of those contracts without competitive bidding is reasonably necessary for the sanitary district to maintain compliance with a permit issued under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) or any successor system or with any outstanding order relating to that compliance issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, or the Illinois Pollution Control Board. The authority to issue contracts without competitive bidding pursuant to this paragraph expires 6 months after the date of the writing determining that the awarding of contracts without competitive bidding is reasonably necessary.

Where the board of trustees declares, by a 2/3 vote of all members of the board, that there exists an emergency affecting the public health or safety, contracts totaling not more than the emergency contract cap may be let to the extent necessary to resolve such emergency without public advertisement or competitive bidding. For purposes of this Section, the "emergency contract cap" is a dollar amount equal to 0.4% of the total general capital fixed assets of the district as reported in the most recent required audit report. In no event, however, shall the emergency contract cap dollar amount be less than $40,000, nor more than $100,000. The ordinance or resolution embodying the emergency declaration shall contain the date upon which such emergency will terminate. The board of trustees may extend the termination date if in its judgment the circumstances so require. A full written account of the emergency, together with a requisition for the materials, supplies, labor or equipment required therefor shall be submitted immediately upon completion and shall be open to public inspection for a period of at least one year subsequent to the date of such emergency purchase. Within 30 days after the passage of the resolution or ordinance declaring an emergency affecting the public health or safety, the District shall submit to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency the full written account of any such emergency along with a copy of the resolution or ordinance declaring the emergency, in accordance with requirements as may be provided by rule.

A contract for any work or other public improvement, to be paid for in whole or in part by special assessment or special taxation, shall be entered into and the performance thereof controlled by Division 2 of Article 9 of the "Illinois Municipal Code", approved May 29, 1961, as heretofore and hereafter amended, as near as may be. The contracts may be let for making proper and suitable connections between the mains and outlets of the respective sewers in the district with any conduit, conduits, main pipe or pipes that may be constructed by such sanitary district.

(Source: P.A. 100-882, eff. 8-14-18.)

(70 ILCS 2405/16.12) (from Ch. 42, par. 315.12)

Sec. 16.12. Any district issuing revenue bonds under this Act of a waterworks shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts, showing the amount of revenue received and its application. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once a year the district shall have the accounts properly audited by a competent auditor. The report of that audit shall be open for inspection at all proper times to any taxpayer, user, or any holder of bonds issued under this Act, or to anyone acting for and on behalf of the taxpayer, user, or bondholder. The treasurer of the district shall be custodian and ex-officio collector of the funds derived from income received from a waterworks purchased or constructed under the provisions of this Act. He shall give proper bond for the faithful discharge of his duties as such custodian, and this bond shall be fixed and approved by the trustees.

All of the funds received as income from a waterworks purchased or constructed in whole or in part under the provisions of this Act, and all of the funds received from the sale of revenue bonds shall be kept separate and apart from the other funds of the district.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 950.)

(70 ILCS 2405/32 new)

Sec. 32. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-275. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act is amended by changing Sections 5.12, 5.13, and 11.3 as follows:

(70 ILCS 2605/5.12) (from Ch. 42, par. 324v)

Sec. 5.12. Annual audit. (a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, each Each district shall cause an independent audit to be made annually for the period beginning January 1, and ending December 31. Such audit shall be made by a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, who shall examine and audit the accounts of the district. A report thereof, together with any recommendations as to changes in accounting procedure shall be made to the board of trustees and shall be printed in the official proceedings of the district. At least 3 copies of such audit shall be made conveniently available for public inspection at the office of the district and a copy of such audit shall be made available to any person requesting a copy thereof upon the payment of a reasonable charge. Copies of such audit shall be furnished to such departments or agencies of the State of Illinois as may be required by law and such audit shall comply with such State laws as may regulate the making of governmental audits. The reasonable expense of the audit required to be made hereunder shall be paid by each such sanitary district.

An annual audit of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago conducted in accordance with Section 5.12a serves as that district's annual audit required by this subsection Section.

(Source: P.A. 89-296, eff. 8-11-95.)

(70 ILCS 2605/5.13) (from Ch. 42, par. 324w)

Sec. 5.13. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The clerk shall prepare on or before the first (1st) day of July of each year after the year 1943, an annual financial report which shall contain financial information required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for governments as promulgated and established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Copies of the annual financial report shall be made conveniently available in the office of the Sanitary District to the public and shall be issued to any person upon payment of a reasonable amount therefor. Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that the annual financial report may not be combined with the annual audit report and the two published simultaneously as one report.

(Source: P.A. 95-295, eff. 8-20-07.)

