Is there anything better than a predicted snowstorm during NFL Wildcard Weekend? Telling me I can’t go anywhere while six playoff games are televised, what a shame…
I’d give you my picks but after Alabama’s national title flop last week, I’m feeling a little gun shy.
Committee Updates/Right to Repair
Another week of heavy committee work is on the horizon next week despite the cancellation of in person activities down here in Springfield.
This week’s Cybersecurity Committee, where a vote on Right to Repair was procedurally possible, was cancelled after last week’s marathon subject matter hearing. Friday afternoon, the committee was reposted with Right to Repair (HB 3061). The votes to pass the bill don’t exist as of now but proponents are still pushing.
Behind the scenes there is a plan to split the single bill into three standalone bills: one for consumer electronics, one for heavy equipment and one for medical devices. I will let you know if anything new appears on this front.
Only one of the three transportation committees posted this week. The sole bill to be considered is a memorial road naming to a fallen Illinois State Police hero.
Infrastructure Issues Pending in Energy Committees
HB 3090 (Environmental Justice) and HB 3125 (Electric vehicle chargers) are back in the House Energy Committee Tuesday at 3 pm.
Last week, HB 3125, Electric Vehicles was heard in the House Energy & Environment Committee on Tuesday, January 11th.This bill considers how new and renovated buildings are “charging station capable” and charging station ready.
The sponsor, Gabel, said that this bill is “much more comprehensive” than the legislation she desires to pass. There will be an amendment that will probably takE everything out after page 20. Most of the second part of the bill was passed in CEJA. The sponsor is working with business groups to bring back an amendment. This proposed amendment, language unknown at this time, would be the subject of this week’s committee. HB 3125 passed out of Committee 16-7-0 with the sponsor’s commitment to bring it back.
In the Senate Energy Committee on Friday, is SB 2940 (Cullerton) which includes electric motorcycles to the definition of electric vehicles. Also in the committee is SB 3051. SB 3051 (Fine) Creates the In-home Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Act. Provides that if the construction of one or more new housing units or major renovations will include at least one garage, carport, or driveway for each housing unit, the builder or the builder's agent shall provide each buyer, prospective buyer, or homeowner with the option to include either an electric vehicle charging station capable of at least level 2 charging or equipment to support the later addition of a such a charging station in or on the garage, carport, or driveway. Requires a builder to give a buyer or homeowner notice of this requirement along with information on available rebate programs for installing an electric charging station. Requires the buyer or homeowner to provide notice of receipt. Provides a private right of action for persons aggrieved by a violation of the Act. Effective July 1, 2022.
New Bills of Note
HB 4424 (Zalewski) - Provides that all municipalities (currently, only municipalities in a county with a population of over 3,000,000 inhabitants) may impose a motor fuel tax.
HB 4431 (Zalewski) - Provides that the Department of Transportation shall establish the local government revenue reimbursement program to reimburse a county, municipal, township, or village government for revenue lost due to a road, highway, or interstate construction project initiated by the Department of Transportation. Provides that, to receive reimbursement, within 90 days after the completion of a construction project, the county, municipality, township, or village shall submit to the Department of Transportation a reimbursement request on a form prescribed by the Department of Transportation and supported by a report by an independent auditor verifying the estimated amount of revenue lost over the duration of the construction project. Provides that the Department shall reimburse a local government entity within 90 days of receiving a reimbursement request. Effective July 1, 2022.
HB 4389 (Moylan) - 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. Requires an applicant who is awarded a voucher to agree to participate in annual surveys on specified metrics.
Illinois Supreme Court Hears “Lockbox” Oral Arguments
On Wednesday the Illinois Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case Illinois Road and Transportation Builders v. County of Cook. This case centers around whether Cook County is diverting approximately $250 million in funds that ought to properly be subject to the lockbox constitutional amendment protections.
Attorneys for the Road and Transportation Builders argued that the plain language of the statute shows Cook County is in violation. Cook County argues the plaintiffs lack standing and that legislative intent shows their usage of the funds to be proper. The Cook County State’s Attorney came close to conceding the plain language argument of the Road Builders while insisting that was just one cannon of statutory interpretation.
It can be a mistake to read too much into questioning and demeanor of oral arguments. However, arguments and questioning of the justices should be seen as very encouraging for upholding the intent of the amendment.
The Illinois Chamber wrote an amicus brief on behalf of the position taken by the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders.
You can watch the arguments for yourself here.
Illinois Chamber Signs GoRail Group Letter
This week the Illinois Chamber joined with our partners at GoRail to sign onto their letter to the Surface Transportation Board. The letter addresses our opposition to a rule requiring “reciprocal switching” or forced access to railroad infrastructure and equipment by a competitor.
Their fact sheet is here.
Webinar: Detection is Your Super Power!
On January 27th, the Illinois Chamber will host a security-focused webinar titled "Detection is your super power."
Protecting a network against a hacker used to mean that you had to be on your game 100%, but the hacker only needed to be right once to get in. With Detection, however, the tables are turned, and they’re on your territory. Detection becomes your advantage, as they have to avoid making any mistakes and all you have to do is watch and wait. Join Stel Valavanis, CEO of Onshore Security, to hear more about how Panoptic Cyber defense gives us the super power to see all and stop bad actors in their tracks.
