Illinois House Bill HB1104

Illinois 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/25
• Refer: 1/9/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Refer: 3/21/25

Caption

LOC GOV EFFICIENCY COMMITTEE

Impact

The implication of HB1104 is significant as it alters the formal structure within which local governments operate concerning efficiency assessments. By shifting from a requirement to a choice for forming efficiency committees, the bill may reduce the number of efficiency studies conducted. Proponents argue that this change could lead to more tailored approaches to local governance, allowing officials to focus on pressing issues without the obligation to form committees that may be deemed unnecessary under certain conditions.

Summary

House Bill 1104, introduced by Rep. Patrick Sheehan, seeks to amend the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act by changing the requirement for governmental units to form committees to study local efficiencies. Under the new provision, it will be optional for these units to form such committees rather than mandatory. This change is designed to increase the flexibility of governmental units in deciding whether to undertake efficiency studies and how to report recommendations regarding efficiencies and accountability to their respective county boards.

Contention

However, this proposal is not without contention. Critics may argue that removing the mandatory requirement could lead to a decline in accountability and oversight within local governments. They express concerns that without regular efficiency assessments, potential waste or inefficiency within local administrations may go unchecked. The debate surrounding this change highlights differing philosophies on local governance—whether flexibility or structured oversight is more beneficial for public administration.

Overall_impact

If enacted, HB1104 will encourage governmental units to have more autonomy in deciding how they approach local government efficiency. While it may streamline operations for some, the bill raises important questions about accountability and the diligence with which local governments will monitor their efficiencies moving forward.