TRANSIT-TO-TRAILS PROGRAM House SponsorsRep. Justin Slaughter-Sonya M. Harper and Barbara Hernández Senate Sponsors(Sen. Ram Villivalam) 1/7/2025HouseSession Sine Die 20 ILCS 2705/2705-630 new Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program through which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities for projects that facilitate travel by public transportation to public outdoor recreation sites for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, picnicking, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, or other nature-based activities. Provides that the Secretary shall offer grants through the Transit to Trails program on an annual basis. Requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the program. Provides that, in considering grant applications, the Department shall prioritize projects with demonstrated intent to enhance access to outdoor recreation opportunities for populations in greatest need of improved access to outdoor nature-based recreation. Requires the Department to provide technical assistance in preparing grant applications to applicants upon request. Provides that implementation of the grant program is subject to appropriation by the General Assembly. 2/8/2024HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Justin Slaughter 2/9/2024HouseFirst Reading 2/9/2024HouseReferred to Rules Committee 3/12/2024HouseAssigned to Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges 4/2/2024HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges; 017-000-000 4/3/2024HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate 4/11/2024HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate 4/11/2024HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate 4/12/2024HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Barbara Hernández 4/17/2024HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 095-017-000 4/17/2024HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Sonya M. Harper 4/18/2024SenateArrive in Senate 4/18/2024SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading April 30, 2024 4/19/2024SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam 4/19/2024SenateFirst Reading 4/19/2024SenateReferred to Assignments 4/24/2024SenateAssigned to Appropriations- Public Safety and Infrastructure 4/30/2024SenateRule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 10, 2024 5/10/2024SenateRule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 17, 2024 5/14/2024SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Ram Villivalam 5/14/2024SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments 5/17/2024SenateRule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments 1/7/2025HouseSession Sine Die