Park Forest — Ch. 54 Human Relations § 54-29
Attendance and testimony of witnesses
Operative Text
When authorized by the president and board of trustees by appropriate resolution, the commission on human relations may require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence relating to any matter under investigation and hearing. The chairman may sign a subpoena which may be served by any village police officer or by any person lawfully authorized to serve a subpoena under the laws of the state. The attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary evidence may be required at such designated place of the hearing within the village and before the commission as a whole, or before a duly constituted subcommittee of the commission. Witnesses summoned before the commission, or a subcommittee of the commission, shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the circuit court of this state. For disobedience by a person to the subpoena, the commission may petition the circuit court of the county for an order requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses, for the production of documentary evidence, or both. The chairman of the commission or the commission member conducting the hearing is authorized to administer oaths and is required to provide for the preservation of all testimony taken.
Park Forest's Ch. 54 Human Relations § 54-29 establishes the subpoena authority of the village's Commission on Human Relations when authorized by the president and board of trustees. The commission may compel witnesses to appear and testify, and may require the production of documents relevant to matters under investigation or hearing. Witnesses are entitled to the same fees and mileage as those appearing in Illinois circuit court, and if someone refuses to comply with a subpoena, the commission may seek a court order enforcing compliance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Park Forest Ch. 54 § 54-29, property owners or managers who receive a subpoena from the Commission on Human Relations are subject to a legally enforceable obligation to appear, testify, or produce documents as directed. Compliant operators generally respond to subpoenas promptly, preserve relevant records, and appear at the designated hearing location within the village. Failure to comply can result in the commission petitioning the circuit court for an enforcement order.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Park Forest Ch. 54 § 54-29 gives the Commission on Human Relations the power to subpoena witnesses and documents in matters it is investigating, which can be a meaningful tool in human relations complaints that may involve housing. Tenants who are called as witnesses are entitled to the same fees and mileage paid to circuit court witnesses under state law. Those involved in a commission proceeding may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid resource to understand their rights and obligations when a subpoena is issued.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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