All Roll Calls
Yes: 179 • No: 13
IllinoisSB1612104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET
PARK DIST - COMPETITIVE BIDS
Sponsored By: Laura M. Murphy (Democratic)
Became Law
assignmentsexecutivestate government administration
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Eminent domain up to one mile
Some multi‑county park districts can take private land up to one mile outside their border under the Eminent Domain Act. The district must have most of its land in a county over 450,000 people and none in a county over 1,000,000. This does not apply to property inside another park district. Affected property owners may be required to sell.
Pay caps for preserve commissioners
Appointed forest preserve commissioners face salary caps. The board president may be paid up to $2,500 per year. Other appointed members may be paid up to $1,500 per year. Salaries are set by ordinance.
Park fees and fines rules
Districts can charge fees for facilities and programs. They can charge non‑residents different fees than residents. Breaking a district ordinance can bring fines up to $1,000 per offense. The district can also seek payment for any damage. A court may jail a person for not paying fines and costs when allowed.
New bidding rules for park contracts
Park districts must bid out contracts over $60,000 for supplies and $30,000 for work, unless the board sets lower limits. The district must publish at least one notice 10 days before bids are due, and open sealed bids in public with at least 3 days’ notice to bidders. The bid contents are announced at opening. Smaller buys do not need ads, but the district should try to get three bids. Many items are exempt, like professional services, utilities, fuel, data processing and telecom, duplicating, government-to-government buys, used equipment, and periodicals; some projects follow the Design‑Build Act. In emergencies, a three‑fourths board vote can approve spending, and contracts must be signed by the board president and another officer.
Clearer rules for park boards
Boards hold regular monthly meetings. The president can call special meetings, and a majority of members can require one. Boards may delegate routine and executive tasks to trustees or authorized staff. The board is the corporate authority, and the president may appoint employees as needed. Officers serve two years on elected boards, or the fiscal year on appointed boards, and stay until a successor qualifies. A quorum is 3 of 5 trustees or 4 of 7. Removing an officer needs a four‑fifths vote; pay is prorated; the vice president covers without extra pay until the next regular meeting selects a successor; the removed officer stays on the board.
Nonprofits can run youth programs
Districts can let qualified Illinois nonprofits manage or operate district facilities. The nonprofit must agree to provide public park or recreational programs for youth. This can add more youth options for families.
Stronger audits and public records
Districts must keep permanent records and full accounts of money in and out. They must have a yearly audit and let the public inspect records at reasonable hours. Each year they must report transactions, receipts, spending, and work plans to county boards and the Department of Natural Resources. Officers and employees who handle money must carry a board‑approved surety bond.
Tools to manage money and property
Districts can sign contracts longer than one year, up to three years, for certain jobs, consultants, data processing, and energy. Each year, the district must budget enough to pay that year’s amounts. Districts can seek federal grants and loans to buy land or carry out projects. Boards can sell unneeded personal property by a three‑fifths vote at a noticed meeting, in any manner, with or without ads.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Laura M. Murphy
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Debbie Meyers-Martin
Democratic • House
Paul Faraci
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/21/2025
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed
Yes: 98 • No: 13
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: 55 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/3/2025
Reported Back To Executive;
Yes: 3 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/3/2025
Reported Back To Executive;
Yes: 3 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/3/2025
Do Pass as Amended Executive;
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0114
8/1/2025SenateEffective Date August 1, 2025
8/1/2025SenateGovernor Approved
8/1/2025SenateSent to the Governor
6/18/2025SenatePassed Both Houses
5/21/2025SenateThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 098-013-000
5/21/2025HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
5/14/2025HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
5/14/2025HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
5/1/2025HouseDo Pass / Short Debate State Government Administration Committee; 008-000-000
4/30/2025HouseAssigned to State Government Administration Committee
4/17/2025HouseReferred to Rules Committee
4/10/2025HouseFirst Reading
4/10/2025HouseChief House Sponsor Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin
4/10/2025HouseArrived in House
4/9/2025HouseThird Reading - Passed; 055-000-000
4/9/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 9, 2025
4/8/2025SenateSecond Reading
4/8/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 4, 2025
4/3/2025SenateDo Pass as Amended Executive; 012-000-000
4/3/2025SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
4/3/2025SenateReported Back To Executive; 003-000-000
4/3/2025SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Sub-Procurement
4/3/2025SenateReported Back To Executive; 003-000-000
4/3/2025SenateRule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 11, 2025
3/21/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
Introduced
Senate Amendment 1