HB4566 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 37110 SPS 67229 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB4566

Introduced 1/31/2024, by Rep. Camille Y. Lilly

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

805 ILCS 5/8.13 new

Amends the Business Corporation Act of 1983. Creates the Diversity and Inclusion in Business Organizations Leadership Task Force within the Office of the Secretary of State. Provides that the purpose of the Task Force is to identify ways to increase diversity in business organization leadership and to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to achieve that goal. Provides that the Task Force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2026. Sets forth provisions concerning duties, membership, and administrative support. Repeals the provision that creates the Task Force and dissolves the Task Force on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning business.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Findings and purpose. The General Assembly finds that women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are historically underrepresented in business organization leadership, both nationally and within the State of Illinois. Increasing diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of business organization leadership is in the best interests of the State and its growing economy. Whether through legislation, public policy, or public outreach, opportunities exist for expanding diversity and inclusion to support more women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community in business organization leadership.

Section 5. The Business Corporation Act of 1983 is amended by adding Section 8.13 as follows:

(805 ILCS 5/8.13 new)

Sec. 8.13. Diversity and Inclusion in Business Organization Leadership Task Force.

(a) The Diversity and Inclusion in Business Organization Leadership Task Force is created within the Office of the Secretary of State. The purpose of the Task Force is to identify ways to increase diversity in business organization leadership and to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to achieve that goal.

(b) The Task Force shall consist of the following members:

(1) the Secretary of State or the Secretary's designee, who shall serve as the chairperson of the Task Force;

(2) one member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(3) one member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;

(4) one member of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;

(5) one member of the Senate, appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; and

(6) five members representing women-owned, person with disability-owned, minority-owned, or LGBTQ+-owned business organizations or State vendors, appointed by the Secretary of State.

(c) The Task Force shall survey the underrepresentation of minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community in business organization leadership. The Task Force shall review the required business filings that require disclosure of a business organization's demographic composition, the Business Enterprise Program, the Business Corporation Act of 1983, the Limited Liability Company Act, other relevant business organization statutes, and the Illinois Procurement Code in an effort to identify areas for improvement that will result in increasing diversity and inclusion for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community in business organization leadership.

(d) The Task Force may request testimony from any person or entity that may assist in increasing the understanding of issues or providing solution-based ideologies that will improve representation and opportunities for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community within business organization leadership and State procurement.

(e) Members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation for the duration of the Task Force, but they may be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses in compliance with the Secretary of State's travel rules required for attendance at meetings.

(f) The Office of the Secretary of State shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force.

(g) As soon as practicable, but no later than October 1, 2024, all members of the Task Force shall be appointed. The Task Force shall meet quarterly in calendar year 2025.

(h) The Task Force shall prepare a report that summarizes its work and makes recommendations resulting from its meetings. The Task Force shall submit the report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2026.

(i) This Section is repealed, and the Task Force is dissolved, on January 1, 2027.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.