Proposed Illinois law would prohibit local zoning from banning group homes

A proposed Illinois state bill would require communities to comply with provisions in the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act that provide protections for people with disabilities who want to live independently, reports Laura Horne in The Daily Northwestern.

According to Horne, "If passed, House Bill 1843, which passed the Illinois House 77-35 last year and is now being considered in the state Senate, would eliminate local family based zoning restrictions and protect shared housing arrangements, including disability-related community living settings."

The bill would expand available housing opportunities and prevent cities from banning community living arrangements and residential care homes in any residential areas. 

"This issue is especially pressing given the state’s limited supply of housing and large waitlist for supportive housing," said State Rep. Suzanne Ness, the primary sponsor of the bill. "It was just really clear to me that this was an unnecessary burden on agencies that are trying to help vulnerable people," Ness added.