Metro East Sun

State Representative Charlie Meier announced that legislation he sponsored, HB 5138, has been signed into law. The new measure mandates the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to provide road studies to local governments upon request. This legislation aims to address complaints from local road districts about being required by IDOT to conduct redundant road surveys and traffic counts in addition to the already mandated environmental survey.

“This legislation is an important way we can cut down on costs and red tape for our local units of government working to build and maintain our roads. This duplication of effort is time-consuming and costs local units of government money at a time when resources are scarce,” Meier stated. “This new law will allow a study or survey conducted by the Department of Transportation to be substituted for a study or survey required by a unit of local government for construction projects affecting a portion of a State right-of-way.”

Meier expressed gratitude towards his legislative colleagues, local leaders, the Illinois Municipal League, and the Illinois State Association of Counties for their support in passing HB 5138.

“We often talk about high property taxes in this state, and for good reason. Any chance we have to cut spending down for local units of government helps take pressure off of our local taxpayers,” Meier said. “I want to thank the IML, the Association of Counties, my legislative colleagues for their unanimous support, and local elected officials and local government officials for bringing this to me and for helping me advocate successfully for this necessary change.”

Governor Pritzker signed the legislation into law on Friday, July 19.