Holmes supports HB4571 to boost county affordable housing powers

Sen. Linda Holmes (D-42nd) cast a Yes vote on HB4571, which aims to give counties broader authority over affordable housing initiatives. According to the Illinois Senate, the 104th General Assembly passed the bill 44-14 on May 31, 2026.

The official summary of the legislation identifies it as: "CTY CD-AFFORDABLE HOUSING."

The following analysis draws from the text of the bill and includes clarifications to describe its main points.

This legislation broadens the authority of Illinois counties with populations of more than 750,000 but fewer than 2 million, permitting them to acquire, transfer and dispose of property to facilitate or maintain affordable housing for individuals earning up to 150% of the area's median income. The measure allows these counties to donate, lease, or sell land below market value, employ strategies from the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act, and choose buyers or tenants without regard to market price to grow the number of affordable units. Additionally, counties may extend grants, loans and infrastructure projects to developers, set rent and income limits for up to 15 years, and negotiate agreements for property clearance and environmental clean-up.

The legislative action listed for HB4571 was 'Third Reading - Passed.'

Holmes earned her BA from National College of Education in 1984.

Holmes, a Democrat, has represented Illinois' 42nd Senate District since 2007, following former senator Phyllis Petka.

In Illinois, bills advance through a multi-step legislative process. The process begins with a bill's introduction in the House or Senate, continues with committee evaluation, floor debate, and votes in both bodies, and concludes with the governor's approval or veto. The General Assembly convenes every two years and, while thousands of bills are introduced in each session, only a small share ultimately become law.