HB 3654 Illinois House · 104th Regular Session

OPEN LANDS-GRANTS TO GOVTS

Summary
Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is located within a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 100% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Specifies that a project that is located within a distressed community, regardless of whether the project is located within a distressed location, is eligible for assistance up to 90% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is not located in a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 75% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Directs the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize the making of grants under the Act for projects that are located in distressed locations and distressed communities. Sets limits on the appropriated amounts that may be used for grants to distressed communities and distressed locations. Repeals a provision that required the Department of Natural Resources to prepare a Distressed Local Government Report. Repeals provisions that define terms. Adds other definitions. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants emergency rulemaking powers to the Department of Natural Resources.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Apr 14, 2025 Last action Jun 1, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Engrossed · 5 edits · Apr 11, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was amended to clarify the distinction between projects located in 'distressed locations' versus those in 'distressed communities,' allowing for higher grant funding (up to 90%) for projects in distressed communities even if they are not in distressed locations. The text also updated the bill title to 'Engrossed' and added new definitions for terms like 'Notice of funding opportunity' to align with state transparency laws.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to explicitly allow projects in distressed communities to receive up to 90% funding regardless of whether they are in a distressed location, whereas previously the distinction was less clear or limited.
ELIGIBILITY

Clarified that projects in distressed communities are eligible for up to 90% funding even if they are not in a distressed location.

Maintained 100% funding eligibility for projects in both distressed locations and distressed communities.

Maintained 75% funding eligibility for projects in distressed locations that are not in distressed communities.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'Notice of funding opportunity,' 'Notice of funding opportunity application period,' and 'Project' to improve clarity and compliance with transparency acts.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill header and synopsis to reflect the 'Engrossed' status and corrected formatting inconsistencies.

Floor votes · House Apr 11, 2025

How they voted

1130
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 118
Apr 11, 2025
D Democratic78
76 Yea 2
97% Yea
R Republican40
37 Yea 3
92% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
72
Key actions
6
Committee
12
Amendments
2
Jun 1, 2026
Committee
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
upper
Dec 1, 2025
Committee
Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments
upper
Jun 2, 2025
Committee
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
upper
May 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
Do Pass as Amended Executive; 009-004-000
upper
May 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
upper
May 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Executive
upper
May 13, 2025
Committee
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
upper
May 13, 2025
Introduced
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Don Harmon
upper
May 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 23, 2025
upper
May 8, 2025
Committee
Assigned to Executive
upper
Apr 14, 2025
Committee
Referred to Assignments
upper
Apr 14, 2025
Introduced
Arrive in Senate
upper
Apr 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-001
lower
Mar 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 009-000-000
lower
Mar 11, 2025
Committee
Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
lower
Feb 18, 2025
Committee
Referred to Rules Committee
lower
2 primary · 36 co-sponsors

Sponsors