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2010 Illinois Code
CHAPTER 20 EXECUTIVE BRANCH
20 ILCS 3405/ Historic Preservation Agency Act.

    (20 ILCS 3405/1) (from Ch. 127, par. 2701)
    Sec. 1. This Article shall be known and may be cited as the "Historic Preservation Agency Act".
(Source: P.A. 84‑25.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/2) (from Ch. 127, par. 2702)
    Sec. 2. For the purposes of this Act:
    (a) "Agency" means the Historic Preservation Agency;
    (b) "Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Historic Preservation Agency;
    (c) "Director" means the Director of Historic Sites and Preservation;
    (d) "Advisory Board" means the Advisory Board of the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum;
    (e) "Lincoln Presidential Library" means the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum;
    (f) "Library Director" means the Director of the Lincoln Presidential Library; and
    (g) "Historic Sites and Preservation Division" means that part of the Agency that is headed by the Director of Historic Sites and Preservation.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/3) (from Ch. 127, par. 2703)
    Sec. 3. (a) There is hereby created within the Executive Branch of State government the Historic Preservation Agency.
    (b) The Agency shall be under the direction of a Board of Trustees, which shall be composed of 7 members appointed by the Governor, by and with the consent of the Senate. No more than 4 members of the Board shall be of the same political party. The Governor shall designate one member of the Board to serve as Chairman. In making the initial appointments to the Board after the effective date of this Act, the Governor shall designate three members, all of whom shall have been members of the Board of Trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library on March 28, 1985, to serve until the third Monday in January, 1986, or until their successors are appointed and qualified and two members to serve until the first Monday in January, 1987, or until their successors are appointed and qualified. In making the initial appointments of the additional members of the Board required by this amendatory Act of 1990, the Governor shall designate 1 member to serve until the third Monday in January, 1991 and 1 member to serve until the third Monday in January 1992. Thereafter, their successors shall be appointed to serve for two year terms expiring on the third Monday in January and until their successors are appointed and qualified.
    (c) The members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services, except for their actual expenses while in the discharge of their official duties.
    (d) Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum to do business and the concurrence of at least 4 members shall be necessary for a decision.
    (e) The Board shall employ and fix the compensation of the Director and such other agents or employees as it considers necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
(Source: P.A. 86‑1336.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/4) (from Ch. 127, par. 2704)
    Sec. 4. The Board shall be responsible for setting and determining policy for the Agency. The Agency shall consist of: (1) an Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and (2) a Historic Sites and Preservation Division. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, any reference in any other Act to the Historic Preservation Agency shall be deemed to be a reference to the Historic Sites and Preservation Division and any reference to the Director of Historic Preservation shall be deemed to be a reference to the Director of Historic Sites and Preservation, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
    The Board shall appoint a chief executive officer of the Agency who shall be known as the Director of Historic Sites and Preservation. The Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Director shall, subject to applicable provisions of law, execute the powers and discharge the duties vested in the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency by law and implement the policies set by the Board. The Director shall manage the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency. The Director, with the concurrence of the Board, shall appoint Division Chiefs and the Deputy Director of the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency. Subject to concurrence by the Board, the Director shall appoint such other employees of the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency as he or she deems appropriate and shall fix the compensation of such Division Chiefs, the Deputy Director and other employees. The Board shall appoint the Illinois State Historian, who shall provide historical expertise, support, and service to all divisions of the Historic Preservation Agency. The State Historian is the State's authority on Abraham Lincoln and the history of Illinois.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/5) (from Ch. 127, par. 2705)
    Sec. 5. The rights, powers and duties vested by law in the State Historical Library or any office, division or bureau thereof by the Historical Sites Listing Act and all rights, powers, and duties incidental thereto are transferred to the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Historic Preservation Agency.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/5.1) (from Ch. 127, par. 2705.1)
    Sec. 5.1. The powers, duties and authority granted to the Department of Conservation pursuant to the provisions of Section 63a21.2 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois (renumbered; now Section 805‑315 of the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law, 20 ILCS 805/805‑315) to offer a cash incentive to a qualified bidder for the development, construction and supervision of a concession complex at Lincoln's New Salem State Park are transferred to the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Historic Preservation Agency.
