10/3/07-The Senate meeting in a veto session voted 39-10 Tuesday, Oct. 2, to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s veto of a bill that would eliminate the provision in state law that set up slower speed limits on rural interstates for vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds. Currently, those vehicles are required to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph speed limit for other vehicles.
Sponsored by Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, SB540 now moves to the House for consideration as early as Oct. 10. This spring, representatives voted 90-22 to eliminate the speed differential. At least 71 lawmakers in the chamber would need to vote in favor of the bill for it to become law.
The bill would allow the Illinois Department of Transportation to increase large truck speeds to as much as 65 mph.
The special session is scheduled to run through Oct. 12.
For bill status, call (217) 782-4517. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.

8/21/07-Gov. Rod Blagojevich has once again vetoed legislation that could bring an end to split speed limits in the state. The issue, however, may not be dead yet.
Blagojevich used his veto stamp Monday, Aug. 20, on a bill that sought to eliminate the provision in state law that set up slower speed limits on rural interstates for vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds. Currently, those vehicles are required to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph speed limit for other vehicles.
The bill - SB540 - allowed the Illinois Department of Transportation to increase large truck speeds to as much as 65 mph.
In his veto message, the governor made it clear he doesn't want trucks traveling at higher rates of speed.
"This bill compromises safety by allowing trucks to travel at higher speeds. I remain opposed to increasing the speed limit to 65 miles per hour for large trucks," Blagojevich wrote.
Bill advocates could attempt an override this fall when the House and Senate return to the capitol for a veto session.

6/5/07-House lawmakers voted 90-22 to approve a bill that would eliminate the provision in state law that set up slower speed limits on rural interstates for vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds. It now heads to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The Senate previously approved it.
Existing state law requires large trucks to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph speed limit for other vehicles.
Sponsored by Sen. John Sullivan, D-Quincy, SB540 would allow the Illinois Department of Transportation to increase large truck speeds to as much as 65 mph.
For bill status, call (217) 782-4517. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.

4/23/07-A bill in the House Rules Committee would eliminate the provision in state law that set up slower speed limits on rural interstates for vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds. The Senate previously approved it.
Existing state law requires large trucks to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph speed limit for other vehicles.
Sponsored by Sen. John Sullivan, D-Quincy, SB540 would allow the Illinois Department of Transportation to increase large truck speeds to as much as 65 mph.
For bill status, call (217) 782-4517. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.

4/4/07-The Senate voted 45-10 to approve a bill that would eliminate the provision in state law that set up slower speed limits on rural interstates for vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds. The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.
Existing state law requires large trucks to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph speed limit for other vehicles.
Sponsored by Sen. John Sullivan, D-Quincy, SB540 would allow the Illinois Department of Transportation to increase large truck speeds to as much as 65 mph.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the House.
For bill status, call (217) 782-4517. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.

3/27/07-The Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill that would eliminate the provision in state law that set up slower speed limits on rural interstates for vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds. The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.
Existing state law requires large trucks to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph speed limit for other vehicles.
Sponsored by Sen. John Sullivan, D-Quincy, SB540 would allow the Illinois Department of Transportation to increase large truck speeds to as much as 65 mph.
The bill is awaiting consideration on the Senate floor.
For bill status, call (217) 782-4517. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.
An identical House bill - HB1786 - is awaiting consideration on the House floor.