HB3740 authorizes the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, on behalf of the State, to exchange two specifically described parcels of real property in Peoria County with Thomas E. Heinz and Andrea L. Heinz. The bill identifies one parcel currently owned by the State and one parcel owned by the Heinzs, and provides legal descriptions for each tract. The exchange is structured as a quitclaim deed swap, with each party receiving the parcel held by the other.
The bill states that the exchange is for mutual advantage and requires each party to pay any title costs associated with the parcel it receives. It also preserves existing public utilities, public roads, and recorded easements, encumbrances, covenants, and restrictions affecting the state parcel. The Department of Natural Resources must obtain and record certified copies of the act’s relevant sections in the county recorder’s office within 60 days after the act becomes effective, and the act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
Impact
This measure makes a narrow, site-specific change to Illinois real property law by authorizing a state land conveyance and exchange in Peoria County. It affects the Department of Natural Resources’ authority to dispose of and acquire land, and it requires the execution and recording of quitclaim deeds and title documents. The bill does not create a general policy change; instead, it legalizes a particular property swap and sets the conditions for transferring title to the two parcels involved.
Sentiment
The available voting history indicates strong, unanimous support for the bill. It passed the Illinois House 114-0 and later passed a Senate motion 57-0, suggesting broad bipartisan agreement and little to no opposition. No committee transcripts were provided, but the recorded votes show the measure was noncontroversial in both chambers.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record. Because the bill concerns a specific land exchange, any concerns would likely have centered on the fairness of the swap, title issues, or the effect on existing easements and public access, but no objections are reflected in the votes or transcripts provided. The only procedural requirements highlighted in the bill are the mutual consideration, responsibility for title costs, and preservation of existing encumbrances.