Bill

HB 3189

Relating to the Oregon Arts Commission; declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Andersen and 13 co-sponsors

Creates an Office of Faith-Based Community Development Services to connect faith groups with grants, provide assistance, and coordinate interfaith and housing efforts.

In committee upon adjournment.

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HB 3189

Note on source material
The document text you provided is an Illinois bill (104th General Assembly, House Bill 3189) that would amend the Illinois Secretary of State Act to create an Office of Faith‑Based Community Development Services. The initial header in your request referring to the Oregon Arts Commission appears to be incorrect or unrelated to the bill text below. This summary follows the Illinois HB 3189 text you supplied.

Summary — HB 3189 (Illinois, 104th General Assembly)

Purpose

HB 3189 would create an Office of Faith‑Based Community Development Services within the Office of the Secretary of State. The stated purpose is to connect faith‑based community organizations with grant opportunities and to provide application assistance and other supports to strengthen faith‑based community engagement and service delivery.

Key provisions

Adds a new Section 21 to the Secretary of State Act (15 ILCS 305/21 new).
Requires the Secretary of State to establish an Office of Faith‑Based Community Development Services tasked to:
- Connect faith‑based community organizations with grant opportunities and assist with grant applications.
- Promote collaboration and unity among diverse groups and foster interfaith dialogue.
- Encourage interagency collaboration to provide comprehensive support services.
- Ensure equitable distribution of resources among different community groups.
- Leverage faith‑based properties to increase housing opportunities.
- Develop guides on mental health, grant application processes, housing initiatives, and creating sensory‑friendly spaces for the faith community.
Requires the Secretary of State to appoint an Interfaith Advisory Council to advise the Office and collaborate with religious communities in Illinois.
(Draft contains duplicated/garbled language in places; the core functions above reflect the bill’s stated intent.)

Who would be affected

Faith‑based community organizations across Illinois (eligibility for connection to grants and technical assistance).
The Secretary of State’s office (responsibility to create and staff the new Office and appoint an advisory council).
Communities served by faith‑based entities (potentially increased access to housing and mental‑health resources).
State budget and appropriations (administrative costs for creating and operating the Office and advisory council; grant‑administration activities may require funding).

Procedural status and timeline (selected)

Filed/First readings: Feb 18–21, 2025.
Referred to various committees (Criminal Jurisprudence; Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade; Ways and Means at times per referrals).
Public hearing(s) and work sessions held in February–March 2025.
2025-03-12: Committee recommended “Do pass with amendments” and referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.
2025-04-24: Considered in subcommittee; testimony recorded; left pending in subcommittee.
2025-06-28: Status listed as “In committee upon adjournment.”

Potential impacts and considerations

Positive: Could improve grant access and technical assistance for faith‑based organizations, support housing projects using faith properties, and promote coordinated service delivery.
Budget/administration: Implementation requires staff, administrative resources, and possibly appropriations not specified in the bill text.
Legal/constitutional: As a program centered on religious organizations, the Office’s activities may raise Establishment Clause considerations and will likely require careful structuring to ensure compliance with federal and state constitutional limits on government aid to religious institutions.
Equity/oversight: The bill’s emphasis on “equitable distribution” will require criteria and oversight mechanisms to ensure impartial allocation of support among diverse communities.