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HR 879

CONGRATS-IL STATE ARCHIVES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mike Coffey

IRAD preserves and provides access to permanently valuable local government records across seven university depositories for researchers, officials, and the public.

Resolution Adopted
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Bill Summary · HR 879

Summary of HR 879 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

  • This House Resolution congratulates the Illinois State Archives and, specifically, its Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) system, on the occasion of the IRAD system’s 50th anniversary.
  • The resolution recognizes IRAD's role in preserving local government records, making them publicly accessible, and supporting research and historical understanding.

Key provisions and changes

  • Acknowledges historical background:
    • IRAD was established on July 1, 1976 as a program of the Illinois State Archives.
    • Its mission is to preserve local government records that have permanent administrative, legal, or historical research value.
  • Describes the IRAD network and operations:
    • The IRAD system comprises seven depositories located at:
    • Eastern Illinois University
    • Illinois State University
    • Northeastern Illinois University
    • Northern Illinois University
    • Southern Illinois University
    • Western Illinois University
    • University of Illinois Springfield
    • Depositories are staffed with graduate student interns who receive training in archival principles and research skills.
    • The system provides safe, secure storage for permanently valuable records and offers reference services.
  • Highlights the impact and reach:
    • IRAD serves local government agencies by preserving records and provides access to thousands of individuals, including scholars, family historians, lawyers, historical societies, and journalists.

Stakeholders and affected entities

  • Primary beneficiaries: Illinois state and local government agencies (through storage of records) and the public (through access to records and reference services).
  • Supporting institutions: Seven universities hosting the IRAD depositories, which provide staffing and facilities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • This is a commemorative resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of IRAD.
  • No new laws, funding allocations, or administrative changes are proposed.
  • Status: Filed with the Clerk (May 6, 2026). Co-sponsor: Rep. Mike Coffey.

Potential impact

  • While symbolic in nature, the resolution publicizes and honors IRAD’s contributions to archival preservation, public access to records, and historical research over five decades.
  • May bolster public awareness of archival services and the importance of preserving local government records.
  • No immediate fiscal or policy changes are attached to the resolution itself.

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

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