February 28, 2025 State Capitol Report

Legislators returned to Springfield for another full week of session beginning Tuesday afternoon. Each day had several committee hearings and little to no floor action, with the majority of work still being done behind the scenes. As more bills are starting to advance and more committees are starting to meet, legislative action is sure to pick up in the coming weeks. Both chambers are scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, March 4.

Illinois REALTORS® join Sen. Castro to promote homebuyer savings program bill

Illinois REALTORS® Initiatives Posted for Committee Next Week

Learn more about the “Housing Stability & Affordability Initiative” at www.illinoisrealtors.org/housing.

Through a collaboration with House Democrat Leader Rep. Kam Buckner, HB 1709 is one of the five bills included in the Illinois REALTORS® “Housing Stability & Affordability Initiative” and aims to be the first of many steps needed to remove unnecessary barriers to housing availability and development. The bill creates the “Local Accessory Dwelling Unit Act” to balance the need for more housing while ensuring safety standards. Under the direction of municipalities, ADUs offer a quick, affordable housing solution due to their size and ability to increase housing density without raising the cost of living dramatically. This bill is posted for a hearing for Tuesday, Mar. 4 at 4:00 PM in the House Cities and Villages Committee. Illinois REALTORS® SUPPORT HB 1709.

Through a collaboration with Rep. Bob Rita, HB 1814 is one of the five bills included in the Illinois REALTORS® “Housing Stability & Affordability Initiative.” The legislation doesn’t just tackle density head-on; it combats negative gentrification and the implicit segregation that can be caused by traditional zoning practices. HB 1814 provides for moderate increases in neighborhood density, without dramatic increases in the cost of living – or positive gentrification (the type that does not displace current residents, redefine the character of neighborhoods, or cause surrounding property values to increase at an unhealthy pace). By allowing more housing types on larger lots, developers and builders can design middle housing to meet the needs of tomorrow’s home buyers, while reducing sprawl and costly land acquisition costs. This bill is posted for a hearing for Wednesday, Mar. 5 at 10:00 am in the House Housing Committee. Illinois REALTORS® SUPPORT HB 1814.

Bills of Interest

Regarding home repair and remodeling contracts, HB 24 as amended, provides that when language is inserted in a contract allowing home repair and remodeling contractors to recover attorney fees for any court filings, then language must also be inserted in the contract to allow for homeowners/tenants to be able to recover attorney fees. Illinois REALTORS® remained engaged in the conversation and remained NEUTRAL on the bill in committee. HB 24 advanced out of committee and has moved to the House floor for further consideration.

HB 28 creates the Illinois Receivership Act. Creates a process in which a person is appointed by the court as the court’s agent under the court’s direction to take possession of, manage and, if authorized by the Act or court order, transfer, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of receivership property. HB28 codifies what already exists regarding receivership in “common law” into state statute. HB28 advanced through monitoring this legislation that has moved to the House floor.

HB 1154 amends the Illinois Human Right Act to allow plaintiffs be awarded all forms of relief available in tort actions, including but not limited to emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of normal life. This is a very far-reaching bill that is opposed by numerous organizations and industries. This week the bill was sent to a subcommittee of the House Judiciary/Civil Committee. Illinois REALTORS® strongly OPPOSES this bill.

HB 1305 increases EPA filing fees for the Pollution Control Board from $75 to $250. This fee has not been increased since 1988. It is a fee charged to the few companies filing for a variance from a water quality standard and whose petition for a time-limited standard shall not be required to pay a separate filing feed upon conversion of a standard. According to the EPA this only applies to a few companies and will only generate revenue of $17,000, which will help cover the cost of administering the variance. The bill passed out the House Judiciary/Civil Committee and heads to the House floor for further consideration. Illinois REALTORS® is monitoring this bill.

Next Week At-A-Glance

Both the Senate and House will be in session next week with a full schedule of committee hearings, as always…Stay tuned!

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