summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act. Modifies legislative findings. Provides that "facility" includes stadiums, arenas, or other structures for the holding of athletic contests and other events and gatherings, including, without limitation, professional women's sports. Provides that a person may not, on the basis of sex, be prohibited from participating in or receiving any of the benefits of programs or activities at facilities funded under the Act, including facilities established or supported by bonds issued under the Act. Requires the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to report to the Governor and the General Assembly on any male or female professional sports projects brought to the Authority by a professional sports team in the State. Provides that the Authority shall notify the Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, President of the Senate, and Minority Leader of the Senate of the proposal within 2 weeks of receiving a formal request or inquiry. Provides that, before the General Assembly authorizes the issuance of additional bonds under the Act to fund facilities for professional men's sports teams, each chamber of the General Assembly may hold a hearing to publicly review any proposal submitted to the Authority. Repeals provisions relating to a dissolved advisory board. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act to expand the definition of "facility" to explicitly include professional women's sports venues and to promote gender equity in sports infrastructure. The bill adds a provision that prohibits discrimination based on sex in participation and access to programs or activities at facilities funded under the Act. It requires the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to report to state leadership about any professional sports projects proposed by men's or women's teams, with a specific notification process within two weeks of receiving a formal request. The bill also introduces a mechanism for the General Assembly to publicly review proposals for professional sports facility funding, with a particular emphasis on encouraging equitable bonding authority between men's and women's sports teams. The legislation acknowledges historical disparities in sports funding and seeks to create a more inclusive framework for sports facility development. The bill recognizes sports as a means of promoting physical and mental health, personal growth, and character development, and aims to ensure these benefits are available equitably to all people. Additionally, the bill repeals a previously existing advisory board provision and becomes effective immediately.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Robert Peters (on 02/26/2025)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2274&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2274.htm |
Loading...