(70 ILCS 2605/11.3) (from Ch. 42, par. 331.3)

Sec. 11.3. Except as provided in Sections 11.4 and 11.5, all purchase orders or contracts involving amounts in excess of the mandatory competitive bid threshold and made by or on behalf of the sanitary district for labor, services or work, the purchase, lease or sale of personal property, materials, equipment or supplies, or the granting of any concession, shall be let by free and open competitive bidding after advertisement, to the lowest responsible bidder or to the highest responsible bidder, as the case may be, depending upon whether the sanitary district is to expend or receive money.

All such purchase orders or contracts which shall involve amounts that will not exceed the mandatory competitive bid threshold, shall also be let in the manner prescribed above whenever practicable, except that after solicitation of bids, such purchase orders or contracts may be let in the open market, in a manner calculated to insure the best interests of the public. The provisions of this section are subject to any contrary provisions contained in "An Act concerning the use of Illinois mined coal in certain plants and institutions", filed July 13, 1937, as heretofore and hereafter amended. For purposes of this Section, the "mandatory competitive bid threshold" is a dollar amount equal to 0.1% of the total general capital fixed assets of the district as reported in the most recent required audit report. In no event, however, shall the mandatory competitive bid threshold dollar amount be less than $60,000.

If a unit of local government performs non-emergency construction, alteration, repair, improvement, or maintenance work on the public way, the sanitary district may enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the unit of local government allowing similar construction work to be performed by the sanitary district on the same project, in an amount no greater than $100,000, to save taxpayer funds and eliminate duplication of government effort. The sanitary district and the other unit of local government shall, before work is performed by either unit of local government on a project, adopt a resolution by a majority vote of both governing bodies certifying work will occur at a specific location, the reasons why both units of local government require work to be performed in the same location, and the projected cost savings if work is performed by both units of local government on the same project. Officials or employees of the sanitary district may, if authorized by resolution, purchase in the open market any supplies, materials, equipment, or services for use within the project in an amount no greater than $100,000 without advertisement or without filing a requisition or estimate. A full written account of each project performed by the sanitary district and a requisition for the materials, supplies, equipment, and services used by the sanitary district required to complete the project must be submitted by the officials or employees authorized to make purchases to the board of trustees of the sanitary district no later than 30 days after purchase. The full written account must be available for public inspection for at least one year after expenditures are made.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, the sanitary district is expressly authorized to establish such procedures as it deems appropriate to comply with state or federal regulations as to affirmative action and the utilization of small and minority businesses in construction and procurement contracts.

(Source: P.A. 103-865, eff. 1-1-25.)

Section 900-280. The Sanitary District Act of 1936 is amended by changing Sections 14, 26m, and 32n and by adding Section 94 as follows:

(70 ILCS 2805/14) (from Ch. 42, par. 425)

Sec. 14. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, all contracts for purchases or sales by the sanitary district, the expense of which will exceed the mandatory competitive bid threshold, shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder therefor upon not less than 14 days' public notice of the terms and conditions upon which the contract is to be let, having been given by publication in a daily or weekly newspaper published in the district or, if there is no newspaper published in the district, in a newspaper published in the county and having general circulation in the district, and the board may reject any and all bids, and readvertise. Contracts for services in excess of the mandatory competitive bid threshold may, subject to the provisions of this Section, be let by competitive bidding at the discretion of the district board of trustees. All contracts for purchases or sales that will not exceed the mandatory competitive bid threshold may be made in the open market without publication in a newspaper as above provided, but whenever practical shall be based on at least 3 competitive bids. For purposes of this Section, the "mandatory competitive bid threshold" is a dollar amount equal to 0.1% of the total general capital fixed assets of the district as reported in the most recent required audit report. In no event, however, shall the mandatory competitive bid threshold dollar amount be less than $10,000, nor more than $40,000.

If a unit of local government performs non-emergency construction, alteration, repair, improvement, or maintenance work on the public way, the sanitary district may enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the unit of local government allowing similar construction work to be performed by the sanitary district on the same project, in an amount no greater than $100,000, to save taxpayer funds and eliminate duplication of government effort. The sanitary district and the other unit of local government shall, before work is performed by either unit of local government on a project, adopt a resolution by a majority vote of both governing bodies certifying work will occur at a specific location, the reasons why both units of local government require work to be performed in the same location, and the projected cost savings if work is performed by both units of local government on the same project. Officials or employees of the sanitary district may, if authorized by resolution, purchase in the open market any supplies, materials, equipment, or services for use within the project in an amount no greater than $100,000 without advertisement or without filing a requisition or estimate. A full written account of each project performed by the sanitary district and a requisition for the materials, supplies, equipment, and services used by the sanitary district required to complete the project must be submitted by the officials or employees authorized to make purchases to the board of trustees of the sanitary district no later than 30 days after purchase. The full written account must be available for public inspection for at least one year after expenditures are made.

