Bill > SB1967

This bill amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law to establish a new grant funding mechanism for certified tourism and convention bureaus in Illinois. Starting in Fiscal Year 2026, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity 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 advances are subject to sufficient legislative appropriation and will be submitted to the Comptroller by July 31st of each fiscal year. The bill continues the department's existing grant program for local tourism and convention bureaus, which supports organizations that promote tourism across Illinois, with specific eligibility requirements such as being a unit of local government or a non-profit, having a full-time staff dedicated to tourism promotion, and being affiliated with multiple municipalities or counties that support the bureau through hotel-motel taxes. The bill also includes provisions for emergency rulemaking to ensure timely implementation of these changes, with such emergency rules deemed necessary for public interest, safety, and welfare.

Business and Industry

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1967&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104