Bill
HB 3546
Creates a multi-stakeholder process to ensure continued services and rights for Illinois residents before SB 867 land transfer to the Potawatomi, with a 2030 report.
Status and sponsor
- Introduced by Rep. Bradley Fritts (first readings Feb–Mar 2025).
- Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025; effective immediately.
- The Act is linked to Senate Bill 867 (103rd GA), which would transfer specified State park lands to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe.
Purpose
- Establish a Task Force to identify and negotiate the agreements and provisions necessary to ensure continuation of public services and protect the rights of Illinois citizens living on land proposed to be transferred to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe under SB 867.
Key provisions
- Establishes the Potawatomi Land Transfer Task Force (the “Task Force”).
- Primary duty: determine what intergovernmental, service, utility, and management agreements (and specific provisions) are needed so that Illinois residents living on the land that would become a Native American reservation continue to receive services.
- Membership: 40 specified members appointed by the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on or before January 1, 2026. Members represent the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe, the state legislators representing the affected district, DeKalb County, Shabbona Township and Village of Shabbona, local law enforcement, fire, EMS, nearby hospitals, schools, colleges/universities, library, housing authority, utilities (electric, natural gas, water/sewer), waste management, environmental and conservation authorities, transit, road and drainage districts, park, forest preserve, museum, cemetery, flood prevention, mosquito abatement, assessment district, public building commission, surface water district, and other local entities.
- Administration: DNR provides administrative support to the Task Force.
- Report requirement: Task Force must produce a comprehensive report summarizing its work and listing provisions that must be adopted in a land management agreement pursuant to Section 3b of the State Parks Act. Report due on or before December 31, 2030.
- Land-transfer condition: The land transfer specified in SB 867 shall not occur until the Task Force completes its final report and its recommendations are adopted by both the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe and the State of Illinois (via the DNR) in an official land management agreement under the State Parks Act.
- Dissolution: The Task Force dissolves upon completion of the land transfer or if the transfer is rescinded or overturned.
- Conditional text: Certain statutory amendments to SB 867 contained in HB 3546 take effect only if and when SB 867 becomes law.
Who is affected
- Residents living on the land proposed for transfer (Illinois citizens) — focus on continuation of services and rights protection.
- Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe.
- Local governments and service providers in DeKalb County, Shabbona Township, and Village of Shabbona (public safety, schools, hospitals, utilities, park/conservation entities, public works, etc.).
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources (appointment authority and administrative duties).
Timeline and procedural highlights
- Director must appoint Task Force members by January 1, 2026.
- Final comprehensive report due by December 31, 2030.
- The land transfer under SB 867 is explicitly conditioned on completion of the Task Force’s report and mutual adoption of the recommended land-management provisions by the Tribe and State.
Potential impacts / practical considerations
- Creates a formal multi-stakeholder process to address continuity of services and local-government responsibilities before a state-owned park is transferred to tribal ownership.
- Could delay any transfer under SB 867 until agreements are negotiated and adopted; the report and adoption requirement establish a multi-year process culminating in 2030 unless parties act sooner.
- Gives local service providers and governmental units a statutory role in shaping the post-transfer governance and service arrangements.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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