IL HB5856

Amended the Toll Highway Act to expand toll exemption eligibility for public transportation vehicles beyond the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority to include any revenue vehicle operated by a Mass Transit District running regular scheduled service.

Maintained existing toll exemptions for emergency vehicles (law enforcement, fire department, and ambulance services) that are plainly marked or whose operators present an Official Permit Card issued by their agency.

Requires the Toll Highway Authority to adopt rules for issuing permits to emergency service vehicles and public/private ambulance services that need to use toll highways without payment during emergency operations.

Established that toll rates must be calculated to provide the lowest reasonable rates while generating sufficient revenue to cover construction, maintenance, operations, and bond obligations of the Authority.

Preserved bondholders' rights by prohibiting toll-free provisions from impairing existing bond covenants and ensuring sinking fund management complies with authorized resolutions and trust indentures.