Cash, a cashier's check, a certified check, or a bid bond with adequate surety approved by the board of trustees as a deposit of good faith, in a reasonable amount, but not in excess of 10% of the contract amount, may be required of each bidder by the district on all bids involving amounts in excess of the mandatory competitive bid threshold and, if so required, the advertisement for bids shall so specify.

Contracts which by their nature are not adapted to award by competitive bidding, including, without limitation, contracts for the services of individuals, groups or firms possessing a high degree of professional skill where the ability or fitness of the individual or organization plays an important part, contracts for financial management services undertaken pursuant to the Public Funds Investment Act, contracts for the purchase or sale of utilities, contracts for materials economically procurable only from a single source of supply and leases of real property where the sanitary district is the lessee shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements of this Section.

Where the board of trustees declares, by a 2/3 vote of all members of the board, that there exists an emergency affecting the public health or safety, contracts totaling not more than the emergency contract cap may be let to the extent necessary to resolve such emergency without public advertisement or competitive bidding. For purposes of this Section, the "emergency contract cap" is a dollar amount equal to 0.4% of the total general capital fixed assets of the district as reported in the most recent required audit report. In no event, however, shall the emergency contract cap dollar amount be less than $40,000, nor more than $100,000. The ordinance or resolution embodying the emergency declaration shall contain the date upon which such emergency will terminate. The board of trustees may extend the termination date if in its judgment the circumstances so require. A full written account of the emergency, together with a requisition for the materials, supplies, labor or equipment required therefor shall be submitted immediately upon completion and shall be open to public inspection for a period of at least one year subsequent to the date of such emergency purchase. Within 30 days after the passage of the resolution or ordinance declaring an emergency affecting the public health or safety, the District shall submit to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency the full written account of any such emergency along with a copy of the resolution or ordinance declaring the emergency, in accordance with requirements as may be provided by rule.

(Source: P.A. 100-882, eff. 8-14-18.)

(70 ILCS 2805/26m) (from Ch. 42, par. 437m)

Sec. 26m. Any district issuing revenue bonds under this Act for a drainage system shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts, showing the amount of revenue received and its application. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once a year the district shall have the accounts properly audited by a competent auditor. The report of that audit shall be open for inspection at all proper times to any taxpayer, user, or any holder of bonds issued under this Act, or to anyone acting for and on behalf of the taxpayer, user, or bondholder. The treasurer of the district shall be custodian and ex-officio collector of the funds derived from income received from a drainage system purchased or constructed under the provisions of this Act. He shall give proper bond for the faithful discharge of his duties as such custodian, and this bond shall be fixed and approved by the trustees.

All of the funds received as income from a drainage system purchased or constructed in whole or in part under the provisions of this Act, and all of the funds received from the sale of revenue bonds shall be kept separate and apart from the other funds of the district.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 3028.)

(70 ILCS 2805/32n) (from Ch. 42, par. 443n)

Sec. 32n. Any district issuing revenue bonds under this Act shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts, showing the amount of revenue received and its application. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once a year the district shall have the accounts properly audited by a competent auditor. The report of that audit shall be open for inspection at all proper times to any taxpayer, water-user, or any holder of bonds issued under this Article, or to anyone acting for and on behalf of the taxpayer, water-user, or bondholder. The treasurer of the district shall be custodian and ex-officio collector of the funds derived from income received from waterworks purchased or constructed under the provisions of this Act. He shall give proper bond for the faithful discharge of his duties as such custodian, and this bond shall be fixed and approved by the trustees.

All of the funds received as income from waterworks purchased or constructed in whole or in part under the provisions of this Act, and all of the funds received from the sale of revenue bonds shall be kept separate and apart from the other funds of the district.

(Source: Laws 1945, p. 726.)

(70 ILCS 2805/94 new)

Sec. 94. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-285. The Metro-East Sanitary District Act of 1974 is amended by changing Section 4-2 and by adding Section 5-6 as follows:

(70 ILCS 2905/4-2) (from Ch. 42, par. 504-2)

Sec. 4-2. The Executive Director shall be the chief executive and administrative officer of the district and shall be responsible to the board for the proper administration of all affairs of the district, including but not limited to, the board's compliance with subsection (b) of Section 3-3, and to that end he shall:

(1) Appoint and, when necessary for the good of the service, remove all officers and employees of the district, except as otherwise provided in this Act, and except as he may authorize the head of a department or office to appoint subordinates in such department or office.

(2) Prepare the budget annually and submit it to the Board and be responsible for its administration after adoption.

(3) Prepare and submit to the board and the Department of Natural Resources, as of the end of the fiscal year, a complete report of the finances and administrative activities of the district and all subdistricts for the year, and submit any interim reports that the Department of Natural Resources requests. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the report to the board and the Department of Natural Resources shall include a complete report of the finances of the district and all subdistricts for the year.

(4) Keep the board advised of the financial condition of the district and all subdistricts and make recommendations concerning their future needs.

