Olsen’s Law Strengthens Qualifications to Become Library Trustee

A new level of consistency with regard to residency requirements for elected officials in Illinois is now enshrined in law, thanks to legislation sponsored by State Representative David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) that was signed into law on Friday.

HB 2222, which received unanimous support in the House and Senate earlier this year, puts in place a one-year residency requirement for library trustees and disqualifies from service any candidate convicted of a felony or who is delinquent in taxes or fees owed to the library district.

“The need for this legislation was brought to my attention by Lisle Library District Trustee Tom Hummel, who pointed out a loophole in election law as it relates to residency requirements and personal conduct for library district trustees,” said Olsen. “This new law strengthens the qualifications for becoming a library trustee by adding a residency requirement similar to most other public offices, and language which prohibits convicted felons or those who don’t pay their taxes from serving.”

The provisions of HB 2222 take effect beginning with candidates in the 2019 consolidated election.