Illinois House Bill HB3189

Illinois 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Filed/Introduced: 8/8/26
• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Refer: 2/18/25

Caption

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Summary

HB3189 would amend the Secretary of State Act to require the Secretary of State to establish an Office of Faith-Based Community Development Services. The new office would serve as a liaison between faith-based community organizations and grant opportunities, including helping groups complete grant applications. It would also be tasked with promoting collaboration and unity among diverse groups, encouraging interfaith and interagency cooperation, and providing support related to community services and projects. The bill further directs the office to develop guidance on several topics, including mental health, grant application processes, housing initiatives, and creating sensory-friendly spaces for faith communities. In addition, it would support efforts to leverage faith-based properties to expand housing opportunities and to promote more equitable distribution of resources among community groups. The Secretary of State would also be required to appoint an Interfaith Advisory Council to advise the office and work with religious communities across Illinois.

Impact

If enacted, HB3189 would add a new Section 21 to the Secretary of State Act and create a new state office within the Secretary of State’s authority. It would expand the Secretary of State’s responsibilities beyond traditional administrative functions into faith-based community outreach, grant assistance, housing-related coordination, and resource guidance. The bill could affect religious nonprofits, congregations, and other faith-based organizations seeking state or private grants, as well as state agencies and community partners involved in housing and social services.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislative debate. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears framed as a community support and coordination effort, suggesting a generally positive or constructive intent focused on service delivery, interfaith collaboration, and resource access. However, without hearing records or vote history, the overall sentiment cannot be assessed beyond the bill’s stated goals.

Contention

The bill’s main potential points of contention are likely to involve the role of state government in supporting faith-based organizations, the use of public resources for religiously affiliated entities, and how the proposed office would ensure equitable treatment across different faith traditions and nonreligious community groups. The directive to leverage faith-based properties for housing and to create an Interfaith Advisory Council may also raise questions about implementation, neutrality, and administrative scope. No specific objections or supporters are documented in the provided materials.