(Source: P.A. 91‑239, eff. 1‑1‑00; 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/6) (from Ch. 127, par. 2706)
    Sec. 6. Jurisdiction. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency shall have jurisdiction over the following described areas which are hereby designated as State Historic Sites, State Memorials, and Miscellaneous Properties:
 
State Historic Sites
    Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Henry County;
    Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island County;
    Bryant Cottage State Historic Site, Piatt County;
    Buel House, Pope County;
    Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site, St. Clair County;
    Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, in Madison and St.
         Clair Counties (however, the Illinois State Museum shall act as curator of artifacts pursuant to the provisions of the Archaeological and Paleontological Resources Protection Act);
    Dana‑Thomas House State Historic Site, Sangamon County;
    David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, McLean County;
    Douglas Tomb State Historic Site, Cook County;
    Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, Randolph County;
    Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, Randolph County;
    Grand Village of the Illinois, LaSalle County;
    U. S. Grant Home State Historic Site, Jo Daviess County;
    Hotel Florence, Cook County;
    Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site, St. Clair County;
    Jubilee College State Historic Site, Peoria County;
    Lincoln‑Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site,
         Sangamon County;
    Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Coles County;
    Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, Menard County;
    Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, Sangamon County;
    Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, Randolph County;
    Metamora Courthouse State Historic Site, Woodford County;
    Moore Home State Historic Site, Coles County;
    Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site, Logan
         County;
    Old Market House State Historic Site, Jo Daviess County;
    Old State Capitol State Historic Site, Sangamon County;
    Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, Logan County;
    Pullman Factory, Cook County;
    Rose Hotel, Hardin County;
    Carl Sandburg State Historic Site, Knox County;
    Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site, Gallatin County;
    Vachel Lindsay Home, Sangamon County;
    Vandalia State House State Historic Site, Fayette
         County; and
    Washburne House State Historic Site, Jo Daviess County.
 
State Memorials
    Campbell's Island State Memorial, Rock Island County;
    Governor Bond State Memorial, Randolph County;
    Governor Coles State Memorial, Madison County;
    Governor Horner State Memorial, Cook County;
    Governor Small State Memorial, Kankakee County;
    Illinois Vietnam Veterans State Memorial, Sangamon
         County;
    Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial, Randolph County;
    Korean War Memorial, Sangamon County;
    Lewis and Clark State Memorial, Madison County;
    Lincoln Monument State Memorial, Lee County;
    Lincoln Trail State Memorial, Lawrence County;
    Lovejoy State Memorial, Madison County;
    Norwegian Settlers State Memorial, LaSalle County; and
    Wild Bill Hickok State Memorial, LaSalle County.
 
Miscellaneous Properties
    Albany Mounds, Whiteside County;
    Emerald Mound, St. Clair County;
    Halfway Tavern, Marion County;
    Hofmann Tower, Cook County; and
    Kincaid Mounds, Massac and Pope Counties.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/8)
    Sec. 8. Business plans. The Agency shall create an individual business plan for each historic site related to Abraham Lincoln that is listed in Section 6 of this Act. Each business plan must address ways to enhance tourism at the historic site and the historic aspect of each site. The Agency may seek assistance from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity when creating the business plans. The Agency shall complete the business plans no later than January 1, 2008.
(Source: P.A. 95‑156, eff. 8‑14‑07.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/11) (from Ch. 127, par. 2711)
    Sec. 11. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency shall exercise all rights, powers and duties vested in the Department of Conservation by the "Illinois Historic Preservation Act", approved August 14, 1976, as amended.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/12) (from Ch. 127, par. 2712)
    Sec. 12. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency shall exercise all rights, powers and duties vested in the Department of Conservation by Section 63a34 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois (renumbered; now Section 805‑220 of the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law, 20 ILCS 805/805‑220).
