West Central Reporter

A trio of bills sponsored by State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) have been signed into law by the Governor.

One of Rep. Hammond’s top priorities during the spring session was legislation to assist local road districts with funding challenges.

House Bill 5190 provides that the allocation to road districts shall be made in the same manner and be subject to the same conditions and qualifications as are provided by current law concerning the allocation to road districts of the amount allotted from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund for apportionment to counties for the use of road districts. It further provides that any funds allocated to a county that are not obligated within 48 months shall be considered lapsed funds and reappropriated in the same fund. The lapsed funds shall be used to provide additional monetary assistance to townships and road districts that have insufficient funding for the construction of bridges that are 20 feet or more in length.

Hammond’s legislation was an initiative of the Illinois Association of County Engineers.

“My legislation addresses the funding challenges that local road districts have had concerning maintaining roads and bridges by updating the current funding formula for local road districts,” said Rep. Hammond. “I’m grateful to the Illinois Association of County Engineers for working with me on this issue and I thank my House and Senate colleagues for their unanimous support.”

House Bill 5000 will allow nurses on staff in assisted living facilities to provide level one and level two catheter care. Many residents may require this care either upon entry or later while in an assisted living environment, and this legislation allows nurses in assisted living facilities to provide that care, rather than having to bring in an external nurse which adds additional steps and costs. HB 5000 was an initiative of LeadingAge Illinois and was supported by the Illinois Health Care Association.

House Bill 1837 allows local tree removal businesses to dispose of tree waste by burning it offsite, away from local residences. Currently, landscape waste is only allowed to be burned on the premises it was generated.