IL HB4053

Authorizes county boards in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties to impose a tax on rail line owners calculated per rail car per mile for operating within the county.

Tax rate is determined by the Illinois Commerce Commission and approved by the county board, with revenue designated for grade crossing separation work and infrastructure improvements to enhance safety for first responders and the public.

Illinois Commerce Commission must submit a 10-year grade crossing upgrade plan to each county board at least 60 days before tax imposition, including associated costs.

State Department of Revenue collects and enforces the tax, depositing revenue into the County Railroad Crossing Fund with 2% going to the Illinois Commerce Commission for administrative costs and the remainder distributed to the respective counties.

Illinois Commerce Commission must submit annual reports to the General Assembly, Governor, and affected county boards containing the 10-year plan and any updates.