(Source: P.A. 91‑239, eff. 1‑1‑00; 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/13) (from Ch. 127, par. 2713)
    Sec. 13. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency shall exercise all rights, powers and duties vested in the Department of Conservation by "An Act relating to the planning, acquisition and development of outdoor recreation resources and facilities, and authorizing the participation by the State of Illinois its political subdivisions and qualified participants in programs of Federal assistance relating thereto", approved July 6, 1965, as amended, solely as it relates to the powers, rights, duties and obligations heretofore exercised by the Department of Conservation over historically significant properties and interests of the State.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/14) (from Ch. 127, par. 2714)
    Sec. 14. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency shall exercise all rights, powers and duties set forth in Sections 10‑40 through 10‑85 of the Property Tax Code.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/15) (from Ch. 127, par. 2715)
    Sec. 15. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency shall exercise all rights, powers and duties vested in the Department of Conservation by Section 4‑201.5 of the "Illinois Highway Code", approved June 8, 1959, as amended, solely as it relates to access to historic sites and memorials designated pursuant to this Act.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/15.1) (from Ch. 127, par. 2715.1)
    Sec. 15.1. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 85‑224. Repealed by 90‑760, eff. 8‑14‑98.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/16)(from Ch. 127, par. 2716)
    Sec. 16. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency shall have the following additional powers:
    (a) To hire agents and employees necessary to carry out the duties and purposes of the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency.
    (b) To take all measures necessary to erect, maintain, preserve, restore, and conserve all State Historic Sites and State Memorials, except when supervision and maintenance is otherwise provided by law. This authorization includes the power, with the consent of the Board, to enter into contracts, acquire and dispose of real and personal property, and enter into leases of real and personal property. The Agency has the power to acquire, for purposes authorized by law, any real property in fee simple subject to a life estate in the seller in not more than 3 acres of the real property acquired, subject to the restrictions that the life estate shall be used for residential purposes only and that it shall be non‑transferable.
    (c) To provide recreational facilities including camp sites, lodges and cabins, trails, picnic areas and related recreational facilities at all sites under the jurisdiction of the Agency.
    (d) To lay out, construct and maintain all needful roads, parking areas, paths or trails, bridges, camp or lodge sites, picnic areas, lodges and cabins, and any other structures and improvements necessary and appropriate in any State historic site or easement thereto; and to provide water supplies, heat and light, and sanitary facilities for the public and living quarters for the custodians and keepers of State historic sites.
    (e) To grant licenses and rights‑of‑way within the areas controlled by the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency for the construction, operation and maintenance upon, under or across the property, of facilities for water, sewage, telephone, telegraph, electric, gas, or other public service, subject to the terms and conditions as may be determined by the Agency.
    (f) To authorize the officers, employees and agents of the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency, for the purposes of investigation and to exercise the rights, powers, and duties vested and that may be vested in it, to enter and cross all lands and waters in this State, doing no damage to private property.
    (g) To transfer jurisdiction of or exchange any realty under the control of the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency to any other Department of the State Government, or to any agency of the Federal Government, or to acquire or accept Federal lands, when any transfer, exchange, acquisition or acceptance is advantageous to the State and is approved in writing by the Governor.
    (h) To erect, supervise, and maintain all public monuments and memorials erected by the State, except when the supervision and maintenance of public monuments and memorials is otherwise provided by law.
    (i) To accept, hold, maintain, and administer, as trustee, property given in trust for educational or historic purposes for the benefit of the People of the State of Illinois and to dispose, with the consent of the Board, of any property under the terms of the instrument creating the trust.
    (j) To lease concessions on any property under the jurisdiction of the Agency for a period not exceeding 25 years and to lease a concession complex at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site for which a cash incentive has been authorized under Section 5.1 of the Historic Preservation Agency Act for a period not to exceed 40 years. All leases, for whatever period, shall be made subject to the written approval of the Governor. All concession leases extending for a period in excess of 10 years, will contain provisions for the Agency to participate, on a percentage basis, in the revenues generated by any concession operation.
