HB2479 Summary

• Freezes new commissioner elections for downstate forest preserve districts in counties with populations between 800,000 and 3,000,000 upon the bill's effective date.

• Allows currently serving commissioners to complete their terms until the 2016 general election.

• Transfers governance to county boards beginning after the 2016 election, with the county board president serving as the forest preserve district board president.

• Eliminates compensation for the county board members and president when serving as forest preserve commissioners, though they may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.