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HB 3047

Relating to economic development.

2025 Regular Session

HB 3047 creates a Voting Rights Act of 2025 to bar election policies causing disparate impacts on protected groups and require language access in elections.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3047

HB 3047 — Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2025 (Introduced)

Note: the bill packet header lists "Relating to economic development," but the text of HB 3047 amends the Illinois Election Code and establishes a Voting Rights Act and a Language Access in Elections Article. Its short title in the text is the "Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2025."

Purpose

HB 3047 adds two new Articles (3A and 3B) to the Illinois Election Code to strengthen protections for the right to vote, to prohibit election policies and practices that produce disparate outcomes for protected groups, and to require language access for eligible voters in specified circumstances. The stated policy goals are to maximize voter participation and ensure equal opportunity to exercise the franchise without discrimination on account of race, color, or membership in a language minority group.

Key provisions

  • Establishes Article 3A, titled the "Voting Rights Act of 2025," with:

    • A purpose section affirming protections under the Illinois and U.S. Constitutions.
    • A broad prohibition on political subdivisions, State agencies, and election administrators from implementing/enforcing any election policy, practice, action, or omission that results in, is likely to result in, or is intended to result in disparate outcomes in voting participation, access, or political process opportunities for members of a protected class.
    • Definitions for core terms, including:
    • "At‑large method of election," "District‑based method of election," and "Share‑based method of election" (explicitly including cumulative voting, limited voting, single transferable vote, party‑list/slate‑list systems).
    • "Political subdivision," "Protected class" (race, color, language minority groups), and "Voting eligible population."
    • A rule that statutes, regulations, charters, and procedures should be liberally construed in favor of protecting the right to vote (enumerating protections such as protecting ballots, registration access, vote counting, and access for protected class members).

  • Establishes Article 3B, titled "Language Access in Elections," requiring local election authorities to provide language assistance for elections conducted in a political subdivision that meets specified conditions (text references thresholds/conditions but full criteria are not included in the excerpt).

  • Adds a new line in the Illinois Compiled Statutes (30 ILCS 105/5.1030 new) — likely administrative/appropriation language (not detailed in provided text).

  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.

Who is affected

  • Political subdivisions (counties, cities, school districts, boards of election commissioners, county clerks, etc.).
  • State agencies and any government officials or entities involved in election administration.
  • Local election authorities required to provide language assistance where conditions are met.
  • Voters, particularly members of protected classes (racial, color, or language minority groups).

Procedural status & timeline

  • Introduced by Rep. Kam Buckner (primary) with Rep. Lisa Davis as cosponsor.
  • Filed/First reading: February 6 & 19, 2025 (various entries show both dates for filing/reading).
  • Referred to Rules, Ethics & Elections, House Administration; re‑referred under Rule 19(a); most recently listed as "In committee upon adjournment" (June 28, 2025).
  • Companion bill: SB 2100.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Imposes a broad standard prohibiting not only intentional discrimination but also policies that result in or are likely to result in disparate outcomes — potentially prompting review/change of election methods, practices, and administrative rules.
  • May expand language assistance availability for voters in affected political subdivisions, requiring translation, interpreters, or bilingual materials depending on the Article 3B criteria.
  • Could increase litigation and administrative challenges where plaintiffs allege disparate impacts on protected classes under the new state standard.
  • Exact operational and fiscal implications depend on the Article 3B thresholds and any implementing administrative or funding provisions (not fully shown in the excerpt).

For full statutory language and implementation details, consult the bill text and the companion SB 2100.

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

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