Bill > HB2991

This bill amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law to establish a new grant funding mechanism for certified tourism and convention bureaus. Starting in Fiscal Year 2026, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will be required to advance grant funds to bureaus that received funding in the previous fiscal year, with the advanced amount set at 50% of the total grant awarded in the prior year. These advanced funds are subject to sufficient legislative appropriation and must be submitted as vouchers to the Comptroller by July 31 of each fiscal year. The bill also includes provisions for emergency rulemaking to ensure timely implementation of the new grant process, with these emergency rules being valid for one year after the bill's effective date. This change aims to provide more predictable and timely funding for local tourism and convention bureaus, which are typically non-profit organizations or local government units dedicated to promoting tourism in specific geographic areas of Illinois.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2991&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104