IllinoisSB1827104th General Assembly (2025–2026)Senate

FIRE DISTRICTS--DESIGN-BUILD

Sponsored By: Mike Porfirio (Democratic)

Became Law

assignmentsexecutivecities & villages

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Standard design-build rules for counties

Beginning July 1, 2025, counties must use a two‑phase process to pick design‑build teams. They shortlist 2 to 6 firms after a qualifications review and may continue with one if only one applies. The RFP must state scope, budget, schedule, and required drawings, and a licensed design professional or public art designer must prepare it; that preparer cannot bid. Proposals must include a plan to meet minority, women, and disability business goals and Human Rights Act rules, and state the licensed designer’s role during contract administration; the county may hire one for oversight. Firms with a financial interest or related advantage in the project are not eligible. Phase II ranks technical and cost proposals, but total project cost can count for no more than 30% of the score, and a licensed designer must help evaluate. Counties may refine scope and price after award without voiding the contract.

Standard design-build rules for municipalities

Beginning July 1, 2025, municipalities must use a two‑phase process to select design‑build teams. After a qualifications review, they shortlist 2 to 6 firms and may proceed with one if only one applies. The RFP must set scope, budget, schedule, and required design materials, and a licensed design professional or public art designer must prepare it; that preparer cannot bid. Proposals must include a plan to meet Business Enterprise and Human Rights Act goals and name the licensed designer’s role during contract administration; the municipality may hire one for oversight. Firms with a financial interest or related advantage in the project are not eligible. Phase II scores technical and cost proposals, but total project cost can count for no more than 30% of the score, and a licensed designer must help evaluate. Cities and villages may refine scope and price after award without voiding the contract.

Stronger bidding rules for fire districts

Beginning July 1, 2025, fire protection districts must publicly bid contracts over $20,000 and award to the lowest responsible bidder. Equipment buys over $50,000 from a dealer or maker also require sealed, public bids. Notices must run at least 10 days in a local English‑language newspaper and be posted on the district’s website, and bidders get at least 3 days’ notice of the opening. Many items are exempt from bidding, including professional services, certain printing, proprietary maintenance and parts, software and telecom, utilities, used equipment, one‑source items, purchases from other governments, and emergencies with a three‑fourths board vote. Real‑estate improvements over $20,000 must be bid, but districts may use joint purchasing programs that use competitive solicitations. Districts may also use design‑build, as long as selection is competitive.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mike Porfirio
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Anthony DeLuca
Democratic • House
Jay Hoffman
Democratic • House
Matt Hanson
Democratic • House
Paul Faraci
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 268 • No: 2

Senate vote • 5/31/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs

Yes: 57 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Executive;

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 5/22/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 114 • No: 0

House vote • 5/20/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Cities & Villages Committee;

Yes: 9 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Cities & Villages Committee;

Yes: 6 • No: 2

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