SB 2976

Abstract

Amends the Historic Preservation Act. Creates the State Historic Preservation Board. Provides for appointment of members of the Board and the powers and duties of the Board. Provides that the Board may: (1) adopt rules in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, for the administration and execution of the powers granted under the Act after consultation with and written approval by the Department of Natural Resources; (2) list, delist, create specific list designations, create designation definitions, create property assessment criteria, or change the listing designation of State Historic Sites; and (3) advise the Department of Natural Resources on methods of assistance, protection, conservation, and management of State Historic Sites, which are all subject to Department approval and available appropriations to implement those recommendations. Provides that the listing, delisting, creation of specific list designations or designation definitions, or change of listing designation by the Board shall be done only with the written approval of the Director of Natural Resources. Deletes the statutory listing of specific State Historic Sites, State Memorials, and Miscellaneous Properties. Provides that State Historic Sites shall be designated by administrative rule. Provides that the Department shall submit an annual report, on or before June 30, to the General Assembly containing a full list of the State Historic Sites and the site designations, as recommended by the Board and which received the approval of the Department. Defines "State Historic Site" as a property that has been deemed by the Board and the Department to have a State, national, or international level of historic significance. Makes conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Illinois National Register Advisory Council Act. Repeals the Historical Sites Listing Act. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that the State Historic Preservation Board shall consist of 9 voting members appointed by the Governor (rather than 9 voting members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate). Makes changes to the composition of the Board. Provides that the Governor may remove a Board member for just cause. Provides that the Department shall provide administrative support to the Board. Removes distinctions between State Historic Sites, State Memorials, and Miscellaneous Properties. Authorizes the Board to modify, remove, or add to the list of State Historic Sites. Provides that the renamed Illinois National Register Advisory Council shall consist of 9 members (rather than 15), starting on January 1, 2025. Makes changes to the composition of the Council. Provides for quorum rules, as well as applicability of the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act. Adds definitions. Makes technical and other changes. Effective immediately, except that the changes made to the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council Act take effect on January 1, 2025.