Proposed Legislation in Illinois Could Significantly Impact the Structure of Local Township Government
Township government is one of the oldest forms of local government in North America, with its origins dating back to the early colonial period. Local self-governance developed from the necessity for communities to unite and address shared concerns. In Illinois, the option for township government was established in the state's 1848 Constitution; and by 1850, townships began to operate.
Recent proposed legislation in the Illinois 104th General Assembly could significantly impact the structure of local township government. HB2515, SB2217, and SB2504, introduced in March, would alter the powers and functions of townships, effectively changing their structure without requiring voter approval. Representative Joe C. Sosowski (R), from the 69th District, introduced House Bill 2515. Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D), representing the 23rd District, introduced Senate Bills 2217 and 2504. Senator Don Harmon (D), representing the 39th District, became the Chief Sponsor of SB2504 on April 4, 2025.
Picture Source: https://kendallkin.org/research-aids/maps.html
HB2515 proposes a significant restructuring of local government by dissolving townships with populations under 500. If passed, the bill would transfer the responsibilities, assets, and liabilities of these small townships to their respective county governments within two years.
SB2217 proposes to dissolve or consolidate smaller townships with populations of fewer than 5,000. These townships would be required to either consolidate with an adjacent township or be absorbed by the county containing their geographic boundaries.
SB2504 proposes abolishing the offices of township and multi-township assessors in counties with populations under 50,000 upon the expiration of their current terms.
Senator Sue Rezin (R), representing the 38th District, voiced her opposition on Facebook. Rezin said in a post, “Governor Pritzker’s push for township consolidation is nothing more than a hidden property tax hike. Merging townships with counties will lead to massive cost increases that will hit your wallet. Townships are local, efficient, and cost-effective. But when counties take over, it means bigger government, higher paychecks, and increased costs. The result? Your property taxes will skyrocket! Let’s keep our townships local, efficient, and accountable!”
State Senator Sue Rezin, March 19, 2025, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BSyEb9i1q/
Representative Jed Davis (R), from the 75th District, stated that he opposed HB2525, SB2217, and SB2504.
Davis said, “These bills would dismantle longstanding township structures serving our communities with direct, local accountability. Consolidation might sound efficient on paper, but in practice, it strips control from residents and hands it to a distant layer of government.”
Davis went on to say, “Our townships are closest to the people—they respond quickly, manage roads, provide aid, and do it with a level of stewardship larger governments often fail to match. The push to eliminate or consolidate them under the banner of “efficiency” ignores the real-life value of local leadership.”
Representative Davis voiced how these bills would directly impact the area he represents.
“In areas like Kendall County, where rural and small-town voices are already under pressure, these bills would only widen the disconnect between government and the governed. I stand with the Township Officials of Illinois and local residents in opposing this top-down approach. Rather than eliminating local government, we should be looking for ways to strengthen it and protect the principles of self-governance and community responsibility.”
The Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) is a statewide organization focused on supporting and advocating for township governments in Illinois. TOI accomplishes this by providing legislative advocacy, education, and support to ensure that townships can effectively serve their communities while maintaining local control. TOI has expressed opposition to the proposed bills regarding township consolidation. They have urged township boards and electors at the Annual Township Meeting to adopt resolutions opposing these consolidation issues. You can see a copy of the proposed Resolutions on their website here.
Throughout the state, Illinois townships will hold their Annual Township meetings on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, a long-standing tradition of direct democracy. Mandated for the second Tuesday in April, these meetings provide a platform for the People to engage actively in the governance of their communities. The annual township meeting is a distinctive aspect of Illinois government, allowing electors, within the township, to have a direct voice in local matters.
Check your local township within Kendall County for the location and time of the meetings listed below.
Concerns have been raised about the constitutionality of the proposed legislation. According to Article VII, Section 5 of the Illinois Constitution, a referendum process is required to dissolve a township, which safeguards the rights of local voters to decide how their local governments are structured.
You can track the progress of the following bills through the links provided below: