IL SB1388

Amends the Illinois Highway Code to allow communications providers issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity by the Illinois Commerce Commission to obtain consent to use highway rights-of-way, subject to the same terms and conditions as public utilities.

Defines "communications provider" to include telecommunications carriers, voice over Internet protocol providers, broadband service companies, cable operators, and similar entities regulated under the Public Utilities Act.

Requires communications providers to pay damages to property owners in highway rights-of-way when the highway authority does not have fee ownership, with payment calculated using the same eminent domain process required for public utilities.

Applies existing highway authority rules regarding utility participation in coordination strategies, removal timelines (90 days), and maintenance obligations to communications providers on equal footing with traditional public utilities.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.