WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5253

FIRE DIST-TRUSTEE COMPENSATION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Balkema and 9 co-sponsors

HB5253 increases fire district trustee pay by district size, allows up to 50% extra for ambulance operations, and adds 50% of pay for MFA-approved admin training.

Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Andrew S. Chesney
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5253

Overview

HB5253, introduced in the 104th Illinois General Assembly, would modify the compensation levels for members of the board of trustees of fire protection districts based on the number of full-time paid firefighters in the district. The bill also retains existing authority for certain incentives and compensation adjustments tied to ambulance services and training programs.

Main purpose and intent

  • To adjust the annual compensation allowed for trustees of fire protection districts, increasing the limits in districts with more firefighters.
  • To preserve or expand potential additional compensation opportunities tied to ambulance operations and ongoing training in fire district administration.

Key provisions and changes

  • Compensation scales (Section 6):
    • Districts with fewer than 4 full-time paid firefighters: trustee compensation cap increased from $1,000 per year to $1,500 per year.
    • Districts with more than 3 but fewer than 10 full-time paid firefighters: trustee compensation cap increased from $1,500 per year to $2,000 per year.
    • Districts with 10 or more full-time paid firefighters: trustee compensation cap increased from $2,000 per year to $2,500 per year.
  • Ambulance service provision:
    • If the fire district operates an ambulance service funded by referendum (ambulance tax levy), trustees may receive additional compensation not to exceed 50% of the otherwise authorized compensation, with the extra funds classified as an administrative expense of the ambulance service and paid from ambulance tax revenues.
  • Training-based compensation:
    • Trustees completing a State Fire Marshal–approved training program on fire district administration may receive additional compensation equal to 50% of their otherwise provided compensation.
    • To maintain this additional compensation, trustees must attend annual continuing training approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
  • Other statutory authority remains intact:
    • Trustees retain powers to issue notes or mortgages to secure district financing, acquire real or personal property, provide employee benefits (including various insurance coverages), and impose penalties for false fire alarms, among other governance authorities.

Who is affected

  • Board members (trustees) of Illinois fire protection districts.
  • Districts categorized by the number of full-time paid firefighters:
    • Fewer than 4
    • More than 3 but fewer than 10
    • 10 or more
  • Districts that operate ambulance services funded by referendum and/or trustees pursuing approved training programs for additional compensation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced February 10, 2026; referred to committees with subsequent moves through House and Senate in the 2025–2026 session.
  • Latest actions (as of the provided record) show progression through standard committee and floor processes, including assignment to the Executive, scheduling deadlines, and sponsor activities.
  • Specific effective dates are not stated in the text; typically, Illinois bills become effective on a date established in the act or upon general effective date conventions if enacted.

Potential impact

  • Increased compensation caps may make trustee service financially more attractive in districts with larger firefighter staffs, potentially improving governance continuity.
  • The ambulance-related additional compensation could provide a funding pathway for enhanced ambulance operations, tied to ambulance tax revenues.
  • The training-based incentive promotes ongoing professional development for district trustees and ensures a continuing governance standard through annual training.

If you want, I can compare these provisions to current law in more detail or draft a one-page briefing for policymakers and stakeholders.

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

Sign in to ask a question.