HB3479 amends the Illinois Municipal Code to restrict a municipality’s ability to discontinue a municipally owned, operated, or maintained ambulance department. For municipalities with 500 or more residents, the bill requires that any decision to cease ambulance service be put to a referendum before the department can be dissolved. The ballot question is prescribed in the bill, and if a majority of voters approve dissolution, the court must enter an order discontinuing the ambulance department.
The bill also states that employee protections are preserved if an ambulance department is dissolved. Rights under the Personnel Code, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and any pension, retirement, or annuity plans are not altered by the act. In addition, the measure expressly limits home rule authority, meaning affected municipalities cannot use home rule powers to avoid the referendum requirement.
Impact
HB3479 would add a new Section 11-5-8.5 to the Illinois Municipal Code and create a new procedural requirement for municipalities of 500 or more residents that operate ambulance services. It would condition the closure of a municipal ambulance department on voter approval and require court action to formalize dissolution after a successful referendum. The bill would affect local governments, municipal emergency medical services, and employees of ambulance departments, while preserving existing labor, pension, and retirement rights.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a local control and public accountability proposal, with an emphasis on protecting emergency medical services from unilateral municipal closure. No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no documented debate or recorded opposition in the provided materials. The caption and structure suggest the bill is intended to safeguard ambulance service continuity and give residents a direct say in any shutdown decision.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between municipal discretion and voter approval. Supporters would likely favor requiring a referendum before eliminating a local ambulance department, especially where emergency response access is at stake. Potential opponents may argue that the bill constrains municipal budgeting and operational flexibility, particularly for smaller municipalities that may need to reorganize or contract out emergency services. The home rule limitation could also be controversial because it overrides local authority.
Relates to the establishment of special districts for general ambulance services; requires a report on issues of volunteer firefighter and ambulance services staffing.