House Passes Bill Calling For Independent Study of Illinois Property Tax System

By: Mike Miletich

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle hope an independent study of Illinois property taxes can lead to solutions for the broken system.

Sponsors and advocates know Illinois has one of the highest and most burdensome property tax bills in the country.

Local and state leaders have previously created commissions and task forces to study property taxes, but those groups failed to appropriately study the issue

While some argue an independent study could lead to actual property tax reform, local Republican representatives threw cold water on the idea.

"This isn't rocket science. We're not trying to put a man on the moon here," said Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville). "We know property taxes are too high. You could probably poll 10 people and by tomorrow morning have an answer to what needs to be done here to reform this system. And yet, we want to do another bill that will do nothing and go nowhere."

Senate Bill 3455 passed out of the House on a 94-14 vote Monday. The legislation previously gained unanimous support in the Senate. This plan now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for his signature of approval.

"The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce was proud to advocate for Senate Bill 3455 to allow the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Department of Economic Development and Opportunity to evaluate the fairness of property taxes across the levy, assessment, appeal and collection process," the organization stated. "We appreciate Sen. Robert Martwick and Rep. Mary Beth Canty for their leadership on this effort and our partners in the House and Senate for supporting this important measure."