(20 ILCS 3475/40)

Sec. 40. Chief State Historical Officer; appointment.

(a) The Board, in consultation with the Governor and the Illinois Historical Society, shall determine the qualifications of and appoint a Chief State Historical Officer, who shall report to and advise the Executive Director.

(b) The Chief State Historical Officer shall serve as the chief advocate for and spokesperson on the importance and value of Illinois history and shall advise the Executive Director in preserving, interpreting, and promoting recognition of the life, impact, and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. The responsibilities of the Chief State Historical Officer shall include research, curation, and presentation on historical materials, artifacts, and narratives, ensuring that Lincoln's historical significance in the State and the nation is accurately documented and communicated to the public. The Chief State Historical Officer shall collaborate with other State agencies, educational institutions, museums, and historical societies to promote historical awareness of and education on Lincoln's influence on the State and the nation.

(c) Qualifications for the Chief State Historical Officer must include expertise in the history of at least one underrepresented minority group in this State, including, but not limited to: African-American history; Native American history; Latinx history; Asian-American history; and LGBTQIA history.

(d) An individual designated as the Chief State Historical Officer shall retain the designation for 2 years from the date of appointment and the term is renewable only by the Board's appointment in consultation with the Governor and the Illinois State Historical Society.

(Source: P.A. 104-2, eff. 6-16-25.)