102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB2395

 

Introduced 2/17/2021, by Rep. Delia C. Ramirez

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
20 ILCS 605/605-1055 new

    Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish criteria and guidelines for State-designated cultural districts. Specifies powers and duties of the Department. Provides requirements concerning certification of State-designated cultural districts. Provides State-designated cultural district reporting requirements. Defines "State-designated cultural district".


LRB102 14174 RJF 19526 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB2395LRB102 14174 RJF 19526 b

1    AN ACT concerning State government.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Department of Commerce and Economic
5Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois
6is amended by adding Section 605-1055 as follows:
 
7    (20 ILCS 605/605-1055 new)
8    Sec. 605-1055. State-designated cultural districts.
9    (a) As used in this Section, "State-designated cultural
10district" means a geographical area certified under this
11Section that has a distinct, historic, and cultural identity
12that does any of the following:
13        (1) Promotes a distinct historic and cultural
14    community.
15        (2) Encourages economic development and supports
16    entrepreneurship in the geographic area and community.
17        (3) Encourages the preservation of historic and
18    culturally significant structures, traditions, and
19    languages.
20        (4) Fosters local cultural development and education.
21        (5) Provides a focal point for celebrating and
22    strengthening the unique cultural identity of the
23    community.

 

 

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1        (6) Promotes growth and opportunity without generating
2    displacement or expanding inequality.
3    (b) The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
4shall establish criteria and guidelines for State-designated
5cultural districts by rule. In executing its powers and duties
6under this Section, the Department shall:
7        (1) establish a competitive application system by
8    which a community may apply for certification as a
9    State-designated cultural district;
10        (2) provide technical assistance for State-designated
11    cultural districts in identifying and achieving their
12    goals for cultural preservation, including, but not
13    limited to, promotional support of State-designated
14    cultural districts; and
15        (3) collaborate with other State agencies, units of
16    local government, community organizations, and private
17    entities to maximize the benefits of State-designated
18    cultural districts.
19    (c) A geographical area within the State may be certified
20as a State-designated cultural district by applying to the
21Department for certification. Certification as a
22State-designated cultural district shall be for a period of 5
23years, after which the district may renew certification every
243 years.
25    (d) Within 12 months after being designated a cultural
26district, the State-designated cultural district shall submit

 

 

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1a report to the Department detailing its current programs and
2goals for the next 4 years of its designation. For each year
3thereafter that the district remains a State-designated
4cultural district, it shall submit a report to the Department
5on the status of the program and future goals of the district.