Relating to the Department of Environmental Quality.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Em Levy

DCEO will create a technical assistance program to strengthen regional manufacturing partnerships among manufacturers, schools, and workforce groups, funded by appropriation.

In committee upon adjournment.

Summary — HB 3091 (DCEO — Regional Manufacturing)

Bill: HB 3091
Title: DCEO — REGIONAL MANUFACTURING (adds 20 ILCS 605/605-1118)
Sponsor: Rep. Suzanne M. Ness; Co‑sponsor: Rep. Camille Y. Lilly
Introduced: February 2025 (filed Feb 20, 2025) — Engrossed version LRB104 08970 HLH 19025 b
Current status (as of 2025-04-11): Rule 19(a) / Re‑referred to Rules Committee

Main purpose / intent

HB 3091 directs the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to develop a program of technical assistance to support regional manufacturing partnerships. The goal is to strengthen collaboration among manufacturers, education providers, and workforce stakeholders to support regional manufacturing capacity and workforce development.

Key provisions

Adds a new statutory section to the DCEO Law: 20 ILCS 605/605‑1118.

Requires DCEO to develop a program of technical assistance in support of regional manufacturing partnerships.

Specifies that the program shall include collaboration with:

Employer associations representing manufacturers;
Secondary and postsecondary educational institutions, including public universities and community colleges; and
Workforce stakeholders, including local workforce innovation boards and local workforce innovation areas.

Implementation is expressly “subject to appropriation,” i.e., the program depends on funding being provided by the General Assembly.

Who is affected

DCEO: tasked with designing and operating the program.

Manufacturers and employer associations: intended beneficiaries and partners.

Educational institutions (high schools, community colleges, public universities): partners for training and curriculum alignment.

Workforce entities (local workforce innovation boards/areas): partners for recruitment, training, and placement.

Local/regional economies may be affected via workforce pipeline improvements and strengthened manufacturing partnerships.

Procedural / timeline notes

Filed Feb 20, 2025; first readings and committee referrals occurred in Feb–Mar 2025.

Assigned to State Government Administration Committee (Mar 4, 2025); Committee recommended “Do Pass / Short Debate” (Mar 12, 2025) — recorded 8‑0‑0.

Placed on House calendar for further readings (Mar 13–25, 2025).

Referred to Energy Resources (Mar 20, 2025).

Added co‑sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly (Apr 10, 2025).

As of Apr 11, 2025, returned under Rule 19(a) and re‑referred to Rules Committee.

Notes / considerations

The bill sets a policy direction but does not specify program budget, performance metrics, timeline for rollout, or administrative details; all implementation depends on separate appropriations and DCEO rule/practice.

Potential benefits include better alignment of training to employer needs, improved regional coordination, and strengthened manufacturing workforce pipelines; actual results will depend on funding and program design.