The impact of HB1983 on state laws is primarily procedural, as it relates to the funding of a state agency. By officially allocating funds to the Human Rights Commission, the bill supports the commission's mandate to address issues related to civil rights and discrimination. The effective date of the bill is set for July 1, 2023, signaling the General Assembly's intent for immediate financial support to the Commission as it prepares for the fiscal year ahead.
Summary
House Bill 1983, introduced by Rep. Tony M. McCombie, is a straightforward piece of legislation aimed at appropriating $2 from the General Revenue Fund to the Human Rights Commission for its ordinary and contingent expenses in fiscal year 2024. The bill is designed to ensure that the Human Rights Commission has the necessary funds to operate, although the amount allocated may seem nominal at just $2. This appropriation underscores the importance that the General Assembly places on supporting the operations of human rights advocacy and enforcement within the state.
Contention
Given the simplistic nature of the bill, it does not appear to have generated significant controversy or contention during discussions. The allocation of $2 may provoke some skepticism regarding the sufficiency of funds in addressing the needs of the Human Rights Commission, but a broader debate about adequate funding for human rights initiatives in Illinois may arise in future discussions. Stakeholders might debate the effectiveness and reach of the Human Rights Commission based on such funding levels, albeit this specific bill seeks only to facilitate basic operational expenses.