In June, Governor Pritzker signed The Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act into law (Public Act 102-1088). This new law applies to any unit of local government that levies taxes, with the specific exception of municipalities and counties. This broad sweeping law requires units of government to form a specialized committee by June 2023 for the purpose of studying the efficiencies of local government. These committees must meet at least three times, comply with the Open Meetings Act and requires an opportunity for public feedback at the conclusion of each meeting. The scope and breadth of their mandated review of local government operations and policies are detailed in the law. At the end of the committee’s review, the findings are to be memorialized in a report and submitted to the county board and made available to the public. The Committee is considered a public body under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and must comply accordingly.

The committees are to consist of all elected or appointed members of the governing board of the governmental unit and at least two residents of the governmental unit who are appointed by the chair of the board with the advice and consent of the full board. Committee members serve without compensation. Once the report is submitted the committee is dissolved and a new committee is to be convened at least once every 10 years.

The Act specifically amends the Illinois School Code (section 17-1.1) and now requires the report that accompanies a school district’s annual financial report must be adopted at an open meeting that allows for public comment.