HB 1342

Abstract

Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that the powers of the Chicago Transit Board include the power to pass ordinances or adopt rules and regulations concerning the suspension of riding privileges or confiscation of fare media. Amends the Local Mass Transit District Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that a local mass transit district's board and the Suburban Bus Board may adopt all ordinances and make all rules proper or necessary to regulate the use, operation, and maintenance of its property and facilities, and to carry into effect the powers granted to each board with any necessary fines or penalties, including ordinances, rules, or regulations concerning the suspension of riding privileges or confiscation of fare media, as each board deems proper. Includes similar provisions for the Chief of Police of the Metra Police Department. Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Adds reference to: 70 ILCS 3605/51 70 ILCS 3610/5.6 new 70 ILCS 3615/2.10a new 70 ILCS 3615/2.40 new 70 ILCS 3615/2.41 new 70 ILCS 3615/2.42 new 70 ILCS 3615/3.12 new 70 ILCS 3615/4.01 from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 704.01 70 ILCS 3615/4.09 from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 704.09 30 ILCS 805/8.47 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following additions. Further amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, the Local Mass Transit District Act, and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Adds limits to suspension of riding privileges and confiscation of fare media and required procedures. Further amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that the Chicago Transit Board shall partner with the City of Chicago to provide transportation at reduced fares for participants in programs which offer employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24. Further amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that, due to the fiscal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aggregate of all projected fare revenues from specified fares and charges received in fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 (rather than 2021, 2022, and 2023) may be less than 50% of the aggregate costs of providing public transportation in those fiscal years. Creates the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Regional Transit Authority Public Transportation Assistance Program to issue monetarily preloaded mass transit cards to The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence for survivor and victim use of public transportation through the Chicago Transit Authority, the Suburban Bus Division, and the Commuter Rail Division. Provides that, after January 1, 2026, a Service Board may not enter into a new contract to purchase a bus that is not a zero-emission bus for the purpose of the Service Board's transit bus fleet, and amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Requires the Regional Transportation Authority to study and submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly regarding the feasibility and cost of providing year-round reduced or free transit fares for veterans, returning residents, and students who are not currently receiving a free or reduced fare. Requires the Suburban Bus Division and the Commuter Rail Division to create or partner with a youth jobs program to provide internship or employment opportunities to youth and young adults. Makes other changes. Provides that certain provisions are effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 5 Provides that the local mass transit district or Service Board process to determine whether a suspension or riding privileges or confiscation of fare media is warranted and the length of the suspension shall be concluded within 30 business days (rather than 30 days) after the individual receives notice of the suspension or confiscation. Provides that the local mass transit district or Service Board process to determine whether a suspension or riding privileges or confiscation of fare media is warranted and the length of the suspension shall be concluded within 30 business days (rather than 30 days) after the individual receives notice of the suspension or confiscation. In provisions relating to an administrative suspension hearing of a local mass transit district or a Service Board, provides that legal counsel of an accused or related parties may be present, make an oral or written presentation, and offer documents. Provides that, after July 1, 2026 (rather than January 1, 2026), a Service Board may not enter into a new contract to purchase a bus that is not a zero-emission bus for the purpose of the Service Board's transit bus fleet. Provides that a Service Board shall not be deemed to be in violation of the provisions when failure to comply is due to: (1) the unavailability of zero-emission buses from a manufacturer or funding to purchase zero-emission buses; (2) the lack of necessary charging, fueling, or storage facilities or funding to procure charging, fueling, or storage facilities; or (3) the inability of a third party to enter into a contractual or commercial relationship with a Service Board that is necessary to carry out the purposes of the provisions. In provisions relating to Service Board suspension of riding privileges and confiscation of fare media, provides that the notice shall be provided in person at the time of the alleged violation, except that, if providing notice in person at the time of the alleged violation is not practicable, then the Authority shall make a reasonable effort to provide notice to the individual by personal service, by mailing a copy of the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, and first-class mail to the person's current address, or by emailing a copy of the notice to an email address on file (rather, if providing notice in person at the time of the alleged than violation is not practicable, then notice shall be provided to the individual by either personal service or by mailing a copy of the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, and first-class mail to the person's current address). Provides that the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Regional Transit Authority Public Transportation Assistance Program's preloaded mass transit cards shall have a value of $20 per card. Provides that the Regional Transportation Authority shall file a statement certifying that the Service Boards published specified data with the General Assembly and the Governor after adoption of the Annual Budget and Two-Year Financial Plan and, if the Authority fails to file a statement certifying publication of the data, then the appropriations to the Department of Transportation for grants to the Authority intended to reimburse the Service Boards for providing free and reduced fares shall be withheld. Makes conforming changes.