Just when you think 2022 is going better than 2021, Meat Loaf dies. RIP big guy.
On the plus side, we’ve got another nice NFL slate this weekend.
Committee Updates
House Cybersecurity was canceled this week. Right to Repair (HB 3061) had been posted for votes. The Chamber opposes this measure.
As of this writing, only one Transportation committee has been posted and it is to address a single road naming bill.
Additional New Bills of Interest
Today is the Senate bill deadline for introduction. I expect several more bills to be filed in the coming hours. Next week is the House deadline. Here’s what we’ve seen so far:
HB 4608 (Delgado) - Provides that, by January 1, 2023, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and its MPO Policy Committee, in coordination with the Authority, shall develop and submit a report of legislative recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly regarding changes to the recovery ratio, sales tax formula and distributions, governance structures, regional fare systems, and any other changes to State statute, Authority, or Service Board enabling legislation, policy, rules, or funding that will ensure the long-term financial viability of a comprehensive and coordinated regional public transportation system that moves people safely, securely, cleanly, and efficiently and supports and fosters efficient land use.
SB 3171 (Murphy) - Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a fleet electrification voucher program to promote the use of electric trucks by fleet owners by offering a voucher of $200,000 per electric Class 7 truck or electric Class 8 truck purchased or leased for a fleet by the fleet's owner or operator. Provides that an applicant shall submit a proof of purchase, lease, or other binding contract regarding the electric Class 7 truck or electric Class 8 truck in order to be awarded the voucher. Provides that, upon approval of the initial application, an applicant must scrap a diesel Class 7 truck or diesel Class 8 truck from the applicant's existing fleet.
SB 3178 (Bennett) - Creates the Rivers of Illinois Coordinating Council Act. Provides for the codification of the Rivers of Illinois Coordinating Council. Provides that the Council is the successor to: (i) the Illinois River Coordinating Council; (ii) the Mississippi River Coordinating Council; and (iii) the Wabash and Ohio River Coordinating Council.
SB 3421 (Murphy) - Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that railroad property shall be assessed based on the location of the property (rather than as a unit).
SB 3423 (Murphy) – Repeals red light cameras .
SB 3605 (Villivalam) - Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Prohibits an individual from using an electronic communication device to participate in a virtual meeting using the video function while operating a motor vehicle. Effective immediately. I’m flagging this one for fun as we’ve seen multiple legislators vote while driving.
Illinois Aviation System Plan Update
As you know, the Chamber serves on the technical advisory committee for the Aviation System Plan Update. The project team has recently finalized a draft of Chapter 9 – Cost Estimates which has been uploaded to the project website for your review! This chapter documents costs needed to fund projects to that were identified through the system plan process. Please provide any comments you’d like me to share no later than Tuesday, January 25.
