HB1758 makes targeted changes to the State Property Control Act’s procedures for reporting and disposing of surplus state real property. The bill updates the annual real property utilization report deadline from August 31 to July 31 and keeps the requirement that the Administrator of the Department of Central Management Services compile and share surplus-property information with the General Assembly, including a legislative-district index of surplus parcels.
The bill also refines how surplus property is valued and sold. It preserves the general rule that surplus real property must be sold by the Administrator, but clarifies appraisal requirements, requires two appraisals for property valued at $5,000 or more, and directs that appraisals account for known liabilities such as environmental costs. It also strengthens the process for selling below fair market value by requiring a written justification, publication in the Illinois Procurement Bulletin, and review by the Executive Ethics Commission. The bill maintains notice and priority opportunities for state agencies and local governments before public auction, and it continues to direct sale proceeds to the General Revenue Fund unless a special fund or certain Department of Human Services facility proceeds are involved.
Impact
HB1758 amends Section 7.1 of the State Property Control Act (30 ILCS 605/7.1), affecting how Illinois identifies, reports, values, and disposes of surplus state-owned real estate. It changes reporting timelines, adds or clarifies valuation and appraisal rules, and formalizes oversight when property is sold for less than fair market value. The bill also preserves existing statutory destinations for sale proceeds, including reimbursements to special funds and deposits to mental health and developmental disability trust funds when applicable.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It passed Third Reading in the House on April 7, 2025 by a vote of 106-0, indicating unanimous approval among those voting. No committee transcript or recorded debate was provided, so the available record suggests the measure was viewed as a technical or administrative update rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
No major points of contention are evident in the available materials. The main policy choices in the bill involve administrative timing, valuation standards, and oversight of below-market sales of surplus property. Potential areas of concern, if raised, would likely involve the balance between maximizing state revenue and allowing flexibility to sell property to local governments or at reduced prices when maintenance costs are high or auctions fail, but no recorded objections appear in the provided history.