The House and Senate were scheduled to be in Session Tuesday through Friday of this week, but the Senate cancelled their scheduled Friday Session.
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The Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee met this Thursday to consider HB 3560 (Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield) that would create a Renewable Energy Taskforce. The Taskforce would be charged with evaluating the benefits and costs of installing renewable energy facilities on state owned properties. The Task Force would conduct a study and report back to the General Assembly and the Governor by September of 2016. HB 3560 has passed the House unanimously and was approved by the Committee unanimously. HB 3560 now awaits final action by the Senate.
The House Energy Committee met Thursday to consider SB 418 (Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill) which would ensure that the Community Action Agencies could continue to receive compensation for their administration of the LIHEAP program. SB 418 is an initiative of the Community Action Agencies, and supported by the Illinois Energy Association. The Committee unanimously approved the measure and SB 418 now awaits final action on the House Floor.
The House Energy Committee also took subject matter testimony on HB 3328 (Rep. Robert Rita, D-Blue Island) which is ComEd’s proposed “Smart Plan for Illinois’ Energy Future”. HB 3328 would modernize electric utility regulations in the State to enhance opportunities for energy efficiency, solar energy, electric cars and demand response programs.
The House Public Utilities Committee is scheduled to meet next week to consider SB 1726 (Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Champaign). The bill is an initiative of the Illinois Farm Bureau and would increase the notice requirements for siting new electric transmission facilities.
Next week, both Chambers have a 3rd reading deadline on Friday. The Senate is in Session next Monday through Friday. The House is scheduled to be in Session Monday through May 31st. Spring Session is scheduled to adjourn on May 31st, but uncertainty over the 2016 budget may require changes to the schedule.
J. Monk
P. Evans
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