    The Agency is authorized to allow for provisions for a reserve account and a leasehold account within Agency concession lease agreements for the purpose of setting aside revenues for the maintenance, rehabilitation, repair, improvement, and replacement of the concession facility, structure, and equipment of the Agency that are part of the leased premises.
    The lessee shall be required to pay into the reserve account a percentage of gross receipts, as set forth in the lease, to be set aside and expended in a manner acceptable to the Agency by the concession lessee for the purpose of ensuring that an appropriate amount of the lessee's moneys are provided by the lessee to satisfy the lessee's incurred responsibilities for the operation of the concession facility under the terms and conditions of the concession lease.
    The lessee account shall allow for the amortization of certain authorized expenses that are incurred by the concession lessee but that are not an obligation of the lessee under the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. The Agency may allow a reduction of up to 50% of the monthly rent due for the purpose of enabling the recoupment of the lessee's authorized expenditures during the term of the lease.
    (k) To sell surplus agricultural products grown on land owned by or under the jurisdiction of the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency, when the products cannot be used by the Agency.
    (l) To enforce the laws of the State and the rules and regulations of the Agency in or on any lands owned, leased, or managed by the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency.
    (m) To cooperate with private organizations and agencies of the State of Illinois by providing areas and the use of staff personnel where feasible for the sale of publications on the historic and cultural heritage of the State and craft items made by Illinois craftsmen. These sales shall not conflict with existing concession agreements. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency is authorized to negotiate with the organizations and agencies for a portion of the monies received from sales to be returned to the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency's Historic Sites Fund for the furtherance of interpretive and restoration programs.
    (n) To establish local bank or savings and loan association accounts, upon the written authorization of the Director, to temporarily hold income received at any of its properties. The local accounts established under this Section shall be in the name of the Historic Preservation Agency and shall be subject to regular audits. The balance in a local bank or savings and loan association account shall be forwarded to the Agency for deposit with the State Treasurer on Monday of each week if the amount to be deposited in a fund exceeds $500.
    No bank or savings and loan association shall receive public funds as permitted by this Section, unless it has complied with the requirements established under Section 6 of the Public Funds Investment Act.
    (o) To accept, with the consent of the Board, offers of gifts, gratuities, or grants from the federal government, its agencies, or offices, or from any person, firm, or corporation.
    (p) To make reasonable rules and regulations as may be necessary to discharge the duties of the Agency.
    (q) With appropriate cultural organizations, to further and advance the goals of the Agency.
    (r) To make grants for the purposes of planning, survey, rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction, landscaping, and acquisition of Illinois properties (i) designated individually in the National Register of Historic Places, (ii) designated as a landmark under a county or municipal landmark ordinance, or (iii) located within a National Register of Historic Places historic district or a locally designated historic district when the Director determines that the property is of historic significance whenever an appropriation is made therefor by the General Assembly or whenever gifts or grants are received for that purpose and to promulgate regulations as may be necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of the grants.
    Grantees may, as prescribed by rule, be required to provide matching funds for each grant. Grants made under this subsection shall be known as Illinois Heritage Grants.
    Every owner of a historic property, or the owner's agent, is eligible to apply for a grant under this subsection.
    (s) To establish and implement a pilot program for charging admission to State historic sites. Fees may be charged for special events, admissions, and parking or any combination; fees may be charged at all sites or selected sites. All fees shall be deposited into the Illinois Historic Sites Fund. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency shall have the discretion to set and adjust reasonable fees at the various sites, taking into consideration various factors including but not limited to: cost of services furnished to each visitor, impact of fees on attendance and tourism and the costs expended collecting the fees. The Agency shall keep careful records of the income and expenses resulting from the imposition of fees, shall keep records as to the attendance at each historic site, and shall report to the Governor and General Assembly by January 31 after the close of each year. The report shall include information on costs, expenses, attendance, comments by visitors, and any other information the Agency may believe pertinent, including:
        (1) Recommendations as to whether fees should be
     continued at each State historic site.
