Lewis supports SB2645, advancing Illinois fire station grant initiative

Sen. Seth Lewis (R-24th) cast a Yes vote for SB2645, a proposal establishing a Fire Station Rehabilitation and Construction Grant Program, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, the Illinois Senate reported; the measure cleared the Senate with unanimous 57-0 approval.

The bill’s official summary states: “FIRE STATION REHABILITATION.”

Below is an analysis based on the bill’s language, with additional interpretation to explain its details.

SB2645 modifies the State Fire Marshal Act to create a grant program supporting fire station rehabilitation and construction. Eligible recipients include local government bodies and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit fire departments. The grants aim to assist with either upgrading or building fire stations. Program oversight and implementation fall under the Office of the State Fire Marshal, which will establish necessary administrative rules. The bill does not specify when it will take effect.

The legislative action recorded for SB2645 was 'House Floor Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs'.

Lewis earned his BS from the University of Iowa in 1991.

Lewis, a Republican, began serving in the Illinois State Senate in 2023 for the 24th Senate District, succeeding former senator Suzy Glowiak.

Each Illinois bill proceeds through a multi-stage legislative process, beginning with introduction in the House or Senate, followed by committee review, floor debates, and votes in both chambers before being sent to the governor for either approval or veto. The General Assembly meets on a biennial basis, with thousands of bills introduced per session, but only a small portion ultimately pass to become law.