SB2429 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 10484 LNS 20559 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB2429

Introduced 2/7/2025, by Sen. Cristina Castro

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the University Construction Management Autonomy Act. Provides that public universities in the State shall be granted autonomy to manage construction projects funded by the State, as long as the total State funding does not exceed $20,000,000. Provides that the autonomy granted to universities shall include the authority to: (1) develop and approve project plans, budgets, and timelines; (2) select contractors, architects, and other necessary personnel for the project; (3) procure materials and equipment necessary for the project in compliance with State statutes, rules, and standards; and (4) monitor and oversee the progress of the project to ensure compliance with State rules and standards. Allows the public universities to have the option to use the services of the Capital Development Board for construction projects. Provides that public universities availing themselves of the autonomy shall provide regular reports to the Board of Higher Education detailing the progress, expenditures, and outcomes of construction projects managed independently. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

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

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the University Construction Management Autonomy Act.

Section 5. Purpose. This Act aims to grant public universities in the State the authority to independently manage construction projects funded by the State, up to a maximum of $20,000,000, without the oversight of the Capital Development Board (CDB). Additionally, it provides universities with the option to use the services of the CDB should they determine it to be advantageous to the university's interests.

Section 10. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Capital Development Board" or "CDB" means the State agency responsible for overseeing and managing construction projects funded by the State.

"Construction projects" means any building, renovation, or infrastructure project undertaken by a public university for the purposes of expanding or maintaining its campus facilities.

"Public universities" means any educational institution in the State that receives State funding and is governed by the Board of Higher Education.

Section 15. Granting autonomy.

(a) Public universities in the State shall be granted autonomy to manage construction projects funded by the State, as long as the total State funding does not exceed $20,000,000.

(b) The autonomy granted to universities shall include the authority to:

(1) Develop and approve project plans, budgets, and timelines.

(2) Select contractors, architects, and other necessary personnel for the project.

(3) Procure materials and equipment necessary for the project in compliance with State statutes, rules, and standards.

(4) Monitor and oversee the progress of the project to ensure compliance with State rules and standards.

(c) Public universities shall be responsible for the proper allocation and use of State funds allocated for construction projects under their management.

Section 20. Option to use Capital Development Board.

(a) Public universities shall have the option to use the services of the Capital Development Board for construction projects, if they determine it to be in the best interests of the university.

(b) Universities opting to use the services of the CDB shall enter into agreements outlining the scope of work, responsibilities, and any associated costs.

(c) The decision to use the CDB shall be made by the governing body of the respective university, such as the Board of Trustees or equivalent authority.

Section 25. Reporting requirements. Public universities availing themselves of the autonomy granted under this Act shall provide regular reports to the Board of Higher Education detailing the progress, expenditures, and outcomes of construction projects managed independently.

Section 30. Severability. If any provision of this Act is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 35. Repeal. Any laws or provisions in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.

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