Metro East Sun

State Senator Erica Harriss has passed bipartisan legislation to increase transparency for local units of government proposing changes to their tax levy. The legislation, Senate Bill 3567, focuses on amending the Truth in Taxation law in the Property Tax Code to enhance public disclosure requirements.

"I came to Springfield with taxes at the forefront of my mind," stated Senator Harriss, emphasizing the importance of transparency in tax-related matters. She highlighted the purpose of the bill, stating, "This bill is about increasing transparency by making these notices easier to locate for residents on government websites."

The existing Truth in Taxation law mandates that taxing bodies must publicly disclose any intention to raise their tax levy by more than 5%. Senate Bill 3567 seeks to further enhance transparency by requiring Truth in Taxation notices to be prominently displayed on or near the top of the taxing district's website for at least 30 days. This additional measure aims to maximize visibility and ensure that residents have easy access to relevant information.

"Our taxing districts have an obligation to be open and transparent to the people we serve," Senator Harriss reaffirmed, underlining the importance of accountability in local governance. She explained that the bill aims to provide stricter guidance for units of local government seeking changes to their property taxes, aligning with the overarching goal of promoting transparency.

The legislation has now advanced to the House, where Representative Amy Elik is set to carry the bill forward. With a focus on improving transparency and accountability in property tax matters, the passage of Senate Bill 3567 reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen public trust in governmental processes.