NEC AWARENESS MONTH/DAY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Balkema and 1 co-sponsor

Designates NEC Awareness Month/Day in Illinois to educate, engage communities, and encourage events, without funding or regulatory changes.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of SR 696 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

SR 696 designates a specific time to recognize and promote awareness of NEC awareness. The resolution establishes a formal recognition within the Illinois Senate, signaling the body’s support for increased public attention to NEC-related issues (the acronym typically stands for a specific condition, organization, or awareness cause as defined by the sponsor; the exact interpretation may depend on accompanying legislative context or floor amendments).

Key provisions

Designation: The resolution designates an NEC Awareness Month and/or NEC Awareness Day to be observed in Illinois. This creates an official state-recognized period for education, outreach, and advocacy related to NEC.

Observance activities (implied): While the text of a resolution typically lists customary actions, SR 696 would commonly authorize or encourage activities such as:

public awareness campaigns
educational events at schools, libraries, and community organizations
recognition ceremonies or proclamations by local governments
dissemination of information to residents about NEC-related topics

Scope: The resolution applies to the Illinois General Assembly’s recognition and does not, by itself, mandate state funding or regulatory changes. It serves as a formal expression of legislative support and a call to action for communities to observe the designated period.

Who would be affected

General public in Illinois: The resolution aims to raise awareness among residents about NEC-related issues.

Illinois state agencies and local governments: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities and to support related events.

Stakeholders and organizations focused on NEC: Likely to benefit from official recognition, potential partnerships, and amplified outreach during the designated month/day.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Filed and referred: The resolution was filed with the Secretary and referred to assignments on April 10, 2026.

Assigned and sponsor support: Co-sponsors include Sen. Don Harmon and Sen. Chris Balkema (added as chief co-sponsor on April 29, 2026; Harmon later noted as a co-sponsor).

Committee/assignment steps: The action history shows progression through typical resolution routing, culminating in approval for consideration and placement on the calendar.

Final action: The Senate adopted the resolution on May 6, 2026.

Potential impact

symbolic and educational impact: Establishes an official observance that can galvanize public education and community engagement around NEC.

Public visibility: Increases media coverage and public dialogue during the designated period.

No immediate fiscal or regulatory changes: As a resolution, it does not prescribe funding, rulemaking, or statutory mandates; rather, it expresses the Senate’s support and encourages voluntary participation by organizations and residents.

If you need, I can provide a more detailed glossary of NEC in this specific context or compare SR 696 with similar awareness resolutions in other states.