IL HB5156

Creates the Tenants' Right to Organize Act, establishing rights for tenants receiving tenant-based rental assistance from county, municipal, state, or federal sources to establish and participate in resident organizations addressing living conditions and tenancy terms.

Prohibits retaliation against tenants for organizing and requires housing authorities to recognize legitimate tenant organizations (3+ tenants), solicit their comments annually, and respond in writing within 60 days.

Requires owners of federal low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) developments to recognize legitimate resident organizations and prohibits retaliation against tenants for association with such organizations.

Permits tenants and organizers to conduct organizing activities without prior permission, including distributing leaflets, posting information, door-to-door surveys, and holding independent meetings on-site, with a rebuttable presumption that adverse action against tenant organization members constitutes retaliation.

Directs the Illinois Housing Development Authority to establish an enforcement protocol within one year, including independent investigation of complaints and prohibition on withholding rental assistance during complaint resolution, and requires annual reports to the General Assembly on outstanding complaints and response times.