Rep. Brandun Schweizer

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring the life of Marilyn Lea Satterwhite, a teacher and educator from Danville, Illinois. It officially records the House of Representatives' condolences for her passing and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to her family. The text outlines her career achievements, including her roles at Danville High School and Danville Area Community College, as well as her contributions to education and professional organizations. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or policies but serves to recognize her legacy within the state legislature.

Declares June 2026 as Fallen First Responders Month in the State of Illinois in honor of all the firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Encourages citizens to observe this designation with appropriate ceremonies, memorial services, moments of silence, educational programs, and acts of community service to honor the legacy of our fallen heroes. Expresses deep gratitude to the families of the fallen and pledges continued support to the men and women who serve and protect our communities each day.

Amends the Truth in Taxation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that the notice and hearing requirements apply if the taxing district proposes to extend a tax rate against all taxable property in the district that exceeds the revenue neutral rate. Provides that the term "revenue neutral rate" means an aggregate tax rate for the taxing district that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as was levied by the taxing district in the previous tax year using the current tax year's total assessed valuation of all property in the taxing district. Makes changes concerning notice provisions.

Amends the Public Community College Act. Allows the board of trustees of a community college district to establish and offer a baccalaureate degree program and confer a bachelor's degree if specified conditions are met. Requires the board of trustees to demonstrate that the community college district has the expertise, the resources, and sufficient student demand to offer a baccalaureate degree. Sets forth the application requirements. Prohibits a community college district from using semester credit hours generated in a baccalaureate degree program for certain grants. Sets forth limitations on community college districts for establishing baccalaureate programs. Requires a community college district that offers a baccalaureate degree program to submit an annual report to the Illinois Community College Board. Requires the Illinois Community College Board and the Board of Higher Education to conduct a statewide evaluation of all baccalaureate degree programs established under the amendatory Act and report the results of the evaluation on or before 5 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act, in addition to being made publicly available online. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHJR 48 designates a specific stretch of Illinois Route 131 (from the state line south to Illinois Route 173) as the "Lance Corporal Russell Rowe Memorial Highway" to honor a Marine Corps veteran who died in service during the 1965 Dominican Republic intervention. The resolution requests the Illinois Department of Transportation to install appropriate signs along this highway segment to commemorate his sacrifice. This bill does not create new laws or affect regulations, but formally names a public roadway in recognition of L.Cpl. Russell Rowe's service and death.

Creates the Prohibition of Closed-Door Tax Increases Act. Provides that a unit of local government may not increase a levied tax without authorization by referendum of the electors of the unit of local government. Provides that a referendum to increase a levied tax must include a sunset clause on which the tax increase authorized by the referendum measure shall expire. Provides that, if an increase in a levied tax is intended to generate a cash flow to service a debt, the increase must sunset no later than the date that the debt is scheduled to be paid off, and, if an increase in a levied tax is intended to generate a cash flow that will be spent for purposes other than debt service, the increase must sunset no later than 10 years after the date on which the tax increase begins. Provides that, to the extent the Act conflicts with any other provision of law, the Act controls. Provides that nothing in the Act infringes upon the right of a unit of local government to impose or increase nontax fines or fees. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall adopt rules to enforce the Act. Limits concurrent exercise of home rule taxing powers.

Expresses reflecting on the heinous Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and remembers the lives of the civilians, soldiers, and defenders who expressed unwavering support for the State of Israel. Extends sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this brutal assault, including the families of the 46 American citizens who lost their lives. Expresses standing steadfast in the face of terrorism and violent acts and remaining committed to lasting peace and stability for the State of Israel.

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish and administer a program to award property tax relief grants to school districts in this State. Provides that, in exchange for receiving a grant, a school district's maximum aggregate property tax extension for the taxable year that begins on January 1 of the fiscal year for which the grant is awarded may not exceed an adjusted maximum aggregate property tax extension for that taxable year. Creates the Education Property Tax Relief Fund as a special fund in the State treasury for the purpose of awarding grants. Sets forth provisions concerning the Education Property Tax Relief Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides for a non-binding, advisory referendum on the question of whether a taxing district should reduce its aggregate extension by up to 10% from its aggregate extension for the previous taxable year. Provides that the referendum shall be initiated by a petition signed by a number of registered voters of the taxing district that is equal to or greater than 1% but less than 5% of the total number of votes cast in the taxing district in the preceding general election. Provides for a binding referendum on the question of whether a taxing district shall reduce its aggregate extension by up to 10% from its aggregate extension for the previous taxable year. Provides that the referendum shall be initiated by a petition signed by a number of registered voters of a taxing district that is equal to or greater than 5% of the total number of votes cast in the taxing district in the preceding general election. Preempts the power of home rule units to tax. Effective immediately.

Congratulates the Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Basketball Team on a remarkable season, their 28-9 overall record, and their advancement to the Final Four, and commends their dedication, achievement, and representation of the State of Illinois at the highest level.