This is the IML Statehouse briefign for 3/9/2012:

IML Statehouse Briefing

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On the ground news and insider information!

March 9, 2012



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The General Assembly continues its work ahead of today’s deadline to advance bills out of House and Senate Committees. At this time, local governments appear to be relatively unscathed, although there are some issues of concern on the House and Senate Floors. We like to remind our members that the legislative process can be unpredictable, and new amendments can appear suddenly with very little warning at any point in the process. Any assessment is a snapshot in time and there is a long way to go before adjournment.

The General Assembly will not convene for session next week. They will return to Springfield on March 21 following the primary election.

This Statehouse Briefing is lengthier than previous Briefings because a multitude of issues were acted on during the first committee deadline week.

Solicitation on Streets: SB 3518 <http://legislative.iml.org/ams/tl.cfm?job=bill&year=2&key=289> (Sen. Mulroe, D-Chicago) would require counties and municipalities to allow police or firefighters to collect charitable contributions on any street provided that the police or firefighters provide a certificate of insurance. Although many municipalities allow firefighters to collect charitable contributions for their "fill the boot" campaign, it is important that communities are able to maintain safe traffic conditions. This legislation removes municipal control over municipal streets. SB 3518 was approved by the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday, March 7. Please contact Senator Mulroe at (217) 782-1035 and your Senator and express your opposition to the bill. IML OPPOSES


ATVs on Streets: HB 1986 <http://legislative.iml.org/ams/tl.cfm?job=bill&key=472&category=252&year=2> (Rep. Bradley, D-Marion) requires municipalities to authorize all-terrain and off-highway recreational vehicles to be allowed on all roads under their jurisdiction as long as the local government determines that the public safety is not jeopardized. Current law allows municipalities to authorize these vehicles but this bill goes further and mandates municipalities to allow these vehicles unless public safety is jeopardized. This bill impacts all municipalities, including those with home rule powers. HB 1986 was approved by the House Transportation Committee on Wednesday, March 7. IML OPPOSES

Bonding Approval: HB 4604 <http://legislative.iml.org/ams/tl.cfm?job=bill&key=172&category=20&year=2012> (Rep. Mayfield, D-Waukegan) requires referendum approval prior to any municipality issuing bonds. This legislation was not approved by the House Cities and Villages Committee. IML OPPOSES

Tree Trimming: HB 3884 <http://legislative.iml.org/ams/tl.cfm?job=bill&year=2&key=471> (Rep. Franks, D-Woodstock) was not called for a vote <http://legislative.iml.org/page.cfm?key=8600> in the House Public Utilities Committee on Tuesday, March 6. The broader issue of properly managing vegetation near power lines is likely to be a subject of further discussion. The IML has several objections to provisions within HB 3884. IML OPPOSES

Prevailing Wage: Several bills introduced to reduce prevailing wage costs to local governments were held in a subcommittee <http://legislative.iml.org/page.cfm?key=8611> on Wednesday, March 7. The bills were supported by local government groups. Another bill, HB 5212 <http://legislative.iml.org/ams/tl.cfm?job=bill&year=2&key=274> (Rep. Krezwick, D-Orland Park), was sent to the House Floor. This legislation relieves public bodies from having to notify contractors of revisions to the prevailing wage. IML SUPPORTS

Abandoned Property: SB 16 (Rep. Yarbrough, D-Maywood