HB 7

Abstract

Amends the Conversion and Formation of School Districts Article of the School Code. Creates the School District Efficiency Commission. Provides for the membership and support of the Commission. Requires the Commission to make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on the number of school districts in this State, the optimal amount of enrollment for a school district, and where reorganization and realignment of school districts would be beneficial. Sets forth what areas the recommendations must focus on, including drafting specific propositions to reduce the statewide total number of school districts by no less than 25% through the reorganization of school districts into unit districts. Provides that, on or before May 1, 2022, the Commission must vote on its recommended propositions and file a report with the Governor and the General Assembly. Provides that if the Commission adopts the report by an affirmative vote of at least 11 of its members, then the Commission's specific propositions for reorganization of school districts into unit districts shall be filed with the appropriate regional superintendent of schools. Sets forth the regional superintendent's and State Superintendent of Education's duties with respect to the propositions. Repeals these provisions on January 31, 2023, and exempts these provisions from certain financial incentives. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/11E-135 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill with the following changes. Changes the name to the Efficient School District Commission (instead of the School District Efficiency Commission). Makes changes to the membership of the Commission. Requires the Commission to provide recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the electorate (rather than make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly). Makes changes concerning the Commission's recommendations. Provides that, on or before May 1, 2022 (rather than May 1, 2024), the Commission must vote on its recommendations (rather than recommended propositions). Requires the Commission to adopt the recommendations (rather than report) by an affirmative vote of at least 13 (rather than 11) of its members. Changes provisions relating to notice. Removes provisions relating to administrative review. Provides for repeal on January 31, 2025 (rather than January 31, 2023). Makes other changes, including with respect to incentive payments. Effective immediately.