Bill
SB 1719
Allows local Illinois governments to store public records electronically, with a secure secondary copy and retrievability in case of data loss or disaster.
Status (most recent): Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 filed and re‑referred to Assignments (Rule 3‑9(a)) — 2025-06-02. Originated in the Senate; bill and amendment activity through May–June 2025.
Summary
- Purpose: To allow units of local government in Illinois to satisfy statutory public‑records storage requirements by storing records in electronic form, subject to maintaining a secure secondary copy.
- Statutory change: Adds Section 22 to the Local Records Act (new 50 ILCS 205/22).
Key provisions
- Electronic storage permitted: A unit of local government required to store public records under the Local Records Act may meet that requirement by storing the records electronically.
- Secondary copy required: The unit must maintain a secondary copy of public records in a secure storage system.
- Security and retrievability standards: The secondary storage must
1. comply with industry standards for data security, confidentiality, and accessibility; and
2. ensure that records are retrievable if data loss, corruption, or a disaster affects the primary storage medium.
What the bill does not specify
- The amendment does not define particular technical standards (e.g., encryption levels, specific certifications), retention schedules, audit or certification procedures, who enforces compliance, or funding for local implementation.
Who is affected
- All units of local government in Illinois that are subject to the Local Records Act (e.g., counties, municipalities, special districts) — they may convert or maintain records electronically but must implement a compliant secondary storage solution.
- Indirectly affects IT vendors, cloud/storage providers, and records managers who will support or validate secure electronic storage and disaster‑recovery processes.
Potential impact and considerations
- Modernization: Enables digital recordkeeping and may reduce physical storage needs, improve access, and streamline records management.
- Implementation costs: Local governments may incur costs to procure secure secondary storage systems, update policies, and train staff.
- Security and compliance: The requirement to meet “industry standards” creates a flexibility but also uncertainty about acceptable measures; local governments may seek guidance or standards from state archives or IT authorities.
- Risk mitigation: Mandating a secondary copy and retrievability requirement helps protect records against data loss or disasters.
Legislative history highlights
- Introduced Feb 27, 2025. Committee amendment (Senate Committee Amendment No. 1) filed Mar 14, 2025, replacing earlier text. Passed/processed through several calendar and committee steps in Spring 2025 and, as of June 2, 2025, was re‑referred to Assignments under Rule 3‑9(a).
Sponsor(s)
- Primary sponsors: Sally Ann Gonzales; Li Arellano, Jr. (listed among sponsors/co‑sponsors)
- Multiple co‑sponsors from both parties.
Citation
- Proposed new statute: 50 ILCS 205/22 (Local Records Act).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
