IL HB0945

Amends the Fire Protection District Act to require rural fire protection districts to be governed by an elected 5-member board of trustees instead of an appointed board, subject to specific geographic and population criteria.

Applies to districts with boundaries completely within unincorporated county areas, within municipalities lacking voluntary or contractual fire protection, or both.

Establishes transition procedures for converting from appointed to elected boards, with initial trustees elected at the first consolidated election after expiration of previously appointed trustees' terms.

Sets initial trustee terms at 3 members for 2 years and 2 members for 4 years, with all subsequent trustees serving 4-year terms; requires non-partisan nominations by petition signed by at least 25 voters or 5% of district voters, whichever is less.

Limits application to fire protection districts with populations of 30,000 or more and located in counties with populations between 500,000 and 1,000,000 that border counties with populations of 1,000,000 or more.