IllinoisSB2253104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

GOVT DISCLOSURE-EMINENT DOMAIN

Sponsored By: Ram Villivalam (Democratic)

Became Law

assignmentsjudiciaryjudiciary - civil

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Property owners: earlier notice, faster takings

The law lets agencies start a court case when they cannot agree on pay, the owner is unknown or unable, or clear title or needed documents are missing. Agencies must give you a contact person, written details at first contact, and a letter at least 60 days before filing that shows the offer and says they plan to sue if no deal. In quick-take cases, after filing and before judgment, an agency can ask the court for early possession or title so work can start. Some quick‑take cases need approval from the Commerce Commission, and certain DOT cases have a six‑month decision window, extendable by three months for good cause.

Stronger state coordination with railroads

When it prepares the State Rail Plan, the transportation department now consults rail unions, railroads, shipping interests, local governments, and state agencies. The law creates a Freight Rail Coordination Committee for highway projects that involve Class 1 railroads. It meets every three months to work on standard land rights and construction and maintenance terms. The committee ends on January 1, 2031.

ICC approval and deadlines for takings

Property used by interstate carriers or regulated utilities cannot be taken without approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission. For some DOT highway acquisitions, the Commission must issue a final order within six months, with up to three more months for good cause. The Commission may use an expedited schedule when the public interest requires it. Each year by January 31, DOT reports how many cases it filed and how long each decision took.

More owner disclosure in government property deals

Before a state or local government signs a property deal, it must get a sworn list of every owner and beneficiary. It must also list anyone who gets more than 7.5% of the income, and the owners of any parent or child entities. Public companies can give a proxy statement, official filing, or a sworn statement that no one holds more than 7.5%. For leases signed after the 1995 amendatory date, beneficiaries must give a binding letter so trustees can share owner names on request. This disclosure rule does not apply to highway property acquisitions by the transportation department.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ram Villivalam
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Adriane Johnson
Democratic • Senate
Anthony DeLuca
Democratic • House
Diane Blair-Sherlock
Democratic • House
Gregg Johnson
Democratic • House
Jawaharial Williams
Democratic • House
Jay Hoffman
Democratic • House
Katie Stuart
Democratic • House
Marcus C. Evans, Jr.
Democratic • House
Matt Hanson
Democratic • House
Thaddeus Jones
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 36

House vote • 5/28/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 84 • No: 30

House vote • 5/21/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Judiciary - Civil Committee;

Yes: 13 • No: 6

Senate vote • 5/8/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 56 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/7/2025

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Recommend Do Adopt Judiciary;

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Do Pass Judiciary;