SB3455 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 36901 HLH 67014 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB3455

Introduced 2/8/2024, by Sen. Robert F. Martwick

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 2505/2505-815 new

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Revenue, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, shall conduct a study to evaluate the property tax system in the State. Provides that the Department may also determine whether the existing property tax levy, assessment, appeal, and collection process is reasonable and fair and may issue recommendations to improve that process.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning revenue.

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

Section 5. The Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 2505-815 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2505/2505-815 new)

Sec. 2505-815. Property tax system study. The Department, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, shall conduct a study to evaluate the property tax system in the State and shall analyze any information collected in connection with that study. The Department may also examine whether the existing property tax levy, assessment, appeal, and collection process is reasonable and fair and may issue recommendations to improve that process. The study shall include the following:

(1) a comprehensive review of the classification system used by Cook County in assessing real property in Cook County compared with the rest of the State, including, but not limited to, a projection of the impact, if any, that the assessment of real property in Cook County would exhibit if the classification system were to be phased-out and transitioned to a uniform level of assessment, and the impact, if any, that the Cook County classification system has or has had on economic development or job creation in the county;

(2) a comprehensive review of State laws concerning the appeal of assessments at the local and State level and State laws concerning the collection of property taxes, including any issues that have resulted in delays in issuing property tax bills;

(3) a comprehensive review of statewide assessment systems or computer assisted mass appraisal systems;

(4) a comprehensive review of current property tax exemptions, the impact of those exemptions, and the administration or application of those exemptions;

(5) an analysis of preferential assessments or incentives, including, but not limited to, the resultant economic impact from preferential assessments;

(6) a review of the State's reliance on property taxes and the historical growth in property tax levies; and

(7) an analysis of the use of technology in data collection, online review, CAMA analysis, and electronic appeal filing that may result in improved accountability and efficiency.

The Department shall consult with Illinois institutions of higher education having knowledge about the Illinois assessment processes in conducting the study under this Section.

The Department shall complete a preliminary report by May 31, 2025 and shall complete a final report by July 1, 2025. The Department shall submit the final version of the report to the Governor and the General Assembly by July 1, 2025. A copy of both the preliminary version of the report and the final version of the report shall be made available to the public via electronic means. The Department may allow for the submission of public comments from individuals, organizations, or associations representing residential property owners, commercial property owners, or labor unions in Illinois. If the Department allows for the submission of public comments, the Department shall publish via electronic means any and all materials submitted to the Department.

This Section is repealed on December 31, 2025.