Ellman backs HB4571 to increase county authority on affordable housing

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) cast a Yes vote on HB4571, which aims to increase county authority for affordable housing, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois Senate. The measure was approved by a 44-14 vote in the Senate.

As noted in the bill's official language, it is summarized as: "CTY CD-AFFORDABLE HOUSING."

The summary below draws from the actual bill language and may offer clarifications for key provisions.

The legislation broadens the authority of Illinois counties with populations greater than 750,000 but fewer than 2 million to acquire, convey and manage real property in pursuit of affordable housing for those earning up to 150% of the area median income. Under the bill, these counties can donate, lease, or sell property at prices below market value, utilize strategies permitted under the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act, and assign buyers or tenants outside fair market value requirements to promote affordable housing opportunities. Provisions also allow counties to provide grants, loans, and funding for infrastructure, apply income and rent controls for up to 15 years, and make agreements for property clearance and environmental remediation.

For HB4571, the official legislative action was 'Third Reading - Passed'.

Ellman earned a BS from Grinnell College in 1987.

Ellman, a Democrat, began serving in the Illinois State Senate in 2019, succeeding Michael Connelly in the 21st District.

Illinois legislation follows a multi-step process, starting with introduction in either chamber, then undergoing committee consideration, floor debates, and votes in both the House and Senate before advancing to the governor for approval or veto. The General Assembly meets on a biennial cycle and, while thousands of bills are introduced each session, only a portion are enacted into law.