IllinoisSB1550104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

LIBRARY SYSTEMS-STATE GRANTS

Sponsored By: Laura M. Murphy (Democratic)

Became Law

assignmentsstate governmentstate government administration

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Formula funding for library systems

Approved library systems can apply each year for a grant equal to $1.46 per person plus $50.75 for each square mile, or part, in the area served. If total funding is higher or lower than the formula, all per‑person and per‑mile amounts scale up or down. Any extra appropriations are split using the same shares. In cities with 500,000 or more people, 25% goes to the multitype system and 75% to the public library system. Population uses the latest federal census, and the area served is the system’s boundary. Systems may spend for members of other systems only if it is in their plan and the State Librarian approves.

State grants boost library funding

The law creates a State grants program for libraries, run by the Illinois State Librarian. It starts July 1, 2024, and uses money the General Assembly and other sources provide. Grants include equalization, system, per‑capita, planning and construction, and security. Planning and construction grants go only to public libraries that belong to a library system.

Equalization grants for underfunded libraries

Beginning in Fiscal Year 2025, public libraries qualify if their authority levies at least 0.13% for library purposes and that rate raises under $17.50 per person. The State Librarian pays the difference up to $17.50 per person. If funds are short, all per‑person amounts are cut equally, but not below the gap to $4.25 per person. Libraries limited by PTELL can qualify if last year’s levy met the rule, this year’s extension increases by up to the lesser of 5% or CPI, and revenue is still under $17.50 per person. A library that later lowers its levy below the level used for its approved grant loses eligibility for future equalization grants. Local officials may meet the levy requirement by paying the same dollar amount the levy would raise.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Laura M. Murphy
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Abdelnasser Rashid
Democratic • House
Cristina Castro
Democratic • Senate
Daniel Didech
Democratic • House
Diane Blair-Sherlock
Democratic • House
Donald P. DeWitte
Republican • Senate
Doris Turner
Democratic • Senate
Jennifer Sanalitro
Republican • House
Kimberly A. Lightford
Democratic • Senate
Laura Fine
Democratic • Senate
Martha Deuter
Democratic • House
Mary Edly-Allen
Democratic • Senate
Meg Loughran Cappel
Democratic • Senate
Michael J. Coffey, Jr.
Republican • House
Michael W. Halpin
Democratic • Senate
Mike Simmons
Democratic • Senate
Nicole La Ha
Republican • House
Nicolle Grasse
Democratic • House
Norine K. Hammond
Republican • House
Rachel Ventura
Democratic • Senate
Sara Feigenholtz
Democratic • Senate
Suzy Glowiak Hilton
Democratic • Senate
Wayne A. Rosenthal
Republican • House
Willie Preston
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 1

House vote • 5/21/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 111 • No: 0

House vote • 4/23/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate State Government Administration Committee;

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 55 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/20/2025

Do Pass State Government;