(105 ILCS 5/17-2.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 17-2.2)

Sec. 17-2.2. Back door referendum. Whenever any school district first levies a tax at a rate within the limit prescribed by paragraph (3) of Section 17-2 but in excess of the maximum permissible on July 9, 1957, or within the limit prescribed by paragraph (1) or (2) of Section 17-2 but in excess of the maximum permissible on June 30, 1965, or whenever after August 3, 1989 any school district maintaining only grades kindergarten through 8 first levies a tax for transportation purposes for any school year which is within the limit prescribed for that school year by paragraph (5) of Section 17-2 but in excess of the maximum authorized to be levied for such purposes for the 1988-89 school year, or whenever after August 3, 1989 any school district first levies a tax for operations and maintenance purposes for any school year which is within the limit prescribed for that school year by paragraph (3) of Section 17-2 but in excess of the maximum authorized to be levied for such purposes for the immediately preceding school year, the district shall cause to be published such resolution in at least one or more newspapers published in the district, within 10 days after such levy is made. The publication of the resolution shall include a notice of (1) the specific number of voters required to sign a petition requesting that the question of the adoption of the tax levy be submitted to the voters of the district; (2) the time in which the petition must be filed; and (3) the date of the prospective referendum. The district Secretary shall provide a petition form to any individual requesting one. Any taxpayer in such district may, within 30 days after such levy is made, file with the Secretary of the board of education a petition signed by the voters of the district equal to 10% or more of the registered voters of the district requesting the submission to a referendum of the following proposition:

"Shall school district No..... be authorized to levy a tax for (state purposes) in excess of.... but not to exceed.... as authorized in Section 17-2 of the School Code?" The secretary of the board of education shall certify the proposition to the proper election authorities for submission to the electorate at a regular scheduled election in accordance with the general election law.

If a majority of the voters voting on the proposition vote in favor thereof, such increased tax shall thereafter be authorized; if a majority of the vote is against such proposition, the previous maximum rate authorized shall remain in effect until changed by law.

(Source: P.A. 86-128; 86-134; 86-1028; 86-1334; 87-767.)