Bill > HB3479

This bill amends the Illinois Municipal Code to require municipalities with 500 or more residents that currently operate an ambulance department to hold a referendum before dissolving that department. Specifically, if such a municipality wants to cease its ambulance services, it must first conduct a public vote where residents can decide whether to allow the department to be discontinued. The referendum ballot will clearly ask voters whether the ambulance department should "cease to provide emergency services and be dissolved and discontinued." If a majority of votes cast are in favor of dissolving the department, a court will then enter an order to officially discontinue the ambulance service. The bill also explicitly protects the rights of ambulance department employees, ensuring that their existing protections under the Personnel Code, collective bargaining agreements, and pension or retirement plans remain intact. By requiring a public referendum, the bill aims to give residents a direct say in maintaining critical emergency medical services in their community, while preventing municipalities from unilaterally eliminating these essential services without public input.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3479&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104