RAIL CROSSING BLOCKING Senate SponsorsSen. Dale A. Righter 1/10/2017SenateSession Sine Die New Act625 ILCS 5/18c-7402from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18c-7402Creates the Rail Crossing Blocking Act. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Department of Transportation to annually study railroad crossings in municipalities of 15,000 or more to identify crossings which if blocked for longer than 30 minutes would pose significant public safety concerns by impeding emergency, fire, and police. The Commission shall use the study to designate Essential Rail Crossings. Provides a municipality may, by ordinance, provide that a person or entity may not physically block an Essential Rail Crossing in a manner which obstructs traffic for a period in excess of a total of 30 minutes, unless the blocking of the crossing is by reason of circumstances over which the person or entity has no reasonable control, is necessary for maintenance of the crossing, is an emergency, or is otherwise allowed or required under State or federal law, rule, or regulation. Provides any municipality adopting an ordinance under the Act on an Essential Rail Crossing may impose, by ordinance, a fine for violation of this Act. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to make conforming changes. 2/20/2015SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. Dale A. Righter 2/20/2015SenateFirst Reading 2/20/2015SenateReferred to Assignments 1/10/2017SenateSession Sine Die