IL SB0369

Amends Illinois Municipal Code Section 7-1-1 to allow annexation of parcels less than one acre in size that would be contiguous to a municipality but are separated by forest preserves, federal wildlife refuges, open land, open space programs, or conservation areas.

Establishes that for parcels under one acre, it is presumed that such separating lands do not create an artificial barrier to annexation, removing this presumption that previously applied only to larger parcels.

Maintains existing prohibitions on directly annexing forest preserve districts, wildlife refuges, open space, or conservation areas themselves, even when they separate a parcel from a municipality.

Preserves existing contiguity rules for standard annexations, including territory separated by strip parcels (up to 30 feet wide), railroads, public utility rights-of-way, and converted recreational trails.

Continues to require municipalities to notify Fire Protection Districts, Public Library Districts, township officials, and property tax payers before annexation proceedings, with specific notice timeframes and filing requirements.