SPRINGFIELD – Two bipartisan measures sponsored by State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) and State Representative Kevin Schmidt (114th-Millstadt) were signed into law Friday, improving government transparency and expanding recognition for Illinois veterans.
House Bill 2137 requires local governments, counties, and municipalities that already maintain a public website to post information directing residents to where audit reports and financial statements can be accessed through the Illinois Comptroller's Office.
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"Taxpayers have a right to know how their local governments are managing public dollars," said Senator Harriss. "These financial reports are already publicly available, but many people simply don't know where to find them. This law makes government more transparent by ensuring residents have easy access to important financial information while placing only a minimal responsibility on local governments that already maintain a website."
House Bill 4385 allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates under the same eligibility requirements as their first set.
"Our veterans have earned this recognition through their service and sacrifice," said Representative Schmidt. "Many veterans own more than one qualifying vehicle, and this law gives them the opportunity to display the military license plates they have earned on a second vehicle. It's a simple but meaningful way to continue honoring those who have served our country."
Both measures received bipartisan support in the General Assembly before being signed into law Friday. House Bill 2137 takes effect January 1, 2027, and House Bill 4385 takes effect immediately.
