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HB 3079

Relating to youth homelessness.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Andersen and 17 co-sponsors

Sets a 45-day deemed-approval for AG review of public land titles for state projects, speeding payments and purchases.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3079

Summary — HB 3079 (104th General Assembly)

Status: In committee upon adjournment (last action: 2025-06-28)
Primary sponsor: Rep. Jay Hoffman

Note on content: Although the user metadata lists the bill title as “Relating to youth homelessness,” the text of HB 3079 (introduced 2/6/2025 by Rep. Jay Hoffman) amends the Public Contract Fraud Act (30 ILCS 545/2). This summary describes the bill text provided.

Purpose and intent

HB 3079 amends Section 2 of the Public Contract Fraud Act to establish a statutory deadline for the Attorney General’s review of titles to land needed for public works and to provide a default approval if the Attorney General does not act within that timeframe. The measure is intended to reduce delays in acquiring land titles and permitting payment for land for public projects.

Key provisions

  • Amends 30 ILCS 545/2 (Public Contract Fraud Act).
  • Adds subsection (c-5): if the Attorney General fails to approve or disapprove a submitted title within 45 days of submittal, the title is deemed approved.
  • Retains existing core provisions:
    • It is a Class A misdemeanor to expend public funds or commence work on a public improvement without first obtaining title to all lands needed and having the title approved by the Attorney General and certified by the Secretary of State.
    • Existing exceptions allowing the State Comptroller to draw warrants without Attorney General approval remain where consideration does not exceed $25,000 and the acquisition is for specified purposes (highway right-of-way fee simple or easement; certain access/crossing/light/air/view easements for freeways; utility line easements or connections for permanent State-owned improvements; or flood relief/water resource projects).
    • Exemptions for Illinois Building Authority projects and certain leasehold improvements remain unchanged.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies and officers responsible for public works and land acquisition (construction, transportation, water resources, utilities).
  • The Attorney General’s office (reduced time discretion; review timeline imposed).
  • The State Comptroller and Secretary of State (procedural impacts for payment draws and certification).
  • Landowners and contractors involved in state land acquisitions and public improvement projects.
  • Potentially, parties who might be disadvantaged if titles deemed approved despite unresolved title defects.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Likely reduces delays in land acquisition payments and project starts when Attorney General review is slow or backlogged.
  • Creates the possibility that a title could be “deemed approved” without an affirmative Attorney General review, which may increase legal risk if title defects later surface.
  • May shift workload and litigation risk between the Attorney General’s office, state agencies, and private parties.
  • Existing small-dollar exceptions ($25,000) and other statutory exemptions remain in place.

Legislative timeline (selected actions)

  • Introduced: 2/6/2025 (Rep. Jay Hoffman); filed with clerk 2/20/2025 (records vary).
  • Referred to Rules Committee and to various substantive committees (State Government Administration; Environmental Regulation noted).
  • State Government Administration Committee: Do Pass / Short Debate (3/20/2025).
  • Public hearing: 2/25/2025 (one earlier hearing canceled 2/13/2025).
  • Readings and calendar actions in March 2025; re-referred to Rules (4/11/2025).
  • Status as of 6/28/2025: In committee upon adjournment.

Statutory reference: 30 ILCS 545/2 (Public Contract Fraud Act) — amendment adding subsection (c-5).

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

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