IL HB5604

Creates 15 initial cultural districts across Illinois, including Bronzeville, Chinatown, Little Village, Puerto Rico Town, Ukrainian Village, and Soul City in Chicago, plus districts in Champaign, Springfield, Bloomington, Rockford, and Vienna.

Allows areas certified as State-designated cultural districts under the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law to incorporate as cultural districts with legal authority to sue, enter contracts, acquire property, and adopt a seal.

Establishes governance through a board of 5-9 commissioners appointed by the county board presiding officer, serving staggered 5-year terms without compensation.

Permits creation of new cultural districts through petition by 200 legal voters, followed by a circuit court hearing and voter referendum requiring majority approval.

Authorizes districts to issue bonds and borrow money up to 1.5% of assessed taxable property value, with a 0.3% limit for historical site development, and bonds maturing within 20 years.