The following are some bills of interest to the energy industry that have been filed during the 2016 Spring Session of the 99th Illinois General Assembly:
House Bill 694 (Rep. Katherine Cloonen, D- Kankakee and Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D – Chicago Heights) – would provide enhanced tax treatment for a proposed combined cycle power plant in Grundy County. Passed the House of Representatives by vote of 111-0. Assigned to Executive Committee in the Senate.
Senate Bill 2283 (Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris) – as originally filed, would require that utilities file all utility extension advance deposit agreements with the Illinois Commerce Commission. Amended to create a shell bill and approved by Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee. On Third Reading in the Senate.
Senate Bill 2803 (Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Skokie) – would allow the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to authorize that energy efficiency grants and programs be paid directly by energy utilities. On Second Reading in the Senate deadline for passage extended to May 13.
Senate Bill 2933 (Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Matteson) – would allow the Illinois Department of Revenue to disclose certain financial information regarding municipalities to an independent third party who is authorized in writing by that municipality to receive the information. On Third Reading in the Senate. Deadline for passage extended to May 13.
Senate Bill 2950 (Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago and Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago) – would change the number of members of the Illinois Pollution Control Board necessary for a quorum and make other changes to the law governing the Board. Passed the Senate by vote of 56-0. Assigned to House Rules Committee.
Senate Bill 3289 (Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford and Rep. Robert Rita, D-Chicago) – would increase penalties for cutting trees on conservation land. Passed the Senate by vote of 44-5. Assigned to House Rules Committee.