Clark Kaericher | Vice President, Government Affairs | 217-522-5512 ext. 296
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May 7, 2021
The Technology Council seeks to aggressively and proactively promote the interests of the Illinois technology community by advocating for public policy that fosters innovation and promotes economic growth. The Council will seek to promote workforce development policies, advocate for world-class technology infrastructure, avoid overregulation on the industry and support innovators access to the capital they need to grow.
It is almost Mother’s Day. I hope everyone celebrating has a great day and that “my children” did a decent job of picking out gifts for my wife.
Another week closer to June and we are still at a jogging pace as the map discussion is taking most of the oxygen out of the room. Consider this the calm before the storm.
 
Good News on the Data Center Front

SB 2182,  Data Center Exemptions passed the Senate by a vote of 51-0-0.  As amended, this bill provides that a "qualifying Illinois data center" means a new or existing data center that, among other criteria, is located in the State of Illinois, is located within a 5-mile geographic radius, and is connected by common infrastructure. Provides that a data center and an associated tenant may enter into an ancillary memorandum of understanding, as prescribed by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, for purposes of receipt of an exemption. Provides that the Department is authorized to conform existing memorandums of understanding with the provisions concerning data center investments. Modifies the definition of "tenant". This bill is a Chamber initiative.

Representative Walker will be the House sponsor. The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee.

Committee Updates

Cybersecurity Committee has not been scheduled for next week and there are no bills currently assigned to the committee. I will be surprised if the committee meets next week.

Amendments of Note
SB 2183 (HCA 0001) Amends the Transportation Network Providers Act. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2024 (instead of June 1, 2021).

SB 2183 (HCA 0002) Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reenacts the Transportation Network Providers Act. Provides for the continuation and validation of the Act, and extends the repeal to January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.

A clean extension of the Transportation Network Providers Act is a major priority for the Illinois Chamber this session.

HB 3702 (HFA 0001) Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act.
Articles of Interest 











Until next time,
 
Clark
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