IL SB1595

Capital Development Board exercises general supervision over school construction projects, but school districts retain the right to select their own architects and engineers without state approval based on that selection alone.

School construction projects receiving grants on or after July 1, 2007 must obtain certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED system, the Green Building Initiative's Green Globes system, or meet Capital Development Board green building standards.

Projects applying for grants on or after July 1, 2009 must achieve LEED Silver certification unless all six specified exemption conditions are met, including: qualifying capital needs, less than 40% replacement cost, location in specific Mississippi River border counties, school districts with no more than 1,100 students, condemned facilities as of July 23, 2012, and pre-approval before the effective date.

Exemptions from LEED Silver certification requirements apply to small rural school districts in counties bordering the Mississippi River with populations between 33,000-34,000 that have condemned facilities and pre-existing grant approvals.

The Act takes effect upon becoming law.