        (2) How the fees should be structured and imposed.
        (3) Estimates of revenues and expenses associated
     with each site.
    (t) To provide for overnight tent and trailer campsites and to provide suitable housing facilities for student and juvenile overnight camping groups. The Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Agency shall charge rates similar to those charged by the Department of Conservation for the same or similar facilities and services.
    (u) To engage in marketing activities designed to promote the sites and programs administered by the Agency. In undertaking these activities, the Agency may take all necessary steps with respect to products and services, including but not limited to retail sales, wholesale sales, direct marketing, mail order sales, telephone sales, advertising and promotion, purchase of product and materials inventory, design, printing and manufacturing of new products, reproductions, and adaptations, copyright and trademark licensing and royalty agreements, and payment of applicable taxes. In addition, the Agency shall have the authority to sell advertising in its publications and printed materials. All income from marketing activities shall be deposited into the Illinois Historic Sites Fund.
(Source: P.A. 95‑140, eff. 1‑1‑08.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/17) (from Ch. 127, par. 2717)
    Sec. 17. (a) (Blank).
    (b) (Blank).
    (c) (Blank).
    (d) (Blank).
    (e) Those programs, collections and functions heretofore administered by the Illinois State Historical Library or the Agency's Historical Library Division shall be administered by the Lincoln Presidential Library. All gifts made specifically to the Illinois State Historical Library or the Agency's Historical Library Division shall remain at all times within the Lincoln Presidential Library.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/18) (from Ch. 127, par. 2718)
    Sec. 18. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 84‑25. Repealed by P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/19) (from Ch. 127, par. 2719)
    Sec. 19. Whenever personal property has been loaned to or deposited with the Agency and held more than 25 years and no person has made claim upon the property, the property shall be deemed abandoned and shall become the property of the Agency. Provided, however, that in order to perfect the title the Agency must diligently seek to find the owner by writing to the owner at the last known address by certified mail. If no claim is made within 30 days of sending the certified letter, the Agency shall publish in the official State newspaper and in a local newspaper that distributes in the area of owner's last known address a notice containing the name of the owner, a description of the property, and the method of filing a claim. If no person claims the property within 90 days after the advertisement is published, title to the property vests in the Agency.
(Source: P.A. 87‑231.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/20)
    Sec. 20. Freedom Trail Commission.
    (a) Creation. The Freedom Trail Commission is created within the Agency. The budgeting, procurement, and related functions of the commission and administrative responsibilities for the staff of the commission shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the Agency.
    (b) Membership. The commission shall consist of 16 members, appointed as soon as possible after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly. The members shall be appointed as follows:
        (1) one member appointed by the President of the
     Senate;
        (2) one member appointed by the Senate Minority
     Leader;
        (3) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House;
        (4) one member appointed by the House Minority
     Leader;
        (5) 9 members appointed by the Governor as follows:
            (i) 3 members from the academic community who
         are knowledgeable concerning African‑American history;
            (ii) one public member who is actively involved
         in civil rights issues;
            (iii) one public member who is knowledgeable in
         the field of historic preservation;
            (iv) one public member who represents local
         communities in which the underground railroad had a significant presence; and
            (v) 3 members at large, one of whom shall be a
         representative of the DuSable Museum and one of whom shall be a representative of the Chicago Historical Society;
        (6) the Director of Commerce and Economic
     Opportunity, ex officio, or a designee of the Director;
        (7) the State Librarian, ex officio, or a designee
     of the State Library; and
        (8) the Director of the Historic Preservation
     Agency, ex officio, or a designee of that Agency.
    Appointed members shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
    (c) Election of chairperson; meetings. At its first meeting, the commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and other officers it considers necessary or appropriate. After its first meeting, the commission shall meet at least quarterly, or more frequently at the call of the chairperson or if requested by 7 or more members.
    (d) Quorum. A majority of the members of the commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the commission. A majority of the members present and serving is required for official action of the commission.