(5) Attend all meetings of the board and, in so far as possible, its committees.

(6) Enforce all district ordinances and see that all contracts are faithfully performed.

(7) Advise, assist, and cooperate in fostering the interest of institutions of learning and civic, professional, and employee organizations in the improvement of personnel standards and conditions in the district.

(8) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this Act or required of him by the board, not inconsistent with this Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(70 ILCS 2905/5-6 new)

Sec. 5-6. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a sanitary district organized under this Act shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a sanitary district organized under this Act shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-290. The Sanitary District Revenue Bond Act is amended by changing Section 8 and by adding Section 23 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3010/8) (from Ch. 42, par. 319.8)

Sec. 8. Every sanitary district which issues bonds under this Act shall install and maintain a proper system of accounts showing the amount of revenue received from the sewerage system and the application of that revenue. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, at At least once each year the sanitary district shall have the accounts properly audited. A report of that audit shall be open for inspection at all proper times to any taxpayer, sewerage system user, or the holder of any bond issued under this Act, or their respective representatives.

(Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 435.)

(70 ILCS 3010/23 new)

Sec. 23. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-293. The Eastern Will Sanitary District Act is amended by adding Section 25 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3020/25 new)

Sec. 25. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each sanitary district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-295. The Solid Waste Disposal District Act is amended by changing Section 10 and by adding Sections 26 and 30 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3105/10) (from Ch. 85, par. 1660)

Sec. 10. Within 60 days after their selection, the trustees shall organize by selecting from their members a president, secretary, treasurer and such other officers as are deemed necessary, who shall hold office for the fiscal year in which elected and until their successors are selected and qualify. Three trustees shall constitute a quorum of the board for the transaction of business. The board shall hold regular monthly meetings. Special meetings may be called by the president and shall be called on the request of a majority of members as may be required.

The board shall provide for the proper and safe keeping of its permanent records and for the recording of the corporate action of the district. It shall keep a proper system of accounts showing a true and accurate record of its receipts and disbursements and it shall cause an annual audit to be made of its books, records and accounts for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

The records of the district shall be subject to public inspection at all reasonable hours and under such regulations as the board may prescribe.

The district shall annually make a full and complete report to the county board of each county within the district or, if the boundaries of the district are not coextensive with a county or counties, to the board of township trustees of each township within the district and to the Environmental Protection Agency of its transactions and operations for the preceding year. Such report shall contain a full statement of its receipts, disbursements and the program of work for the period covered, and may include such recommendations as may be deemed advisable.

Executive or ministerial duties may be delegated to one or more trustees or to an authorized officer, employee, agent, attorney or other representative of the district.

All officers and employees authorized to receive or retain the custody of money or to sign vouchers, checks, warrants or evidences of indebtedness binding upon the district shall furnish surety bond for the faithful performance of their duties and the faithful accounting for all moneys that may come into their hands in an amount to be fixed and in a form to be approved by the board.

All contracts for supplies, material or work involving an expenditure in excess of $1,500 shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder, after due advertisement except work requiring personal confidence or necessary supplies under the control of monopolies, where competitive bidding is impossible. All contracts for supplies, material or work shall be signed by the president of the board and by any such other office as the board in its discretion may designate.

(Source: P.A. 80-689.)

(70 ILCS 3105/26 new)

Sec. 26. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(70 ILCS 3105/30 new)

Sec. 30. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-300. The Street Light District Act is amended by adding Section 5.2 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3305/5.2 new)

Sec. 5.2. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-305. The Surface Water Protection District Act is amended by adding Section 30 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3405/30 new)

Sec. 30. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the River Valley Special Recreation Association shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the River Valley Special Recreation Association shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-310. The Metropolitan Transit Authority Act is amended by changing Section 35 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3605/35) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 335)

Sec. 35. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As soon after the end of each fiscal year as may be expedient, the Board shall cause to be prepared and printed a complete and detailed report and financial statement of its operations and of its assets and liabilities. A reasonably sufficient number of copies of such report shall be printed for distribution to persons interested, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor, the county clerk of Cook County and the clerk of each municipality which has adopted this Act, or which has granted rights to the Authority by ordinance. A copy of such report shall be addressed to and mailed to the Mayor and City Council or President and Board of Trustees of such municipality.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Authority shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 84-939.)

Section 900-315. The Local Mass Transit District Act is amended by changing Section 7 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3610/7) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 357)

Sec. 7. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, it It shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees of every District to cause an annual audit of its accounts to be made by a certified public accountant of Illinois. The audit shall be completed, filed with the District within 4 months after the close of each fiscal year of the District. Certified copies of annual audits shall likewise be filed with the Secretary of State and with the governing body or bodies which created the District.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: Laws 1959, p. 1635.)

