IL HB5197

Creates a department foreign fire insurance board within fire departments of municipalities with fewer than 500,000 inhabitants that have organized fire departments, consisting of 7 trustees including the fire chief.

Board members (except the fire chief) are elected at large by sworn fire department members, with eligible members able to serve as officers including chairman and treasurer.

Establishes separate provisions for Chicago Fire Department with a 7-trustee board elected by active members, including the fire commissioner; trustees serve 2-3 year terms with vacancies filled by special election or appointment.

Requires the board to develop rules and regulations for fund management, with the treasurer giving a bond to the municipality and all funds audited annually to ensure proper expenditure for department maintenance and benefit.

For Chicago, mandates 50% of foreign fire insurance proceeds fund fire stations or training facilities, 25% for emergency response vehicles and equipment, and 25% for department maintenance and member benefits; prohibits personal property purchases except for duty-related items.