summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Road Usage Charge Act. Establishes the Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee to guide the development and evaluation of the road usage charge pilot program and to assess the potential for mileage-based revenue as an alternative to the current system of taxing highway use through motor fuel taxes. Sets forth the membership and duties of the committee. Requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State and based on the recommendations of the Committee, to implement a statewide pilot program by January 1, 2026 to assess a user fee on owners of motor vehicles that is based on the number of miles traveled on public roadways in this State by those vehicles. Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that, on and after February 1, 2026, the Chicago Transit Board shall have 8 members (currently 7 members). Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes by Directors required to issue bonds. Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that the Annual Budget and 2-Year Financial Plan must show that the aggregate of all projected fare revenues from fares and charges for mass transportation provided by, or under grant or purchase of service contracts of, the Service Boards received in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 shall equal at least 25%, and in fiscal years 2028 and 2029 and every year thereafter at least 15%, of the aggregate cost of providing such public transportation in those fiscal years. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, the Regional Transportation Authority shall be the sole agency responsible for the management and oversight of the fare collection systems used on all public transportation provided by the Service Boards. Makes changes to the membership of the Suburban Bus Board and the Commuter Rail Board. Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes required by the Directors of the Authority to approve decisions regarding the strategic plan, coordination of fares and service, appointment of officers and employees, paratransit services, powers of the Commuter Rail Board, labor, budget, taxes, distribution of revenues, issuing and pledging bonds and notes, budget review powers, the annual capital improvement plan, and rate protection contracts. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill creates the Illinois Road Usage Charge Act and makes several significant changes to metropolitan transit authority governance and operations. The bill establishes a Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee to develop and evaluate a statewide pilot program that would assess a user fee on motor vehicle owners based on miles traveled on public roadways. The pilot program, to be implemented by January 1, 2026, will test various technologies for collecting mileage data, ensuring privacy, and evaluating the feasibility of a mileage-based revenue system as an alternative to traditional motor fuel taxes. The program will involve at least 1,000 motor vehicles, analyze different data collection methods, and ensure participant compensation. The Department of Transportation must submit a comprehensive report to the General Assembly within 18 months of the pilot program's implementation.
The bill also makes substantial changes to the governance and operations of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), and its Service Boards. Key modifications include expanding the Chicago Transit Board from 7 to 8 members beginning February 1, 2026, with specific requirements for board composition, including representation from organized labor, senior advocacy, and disability rights communities. The bill introduces new requirements for fare collection, establishing the RTA as the sole agency responsible for fare collection systems by July 1, 2026, and mandating the development of a universal fare instrument.
Additional provisions include creating a Transit Ambassador Program to improve rider experience and safety, establishing an RTA police force, and requiring the RTA to conduct a comprehensive metropolitan region transit plan evaluation by July 1, 2027. The bill also modifies board voting requirements, budgetary processes, and introduces new accountability measures for the RTA and its Service Boards, including regular reporting to the Governor and General Assembly and potential funding reductions for non-compliance.
The bill's provisions are complex and wide-ranging, touching on governance, funding, technology, and service delivery for public transportation in the Chicago metropolitan region, with most changes taking effect on February 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments (on 06/02/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1938&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| Senate Amendment 001 | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB1938sam001.htm |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB1938.htm |
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