    (e) Public meeting. The business that the commission may perform shall be conducted at a public meeting of the commission held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act.
    (f) Freedom of information. A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the commission in the performance of an official function is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
    (g) Compensation. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation. However, members of the commission may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of the commission.
    (h) Duties. The commission shall do the following:
        (1) Prepare a master plan to promote and preserve
     the history of the freedom trail and underground railroad in the State.
        (2) Work in conjunction with State and federal
     authorities to sponsor commemorations, linkages, seminars, and public forums on the freedom trail and underground railroad in the State and in neighboring states.
        (3) Assist in and promote the making of applications
     for inclusion in the national and State registers of historic places for significant historic places related to the freedom trail and the underground railroad in the State.
        (4) Assist in developing and develop partnerships to
     seek public and private funds to carry out activities to protect, preserve, and promote the legacy of the freedom trail and the underground railroad in the State.
        (5) Work with the Illinois State Board of Education
     to evaluate, conduct research concerning, and develop a curriculum for use in Illinois public schools regarding the underground railroad, with emphasis on the activities of the underground railroad within the State.
    (i) Report. The commission shall report its activities and findings to the General Assembly by February 1, 2004.
(Source: P.A. 93‑487, eff. 8‑8‑03; 94‑793, eff. 5‑19‑06.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/22)
    Sec. 22. Amistad Commission.
    (a) Purpose. The General Assembly finds and declares that all people should know of and remember the human carnage and dehumanizing atrocities committed during the period of the African slave trade and slavery in America and of the vestiges of slavery in this country; and it is in fact vital to educate our citizens on these events, the legacy of slavery, the sad history of racism in this country, and the principles of human rights and dignity in a civilized society.
    It is the policy of the State of Illinois that the history of the African slave trade, slavery in America, the depth of their impact in our society, and the triumphs of African‑Americans and their significant contributions to the development of this country is the proper concern of all people, particularly students enrolled in the schools of the State of Illinois.
    It is therefore desirable to create a Commission that, as an organized body and on a continuous basis, will survey, design, encourage, and promote the implementation of education and awareness programs in Illinois that are concerned with the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African‑Americans in building our country; to develop workshops, institutes, seminars, and other teacher training activities designed to educate teachers on this subject matter; and that will be responsible for the coordination of events on a regular basis, throughout the State, that provide appropriate memorialization of the events concerning the enslavement of Africans and their descendants in America and their struggle for freedom, liberty, and equality.
    (b) Amistad Commission. The Amistad Commission is created within the Agency. The Commission is named to honor the group of enslaved Africans transported in 1839 on a vessel named the Amistad who overthrew their captors and created an international incident that was eventually argued before the Supreme Court and that shed a growing light on the evils of the slave trade and galvanized a growing abolitionist movement towards demanding the end of slavery in the United States.
    (c) Membership. The Commission shall consist of 15 members, including 3 ex officio members: the State Superintendent of Education or his or her designee, the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or his or her designee, and the Director of Historic Sites and Preservation or his or her designee; and 12 public members. Public members shall be appointed as follows:
        (i) 2 members appointed by the President of the
     Senate and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;
        (ii) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House
     of Representatives and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; and
        (iii) 6 members, no more than 4 of whom shall be of
     the same political party, appointed by the Governor.
    The public members shall be residents of this State, chosen with due regard to broad geographic representation and ethnic diversity, who have served actively in organizations that educate the public on the history of the African slave trade, the contributions of African‑Americans to our society, and civil rights issues.
    Each public member of the Commission shall serve for a term of 3 years, except that of the initial members so appointed: one member appointed by the President of the Senate, one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and 2 members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of one year; the member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and 2 members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of 2 years; and one member appointed by the President of the Senate, the member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and 2 members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of 3 years. Public members shall be eligible for reappointment. They shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified, and the term of the successor of any incumbent shall be calculated from the expiration of the term of that incumbent. A vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only.
