9/7/04-Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill into law Sept. 3 gradually reducing the state’s Commercial Distribution Fee.
The new law – previously HB714 – cuts back the current 36 percent surcharge on registration rates for trucks in the state to 21.5 percent effective July 1, 2005, and then to 14.35 percent on July 1, 2006.
The measure also applies the rolling stock exemption – essentially, exempting tractors and trailers from sales tax – to vehicles over 16,000 pounds that are used in interstate commerce at least half of the time during the past year. It defines half as either 50 percent of its trips or 50 percent of its miles, and lets truckers choose which method to use.
In addition, truckers whose shipments either start out or end up outside of the state – such as grain haulers, port container carriers and others – would also receive the rolling stock exemption.

8/2/04-The General Assembly has approved a measure that would reduce the state’s Commercial Distribution Fee. It was forwarded to Gov. Rod Blagojevich Aug. 2.
HB714 would reduce the current 36 percent surcharge on registration rates for trucks in the state to 21.5 percent effective July 1, 2005, and then to 14.35 percent on July 1, 2006.
The bill would also apply the new rolling stock exemption – essentially, exempting tractors and trailers from sales tax – to vehicles over 16,000 pounds that are used in interstate commerce at least half of the time during the past year. The new law defines half as either 50 percent of its trips or 50 percent of its miles, and lets truckers choose which method to use.
In addition, truckers whose shipments either start out or end up outside of the state – such as grain haulers, port container carriers and others – would also receive the rolling stock exemption.
Blagojevich, who has yet to take a formal position on the measure, has 60 days from the 2nd to either sign the bill into law or veto it. For bill status, call (217) 782-5799.