HB0642 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Municipal Code Section 10-2.1-17 to allow fire and police department chiefs to be removed or discharged by the board of fire and police commissioners if the municipality has such a board.

• If a municipality does not have a board of fire and police commissioners, the appointing authority may remove or discharge the chiefs, subject to majority vote confirmation by the municipal corporate authorities.

• Maintains existing procedures requiring the board of fire and police commissioners to conduct a fair and impartial hearing of charges within 30 days, with authority to discharge, suspend up to 30 days without pay, or find charges not sustained.

• Preserves the chief's authority to suspend department members without pay for up to 5 calendar days, with appeal rights to the board of fire and police commissioners within 5 calendar days.

• Takes effect upon becoming law.