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HB 5486

STUDY-GENEALOGIC AFFAIR OFFICE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Carol Ammons and 5 co-sponsors

The bill directs a study to evaluate creating a Genealogical Affairs Office, not its immediate establishment.

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Bill Summary · HB 5486

Summary of HB 5486 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Title

STUDY-GENEALOGIC AFFAIR OFFICE

Purpose and Intent

HB 5486 proposes establishing a study related to the creation or operation of a Genealogic Affairs Office. The bill appears to authorize/require a study to examine the feasibility, structure, and potential impact of an office dedicated to genealogical affairs. The exact text provided indicates a focus on amending language to include gender-inclusive terminology (“his or her” → “his or her” with an amendment inserting “her” after “his or” on one line), but the substantive aim centers on a study about genealogical matters.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Amendments: The bill contains House Floor Amendments that adjust language to ensure gender-inclusive phrasing. Specifically, Amendment No. 2 adds “her” after “his or” to maintain inclusive terminology.
  • Study Framework (inferred): While the exact study parameters are not listed in the excerpt, the title indicates the bill would direct a study concerning a Genealogic (Genealogical) Affairs Office. Typical elements of such studies include:
    • Purpose and scope of the office
    • Administrative structure and staffing
    • Funding and budget implications
    • Legal authorities and jurisdiction
    • Potential programs or services (e.g., genealogical records, research services, public access)
    • Interagency coordination and governance
    • Privacy, archival standards, and data protection considerations
    • Timeline and milestones for implementation (if the study recommends creation of the office)
  • No immediate creation of the office: The bill as described implies a study rather than immediate establishment of a new department or office. The study would likely culminate in a report with findings and recommendations.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • State government and agencies involved in genealogy, archives, records, and public history in Illinois.
  • Potential beneficiaries include researchers, genealogists, residents seeking genealogical records, and educators who rely on historical and family history resources.
  • Administrative and budgetary impacts would primarily affect the Illinois state government if the study leads to expansion of government functions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Principals and sponsorship:
    • Primary sponsor: Rep. Carol Ammons
    • Co-sponsors: Rep. Marcus Evans, Rep. Sonya Harper, Rep. La Shawn Ford, Rep. Justin Slaughter
  • Amendments:
    • Amendment No. 1 (April 9, 2026): Referred to Rules Committee after being filed
    • Amendment No. 2 (April 16–17, 2026): Referred to Rules Committee; includes gender-neutral language adjustments
  • Committee and floor actions:
    • Assigned to State Government Administration Committee (March 12, 2026)
    • Do Pass / Short Debate reported from committee (March 19, 2026) with 6-3-0 vote
    • Floor amendments filed and processed (April 9–17, 2026)
    • House Floor Action: Amendment-related rulings and further re-references to Rules Committee (April 17, 2026)
  • Current status: As of the provided information, the bill has undergone amendments and was moving through the Rules Committee after floor amendments, with a history of committee passage and subsequent floor consideration.

Notes for Readers

  • The core substantive action is a study directive, not immediate establishment. If the study supports it, a future bill could detail a path to creating a Genealogical Affairs Office, including funding, authority, and governance.
  • The bill’s amendments primarily refine language for inclusivity rather than altering the study’s scope.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar genealogy/archive offices in other states or outline a potential outline for what a final report might include if the study proceeds.

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

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