    (d) Election of chairperson; meetings. At its first meeting and annually thereafter, the Commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and other officers it considers necessary or appropriate. After its first meeting, the Commission shall meet at least quarterly, or more frequently at the call of the chairperson or if requested by 9 or more members.
    (e) Quorum. A majority of the members of the Commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Commission. A majority of the members present and serving is required for official action of the Commission.
    (f) Public meeting. All business that the Commission is authorized to perform shall be conducted at a public meeting of the Commission, held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act.
    (g) Freedom of Information. A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the Commission in the performance of an official function is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
    (h) Compensation. The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of the Commission from funds appropriated for that purpose. Reimbursement for travel, meals, and lodging shall be in accordance with the rules of the Governor's Travel Control Board.
    (i) Duties. The Commission shall have the following responsibilities and duties:
        (1) To provide, based upon the collective interest of
     the members and the knowledge and experience of the members, assistance and advice to schools within the State with respect to the implementation of education, awareness programs, textbooks, and educational materials concerned with the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African‑Americans to our society.
        (2) To survey and catalog the extent and breadth of
     education concerning the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African‑Americans to our society presently being incorporated into the curricula and textbooks and taught in the school systems of the State; to inventory those African slave trade, American slavery, or relevant African‑American history memorials, exhibits, and resources that should be incorporated into courses of study at educational institutions, schools, and various other locations throughout the State; and to assist the State Board of Education and other State and educational agencies in the development and implementation of African slave trade, American slavery, and African‑American history education programs.
        (3) To act as a liaison with textbook publishers,
     schools, public, private, and nonprofit resource organizations, and members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives in order to facilitate the inclusion of the history of African slavery and of African‑Americans in this country in the curricula of public and nonpublic schools.
        (4) To compile a roster of individual volunteers who
     are willing to share their knowledge and experience in classrooms, seminars, and workshops with students and teachers on the subject of the African slave trade, American slavery, the impact of slavery on our society today, and the contributions of African‑Americans to our country.
        (5) To coordinate events memorializing the African
     slave trade, American slavery, and the history of African‑Americans in this country that reflect the contributions of African‑Americans in overcoming the burdens of slavery and its vestiges, and to seek volunteers who are willing and able to participate in commemorative events that will enhance student awareness of the significance of the African slave trade, American slavery, its historical impact, and the struggle for freedom.
        (6) To prepare reports for the Governor and the
     General Assembly regarding its findings and recommendations on facilitating the inclusion of the African slave trade, American slavery studies, African‑American history, and special programs in the educational system of the State.
        (7) To develop, in consultation with the State Board
     of Education, curriculum guidelines that will be made available to every school board for the teaching of information on the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African‑Americans to our country.
        (8) To solicit, receive, and accept appropriations,
     gifts, and donations for Commission operations and programs authorized under this Section.
    (j) Commission requests for assistance. The Commission is authorized to call upon any department, office, division, or agency of the State, or of any county, municipality, or school district of the State, to supply such data, program reports, and other information, appropriate school personnel, and assistance as it deems necessary to discharge its responsibilities under this Act. These departments, offices, divisions, and agencies shall, to the extent possible and not inconsistent with any other law of this State, cooperate with the Commission and shall furnish it with such information, appropriate school personnel, and assistance as may be necessary or helpful to accomplish the purposes of this Act.
    (k) State Board of Education assistance. The State Board of Education shall:
        (1) Assist the Amistad Commission in marketing and
     distributing to educators, administrators, and school districts in the State educational information and other materials on the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African‑Americans to our society.
        (2) Conduct at least one teacher workshop annually on
     the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African‑Americans to our society.
        (3) Assist the Amistad Commission in monitoring the
     inclusion of slavery materials and curricula in the State's educational system.
        (4) Consult with the Amistad Commission to determine
     ways it may survey, catalog, and extend slave trade and American slavery education presently being taught in the State's educational system.
    The State Board of Education may, subject to the availability of appropriations, hire additional staff and consultants to carry out the duties and responsibilities provided within this subsection (k).
