HB 5841

Abstract

Amends the Commission on Equity and Inclusion Act. Requires the Commission to prepare and submit a report to the General Assembly evaluating whether the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority has met the equity goals of the Commission and Authority. Amends the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act. Modifies legislative findings. Provides that "facility" includes stadiums, arenas, or other structures for the holding of athletic contests and other events and gatherings, including professional women's sports (among other illustrative examples). Requires the Authority to work with the Executive Director of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion to evaluate and propose policies that promote equity in decision-making regarding the development and funding of sports facilities. Provides that a person may not be prohibited from participation in, or any of the benefits of, programs or activities at facilities funded under the Act, including facilities established or supported by bonds issued under the Act, on the basis of sex. Provides that, if bonds are issued under the Act to fund facilities for professional men's sports, some bonds must also be issued to fund facilities for professional women's sports; and provides that, if the Authority does not have a professional women's sports facility project to work on at the time of issuance of the bonds, then either: (i) the proceeds from the bonds issued for professional women's sports shall be placed into a dedicated fund until the Authority has a professional women's sports facility project on which to work, or (ii) a portion of the revenue source supporting the bonds must be left unused and dedicated to support a future bond issuance solely focused on professional women's sports facility projects. Provides that the portion required under item (ii) shall be as required by statute or, if no statute sets the portion, shall be in an amount set by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. Provides that a person may not be prohibited from participation in, or any of the benefits of, programs or activities at facilities funded under this Act, including facilities established or supported by bonds issued under the Act, on the basis of sex. Removes and modifies outdated language, including provisions relating to a dissolved advisory board. Effective immediately.