IL SB2897

Renames the "Amistad Commission" to the "Amistad and Freedom Trail Commission" and expands its scope to include the underground railroad and freedom trail history in addition to African slave trade and slavery education.

Expands the Commission's duties to include preparing a master plan for preserving freedom trail and underground railroad history, assisting with National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program applications, and developing partnerships for public and private funding.

Modifies the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council from 15 members to 11 members, with specific professional qualifications (2 historians, 2 architectural historians/architects, 2 archaeologists) and changes term limits from 3 years to 2 years with a maximum of 3 consecutive terms.

Makes the Historic Preservation Agency a designated state agency subject to the Fiscal Control and Internal Auditing Act, with the Internal Auditor reporting to both the Director and Board.

Allows the Lincoln Presidential Library Director to appoint a Library Facilities Operations Director at discretion rather than as mandatory, and permits the Director to operate a gift shop and restaurant.