HB1786 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 10838 SPS 20919 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB1786

Introduced 1/28/2025, by Rep. Maura Hirschauer

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

10 ILCS 5/1-26 new

Amends the Election Code. Creates the Ranked-Choice Voting in State and Local Elections Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall study the possibility of implementing ranked-choice voting for State and local elections. Directs the Task Force (1) to engage election officials, interested groups, and members of the public for the purpose of assessing the adoption and implementation of ranked-choice voting in State and local elections beginning in the 2029 consolidated election; (2) to review standards used to certify or approve the use of a voting system, including the standards adopted by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and the State Board of Elections; (3) to advise whether the voting system used by this State's election authorities would be able to accommodate alternative methods of voting, including, but not limited to, ranked-choice voting; and (4) to make recommendations or suggestions for changes to the Election Code or administrative rules for certification of voting systems in Illinois to accommodate alternative methods of voting, including ranked-choice voting. Provides that, on or before June 30, 2027, the Task Force shall publish a final report of its findings and recommendations and other specified information. Sets forth provisions concerning membership and administrative support. Dissolves the Task Force and repeals the provision on July 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning elections.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Election Code is amended by adding Section 1-26 as follows:

(10 ILCS 5/1-26 new)

Sec. 1-26. Ranked-Choice Voting in State and Local Elections Task Force.

(a) The Ranked-Choice Voting in State and Local Elections Task Force is created. The Task Force shall study the possibility of implementing ranked-choice voting for State and local elections. The Task Force shall have the following duties:

(1) to engage election officials, interested groups, and members of the public for the purpose of assessing the adoption and implementation of ranked-choice voting in State and local elections, beginning in the 2029 consolidated election;

(2) to review standards used to certify or approve the use of a voting system, including the standards adopted by the United States Election Assistance Commission and the State Board of Elections;

(3) to advise whether the voting system used by this State's election authorities would be able to accommodate alternative methods of voting, including, but not limited to, ranked-choice voting; and

(4) to make recommendations or suggestions for changes to the Election Code or administrative rules for certification of voting systems in this State to accommodate alternative methods of voting, including ranked-choice voting.

(b) On or before June 30, 2027, the Task Force shall publish a final report of its findings and recommendations. The report shall, at a minimum, detail findings and recommendations related to the duties of the Task Force and set out a realistic timeline for implementation of ranked-choice voting for State and local elections. The ranked-choice voting implementation timeline shall account for the time needed and costs incurred to upgrade or replace current election systems, conduct a rigorous public education campaign, and enact legislation and propose and adopt administrative rules or guidelines that would result in the transparent and timely production of election results and audits.

(c) The Task Force shall consist of the following members:

(1) 4 members appointed by the Senate President, including 2 members of the Senate and 2 members of the public;

(2) 4 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, including 2 members of the House of Representatives and 2 members of the public;

(3) 4 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, including 2 members of the Senate and 2 members of the public;

(4) 4 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, including 2 members of the House of Representatives and 2 members of the public; and

(5) 4 members appointed by the Governor, including at least 2 members with knowledge and experience administering elections.

(d) Appointments to the Task Force shall be made within 30 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. Members shall serve without compensation.

(e) The Task Force shall meet at the call of a co-chair at least quarterly to fulfill its duties. At the first meeting of the Task Force, the Task Force shall elect one co-chair from the members appointed by the Senate President and one co-chair from the members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(f) The State Board of Elections shall provide administrative support for the Task Force.

(g) This Section is repealed, and the Task Force is dissolved, on July 1, 2027.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.