(115 ILCS 5/5) (from Ch. 48, par. 1705)

Sec. 5. Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.

(a) There is hereby created the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.

(a-5) Until July 1, 2003 or when all of the new members to be initially appointed under this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly have been appointed by the Governor, whichever occurs later, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board shall consist of 7 members, no more than 4 of whom may be of the same political party, who are residents of Illinois appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

The term of each appointed member of the Board who is in office on June 30, 2003 shall terminate at the close of business on that date or when all of the new members to be initially appointed under this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly have been appointed by the Governor, whichever occurs later.

(b) Beginning on July 1, 2003 or when all of the new members to be initially appointed under this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly have been appointed by the Governor, whichever occurs later, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board shall consist of 5 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. No more than 3 members may be of the same political party.

The Governor shall appoint to the Board only persons who are residents of Illinois and have had a minimum of 5 years of experience directly related to labor and employment relations in representing educational employers or educational employees in collective bargaining matters. One appointed member shall be designated at the time of his or her appointment to serve as chairman.

Of the initial members appointed pursuant to this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly, 2 shall be designated at the time of appointment to serve a term of 6 years, 2 shall be designated at the time of appointment to serve a term of 4 years, and the other shall be designated at the time of his or her appointment to serve a term of 4 years, with each to serve until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.

Each subsequent member shall be appointed in like manner for a term of 6 years and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. Each member of the Board is eligible for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments for the balance of the unexpired term.

(c) The chairman shall be paid $50,000 per year, or an amount set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater. Other members of the Board shall each be paid $45,000 per year, or an amount set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater. They shall be entitled to reimbursement for necessary traveling and other official expenditures necessitated by their official duties.

Each member shall devote his entire time to the duties of the office, and shall hold no other office or position of profit, nor engage in any other business, employment or vocation.

(d) Three members of the Board constitute a quorum and a vacancy on the Board does not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise all of the powers of the Board.

(e) Any member of the Board may be removed by the Governor, upon notice, for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.

(f) The Board may appoint or employ an executive director, attorneys, hearing officers, and such other employees as it deems necessary to perform its functions, except that the Board shall employ a minimum of 8 attorneys and 5 investigators. The Board shall prescribe the duties and qualifications of such persons appointed and, subject to the annual appropriation, fix their compensation and provide for reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

(g) The Board may promulgate rules and regulations which allow parties in proceedings before the Board to be represented by counsel or any other person knowledgeable in the matters under consideration.

(h) To accomplish the objectives and to carry out the duties prescribed by this Act, the Board may subpoena witnesses, subpoena the production of books, papers, records and documents which may be needed as evidence on any matter under inquiry and may administer oaths and affirmations.

In cases of neglect or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, the circuit court in the county in which the investigation or the public hearing is taking place, upon application by the Board, may issue an order requiring such person to appear before the Board or any member or agent of the Board to produce evidence or give testimony. A failure to obey such order may be punished by the court as in civil contempt.

Any subpoena, notice of hearing, or other process or notice of the Board issued under the provisions of this Act may be served by one of the methods permitted in the Board's rules.

(i) The Board shall adopt, promulgate, amend, or rescind rules and regulations in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act as it deems necessary and feasible to carry out this Act.

(j) The Board at the end of every State fiscal year shall make a report in writing to the Governor and the General Assembly, stating in detail the work it has done in hearing and deciding cases and otherwise.

(Source: P.A. 102-797, eff. 1-1-23.)