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HB 5268

LEVEL LAKE MICHIGAN-WATER SALE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Robyn Gabel

The bill would authorize selling or allocating Lake Michigan water to eligible buyers under defined terms, with safeguards, oversight, and reporting.

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Bill Summary · HB 5268

Bill Summary: HB 5268 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

HB 5268, titled “Level Lake Michigan-Water Sale,” appears to address the sale or allocation of Lake Michigan water under certain conditions. The bill is sponsored in the House with Robyn Gabel as a co-sponsor. The core focus is on governing the sale or distribution of Lake Michigan water, potentially in relation to water level management, intergovernmental agreements, or sales to municipalities or other entities. (Note: as provided, the exact text of the bill is not included here; this summary reflects the bill’s stated title and sponsor information and outlines typical areas such a bill would cover.)

Key provisions and changes (as typically associated with a lake-water sale bill)

  • Authority to sell or allocate water: The bill would establish or modify the state’s authority to sell, lease, or otherwise allocate Lake Michigan water to eligible purchasers.
  • Eligibility and approval processes: Criteria for who may purchase water (e.g., municipalities, regional water suppliers, or other entities) and the required approvals (state agency endorsements, legislative oversight, or commission determinations).
  • Pricing and terms: Potential pricing structures, rate-setting authority, and any tiered pricing, surcharges, or long-term contracts governing water sales.
  • Usage limitations: Restrictions on how water can be used, including prohibitions or conditions on export outside the state or beyond specified purposes.
  • Environmental and resource safeguards: Provisions to protect Lake Michigan’s water levels and ecosystem, including drought response mechanisms, conservation requirements, and impact assessments.
  • Reporting and accountability: Requirements for annual reporting, auditing, or transparency measures regarding sales, volumes sold, and revenue generated.
  • Interagency coordination: Roles for state agencies (e.g., Department of Natural Resources, Water Resources) and potential collaboration with regional commissions or local governments.
  • Sunset or amendment clauses: Provisions for review, renewal, or adjustment of the authorization.

Who would be affected

  • Municipalities and water suppliers: Entities that would purchase Lake Michigan water or enter long-term supply commitments.
  • Local governments and regional authorities: Entities involved in planning, rate setting, and water-system management.
  • Residents and ratepayers: End users who may be affected by changes in water pricing, supply reliability, or service conditions.
  • State agencies: Agencies responsible for implementing, regulating, and auditing water sales and ensuring environmental safeguards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill would proceed through the Illinois General Assembly with standard legislative steps: committee consideration, potential amendments, floor debate, and votes in both chambers, followed by the governor’s signature or veto.
  • If the bill includes effective dates, these would specify when sales authority activates, when rates take effect, and any transitional provisions for existing contracts.
  • Any reporting or sunset provisions would define the duration of the authority and the schedule for reevaluation or renewal.

Notes for readers

  • The exact fiscal impact, specific sale terms, and procedural details depend on the bill’s full text. If you have access to the bill’s language, I can provide a line-by-line annotated analysis and a more precise impact assessment.
  • The summary above emphasizes accessibility and clarity, outlining the typical scope and potential effects of legislation authorizing or regulating the sale of Lake Michigan water in Illinois.

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

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