Section 900-320. The Regional Transportation Authority Act is amended by changing Section 4.05 and by adding Section 4.17 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3615/4.05) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 704.05)

Sec. 4.05. Financial Statements and Annual Reports.

(a) Within 7 six months after the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall prepare a complete and detailed report consolidating the financial statements audits of the Service Boards with the Authority's financial statements. The consolidated financial statements shall set forth the

(1) revenues and expenses;

(2) cash flows where applicable;

(3) assets, deferred outflows of resources, liabilities, deferred inflows of resources, fund balance or net position of each entity and the combined total with appropriate eliminations; and

(4) notes to the consolidated financial statements.

(b) In addition to consolidated financial statements, the report prepared pursuant to subsection (a) shall review and reviewing the state State of the Authority, the Service Boards, and of the public transportation provided by the various Service Boards and transportation agencies. The report shall include evaluations of public transportation in the metropolitan region and of the fiscal activities of the Authority and the Service Boards Authority's activities, and financial statements of the Authority's and the Service Boards' revenues and expenditures for such year and of their assets and liabilities, which financial statements shall have been audited by an independent certified public accountant.

(c) In addition to consolidated financial statements, the report prepared pursuant to subsection (a) The report shall also set forth the financial results as reported to the Service Boards from each transportation agency which during such year had a purchase of service agreement with a Service Board or which received financial grants or financial assistance from a Service Board, such results to be set forth separately for each such agency.

(d) A sufficient number of copies of each annual report shall be printed for distribution to anyone, upon request, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Governor, the State Comptroller, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives, the President and Minority Leader of the Illinois Senate, the Mayor of the City of Chicago and the President or Chairman of the county board of each county in the metropolitan region, each Service Board, and with each transportation agency which during such year had a purchase of service agreement with a Service Board or which received financial grants or other financial assistance from a Service Board.

(Source: P.A. 83-1362.)

(70 ILCS 3615/4.17 new)

Sec. 4.17. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act. For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each Service Board and the Authority shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-325. The Public Water District Act is amended by changing Section 14 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3705/14) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 201)

Sec. 14. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) It shall be the duty of the board of trustees to install and maintain a proper system of accounts showing receipts from operation and the application of the same, and the board shall at least once a year cause such accounts to be properly audited by a licensed Certified Public Accountant permitted to perform audits under the Illinois Public Accounting Act for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of a water district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 94-465, eff. 8-4-05.)

Section 900-330. The Water Service District Act is amended by adding Sections 14 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3710/14 new)

Sec. 14. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-333. The Water Authorities Act is amended by adding Section 6d as follows:

(70 ILCS 3715/6d new)

Sec. 6d. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-335. The Water Commission Act of 1985 is amended by changing Section 0.001b and by adding Section 6 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3720/0.001b)

Sec. 0.001b. Powers and duties. A water commission has the power and duty to:

(1) establish and define the responsibilities of the commission and its committees;

(2) establish and define the responsibilities of the commission's management and staff;

(3) establish a finance committee to conduct monthly meetings to supervise staff's handling of financial matters and budgeting;

(4) require the finance director and treasurer to report to the finance committee the status of all commission funds and obligations;

(5) require the treasurer to report to the commission any improper or unnecessary expenditures, budgetary errors, or accounting irregularities;

(6) require commission staff to document and comply with standard accounting policies, procedures, and controls to ensure accurate reporting to the finance committee and commission and to identify improper or unnecessary expenditures, budgetary errors, or accounting irregularities;

(7) require the commission's finance director to provide monthly reports regarding the commission's cash and investment position including whether the commission has sufficient cash and investments to pay its debt service, operating expenses, and capital expenditures and maintain required reserve levels. The information shall include the required funding levels for restricted funds and unrestricted cash and investment balances with comparisons to unrestricted reserves. The information shall also include the type and performance of the commission's investments and description as to whether those investments are in compliance with the commission's investment policies;

(8) require the commission's finance director to provide the commission with detailed information concerning the commission's operating performance including the budgeted and actual monthly amounts for water sales, water costs, and other operating expenses;

(9) require commission staff to provide the commission with detailed information regarding the progress of capital projects including whether the percentage of completion and costs incurred are timely;

(10) require the commission's staff accountant to perform bank reconciliations and general ledger account reconciliations on a monthly basis; the finance director shall review these reconciliations and provide them to the treasurer and the finance committee on a monthly basis;

(11) establish policies to ensure the proper segregation of the financial duties performed by employees;

(12) restrict access to the established accounting systems and general ledger systems and provide for adequate segregation of duties so that no single person has sole access and control over the accounting system or the general ledger system;

(13) require that the finance director review and approve all manual journal entries and supporting documentation; the treasurer shall review and approve the finance director's review and approval of manual journal entries and supporting documentation;

(14) require that the finance director closely monitor the progress of construction projects;

(15) require that the finance director carefully document any GAAP analysis or communications with GASB and provide full and timely reports for the same to the finance committee;

(16) retain an outside independent auditor to perform a comprehensive audit of the water commission's financial activities for each fiscal year in conformance with the standard practices of the Association of Governmental Auditors for fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028; within 30 days after the independent audit is completed, the results of the audit must be sent to the county auditor; and

(17) (blank).

