SB1298 Summary

• Restructures the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority board from 9 appointed directors to 11 total directors, requiring the Governor to appoint new directors by February 28, 2019, with 4 directors serving terms through March 1, 2021 and 4 serving through March 1, 2023.

• Establishes staggered director terms of 4 years thereafter, with no more than 5 of the 9 appointed directors from the same political party, and sets the chairman's initial term to end March 1, 2021.

• Requires Authority by-laws to include director conflict of interest disclosure and avoidance provisions that must be posted on the Authority's website.

• Grants the Authority power to fix and collect civil fines for toll highway evasion through video or photo surveillance, with civil administrative adjudication procedures, toll-free complaint numbers, and judicial review available through circuit courts.

• Establishes an amnesty program for toll evasion violations issued before the 94th General Assembly's effective date, allowing payment reductions of 50-75% based on violation count, with a 60-day payment deadline.