ELECTIONS-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Cassidy

HB3813 clarifies and standardizes cross-references to defined terms in the Campaign Finance Article, with no substantive policy changes.

Referred to Rules Committee

HB3813 — Elections-Tech (Illinois, 2025)

What this bill does

Purpose: A technical amendment to the Election Code addressing definitions in the campaign finance article.

Specifically amends 10 ILCS 5/9-1 to clarify how terms used in the Article are defined, referencing the definitions established in Sections 9-1.1 through 9-1.13 (and noting the historical linkage to Public Act 86-873).

Key provisions

The introduced measure changes or clarifies the cross-references for terms used in the Campaign Finance Article.

It preserves that definitions applicable throughout this Article come from the defined sections (9-1.1 through 9-1.13) unless the context requires otherwise.

Described as a technical adjustment rather than a substantive policy change.

Who would be affected

Entities governed by the Election Code’s Campaign Finance provisions, including political committees, campaign committees, and other entities subject to campaign finance definitions.

Election officials, practitioners, and attorneys who rely on the precise definitions across Sections 9-1 through 9-1.13.

Legislative and procedural context

Sponsor: Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy (primary).

Introduced: February 18, 2025 (HB3813; 104th General Assembly).

Status: Referred to Rules Committee; subsequently moved to a subcommittee on Family & Fiduciary Relationships (per action history).

Legislative actions timeline:

Feb 7, 2025: Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Cassidy
Feb 18, 2025: First Reading; Referred to Rules Committee
Mar 5–26, 2025: Filed and moved through standard committee and session steps
Mar 26, 2025: Read first time; Referred to subcommittee on Family & Fiduciary Relationships by Speaker

Source language notes: The changes reference the existing definitions framework established in Section 9-1 and related subsections, with historical context cited to P.A. 86-873.

Practical impact and considerations

Because this is described as a “technical” change, the bill is not presented as altering substantive campaign finance requirements but rather ensuring consistent and correct use of definitions across the Campaign Finance Article.

If adopted, practitioners should ensure citations to definitions align with Sections 9-1.1 through 9-1.13 and note any cross-references updated by the enacted text.

Next steps

Awaites further committee consideration (Rules Committee and potentially the subcommittee) and floor action.

Monitor for any amended language clarifying or expanding the definition cross-references.