SB 297 Summary

• Requires township board of trustees consent before municipalities can grant economic development property tax exemptions in annexed but undetached township territory, or requires the municipality to reimburse the township for revenue lost due to exemptions.

• Shields certain township levies from economic development tax exemptions, including levies for mental health services, senior citizen services, libraries, children services, zoological parks, and any township tax other than those for current expenses or general permanent improvements.

• Allows political subdivisions (state and local government entities) owning property in unincorporated territory to be counted as property owners when determining if the required number of owners have petitioned for annexation.

• Permits local authorities to hold closed executive sessions to discuss specific details and terms of pending economic development assistance applications and agreements.

• Requires applicants seeking Power Siting Board approval for major utility facilities to notify affected township boards of the application, and reduces the remediation period for nuisances from seven days to four days on third and subsequent violations within five years.