HIGHWOOD, Illinois – A bill referred to as the “Klaeren bill,” sponsored by State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), has passed the Senate and the House and awaits the Governor’s signature.

The Klaeren Bill (Senate Bill 94) reasserts the legislative nature of the municipal hearing process for zoning decisions. An earlier Illinois Supreme Court decision in the Klaeren v. Lisle case had the effect of turning public hearings into court proceedings, making it harder for ordinary citizens to provide input without an attorney. SB 94, by specifying that public hearings are legislative rather than quasi-judicial, restores the ability of municipalities and citizens to participate in the hearing process in an open and collaborative way.

 “It is very important for the public to be able to participate in these hearings in an open way. We also need to realize that the citizens who serve on zoning boards are not judges but volunteers. Senate Bill 94 restores that perspective and will encourage more open public participation in zoning decisions,” said Senator Garrett.