Major Judicial Victory for Transportation Funding
In 2018, a coalition of contracting firms in the public transportation construction and design industry, filed suit in the circuit court of Cook County for declaratory and injunctive relief against the County of Cook (County), asserting that the County was impermissibly diverting revenues generated from six transportation-related ordinances that, pursuant to the Amendment, should have been used only toward certain delineated transportation-related purposes. The Illinois Chamber filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in the appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme court agreed with the Road Builders that the Amendment contains no exemption on the use of funds from the local taxes at issue for home-rule units of government or for expenditures of transportation tax revenue pursuant to home rule authority. The court remanded the case back to the circuit court of Cook County.
The Chamber applauds the Court for its decision to protect public safety, ensure the smooth flow of goods and nurture Illinois reputation as a leader in infrastructure.
Secretary of State Rulemaking
The SECRETARY OF STATE adopted an amendment to Commercial Driver Training Schools (92 IAC 1060; 46 Ill Reg 448) effective implementing PA 102-455 by requiring commercial driver training courses to include instruction on how to interact with law enforcement during traffic stops. The rulemaking also implements Federal Motor Carrier Administration regulations, effective 2/7/22, requiring entry level commercial drivers to complete entry level driving training (theory and behind-the-wheel) prior to the issuance of a commercial driver’s license.
SOS also adopted an amendment to Online Only Adult Driver Education Course Provider Certification (92 IAC 1066; 45 Ill Reg 14405) effective 4/11/22, implementing PA 102-455, requiring online-only adult driver education courses to include instruction on how to interact with law enforcement during traffic stops.
Session Update
The House and Senate were both in Springfield for the final day of Spring Session on April 8th. There are no further session dates scheduled at this time. Veto Session can be expected to commence after the election in early late November or early December but no official dates have been released.
For our Municipal Members- Lead Line Survey
We’ve been asked to share this EPA survey regarding municipal lead lines. The survey is very short- only nine questions- and will be used for major funding decisions. I’m told it should take less than 10 minutes to complete. You can take the survey HERE.