(Source: P.A. 104-328, eff. 1-1-26.)

(70 ILCS 3720/6 new)

Sec. 6. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each water commission shall be subject to the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each water commission shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-340. The Illinois Local Library Act is amended by changing Section 4-10 as follows:

(75 ILCS 5/4-10) (from Ch. 81, par. 4-10)

Sec. 4-10. Reports and audits.

(a) Within 60 days after the expiration of each fiscal year of the city, incorporated town, village or township, the board of trustees shall make a report of the condition of their trust on the last day of the fiscal year, to the city council, board of trustees or board of town trustees, as the case may be. This report shall be made in writing and shall be verified under oath by the secretary, or some other responsible officer of the board of trustees. It shall contain (1) an itemized statement of the various sums of money received from the library fund and from other sources; (2) an itemized statement of the objects and purposes for which those sums of money have been expended; (3) a statement of the number of books and periodicals available for use, and the number and character thereof circulated; (4) a statement of the real and personal property acquired by legacy, purchase, gift or otherwise; (5) a statement of the character of any extensions of library service which have been undertaken; (6) (blank); (7) a statement as to the amount of accumulations and the reasons therefor; (8) a statement as to any outstanding liabilities including those for bonds still outstanding or amounts due for judgments, settlements, liability insurance, or for amounts due under a certificate of the board; (9) any other statistics, information and suggestions that may be of interest. A report shall also be filed, at the same time, with the Illinois State Library.

(b) The board of trustees of a municipal library shall also submit to the city council, board of trustees or board of town trustees, along with the Illinois State Library, a statement of financial requirements of the library for the ensuing fiscal year for inclusion in the appropriation of the corporate authority, and of the amount of money which, in the judgment of the board of library trustees, will be necessary to levy for library purposes in the next annual tax levy ordinance. This statement shall be submitted no less than 60 days prior to when the tax levy must be certified under subsection (b) of Section 18-15 of the Property Tax Code.

(c)The board of trustees in a township shall also submit its appropriation and levy determinations to the Board of Township Trustees as provided in "The Illinois Municipal Budget Law", as amended.

(d) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if the library is a separate legal entity from a village, incorporated town, or township, the operations and fiscal activities of the library shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-245, eff. 8-22-17.)

Section 900-345. The Illinois Library System Act is amended by changing Section 10 as follows:

(75 ILCS 10/10) (from Ch. 81, par. 120)

Sec. 10. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) Each library system receiving state aid shall furnish an annual report and such information regarding its library service as the State Librarian may from time to time require. The State Librarian may revoke his approval of a library system if he finds that it does not conform to the plan of service or the regulations promulgated by the State Librarian; or in case of a provisional approval, if such library system does not fulfill the terms upon which provisional approval was based. In such a case a library system shall not thereafter be entitled to state aid until its bylaws or plan of service is again approved by the State Librarian.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each library system shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 83-411.)

Section 900-350. The Public Library District Act of 1991 is amended by changing Sections 30-45 and 30-65 as follows:

(75 ILCS 16/30-45)

Sec. 30-45. Duties of officers.

(a) The duties of the officers of the board are as provided in this Section.

(b) The president shall preside over all meetings, appoint members of committees authorized by the district's regulations, and perform other duties specified by the district's regulations, ordinances, or other appropriate action. In the president's absence, the vice president shall preside at meetings. The president shall not have or exercise veto powers.

(c) The vice president's duties shall be prescribed by regulations.

(d) The treasurer shall keep and maintain accounts and records of the district during the treasurer's term in office, indicating in those accounts and records a record of all receipts, disbursements, and balances in any funds.

For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, annual Annual audit and financial report requirements shall conform with Section 3 of the Governmental Account Audit Act.

(e) The treasurer shall give bond to the district to faithfully discharge the duties of the office and to account to the district for all district funds coming into the treasurer's hands. The bond shall be in an amount and with sureties approved by the board. The amount of the bond shall be based upon a minimum of 10% of the total funds received by the district in the last previous fiscal year. The cost of any surety bond shall be borne by the district. As an alternative to a personal bond on the treasurer, the treasurer may secure for the district an insurance policy or other insurance instrument that provides the district with coverage for negligent or intentional acts by district officials and employees that could result in the loss of district funds. The coverage shall be in an amount at least equal to 10% of the average amount of the district's operating fund from the prior 3 fiscal years. The coverage shall be placed with an insurer approved by the board. The cost of any such coverage shall be borne by the district. The system shall provide the Illinois State Library a copy of the district's certificate of insurance at the time the district's annual report is filed.

