SB 2253 (Villivalam/Hoffman) requires the Department of Transportation to consult with all Class 1 and short line railroads and relevant businesses engaged in the railroad industry in preparation of the State Rail Plan. Creates the Freight Rail Transportation Coordinating Committee. Amends the Eminent Domain Act. Provides that for property being acquired by the Department of Transportation under the Illinois Highway Code, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall issue its final order within 6 months after the date that the petition is filed unless the Commission extends the period for issuing a final order. Provides that the Commission may extend the 6-month period for issuing a final order for up to an additional 3-month period on its own motion or on a pe- tition filed with good cause by any party. Authorizes the Commission to have the power to establish an expedit- ed schedule for making its determination on a petition filed by the Department in less than 6 months if it finds that the public interest requires the setting of an expedited schedule. While the Chamber originally opposed this bill, SFA 3 brought the Chamber and several other business organizations to Neutral. This bill Passed Both Houses. Vehicles & Safety HB 1389 (Rita) expands the authority for automated speed enforcement systems in safety zones to include municipalities in the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Madison, McHenry, St. Clair, and Will (instead of just the City of Chicago). This bill did not pass out of Committee and was re-referred to the Rules Committee. HB 3044 (Kifowit) provides that a manufacturer shall submit to the Department of Transportation documen- tation regarding the level of driving automation, along with a filing fee in an amount to be determined by the Department before selling or operating autonomous vehicles. Provides that the Department shall assemble an Automated Driving Systems Review Committee to evaluate submitted documentation and make determi- nations concerning the level of automated driving capabilities and the suitability of the vehicle for operation on public roads. Provides that an autonomous vehicle classified as having Level 2 Driving Automation may be sold to consumers and registered for use. Provides that the owner of the automated vehicle shall file an an- nual report with the Department of Transportation stating the number of miles driven per year, the estimated number of miles driven using equipped automated driving systems, and any collisions that occurred involving the vehicle. Prohibits the sale or operation of autonomous vehicles classified as having Level 3, 4, or 5 Driving Automation. Among other reasons, the Chamber Opposed this bill as it would stifle innovation in a growing industry. This bill did not advance out of committee and was re-referred to House Rules. SB 1591 (Cervantes) amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Authorizes the Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to implement the use of a leader-follower work zone vehicle (autonomous connected system) in a highway construction or maintenance zone under their jurisdiction to create a safety system to protect their workers. This bill did not advance out of committee and was re-referred to the Assign- ments Committee. The Chamber Supports. SB 2040 (Villanueva/Davis) amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Establishes registration requirements for com- mercial vehicle safety relocators and tasks the Illinois Commerce Commission with oversight duties and the imposition of penalties. Provides that commercial vehicle safety relocators must follow specified business address requirements. Sets forth provisions concerning liens against personal property in a towed vehicle, making false statements and the power of the Commission to deny an application or revoke registration from a commercial vehicle safety relocator, and the relocation and redemption of vehicles. The Chamber Support- ed this legislation to combat “rogue towing,” which has caused significant expense and hassle for drivers and insurers in cities across the US. This bill Passed Both Houses. 20 | END OF SESSION REPORT
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.