Illinois House Bill HB5038

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/28/24
• Refer: 4/5/24

Caption

SOS-MEETINGS-COURT OF CLAIMS

Impact

By requiring boards to distribute their meetings between Chicago and Springfield, the bill intends to enhance accessibility for members and the public. Additionally, it permits virtual presence for members attending meetings when no final action requiring a vote is necessary, which reflects a modernization of public meeting practices in light of recent technological advancements and the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. The amendments to the Court of Claims Act also allow for increased flexibility in handling cases and claims, potentially streamlining judicial processes.

Summary

House Bill 5038, introduced by Rep. Terra Costa Howard, proposes significant amendments to various state statutes, including the State Records Act, the Secretary of State Merit Employment Code, the State Library Act, and several others. A notable change included in the bill stipulates that any appointed member of a Board, Foundation, or Council who does not attend two consecutive meetings without an excused absence shall cease to hold office. This provision aims to ensure the active participation of members in state governance and decision-making processes.

Contention

The introduction of this bill may prompt discussions around the efficiency and effectiveness of government boards. Supporters argue that the requirement for attendance is necessary for accountability, while opponents may contend that such provisions could be too strict and may prevent qualified individuals from serving due to unavoidable absences. Furthermore, the amendments to the claims processes, notably extending the filing period for claims under the Crime Victims Compensation Act from one year to five years, could evoke mixed responses concerning victim rights and state administrative responsibilities.