(f) Any person, entity, or public body or agency possessing district funds, property, or records shall, upon demand by any trustee, transfer and release the funds, property, or records to the treasurer.

(g) The secretary shall keep and maintain appropriate records for his or her term in office and shall include in those records a record of the minutes of all meetings, the names of those in attendance, the ordinances enacted, the resolutions and regulations adopted, and all other pertinent written matter affecting the operation of the district. The secretary may administer oaths and affirmations for the purposes of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-592, eff. 6-7-24.)

(75 ILCS 16/30-65)

Sec. 30-65. Reports and audits.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, on On or before September 1 of each year, the board shall prepare a written report for the past fiscal year. The secretary shall file certified copies of the report on or before the due date with the Illinois State Librarian and in the library or libraries operated by the district, where the report shall be available for public inspection. The report shall include the following:

(1) The audit of the secretary and the secretary's records as provided in subsection (c).

(2) A statement as to any change in the limits and boundaries of the district.

(3) A statement as to property of any type acquired by the district by purchase, legacy, gift, or otherwise.

(4) A statement as to the amount of accumulations and the reasons for the accumulations.

(5) A statement as to any outstanding liabilities, including those for bonds still outstanding.

(6) Any other pertinent information requested by the Illinois State Librarian.

(b) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, where Where dissolution of the district has been approved, the board shall prepare a final report.

(c) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The secretary's records shall be audited by 2 other trustees appointed by the president. The audit shall be conducted each fiscal year and upon the change of secretaries. The audit report shall be filed not later than 90 days following the completion of the fiscal year. The report shall certify the accuracy and completeness of the secretary's records and shall list the discrepancies, if any. The report of the audit of the secretary's records shall be made a part of the secretary's records.

(d) The board shall take whatever action is deemed necessary to cure the discrepancies reported to it by any audit committee.

(e) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the district shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 87-1277; 88-442; 88-670, eff. 12-2-94.)

Section 900-355. The Village Library and Gymnasium Tax Act is amended by adding Section 3 as follows:

(75 ILCS 50/3 new)

Sec. 3. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act. For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if the library is a separate legal entity from the village, the operations and fiscal activities of the library shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-360. The Public Community College Act is amended by changing Sections 3-22.1, 3-22.2, and 7-24 as follows:

(110 ILCS 805/3-22.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 103-22.1)

Sec. 3-22.1. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the board shall To cause an audit to be made as of the end of each fiscal year by an accountant licensed to practice public accounting in Illinois and appointed by the board. The auditor shall perform his or her examination in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and regulations prescribed by the State Board, and submit his or her report thereon in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The examination and report shall include a verification of student enrollments and any other bases upon which claims are filed with the State Board. The audit report shall include a statement of the scope and findings of the audit and a professional opinion signed by the auditor. If a professional opinion is denied by the auditor he or she shall set forth the reasons for that denial. The board shall not limit the scope of the examination to the extent that the effect of such limitation will result in the qualification of the auditor's professional opinion. The procedures for payment for the expenses of the audit shall be in accordance with Section 9 of the Governmental Account Audit Act. Copies of the audit report shall be filed with the State Board in accordance with regulations prescribed by the State Board.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Board shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-655, eff. 7-28-16; 100-884, eff. 1-1-19.)

(110 ILCS 805/3-22.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 103-22.2)

Sec. 3-22.2. For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the board shall To publish annually a financial statement in accordance with rules and regulations issued by the State Board. Such statement shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the community college district.

(Source: P.A. 79-304.)

(110 ILCS 805/7-24) (from Ch. 122, par. 107-24)

Sec. 7-24. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, the The board shall yearly, and may as often as necessary, appoint certified public accountants to examine the business methods and audit the accounts of the board, and to submit a report of that examination and audit, together with any of their recommendations as to changes in business methods of the board or any of its departments, officers or employees. That report shall be made to the mayor, the city council, and the board and be filed in the records of the board. The board shall prepare, publish and transmit to the mayor and the city council an annual report including in detail all receipts and expenditures, specifying the source of the receipts and the objects of the expenditures.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Board shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 83-343.)

