Springfield Update

Today, the Illinois General Assembly advanced several bills related to active transportation.

HJR 6 was introduced by Rep. Elaine Nekritz on behalf of Active Transportation Alliance. This resolution will create a task force to study the Illinois school transportation program. Each year, Illinois taxpayers spend more than $800 million to bus children to and from school. More than 157,000 students live within 1.5 miles of school and should be able to walk and bike to school. The School Transportation Task Force will suggest changes to make the Illinois school transportation program more efficient, and promote active transportation. HJR 6 passed out of the House Elementary Education Committee today.

The Illinois Senate Transportation Committee today advanced HB 71, which will ban most text messaging while driving. A key initiative of the Distracted Drivers Task Force, this bill is sponsored by Rep. John D'Amico and Sen. Martin Sandoval. 

The House Vehicle Safety Committee advanced SB 236 today. This bill sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Greg Harris will clarify that cyclists riding on electric bikes are to be treated as bicyclists and not as drivers. This bill resulted from sporadic attempts by police to force electric bike riders to get drivers licenses. 

Tomorrow, the House Mass Transit Committee will consider SB 577, a bill to require Metra to accept credit cards. This bill, an initiative of Sen. Michael Bond, previously passed out of the Senate without opposition. 

Meanwhile, HB 43 the must stop for pedestrians bill will be coming up for a hearing next week. Please call your Senator and ask the Senator to co-sponsor HB 43.