Sen. Laura Ellman backs SB3321 to let local governments use outside software for credit card transactions

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) cast a Yes vote on SB3321, which enables local governmental entities to contract with external software providers for processing credit card payments, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois Senate; the measure was unanimously approved in a 57-0 vote.

The official summary of the bill states: "LOC GOV-CREDIT CARD AGREEMENTS."

The following explanation is based on the bill's text and provides clarification for context where appropriate.

This legislation amends the Local Governmental Acceptance of Credit Cards Act, permitting local governments that accept credit card payments to also work with third-party software companies so they can receive accurate payment remittances. Additionally, the bill prohibits any agreement with a financial institution or payment service provider from barring the governmental unit from utilizing the system set by the State Treasurer Act or any other approved payment system. It becomes effective immediately after being enacted.

The Senate recorded the action on SB3321 as 'House Floor Amendment No. 2 Senate Concurs.'

Ellman earned her Bachelor of Science from Grinnell College in 1987.

A Democrat, Ellman started serving in the Illinois State Senate in 2019, representing the 21st Senate District after succeeding Michael Connelly.

Bill passage in Illinois involves a multi-step process beginning with introduction in the House or Senate, followed by committee review, floor debate and votes in both legislative bodies, and ending with action from the governor. The General Assembly runs biennially and, while many bills are introduced each session, only a small number are ultimately enacted into law.