Section 900-365. The Housing Authorities Act is amended by changing Section 8.10 as follows:

(310 ILCS 10/8.10) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 8.10)

Sec. 8.10. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, as As a part of its annual report, every Housing Authority shall present statements setting forth for each project of the Housing Authority a balance sheet, a classified statement of revenues and expenditures and of receipts and disbursements and a surplus statement, and also a consolidated balance sheet and consolidated classified statements of revenues and expenditures, and of receipts and disbursements and a surplus statement reflecting the financial status and condition of the Housing Authority as a whole as of the close of the immediately preceding fiscal year. All statements shall be made separately for bond interest and retirement, capital and operating accounts. The report for the Housing Authority in any municipality containing over 500,000 inhabitants shall also include a separate statement setting out the total amount of rent received for, and the amount of money expended on, each housing project as that term is defined in Section 17 (g) of this Act under the jurisdiction of the Housing Authority and shall also include a complete schedule of salaries in effect on the date of the report and to whom such salaries are paid. The report for Housing Authorities other than those in municipalities containing over 500,000 inhabitants shall include a separate statement setting out in detail the exact amount of rent received for, and the amount of money expended on, each housing project as that term is defined in Section 17 (g) of this Act under the jurisdiction of the Housing Authority and shall also include a complete schedule of the salaries in effect on the date of the report and to whom salaries are being paid. All statements shall be made separately for bond interest and retirement, capital and operating accounts. The annual report of every Housing Authority shall also include the amount or amounts of service charge or charges paid or proffered to the County Collector or to the appropriate officer or officers, of any municipal corporation in lieu of normal real estate taxes, identified to show the year or years and project or projects for which payment was made or proffered. The requirements of this Section can be fulfilled by the filing of an annual certified audit conducted in accordance with federal Housing and Urban Development requirements with the presiding officers and legislative authorities of the city, village, incorporated town or county.

(b) For fiscal years ending before January 1, 2028, in In addition to all other information required herein, the Housing Authority in any municipality or county containing over 500,000 inhabitants shall prepare and maintain a summary tabulation for each project for the period covered by the annual report showing the number of and size of individual housing accommodations; the number of units occupied by families in the various income groups; the total number of persons; the age group of the head of the household of move-ins; the number of persons comprising the household; the rent schedules for determining contract rents; and the number of workers per family moving in; the year of admission of families to public housing; the number of move-ins with the size of family; income groups of families moving in; size of unit occupied by families moving in or out; and information as to family composition; and information as to number of families receiving public assistance or social security benefits. All information shall be a matter of public record and shall be made available by the Housing Authority, on request, at any reasonable time without fee or reward.

(c) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of the Housing Authority shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(Source: P.A. 87-200.)

Section 900-370. The Illinois Highway Code is amended by adding Section 6-145 as follows:

(605 ILCS 5/6-145 new)

Sec. 6-145. Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(a) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each township and road district comprised of a single township shall be combined and shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

(b) For fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2027, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the operations and fiscal activities of each road district other than a road district comprised of a single township shall be subject to the Government Reporting Enhancement and Transparency Act.

Section 900-375. The Clerks of Courts Act is amended by changing Section 27.8 as follows:

(705 ILCS 105/27.8)

Sec. 27.8. Annual audit.

(a) Beginning with fiscal years ending in 1999 and until the fiscal year beginning before January 1, 2028 all fiscal years thereafter, in addition to any other audits required by law, the county board of each county shall cause an audit of the office of the circuit clerk to be made annually at the close of the county's fiscal year by a licensed public accountant. The county auditor and his or her staff may assist with the audit. The audit shall consist of a letter report that expresses an opinion on the financial statements of the circuit clerk, a letter report that expresses an opinion on internal controls of the circuit clerk, a letter report on the circuit clerk's compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and procedures relating to assessment, collection, and distribution of funds, including the timeliness of those actions, any documentation or statements necessary to support the findings and opinions of the auditors, and any supplemental schedules or other documents required by the audit guidelines. A listing of applicable legal requirements shall be compiled by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts and made available to auditors for their compliance testing.

The county board may include additional requirements in the audit.

(b) The audits shall be completed in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards and generally accepted auditing standards. The audit shall be completed within 6 months after the end of the fiscal year. The county board may grant an extension of up to 6 months for the completion of the audit.

(c) The expenses of conducting and filing the audit shall be paid by the county from the circuit clerk's appropriations, and the county board shall make provisions for the payment unless another person or entity agrees, in writing, to pay the expenses.

(d) The audit shall be filed with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the State Comptroller, the circuit clerk, and the county board within one month after the completion of the audit.

(e) The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts shall disseminate auditing guidelines to the county boards and the circuit clerks. The Auditor General's Office shall update, with the assistance of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the auditing guidelines as necessary from time to time. Revised guidelines shall be available to the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts for dissemination to the county boards and the circuit clerks.

(f) The auditing requirements of this Section may be included in the audit required by Section 6-31003 of the Counties Code.

(g) This Section is intended to require a comprehensive audit of the circuit clerks and to eliminate duplicative audits of the circuit clerk. The audit performed under this Section shall be available, upon request, to the public.

(Source: P.A. 90-350, eff. 1-1-98; 90-655, eff. 7-30-98.)

ARTICLE 999

Section 999-99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.