ENTERPRISE ZONE ELIGIBILITY

Amends the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act. In a Section concerning eligibility for an Enterprise Zone based on the local labor market area, provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may consider information released in the most recent American Community Survey (currently, the federal decennial census only). Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may award partial points if the applicant demonstrates specific job creation and investment below specified thresholds. Contains provisions concerning provisional certification and provisional decertification. Provides that, for Enterprise Zones that are scheduled to expire on or after January 1, 2024, an application process shall begin 5 years prior to the year in which the Zone expires. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may consider written comments or any other information regarding a pending Enterprise Zone application submitted after the deadline and received prior to the decision on all pending applications. Makes changes concerning the total number of Enterprise Zones that may be certified. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 655/5.5 from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 609.1 20 ILCS 655/12-9 from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 626 20 ILCS 655/13 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with additions. Adds requirements concerning provisional certification and decertification of enterprise zones. Provides for the suspension of the benefits to specific businesses rather than an outright decertification of the particular Enterprise Zone for failure to submit specified information. Modifies the criteria for determining Enterprise Zones and underserved areas under the Act. Modifies reporting requirements under the Act. Makes conforming and other changes. House Committee Amendment No. 2 In the bill as amended by House Amendment No. 1, deletes a provision related to applicants that are located entirely within a county with a population of less than 300,000.