Bill
SB 1417
SB 1417 would protect and restore Lincoln’s New Salem Site by creating a preservation commission or requiring a DNR-led assessment and restoration plan, plus related governance cha
Status snapshot
- Bill number: SB 1417
- Title: New Salem Preservation (also titled New Salem Preservation Commission Act / New Salem Historic Site Restoration Act in amendment text)
- Introduced: Feb 19, 2025 (multiple drafts/amendments filed March–April 2025)
- Sponsors: Sen. Steve McClure (primary) and multiple co-sponsors; companion bill HB 1098.
- Current procedural status (as of documents provided): multiple Senate floor amendments filed (Mar–Apr 2025); referred to Assignments; reported out of committee favorably in some versions. The bill text has been substantially replaced by floor amendments.
Overview / primary purpose
SB 1417 is focused on preservation, assessment and restoration of Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. The bill (as amended) seeks to create a permanent advisory body and/or require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assess site conditions, develop a restoration plan, and report to the General Assembly. The intent is to address deterioration of reconstructed 1830s structures (including the Grist Mill), improve volunteer coordination, preserve historic fabric, and promote continued public access and tourism.
Key provisions (aggregate from amendment drafts)
- Findings: Recognizes New Salem’s historical value, prior private investment (the New Salem Lincoln League has invested over $1,000,000), and present deterioration of structures (fences, roofs, grist mill, etc.).
- New Salem Preservation Commission (one amendment):
- Establishes a commission within the DNR to monitor site condition, recommend repairs/maintenance, advise on volunteer coordination and eligibility/retention.
- Composition: multiple stakeholders — the President of the New Salem Lincoln League (chair), several legislative appointees (Senate/House members), representatives from DNR Division of Historic Preservation, Illinois State Museum, Abraham Lincoln Association, New Salem community/descendants, Department of Transportation, and a labor org representative (13 members in that draft).
- Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses from appropriated funds.
- DNR to provide administrative support; commission to tour site at least annually and submit an annual report to the General Assembly.
- Site assessment & restoration reporting (alternative amendment):
- Requires DNR to conduct a thorough assessment of New Salem structures (including the Grist Mill), identify restoration needs, estimate costs and timelines, and recommend maintenance practices.
- Requires submission of a comprehensive report/renovation plan to the General Assembly; one draft specifies delivery “no later than 90 days after commencement of the site assessment.”
- Amendments to Historic Preservation law (in one draft):
- Changes composition/appointment criteria for the State Historic Preservation Board, adding members with specified expertise and requiring inclusive representation; gives the Board expanded advisory/administrative duties related to historic site designations and preservation.
Who is affected / potential impacts
- Directly affected: Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, DNR (Division of Historic Preservation), New Salem Lincoln League, Abraham Lincoln Association, local Menard County community, volunteer programs, and visitors/tourism stakeholders.
- Fiscal impact: The bill authorizes reimbursements and contemplates restoration activities; actual funding would depend on future appropriations. The assessment and restoration could require state capital or operating funds.
- Administrative impact: DNR will have new assessment, reporting and administrative responsibilities; a new advisory commission (if adopted) will require staffing support.
Procedural / timeline notes and uncertainties
- The bill has multiple, substantially different replacement amendments filed (March–April 2025). Some drafts create a commission; others require DNR assessment/reporting and amend the Historic Preservation Act. Several sections in draft amendments contain placeholders (e.g., number of days to commence an assessment) or editorial inconsistencies.
- Sponsors have advanced floor amendments and the bill has been referred to Assignments. Passage will depend on resolution of amendment language, committee action, and appropriations.
- If enacted, one draft states the act would be effective immediately.
Key takeaway
SB 1417 (as amended) is legislative action aimed at protecting and restoring Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site via (a) creation of a stakeholder preservation commission and/or (b) a DNR-led structural assessment and restoration plan, together with changes to historic-preservation governance. The bill’s final substance depends on which amendment language is adopted and on future appropriations for restoration work.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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