HB 5777

Abstract

Amends the Union of Contiguous Municipalities Division of the Illinois Municipal Code. Adds "consolidation" to the title of the Division. Provides that any 2 or more incorporated contiguous municipalities may be united into one incorporated city or village (rather than only cities) upon the presentation of a petition, signed by the lesser of 10% of the total number of electors of each municipality voting in the last election or 250 electors, to the election authority for the county in which the municipalities are situated or, if the municipalities are situated in 2 or more counties, in the county where the largest population of the subject municipalities resides. Removes provisions limiting union to municipalities wholly or substantially situation in a single county. Removes provisions requiring union by annexation by another city. Modifies the referendum question to approve the union. Provides that a union is not considered the creation or formation of a new political subdivision for purposes of the Election Code and makes other references to the Election Code. Provides that any elected official, member, employee, or contractor of a city or village subject to a petition to unite shall be expressly prohibited from using any governmental or public resources in opposing or supporting the petition. Provides that if the majority of the votes cast in any of the contiguous municipalities (rather than each municipality) in the petition is in favor of the proposition, then those contiguous municipalities are united. Makes other changes.