Illinois Bill Aims to Protect Housing Rights for Adults with Disabilities

Proposed legislation would bar municipalities from using zoning laws to block community living arrangements for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of color in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the push to create more inclusive community living arrangements for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.An avant-garde illustration captures the movement and energy behind efforts to expand housing options for adults with disabilities in Illinois communities.Springfield Today

A new bill in the Illinois legislature, House Bill 1843, seeks to address discriminatory local zoning laws that have blocked the establishment of community integrated living arrangements (CILAs) - small group homes that allow adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently in a supportive community setting. The bill would prohibit municipalities from using zoning mandates to prevent the creation of CILAs and explicitly state that local zoning boards cannot circumvent federal fair housing and disability rights laws.

Why it matters

This legislation is important because it aims to protect the rights of adults with disabilities to live independently and integrate into their local communities. Restrictive zoning rules have often made it difficult for CILA providers to open new homes, leaving many adults with disabilities on long waitlists. By establishing consistent statewide standards, the bill seeks to ensure equal housing opportunities for this vulnerable population.

The details

House Bill 1843 passed the Illinois House last spring and is currently awaiting assignment to a Senate committee. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, after hearing from a CILA provider that had funding and a home ready to open but was blocked by local zoning rules. In Illinois, zoning requirements can limit where CILAs are established, with some areas restricting homes to four residents or fewer and imposing distance requirements between CILA locations. The bill aims to override these discriminatory local rules and bring zoning standards in line with federal fair housing and disability laws.

  • House Bill 1843 passed the Illinois House in spring 2026.
  • The bill is currently awaiting assignment to a Senate committee.

The players

House Bill 1843

Proposed legislation that would bar municipalities from using zoning laws to block community living arrangements for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Rep. Suzanne Ness

The Democratic state representative from Crystal Lake who sponsored House Bill 1843 after hearing from a CILA provider that was blocked from opening a new home due to local zoning rules.

Envision Unlimited

A CILA provider that operates nearly 100 group homes across Illinois, primarily in the Chicagoland area. The organization has faced challenges expanding statewide due to local zoning barriers.

Libenu

Another CILA provider that has brought legal action against municipalities that have denied them from setting up group homes or required them to apply for special permits, arguing this violates federal fair housing and disability laws.

Illinois Municipal League

An organization representing local governments that has expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns about state-level legislation encroaching on local zoning authority.

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What they’re saying

“They're able to be integrated into a community setting. They make friends and get to know people who don't have disabilities. In other words, they have as much...self-direction in their lives as you and I do, and that's the whole point.”

— Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Envision Unlimited

“Really what this legislation does, it brings zoning standards across the state to federal levels.”

— Rep. Suzanne Ness, Sponsor of House Bill 1843

“They don't want to live at home. They're adults, tell me an adult that wants to live with their parents. The idea is that they should be able to spend the rest of their lives in these homes. Just like anybody else.”

— Dr. Shana Erenberg, Co-founder and CEO of Libenu

What’s next

The bill is currently awaiting assignment to a Senate committee, where its sponsors are confident it will pass with bipartisan support. If approved by the Senate, the legislation would then head to the governor's desk for signature.

The takeaway

This bill represents an important effort to protect the housing rights and independent living opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Illinois. By addressing discriminatory local zoning rules, the legislation aims to create more equitable access to community-based living arrangements that allow this population to fully integrate and thrive within their local communities.