IL SB3038

Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to issue competitive grants with 10-year initial terms to attract or retain conventions, meetings, sporting events, and trade shows in Illinois

Creates the Tourism Incentive Grant Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury, with $5,000,000 transferred annually from the General Revenue Fund beginning July 1, 2026

Sets room night thresholds for grant eligibility: more than 200 actualized group room nights for events outside Chicago, and more than 5,000 within Chicago

Caps grants at $1,000,000 per award cycle for entities outside Chicago, with new grant awards available every 3 years

Eligible applicants include certified convention and visitors bureaus, local governments, promotion groups, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and convention center authorities