SB1607 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)
FREEDOM TRAILS COMMISSION
Last Action
8/01/2025 - Senate: Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0113
Senate Sponsors
Sen. David Koehler - Doris Turner - Willie Preston - Elgie R. Sims, Jr. - Kimberly A. Lightford, Rachel Ventura, Jil Tracy, Laura M. Murphy, Meg Loughran Cappel and Lakesia Collins
House Sponsors
(Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin - Emanuel "Chris" Welch - Suzanne M. Ness - William "Will" Davis - Anthony DeLuca and Nicolle Grasse)
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Act. Establishes the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission. Provides that the purpose of the Commission shall be to explore, research, and commemorate the journeys of freedom seekers and the sites and landmarks in the State that became the networks of the Underground Railroad. Provides that the Commission shall implement educational, landmark preservation, and grant programs. Sets forth provisions concerning membership; terms; compensation; administrative support; and staff. Provides that the Commission shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly. Effective immediately.
Senate Floor Amendment No. 1
Adds reference to:
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources (rather than the Department of Commercial and Economic Opportunity) shall provide administrative and other support to the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission. Sets forth provisions concerning the election of a chairperson and the conduct of meetings. Provides that, after consultation with and written approval by the Department, the Commission may adopt administrative rules as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2037. Amends the Historic Preservation Act to repeal provisions concerning the Amistad Commission. Effective immediately.
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 2/04/2025 | Senate | Filed with Secretary by Sen. David Koehler |
| 2/04/2025 | Senate | First Reading |
| 2/04/2025 | Senate | Referred to Assignments |
| 2/04/2025 | Senate | Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Doris Turner |
| 2/11/2025 | Senate | Assigned to State Government |
| 2/20/2025 | Senate | Do Pass State Government; 008-000-000 |
| 2/20/2025 | Senate | Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading February 25, 2025 |
| 3/12/2025 | Senate | Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. David Koehler |
| 3/12/2025 | Senate | Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments |
| 3/18/2025 | Senate | Second Reading |
| 3/18/2025 | Senate | Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 19, 2025 |
| 3/18/2025 | Senate | Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to State Government |
| 4/03/2025 | Senate | Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Willie Preston |
| 4/03/2025 | Senate | Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt State Government; 008-000-000 |
| 4/04/2025 | Senate | Recalled to Second Reading |
| 4/04/2025 | Senate | Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; Koehler |
| 4/04/2025 | Senate | Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading |
| 4/09/2025 | Senate | Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura |
| 4/09/2025 | Senate | Third Reading - Passed; 056-000-000 |
| 4/09/2025 | Senate | Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Jil Tracy |
| 4/09/2025 | Senate | Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr. |
| 4/09/2025 | Senate | Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura M. Murphy |
| 4/09/2025 | House | Arrived in House |
| 4/09/2025 | House | Chief House Sponsor Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin |
| 4/09/2025 | House | First Reading |
| 4/09/2025 | House | Referred to Rules Committee |
| 4/09/2025 | Senate | Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford |
| 4/10/2025 | Senate | Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel |
| 4/10/2025 | Senate | Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins |
| 4/17/2025 | House | Assigned to State Government Administration Committee |
| 4/30/2025 | House | Do Pass / Short Debate State Government Administration Committee; 008-000-000 |
| 5/01/2025 | House | Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate |
| 5/06/2025 | House | Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch |
| 5/14/2025 | House | Second Reading - Short Debate |
| 5/14/2025 | House | Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate |
| 5/14/2025 | House | Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Suzanne M. Ness |
| 5/14/2025 | House | Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. William "Will" Davis |
| 5/21/2025 | House | Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 110-000-000 |
| 5/21/2025 | Senate | Passed Both Houses |
| 5/21/2025 | House | Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Anthony DeLuca |
| 5/21/2025 | House | Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Nicolle Grasse |
| 6/18/2025 | Senate | Sent to the Governor |
| 8/01/2025 | Senate | Governor Approved |
| 8/01/2025 | Senate | Effective Date August 1, 2025 |
| 8/01/2025 | Senate | Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0113 |