    (l) Report. The Commission shall report its activities and findings, as required under subsection (i), to the Governor and General Assembly on or before June 30, 2006, and biannually thereafter.
(Source: P.A. 94‑285, eff. 7‑21‑05.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/27)
    Sec. 27. Former POWs; free admission. Every veteran who is a resident of Illinois and a former prisoner of war is exempt from all admission fees in museums that receive State funds. For the purposes of this Section, a former prisoner of war is a veteran who was taken and held prisoner by a hostile foreign force while participating in an armed conflict as a member of the United States Armed Forces. Any identification card or other form of identification issued by the Veterans' Administration or other governmental agency that indicates the card‑holder's former prisoner of war status is sufficient to accord the card‑holder the fee‑exempt admission privileges under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 96‑87, eff. 7‑27‑09.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/30)
    Sec. 30. Library; Board; Foundation. There is established within the Historic Preservation Agency the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. There shall be an Advisory Board of the Lincoln Presidential Library to advise the Lincoln Presidential Library and the Library Director on programs related to the Lincoln Presidential Library. The Lincoln Presidential Library and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation shall mutually co‑operate to maximize resources available to the Lincoln Presidential Library and to support, sustain, and provide educational programs and collections at the Lincoln Presidential Library.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/31)
    Sec. 31. Advisory Board. The Advisory Board of the Lincoln Presidential Library shall consist of 11 members to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each of these members shall have recognized knowledge and ability in matters relating to history, research, cultural institutions, archives, libraries, business, or education. The terms of office of these members shall be 6 years, except that the terms of office of the initial members shall commence from the effective date of this Article and run as follows, as designated by the Governor: one for a term expiring December 31, 2003, 2 for terms expiring December 31, 2004, 2 for terms expiring December 31, 2005, 2 for terms expiring December 31, 2006, 2 for terms expiring December 31, 2007, and 2 for terms expiring December 31, 2008. The Governor shall appoint one of the members as Chair to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/32)
    Sec. 32. Duties of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board of the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum may:
    (a) Recommend programs for implementation in support of the mission and goals of the Lincoln Presidential Library.
    (b) Recommend such seminars, symposia, or other conferences as may be necessary or advisable to the Lincoln Presidential Library and the Board of Trustees of the Historic Preservation Agency.
    (c) Report annually to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Board of the Historic Preservation Agency on the status of the Lincoln Presidential Library and its programs.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/33)
    Sec. 33. Administration of the Lincoln Presidential Library. The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint a Library Director of the Lincoln Presidential Library. The Library Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Library Director shall, subject to applicable provisions of law, execute and discharge the powers and duties of the Lincoln Presidential Library and implement the policies set by the Board. The Library Director, with the concurrence of the Board, shall appoint: (a) a Library Facilities Operations Director; and (b) a Director of the Illinois State Historical Library. Subject to concurrence by the Board, the Library Director shall appoint those other employees of the Lincoln Presidential Library and the Illinois State Historical Library as he or she deems appropriate and shall fix the compensation of the Library Facilities Operations Director, the Director of the Illinois State Historical Library, and other employees. The Library Director, with the approval of the Board, may establish and collect admission and registration fees, may operate a gift shop, and may publish and sell educational and informational materials.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

    (20 ILCS 3405/34)
    Sec. 34. Internal Auditor. There is created the Office of the Internal Auditor of the Historic Preservation Agency. The Internal Auditor shall be appointed by the Board, shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, and shall report to the Board. The Internal Auditor shall audit and maintain the financial books, records, papers, and transactions of the Lincoln Presidential Library and the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Historic Preservation Agency. The Internal Auditor shall prepare an annual report for each fiscal year of the operations of the Historic Preservation Agency, which shall be submitted to the Board, the General Assembly, and the Governor. Nothing in this Section shall abridge the authority of the Illinois Auditor General to independently audit the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency or any of the libraries, divisions, or offices contained within the Agency.
(Source: P.A. 92‑600, eff. 7‑1‑02.)

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