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Bill

HB 6

BLIGHT MITIGATION ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by La Shawn Ford

Illinois HB 6 authorizes municipalities to combat urban blight through property rehabilitation and enforcement programs targeting deteriorated neighborhoods.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6

Legislative bill overview

HB 6, the Blight Mitigation Act, authorizes Illinois municipalities to implement targeted programs and policies to combat urban blight through property rehabilitation, code enforcement, and community development initiatives. The bill aims to address deteriorated or abandoned properties that negatively impact neighborhood conditions and property values.

Why is this important

Blight—characterized by vacant buildings, abandoned lots, and deteriorating infrastructure—creates public health hazards, reduces tax revenues, and destabilizes neighborhoods. This bill provides local governments with legal frameworks and potentially resources to systematically address these conditions, which disproportionately affect lower-income communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Eminent domain concerns: Blight mitigation programs sometimes involve property seizure or forced rehabilitation; property owner advocates may worry about due process and fair compensation
  • Fiscal responsibility: The bill's cost and funding mechanism are unclear; municipalities may lack resources to implement programs effectively
  • Definition ambiguity: "Blight" definitions can be subjective and potentially weaponized against certain neighborhoods or property owners rather than applied equitably

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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