101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
HB5237
 
Introduced , by Rep. Delia C. Ramirez
 
SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 

 
20 ILCS 605/605-1045 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".
  


LRB101 18873 RJF 68331 b

 
 
A BILL FOR
 

  
HB5237LRB101 18873 RJF 68331 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 is 
6amended  by adding Section 605-1045 as follows:
 
7    (20 ILCS 605/605-1045 new)
8    Sec. 605-1045. 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 3 
24years.
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.