In the first legislative week since both the House and Senate’s bill introduction deadlines, your Illinois REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Team has read and reviewed the 6,500 bills introduced for consideration in 2023. Of these bills, there are nearly 30 bills Illinois REALTORS® vigorously opposes and will be working with the sponsors to make some changes or reconsider moving the bill in the legislative process. Additionally, more then 30 bills have concerning language or provisions that we will be seeking more clarification or amendments on.

Over the next few weeks, we will highlight bills that we strongly oppose. Some of these bills include enactment of statewide rent control, a rental housing registry, additional real estate-related human rights violations, and increasing residential property disclosures.

Housing Reports

Two very interesting reports were presented the House Housing Committee chaired by Will Guzzardi (D, Logan Square). The first report was from Rosanne Haggerty regarding Rockford’s Homeless Single Point of Entry program. The city has brought all housing related groups together in order to create their Homeless Single Point of Entry program, where ALL homeless persons (including youth, veterans and survivors of domestic violence) can access housing services immediately. Each are assessed for permanent housing and a housing plan is developed. Illinois is reviewing this highly successful program and how it can be applied in all communities.

In addition, staff from the Governor’s office presented the Governor’s new initiative, Home Illinois, created to prevent and end homelessness. The new program is housed in the Illinois Department of Human Services, but is to be a collaborative effort with the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Illinois Department of Corrections, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Home Illinois will target the prevention of homelessness, provide crisis response, expand housing support, and increase staff focused on assisting the homeless.

Only the House is in session next week. Every House committee will be very busy with numerous bills posted for a hearing. Your Illinois REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Team will be busy at the Capitol attending hearings and discussing bills with legislators, other organizations, and legislative staff. We will also be watching the Capitol Conference registrations to make sure YOU are registered! You really do make a difference by attending this important event.