Mid-West Truckers Association

Legislative & Regulatory Update

 May 18, 2009

 SENATE SENDS UNIFORM SPEED LIMIT BILL TO GOVERNOR

The Illinois State Senate voted 40-8 this morning to allow uniform speed limits on Illinois’ interstates. The bill will allow a uniform 65 MPH speed limit on rural interstates outside of the Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis metropolitan areas (where the speed limit for trucks AND cars will remain at 55 MPH).   Click here to see how the Senate voted.

      HB 3956 previously passed the Illinois House by a vote of 77-35 in March so the bill now moves to Governor Quinn for his consideration. State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) and State Representative David Reis (R-Olney) sponsored the legislation in their respective chambers.

      Theassage of HB 3956 marks the fourth time in six years that the Illinois Legislature has approved for uniform speed limits.  Impeached governor Blagojevich vetoed the bill the first three times.

SENATE PASSES INDEMNITY AGREEMENT LIMITS

HB 3832, sponsored by Sen. John Sullivan and Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley), would void any contract that a company, such as a manufacturer, asks a motor carrier to sign that attempts to indemnify or hold the company harmless, against any liability for loss or damage resulting from the negligence of the company.

HB 3832 was approved unanimously by the Senate on Monday morning.  Because the bill was slightly amended in the Senate, it will be sent back to the House for a concurrence vote before going to the Governor.

MANY OTHER BILLS OF INTEREST TO TRUCK OPERATORS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE FINAL 10 DAYS OF SESSION.   WATCH FOR ADDITIONAL E-MAIL ALERTS AS WE MAY NEED YOU TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS!

 LEGISLATOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Want a way to continually communicate with lawmakers about trucking industry issues that are vital to the success of the industry in this state?

 To see who your Legislators are go to:

            http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx

For the contact information of your legislator, go to:

http://www.ilga.gov