HB 5579 Illinois House · 104th Regular Session

LOCAL REFERENDUM NEUTRALITY

Summary
Creates the Local Referendum Neutrality and Taxpayer Protection Act. Provides that a public body may only expend public funds related to a local referendum for specified purposes. Provides for the designation of an official committee in favor and the official committee opposed to the local referendum. Provides for the preparation of arguments in favor of or in opposition to the local referendum by the committees. Provides that an election authority shall review the arguments and publish the arguments in a voter information package. Sets forth provisions concerning conduct by public employees and public bodies. Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Provides that activities intended to influence voter support for or opposition to a referendum or potential referendum, when conducted using public funds, public facilities, or employee compensated time, constitute prohibited political activity. Effective immediately.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Last action Mar 27, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
3
Mar 27, 2026
Committee
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Committee
Assigned to Ethics & Elections
lower
Feb 13, 2026
Committee
Referred to Rules Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jennifer Sanalitro
Jennifer Sanalitro
RRepublican
IL
48