IllinoisSB1607104th General Assembly (2025–2026)Senate

FREEDOM TRAILS COMMISSION

Sponsored By: David Koehler (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Creates the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Act. Establishes the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission. Provides that the purpose of the Commission shall be to explore, research, and commemorate the journeys of freedom seekers and the sites and landmarks in the State that became the networks of the Underground Railroad. Provides that the Commission shall implement educational, landmark preservation, and grant programs. Sets forth provisions concerning membership; terms; compensation; administrative support; and staff. Provides that the Commission shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly. Effective immediately.

assignmentsstate governmentstate government administration

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Illinois creates Freedom Trails Commission

The law creates the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission to study and honor freedom seekers and Illinois Underground Railroad history. The Governor appoints a chair and 10 additional members for four-year terms, with reappointment allowed. Members are unpaid but may receive reasonable expense reimbursements. State funding approval is required for Department of Natural Resources support and the commission’s required full-time professional staff. Meetings and records follow state open-government laws, and the commission ends January 1, 2037.

More public access to Illinois history

The commission must provide public online resources about Illinois freedom seekers and the Underground Railroad. These include teaching materials, maps, historic sites, events, research sources, videos, and materials developed locally and statewide. It must maintain a database of freedom seekers and their journeys, an updated map, and biographies of key people. It must identify scholars and community groups for research and recruit speakers about the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery work. It must also support and promote local activities and help African American communities research their histories.

Support for Illinois Underground Railroad sites

The commission must set statewide review guidelines, publish recognized journeys and sites with contact people, and set sign and marker standards. It must help assess sites and journeys and assist listed sites threatened by demolition or decay. It must work with history groups, connect local groups with the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom, and explore heritage tourism. It must also connect Underground Railroad and freedom-seeker history with other Illinois freedom stories. With approved state funding, it may award grants only for research and identification of journeys and sites, heritage tourism, promotion, and Underground Railroad cemetery markers.

Illinois schools gain Black history resources

The commission and Illinois State Board of Education must develop and carry out a program available to every Illinois public school. It covers African American history, freedom seekers, and the Underground Railroad in Illinois. It also includes resources and activities for Black History Month in February.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David Koehler

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Anthony DeLuca

    Democratic • House

  • Debbie Meyers-Martin

    Democratic • House

  • Doris Turner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Emanuel "Chris" Welch

    Democratic • House

  • Jil Tracy

    Republican • Senate

  • Kimberly A. Lightford

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lakesia Collins

    Democratic • Senate

  • Laura M. Murphy

    Democratic • Senate

  • Meg Loughran Cappel

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nicolle Grasse

    Democratic • House

  • Rachel Ventura

    Democratic • Senate

  • Suzanne M. Ness

    Democratic • House

  • William "Will" Davis

    Democratic • House

  • Willie Preston

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 190 • No: 0

House vote • 5/21/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 110 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate State Government Administration Committee;

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 56 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt State Government;

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/20/2025

Do Pass State Government;

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0113

    8/1/2025Senate
  2. Effective Date August 1, 2025

    8/1/2025Senate
  3. Governor Approved

    8/1/2025Senate
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/18/2025Senate
  5. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Nicolle Grasse

    5/21/2025House
  6. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Anthony DeLuca

    5/21/2025House
  7. Passed Both Houses

    5/21/2025Senate
  8. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 110-000-000

    5/21/2025House
  9. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. William "Will" Davis

    5/14/2025House
  10. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Suzanne M. Ness

    5/14/2025House
  11. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    5/14/2025House
  12. Second Reading - Short Debate

    5/14/2025House
  13. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch

    5/6/2025House
  14. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

    5/1/2025House
  15. Do Pass / Short Debate State Government Administration Committee; 008-000-000

    4/30/2025House
  16. Assigned to State Government Administration Committee

    4/17/2025House
  17. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins

    4/10/2025Senate
  18. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel

    4/10/2025Senate
  19. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford

    4/9/2025Senate
  20. Referred to Rules Committee

    4/9/2025House
  21. First Reading

    4/9/2025House
  22. Chief House Sponsor Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin

    4/9/2025House
  23. Arrived in House

    4/9/2025House
  24. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura M. Murphy

    4/9/2025Senate
  25. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

    4/9/2025Senate

Bill Text

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