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A.G.: No Lawmaker Approval Necessary for Thomson Sale
Does the governor need lawmakers' approval to close and sell the Thomson prison?

Attorney General Lisa Madigan says the answer is no. She researched the legalities at the request of Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego).

At issue are the State Facilities Closure Act and the State Property Control Act. The attorney general’s opinion is that the Closure Act does apply, inasmuch as the prison is active, with inmates and employees at the facility. That act specifies procedures for closing a state facility that the governor must follow.

The Property Control Act allows the director of corrections to dispose of surplus property if it is vacant, unoccupied or unused. It is not now, but if everyone is cleared out, it would be, and that law would then apply.

As to whether the state can sell property with buildings paid for by bonds not yet paid off, Attorney General Lisa Madigan said she does not yet have the information to answer that question.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed sale of Thomson to the federal government for 2 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 22) at Sterling High School.

(Illinois Radio Network)
12 18 09 by Newsroom
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