SB3241 Summary

• Replaces the Board of the Illinois State Museum with an Advisory Board composed of 11 members appointed by the Governor, with 9 members requiring at least 5 years of experience in natural sciences, anthropology, art, history, or business, and 2 representatives from community-based organizations.

• Removes the Department of Natural Resources' authority to set entrance fees for the Illinois State Museum by administrative rule and redirects all moneys collected or donated to the museum to the Illinois State Museum Fund for operational support.

• Establishes the Advisory Board's duties to advise the Director on museum maintenance and mission, make recommendations for director appointments (with sole hiring authority remaining with the Department), and review the museum's budget.

• Adds provisions requiring the State Museum to work with Native Americans and tribal nations to create interpretations of Native American histories and art, and updates references to comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

• Makes the cooperation between the State Museum and the Illinois State Museum Society discretionary rather than mandatory, with the Society responsible for its own budget, staff, equipment, and programs.