Bill
SB 2700
Allows local mass transit districts to plan, own, finance, and operate transit- and trail-oriented developments near stations and trails.
Title (version provided): Adds Sec. 5.08 to the Local Mass Transit District Act to authorize transit‑oriented and trail‑oriented developments
Note on source documents: The materials provided contain conflicting metadata (an initial title about birth certificates and public health, different filing dates, and committee actions). This summary focuses on the substantive bill text included in the packet, which amends the Local Mass Transit District Act (70 ILCS 3610) by adding a new Section 5.08. The sponsor listed for the text version is Sen. Christopher Belt; a companion bill is HB 5198. The record also lists a status of “Died In Committee” (02/04/2025) and later filings (10/14/2025), indicating possible refiling or multiple drafts.
Purpose and intent
- Authorize local mass transit district boards to create, support, own, finance, and operate “transit‑oriented developments” (TODs) and “trail‑oriented developments” to encourage development proximate to transit stations, stops, hubs, nodes, or trails.
Key provisions
- New statutory section: 70 ILCS 3610/5.08 (new).
- Definitions: “Transit‑oriented developments” and “trail‑oriented developments” are defined broadly to include residential, commercial, mixed‑use, governmental, institutional, and childcare facilities located near transit or trails.
- Powers granted to district boards (non‑exclusive list):
1. Initiate TODs and trail‑oriented developments.
2. Partner with public bodies, private entities, non‑profits, or institutions to carry out these developments.
3. Acquire real property or facilities for these developments.
4. Own, maintain, design, construct, reconstruct, improve, repair, operate, or lease facilities for these developments.
5. Use district funds and property for these developments.
6. Borrow money, issue bonds, apply for grants, and enter lease or intergovernmental agreements to finance and implement these developments.
Who would be affected
- Local mass transit districts and their boards (direct authority expansion).
- Local governments and planning agencies (coordination on land use and zoning).
- Private developers, non‑profits, institutional partners, and lenders (potential partners and financiers).
- Residents and businesses near transit and trails (potential new housing, services, economic activity; also potential displacement/gentrification concerns).
- Taxpayers and district ratepayers (if districts use funds, issue bonds, or assume debt).
Procedural / timeline notes
- Statute added as a new Section 5.08 of the Local Mass Transit District Act (70 ILCS 3610).
- Sponsor: Sen. Christopher Belt. Companion: HB 5198.
- Provided legislative actions include initial filings and referrals and a listed status of “Died In Committee” (02/04/2025), plus later filing activity (10/14/2025), suggesting the bill may have been refiled or exist in multiple versions. Confirm current status with the official legislative clerk for final disposition.
Potential impacts to consider
- Could facilitate coordinated land‑use development around transit, increasing transit ridership and supporting compact, mixed‑use growth.
- Enables districts to directly invest in real property and infrastructure, accelerating project delivery.
- Raises fiscal and governance issues: use of transit district funds for development, borrowing and debt capacity, transparency, and local zoning/affordable housing implications.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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