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HB 3547

LEGISLATIVE MAIL-DISCLAIMER

104th Regular Session Introduced by Bill Hauter

Requires a large-font disclaimer on envelopes of all Legislative Printing Unit mailings to constituents stating the mailing was paid with Illinois taxpayers’ dollars.

Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3547

HB3547 — Legislative Mail-Disclaimer (Illinois, 104th General Assembly)

Overview

HB3547 proposes a transparency measure requiring that envelopes of mailings produced by the Legislative Printing Unit for members of the Illinois General Assembly clearly indicate that the mailing was funded with Illinois taxpayers’ dollars. The bill adds a new provision to the Legislative Commission Reorganization Act of 1984.

Key Provisions

  • Creates new 25 ILCS 130/9-4 (Legislative Mail Disclaimer).
  • Requirement: All documents printed by the Legislative Printing Unit for distribution by mail to the constituents of a General Assembly member must have printed on the envelope, in a large font, the following disclaimer:
    • “THIS MAILING WAS PAID AT ILLINOIS TAXPAYERS EXPENSE.”
  • The disclaimer must appear on the envelope of the mailed document.

Scope and Applicability

  • Applies specifically to documents printed by the Legislative Printing Unit.
  • Applies to mailings distributed by mail to the constituents of a member of the General Assembly.
  • Focus is on physical mailings (envelopes) and does not address other forms of communication (e.g., email, newsletters sent by other means).

Text of the Disclaimer

  • Exact wording as required by the bill: “THIS MAILING WAS PAID AT ILLINOIS TAXPAYERS EXPENSE.” (noted to be on the envelope in a large font)

Legislative History and Status

  • Introduced: February 18, 2025 by Rep. William E. Hauter.
  • Version: HB3547 (LRB10411160SPS21242b).
  • Current Status: Referred to Rules Committee (as of introduction); later actions show:
    • Read first time: March 24, 2025
    • Referred to Ways & Means: March 24, 2025
  • Related bill: Companion SB1715.

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Representative William E. Hauter.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Transparency: Makes taxpayers aware that mailings to constituents funded by state dollars.
  • Administrative: May require envelope redesign or printing adjustments to accommodate the large-font disclaimer.
  • Scope: Limited to documents printed by the Legislative Printing Unit; does not cover all forms of communication.
  • Fiscal considerations: The bill does not specify funding or cost offsets, but implementation could entail minor printing/design costs.
  • Enforcement: The bill does not specify penalties or enforcement mechanisms; it primarily creates a labeling requirement.

Summary

HB3547 seeks to increase transparency around taxpayer-funded legislative mail by mandating a clearly visible disclaimer on the envelopes of all mailings produced by the Legislative Printing Unit for constituents. If enacted, the measure would add a mandatory, large-font statement on such envelopes indicating that the mailing was paid with Illinois taxpayers’ funds. The bill is currently in committee stages, with its sponsor and companion bill noted.

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

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