IL HB4418

Cities and villages with 500 or more residents that own and operate fire departments cannot cease operations unless voters approve the closure through referendum.

Referendum ballot must ask whether the fire department should "cease to provide emergency services and be dissolved and discontinued" with yes/no options.

Dissolution requires a majority vote in favor from voters served by the fire department.

Employee rights under collective bargaining agreements, pension plans, and retirement benefits are protected and unaffected by the closure.

The referendum requirement applies to both home rule and non-home rule municipalities and is enforceable regardless of local charter provisions.