Bill
SB 1550
Requires library system membership for eligibility and adds a security-improvement grant, updating equalization and per-capita grants for Illinois libraries.
Status and timeline
- Filed: Feb 4 / Feb 21, 2025 (Senate actions listed)
- Passed both chambers: May 21, 2025
- Sent to Governor: June 18, 2025
- Governor approved: Aug 1, 2025
- Effective date: January 1, 2026
- Enacted as: Public Act 104‑0108
Purpose / intent
- Amend Section 8 of the Illinois Library System Act to (1) clarify which entities are eligible for certain planning/construction grants, (2) require membership in a library system to receive State grants, and (3) add explicit authority for grants to improve or enhance library security. It updates and restates the formulas and administrative authorities for State library grant programs.
Key provisions (by subsection)
- Administration: State grants are administered by the State Librarian under rules in Section 3 and must be used within appropriated funds (including federal/other funds).
- Eligible grant types: (i) annual equalization grants; (ii) Library System grants; (iii) per‑capita grants to public libraries; (iv) planning and construction grants to library systems and to public libraries that are members of a library system; and (v) grants to improve or enhance security of libraries. Libraries must be members of a library system to be eligible.
- Equalization grants (to public libraries with local tax levy):
- Libraries whose corporate authorities levy at least 0.13% of equalized assessed value qualify when that 0.13% levy produces less than $17.50 per capita (for FY2025 and thereafter).
- State Librarian may award grants equal to the difference between revenue from the 0.13% levy and $17.50 per capita.
- If appropriations are insufficient, per‑capita grants are reduced proportionally across qualifying libraries, but no grant shall be reduced below the difference between current levy revenue and $4.25 per capita.
- Libraries that reduce their levy below the level used for the original application become ineligible for further equalization grants.
- Special PTELL (Property Tax Extension Limitation Law) rule: libraries with a levy under 0.13% may still qualify if prior year met requirements and current year extension revenue increased by up to 5% (or CPI increase, whichever is less) and still yields under $17.50 per capita; same grant/drawdown rules apply.
- Library System grants (annual, by application): base formula is $1.46 per capita of population served plus $50.75 per square mile (or fraction). If appropriations differ, per‑capita/area amounts are adjusted proportionally. Additional appropriations (if made) are distributed on the same per‑capita/per‑square‑mile basis.
- For multitype systems and public library systems in cities of 500,000+, funding is apportioned 25% to the multitype system and 75% to the public library system.
- Definitions/administration: “Area served” equals the geographic boundaries approved by the State Librarian. System funds may be used to serve members of other systems if included in the system’s plan and approved. Population determinations use the latest federal census. Corporate authorities may provide a cash equivalent instead of a particular levy rate to meet eligibility.
Who is affected
- Public libraries and regional/multitype library systems in Illinois — particularly small/rural libraries that rely on equalization and system grants.
- Local taxing authorities / corporate authorities that levy taxes for library purposes (because levy levels affect grant eligibility).
- Illinois State Library and State Librarian (administration, eligibility determinations, grant apportionment).
Potential impacts / implementation notes
- Strengthens eligibility and clarifies administration of planning/construction assistance and creates an explicit grant stream for library security improvements.
- The equalization formula aims to guarantee up to $17.50 per capita (subject to available appropriations) for qualifying libraries, with minimum fallback of $4.25 per capita if funding shortfalls occur.
- Libraries subject to PTELL keep a path to equalization aid even with levy reductions, subject to growth limits.
- Actual grant amounts will depend on annual appropriations; the State Librarian has authority to proportionally reduce awards if funds are insufficient.
- Effective Jan 1, 2026 — state agencies and library systems should update grant applications, plans of service, and budgeting assumptions accordingly.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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