IL HB0776

Park districts may establish a 7-member board through either a referendum or board resolution, with referendum procedures following general election law.

When transitioning to a 7-member board, the next commissioner election (at least 60 days after approval) must elect 2 additional commissioners, with one position determined by lot to serve a shortened term to stagger expirations.

A 7-member board may later be reduced back to 5 members only through referendum, which cannot affect the terms of sitting commissioners or those elected within 60 days of the referendum.

When reducing from 7 to 5 members, the next commissioner election (at least 60 days after approval) must elect 2 fewer commissioners, with specific transition schedules applied based on whether 6-year or 4-year terms are affected.

The Act takes effect upon becoming law.