Sen. Linda Holmes supports SB2645, approving funding grants for fire station rehabilitation and construction

Sen. Linda Holmes (D-42nd) cast a Yes vote for SB2645, which establishes a fire station rehabilitation and construction grant program, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois Senate. The Senate passed the measure with a 57-0 vote.

The legislation is summarized in its official text as: "FIRE STATION REHABILITATION."

The following is a summary based on the actual bill language and may include interpretations to provide clarity on the bill's content.

The legislation modifies the State Fire Marshal Act to create the Fire Station Rehabilitation and Construction Grant Program. Under this program, grants will be awarded to local government bodies and qualifying not-for-profit fire departments with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The grants aim to fund fire station rehabilitation or new construction. The Office of the State Fire Marshal will oversee and implement the program, as well as establish any additional rules required for its operation. The bill does not specify when the changes take effect.

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

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

A Democrat, Holmes began serving the 42nd Senate District in the Illinois State Senate in 2007, succeeding Phyllis Petka in that seat.

Legislation in Illinois goes through a multi-step process involving introduction in the House or Senate, committee consideration, debates, and voting in both chambers, before heading to the governor for final approval or veto. The General Assembly works on a biennial basis, with thousands of bills introduced each session and only a fraction ultimately becoming law.