HB5237 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB101 18873 RJF 68331 b

101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
HB5237

Introduced , by Rep. Delia C. Ramirez

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 605/605-1045 new

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish criteria and guidelines for State-designated cultural districts. Specifies powers and duties of the Department. Provides requirements concerning certification of State-designated cultural districts. Provides State-designated cultural district reporting requirements. Defines "State-designated cultural district".

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

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

Section 5. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 605-1045 as follows:

(20 ILCS 605/605-1045 new)

Sec. 605-1045. State-designated cultural districts.

(a) As used in this Section, "State-designated cultural district" means a geographical area certified under this Section that has a distinct, historic, and cultural identity that does any of the following:

(1) Promotes a distinct historic and cultural community.

(2) Encourages economic development and supports entrepreneurship in the geographic area and community.

(3) Encourages the preservation of historic and culturally significant structures, traditions, and languages.

(4) Fosters local cultural development and education.

(5) Provides a focal point for celebrating and strengthening the unique cultural identity of the community.

(6) Promotes growth and opportunity without generating displacement or expanding inequality.

(b) The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish criteria and guidelines for State-designated cultural districts by rule. In executing its powers and duties under this Section, the Department shall:

(1) establish a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a State-designated cultural district;

(2) provide technical assistance for State-designated cultural districts in identifying and achieving their goals for cultural preservation, including, but not limited to, promotional support of State-designated cultural districts; and

(3) collaborate with other State agencies, units of local government, community organizations, and private entities to maximize the benefits of State-designated cultural districts.

(c) A geographical area within the State may be certified as a State-designated cultural district by applying to the Department for certification. Certification as a State-designated cultural district shall be for a period of 5 years, after which the district may renew certification every 3 years.

(d) Within 12 months after being designated a cultural district, the State-designated cultural district shall submit a report to the Department detailing its current programs and goals for the next 4 years of its designation. For each year thereafter that the district remains a State-designated cultural district, it shall submit a report to the Department on the status of the program and future goals of the district.