summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Cultural Districts Act. Provides that, if an area successfully establishes itself as a cultural district under the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law, then the area may be incorporated as a cultural district. Creates 15 cultural districts. Sets forth the method to create additional cultural districts. Provides that, unless the boundaries of a cultural district are the same as the boundaries of a county or municipality, the affairs of a cultural district shall be managed by a board of commissioners consisting of not less than 5 but not more than 9 commissioners, who shall be appointed by the presiding officer of the county board of the county in which the majority of the cultural district is located, with the advice and consent of the county board. Provides that a cultural district may sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire and hold real and personal property necessary for its corporate purposes, and adopt a seal. Provides that the board of commissioners of a cultural district may, for any of its authorized purposes, borrow money upon the faith and credit of the cultural district and may issue bonds. Provides that a cultural district may acquire lands for its purposes (i) by lease, (ii) in fee simple by gift, grant, legacy, purchase, or condemnation, or (iii) by easement.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the Cultural Districts Act, establishes a framework for creating and managing cultural districts within the state. It allows areas that have been officially recognized as cultural districts by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to be formally incorporated. The bill initially creates 15 specific cultural districts across various cities, including Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield, and outlines a process for establishing additional districts through a petition and referendum system overseen by the circuit court. For districts whose boundaries do not align with a county or municipality, a board of commissioners, appointed by the county board's presiding officer, will manage its affairs, with the number of commissioners ranging from five to nine. These districts are granted legal powers, such as the ability to sue and be sued, enter into contracts, own property, and borrow money by issuing bonds to fund their corporate purposes, with limitations on the amount of debt they can incur.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/13/2026)
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