Transportation (Rail)

Senate Bill 1863 appropriates $90,000,000 to the Department of Transportation. These funds are specifically designated to support various passenger rail services. The bill aims to provide financial resources for the operation or development of rail transport options, directly affecting the state's transportation infrastructure and rail users. This appropriation will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Amends the School Code. Requires each school district to include in its handbook for grades kindergarten through 12 railroad safety messaging. Allows a school to opt-out of the messaging requirement if the school district votes that the inclusion of such messaging is unnecessary.

HB 3285 appropriates $575,000,000 to the Department of Transportation. These funds are designated for expenses related to the Statewide Railway Program. This bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025.

Creates the Clean Transportation Standard Act. Establishes a clean transportation standard to reduce lifecycle carbon intensity of fuels for the ground transportation sector by specified amounts. Provides for related rulemaking and calculations. Provides that the clean transportation standard shall take the form of a credit marketplace monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency. Provides for verification and data privacy requirements for the Agency. Provides for penalties for failing to offset deficits in certain situations, and for penalties for submitting false information. Exempts airline, rail, ocean-going, and military fuel. Provides that the Agency must develop a periodic fuel supply forecast. Establishes findings. Defines terms. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

House Bill 2938 appropriates $90,000,000 to the Department of Transportation. This funding is specifically designated for various passenger rail services and will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Amends the Transportation Article of the School Code. Provides that each school board may provide free transportation for any pupil residing within a one-half mile (rather than one and one-half miles) from the school attended where conditions are such that walking, either to or from the school to which a pupil is assigned for attendance or to or from a pick-up point or bus stop, constitutes a serious hazard to the safety of the pupil due to either vehicular traffic or rail crossings or a course or pattern of criminal activity.