Bill > SB1534

This bill amends both the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code to prevent local governments from banning natural gas in new construction without first holding a public referendum. Specifically, the legislation prohibits counties and municipalities from adopting regulations that would directly or indirectly prevent the use of natural gas in new buildings. The bill also limits home rule powers, meaning that local governments cannot create regulations about natural gas that conflict with this state-level restriction. Home rule is a constitutional provision that allows local governments some autonomy in creating their own laws, but in this case, the state is explicitly constraining that authority to ensure consistent rules about natural gas infrastructure across Illinois. The key purpose appears to be protecting natural gas as an energy option and preventing local jurisdictions from unilaterally restricting its use in new construction projects without first seeking voter approval through a referendum.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1534&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104