Bill > SB2047

This bill creates the Design Professional Self-Certification Act, which establishes a voluntary program allowing qualified design professionals (architects or professional engineers) in participating municipalities to self-certify construction permit applications for certain types of building projects. The program permits design professionals to take responsibility for ensuring a project's compliance with building codes for specific occupancy groups and square footage limitations, such as business, residential, and storage spaces. To participate, design professionals must meet strict requirements, including having at least three years of licensure, maintaining professional liability insurance of at least $500,000 per claim, and having no recent convictions related to false permit applications. The program includes robust oversight mechanisms, with the Capital Development Board conducting random audits of self-certified projects and having the authority to suspend or exclude professionals who submit inaccurate or non-compliant documents. Participating municipalities must issue permits within five calendar days of receiving a self-certified application, and design professionals must remain with the project until completion. The bill also requires design professionals and project owners to sign detailed certification forms acknowledging their responsibilities and potential liabilities. The Capital Development Board will study the program and report to the Governor and General Assembly by January 1, 2029, potentially expanding the types of construction activities eligible for self-certification in the future. The program is set to become effective January 1, 2026.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2047&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104