Simmons’ New Law Will Require Transportation Agencies to Report on National Transportation Safety Board Recommendations and Implementation

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ measure to make rail travel safer for residents in response to the 2023 Chicago Transit Authority Yellow Line crash in his district was signed into law on Monday.

“This legislation is in direct response to the horrific CTA Yellow Line collision last fall,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “So many people rely on public transportation, and as a lifelong user of Chicago public transit, I know how important it is to make sure our transit systems are held accountable to provide the most safe riding conditions possible. This law will prevent tragedies from happening through accountability required of our transit organizations.”

Simmons spearheaded the law in response to a driver of a CTA Yellow Line train colliding with a snowplow on Nov. 16, 2023 in Rogers Park. When the operator saw the machine, they hit the brakes and the emergency brakes, but the train didn't stop in time, hitting the snowplow at 27 mph. According to National Transportation Safety Board reports, there was a design flaw in the Yellow Line braking system.

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Loughran Cappel law prioritizes all special education students

SPRINGFIELD – Funding for special education students will be more equitable under a new law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel that creates a fair reimbursement rate for special education day schools.

“Since joining the General Assembly, I have worked to ensure all special education students receive a quality education in the least restrictive environment,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “With this law, all special education day schools will see equitable funding opportunities, no matter the student’s placement.”

Senate Bill 3606 equalizes the reimbursement rate received by public school districts from the Illinois State Board of Education when sending high-needs special education students to private and public special education day schools.

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Governor signs Feigenholtz’s Business Improvement District legislation into law

Provides new tools for business corridor improvements

SPRINGFIELD — A new law sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz provides a flexible financing tool for the bustling retail and hospitality district along the Magnificent Mile and across Chicago.

“The Magnificent Mile, the gateway to high-end retail from Oak Street to Wacker Drive, is poised to overcome the challenges of the pandemic and evolving consumer habits,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “This new law provides a tool to fuel its recovery.” 

Senate Bill 3679 permits property owners to petition the city to create a Business Improvement District – or BID – to collectively fund improvement projects through a self-imposed surcharge on commercial property owners. Since the law only applies to commercial properties, residential property owners are safeguarded from paying additional fees.

Read more: Governor signs Feigenholtz’s Business Improvement District legislation into law

Hastings measure to alleviate highway traffic noise now law

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents can now receive relief from noisy highway traffic, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings. 

“Our roads, bridges and highways generate economic development across our great state,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “However, at times this comes with noisy and uncomfortable consequences for our neighbors who live near these major roadways.”

The Hastings-led initiative will require the Illinois Department of Transportation to implement an expansion in their noise suppression program to give those who live near existing highways some relief.

Hastings championed Senate Bill 3175 in response to a number of noise complaints he was receiving from residents throughout the 19^th Senate District.

Read more: Hastings measure to alleviate highway traffic noise now law