Ellman supports SB2645 to launch fire station grants, Senate approves measure 57-0

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) cast a Yes vote for SB2645, which would set up a Fire Station Rehabilitation and Construction Grant Program, during the 104th General Assembly's session on May 31, 2026, the Illinois Senate reported; the Senate approved the bill unanimously, 57-0.

The official legislative summary identifies the measure as: "FIRE STATION REHABILITATION."

This overview summarizes the main points of the bill, citing directly from the legislative text and interpreting key provisions for clarity.

SB2645 would amend the State Fire Marshal Act to form a Fire Station Rehabilitation and Construction Grant Program. It would provide funding to units of local government and not-for-profit fire departments that qualify for federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Grant funds would be used to rehabilitate or construct fire stations. The Office of the State Fire Marshal would oversee program administration and adopt rules necessary for implementation. The proposed bill does not specify an effective date.

The legislative history for SB2645 includes the action 'House Floor Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs.'

Ellman earned a BS from Grinnell College in 1987.

A Democrat, Ellman has represented Illinois' 21st Senate District since 2019, when she took office in place of Michael Connelly.

Bills in Illinois proceed through a multi-step legislative process involving introduction, committee review, debates, and chamber votes before moving to the governor. The General Assembly works on a biennial timeline, with thousands of measures introduced every session but only some becoming law.