HB 5604

Creates the Cultural Districts Act. Provides that, if an area successfully establishes itself as a cultural district under the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law, then the area may be incorporated as a cultural district. Creates 15 cultural districts. Sets forth the method to create additional cultural districts. Provides that, unless the boundaries of a cultural district are the same as the boundaries of a county or municipality, the affairs of a cultural district shall be managed by a board of commissioners consisting of not less than 5 but not more than 9 commissioners, who shall be appointed by the presiding officer of the county board of the county in which the majority of the cultural district is located, with the advice and consent of the county board. Provides that a cultural district may sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire and hold real and personal property necessary for its corporate purposes, and adopt a seal. Provides that the board of commissioners of a cultural district may, for any of its authorized purposes, borrow money upon the faith and credit of the cultural district and may issue bonds. Provides that a cultural district may acquire lands for its purposes (i) by lease, (ii) in fee simple by gift, grant, legacy, purchase, or condemnation, or (iii) by easement.