IL HB5276

Creates the Citizens Empowerment Act, establishing a process for voters to petition for a referendum to dissolve one or more units of local government and transfer their functions to a receiving unit of local government

Requires petitions to be filed at least 122 days before a general election with signatures from at least 5% of voters from each dissolving unit based on the preceding general election, with all signatures gathered within 365 days of filing

Mandates public notice of the dissolution petition be published in newspapers of general circulation within both dissolving and receiving units of local government between 122-152 days before the election

Referendum approval requires either three-fifths of those voting on the measure or a majority of those voting in the election from both the dissolving unit(s) and the receiving unit(s) of local government

Upon dissolution, all real and personal property, assets, personnel, contractual obligations, liabilities, and taxing authority transfer from the dissolved unit to the receiving unit of local government