I’d like to alert everyone to Illinois SB3071, which was introduced on February 7 and was assigned to the Local Government Committee on February 19. The bill amends the Illinois Local Library Act and the Public Library District Act of 1991. Specifically, the legislation states that a library’s board will not be mandated to take the lowest bid for a contract covering specific projects. This exception applies if the projected cost would be more than $20,000 and the bid would not meet a library’s standards for quality, deliverability, and serviceability. Those contracts that are exempt from competitive bidding include those covering the printing of certain documents (such as finance reports), the use and installation of data-processing equipment, the provision of utility services (including water, heating, and lighting), and the procuring of goods and services from another government agency. Emergency funding is exempt from competitive bidding if at least three-quarters of a library’s board members approved of the funding.
This legislation has significant implications for public library funding and local control.
To see additional information on the legislation, including the full text, click here. The sponsor is Senator Bill Cunningham (Democrat, 18th District-Chicago).
Thank you.