Farm Bureau Concerned About Proposed Changes to the Board of Review
Cook County Farm Bureau® has requested that Illinois Farm Bureau® opposes House Bill 1356. House Bill 1356 has been re-referred to the House Rules Committee; however, Farm Bureau is concerned that the content of this legislation will be amended onto a shell bill prior to spring adjournment.
House Bill 1356 amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that each member of the Cook County Board of Review must be an attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois.
Cook County Farm Bureau works extensively with the Board of Review. Given that Cook County does not have a “traditional” farm assessment designation or process, Farm Bureau advocates and provides guidance at both the Assessor and Board of Review level. Board of Review Commissioners operate predominately as administrators, their staff reviews appeal materials and provides recommendations.
All three current Board of Review Commissioners are attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois. Farm Bureau is concerned that House Bill 1356 is a poorly veiled attempt to insulate incumbents from future challengers.
Farm Bureau will continue to monitor House Bill 1356 and legislation related to property tax administration.