Jones Champions Legislation to Encourage Transparency Between Public Agencies

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, championed legislation aimed at promoting transparency when state payments are reduced in order to pay debts owed to municipalities or public agencies. 

“On several occasions, we’ve seen financial disputes between cities go unresolved because both parties cannot reach an agreement for various reasons — including the fact that one may be part of a larger county government while the other is not,” Jones said. “We want both parties to walk away satisfied, and this legislation establishes clear expectations for how these issues should be addressed.”

Senate Bill 90 requires that deductions for debts owed to other public entities that are part of intergovernmental agreements be clearly stated on warrants of payment—ensuring greater transparency when it comes to someone who owes money to a public agency being able to see what deductions were for. Under this law, if a person is set to receive a payment from the State of Illinois but also owes money to a city, or other public agency that is part of an intergovernmental agreement, the State Comptroller must identify the amount owed and deduct it from the state payment. Additionally, the bill requires that any request for this kind of deduction must include either a written agreement between the two parties or a court order, guaranteeing that deductions are made fairly and with proper documentation.

The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

“The goal is for municipalities across the state to address issues with one another in a clear and productive manner,” Jones said. “We will continue advancing legislation that promotes collaboration and transparency among cities, because doing so will lead to a stronger, more sustainable Illinois.”