February 24, 2023 State Capitol Report

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.

Bill Considered this Week

Click the bill number to view additional information
This bill makes it a civil rights violation for anyone engaging in a real estate transaction to refuse to engage in any part of a transaction with a person who has been convicted of a crime. As written, Illinois REALTORS® OPPOSES this legislation. The sponsor has pledged to work with us on this bill. The bill was sent to the Senate Judiciary Property Subcommittee.

This bill Changes when property tax delinquencies take place from after the second installment due date to the final installment. Illinois REALTORS® is monitoring this legislation that was passed out of the Senate Revenue Committee and moved to 2nd Reading in the Senate.

This bill requires an application to be made to establish or reestablish that a parcel is entitled to common area assessment of $1. Illinois REALTORS® is monitoring this bill which passed out of the Senate Revenue Committee and moved to 2nd Reading in the Senate.

Next Week: At-A-Glance

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.

GET READY FOR OUR BIGGEST ADVOCACY EVENT OF THE YEAR!

Illinois REALTORS® Capitol Conference is back and better than ever. Join us Tuesday, April 25 at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Take 1 day out of 365 to make a difference on potential legislation and policy issues that can impact your real estate business!

Visit the Capitol for the opportunity to meet with legislators and network with hundreds of your REALTOR® colleagues from across the state.

Thank you for reading the February 24, 2023 State Capitol Report. Click here to read previous reports.

Registration is Now Open!

April 25, 2023