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HB 61

PROP TX-BALLOT INITIATIVES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Diane Blair-Sherlock

HB 61 would allow Illinois voters to place property tax-related ballot initiatives directly before voters through citizen petition, bypassing the state legislature.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 61

Legislative bill overview

HB 61 proposes a mechanism for Illinoisans to initiate ballot measures related to property tax policy through a citizen-led initiative process. The bill would establish procedural requirements for collecting signatures, qualifying proposals, and placing property tax-related initiatives on the ballot for statewide voter consideration.

Why is this important

Property taxes are a major source of revenue for Illinois schools, local governments, and services, making them politically contentious. Enabling direct ballot initiatives on this issue would allow citizens to bypass the legislature and directly shape tax policy, potentially leading to significant changes in how Illinois funds public services depending on voter preferences.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact uncertainty – Voter-approved tax changes could dramatically reduce government revenues without clear mechanisms to offset lost funding for schools and services
  • Ballot complexity – Property tax policy is highly technical; ballot initiatives may oversimplify complex issues or create unintended consequences
  • Legislative power – Critics may argue this circumvents the legislature's deliberative process, while supporters see it as necessary democratic accountability given public frustration with tax levels
  • Regional disparities – Statewide ballot measures may not account for different property tax needs across urban, suburban, and rural Illinois communities

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

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