Metro East Sun

I had the opportunity to meet with the Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce to discuss legislative updates and recent bills that have passed through the General Assembly, impacting businesses in the 114th District.

The discussions focused on addressing the needs and concerns of business owners, with a commitment to work collaboratively towards improving the business environment in Illinois.

Several legislative updates were highlighted during the meeting:

- SB0071 amends the Illinois Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act. It mandates collaboration between state and local emergency personnel and school districts to assess safety threats from hazardous substances near schools. A comprehensive emergency response plan must be implemented following these assessments.

- HB3177 amends the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act, allowing IDOT or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to use a design-build project delivery method for $500 million worth of contracts annually. This bill increases funding for improvements by removing previous limitations.

- HB2391 amends the Environmental Protection Act, supported by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. It authorizes treated municipal wastewater from publicly owned treatment works for irrigation and industrial use, expanding its application beyond just irrigation.

- SB1999 amends the Department of Transportation Law within the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. It requires IDOT to conduct life-cycle cost analyses for new construction, reconstruction, or replacement road projects. An advisory committee will evaluate if homes causing offensive odors are eligible for reconstruction due to their impact on nearby residences or businesses.

- SB1236 amends the Business Assistance and Regulatory Reform Act, requiring reforms by the Office of Business to expedite permit applications using modern technology for tracking data such as project schedules and metrics. This aims to enhance transparency and streamline permit approval processes.