State representative Jed Davis (R-Yorkville) has introduced legislation to ensure local residents have a direct voice in decisions surrounding the placement of large-scale data centers in their communities.
The proposal, House Bill 5755, creates a clear pathway for voters to weigh in through a referendum before a municipality approves a data center project.
“This bill is rooted in a simple principle – major decisions affecting a community should be decided by the people who live there,” said Davis. “We’ve seen how quickly these projects can move, and how strongly residents feel. This proposal gives them a meaningful, real voice.”
House Bill 5755 requires public notice and a hearing for any proposed data center, and also allows residents to trigger a referendum if enough signatures are gathered. If voters choose to weigh in, the final decision rests with them.
Davis emphasized the legislation is not about stopping development, but about restoring balance in the decision-making process. “Some communities may welcome these projects. Others may not. This bill doesn’t pick sides – it puts the decision where it belongs, in the hands of local voters,” Davis said.
The legislation was inspired by strong community engagement across the district, where residents expressed a desire for greater transparency and a more direct role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.
“For something with this level of impact – on infrastructure and quality of life – residents deserve more than a meeting. They deserve a vote,” Davis added.
For more information about Representative Davis, visit RepJedDavis.com.
—Office of State representative Jed Davis