summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, no building code adopted by a county or municipality may prohibit residential buildings from having a single stairway serving as an exit for all units if the building: (1) has not more than 6 stories above grade plane; (2) is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in the interior exit stairway; (3) has all dwelling unit doors serving as an exit equipped with self-closing devices; (4) is equipped with smoke detection throughout all common areas and individual dwelling units; (5) has at least one emergency escape and rescue opening for each individual dwelling unit; and (6) has not more than 4 individual dwelling units on a floor. Limits home rule powers.
AI Summary
This bill, effective January 1, 2027, amends county and municipal building codes to allow residential buildings with up to six stories above ground level to have a single stairway as the sole exit for all units, provided specific safety measures are in place. These measures include an automatic sprinkler system in the interior exit stairway, self-closing devices on all dwelling unit doors that serve as exits, comprehensive smoke detection in common areas and individual units, at least one emergency escape and rescue opening per dwelling unit, and no more than four dwelling units on any single floor. The bill also limits the authority of home rule units, which are local governments with broad powers, to enact regulations that contradict these provisions, asserting this as a state-level limitation on their concurrent powers.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/19/2026)
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