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HB 3639

Relating to collection of system development charges.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Helfrich

The bill prioritizes grants to expand urban canopy in underserved areas, tying aid to inventories, planning, and a 50% match requirement.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3639

HB 3639 — Community Forestry Assistance (Summary)

Status: Rule 19(a) / Re‑referred to Rules Committee
Introduced: February 18, 2025 (Rep. Maura Hirschauer)
House Amendment 001 filed: March 12, 2025 (minor wording edits)
Related: SB 157 and SB 671 (companions)
Co‑sponsors: Norma Hernandez, Katie Stuart, Barbara Hernandez

Main purpose

Amend the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act to (1) clarify who may apply for grants, (2) refine definitions and planning requirements for urban/community forestry, (3) specify the Department of Natural Resources’ duties, and (4) set grant application and award standards to prioritize canopy growth—especially in underserved or disadvantaged areas.

Key provisions

  • Definitions

    • "Applicant" is defined as either (i) a unit of local government or (ii) an Illinois‑chartered not‑for‑profit acting as a co‑applicant with a local government.
    • Defines terms such as "public trees," "public tree inventory," and "underserved or disadvantaged" (tied to USDA Forest Service federal grant designations).
    • Requires an Urban and Community Forestry Management Plan to be based on a public tree inventory less than 10 years old and to include minimum content as prescribed by Department rules.

  • Duties of the Department of Natural Resources

    • Promote development of urban/community forestry plans with local governments.
    • Provide technical expertise, planning, guidance, project review, oversight of grant recipients, and information to the Illinois Forestry Development Council and other agencies.

  • Grant application and evaluation

    • Grant proposals must include activities that implement or enhance: Illinois Forest Action Plan objectives; local program objectives in an approved management plan; tree canopy capacity in underserved/disadvantaged areas; or overall improvement of urban/community forest canopy or management programs.
    • Evaluation criteria include environmental quality improvements, job creation in tree care, public health and heat‑island mitigation, energy savings, community commitment to management, public awareness/volunteer engagement, and assistance to underserved communities.

  • Grant funding rules

    • Grants are made from General Revenue, the Urban and Community Forestry Development Fund, or other appropriations.
    • Applicants generally must provide at least a 50% match (cash or allowable in‑kind contributions that meet federal/state requirements).
    • A single grant to a local government may not exceed 5% of the department’s grant program allocation for the fiscal year.
    • Department must seek input from the Forestry Development Council when awarding grants.

  • House Amendment 001

    • Minor wording changes (e.g., replacing “government” with “local government”; capitalization adjustments) without substantive policy changes.

Who is affected

  • Units of local government (primary applicants) and partnering Illinois not‑for‑profits
  • Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Forestry Development Council
  • Underserved or disadvantaged communities targeted for canopy expansion
  • Local tree care contractors and workforce (potential job impacts)
  • Local budgets (matching requirement may affect small jurisdictions)

Procedural timeline / current status

  • Introduced Feb 18, 2025; first reading and committee referrals in late Feb–Mar 2025
  • Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee; House Committee Amendment No. 1 adopted Mar 18, 2025; Do Pass as amended (9–0)
  • Read in the House (March 25, 2025); re‑referred to Rules Committee under Rule 19(a) on April 11, 2025
  • Pending further action in the Rules Committee and subsequent floor consideration.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Strengthens emphasis on inventory‑based urban forestry planning and directs resources to disadvantaged areas.
  • The 50% match and 5% grant cap could limit small municipalities' ability to participate unless supported by partner not‑for‑profits or multi‑jurisdiction proposals.
  • May increase demand for tree care professionals and produce public‑health and energy‑saving co‑benefits where implemented.

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

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