IL SB1681

Requires persons, firms, or corporations operating motor vehicles for passenger hire in Illinois cities, towns, or villages to maintain proof of financial responsibility filed with the Secretary of State.

Applies to transportation services for minors to or from educational or recreational facilities, but exempts public utilities, school buses operated by public or parochial schools, and ridesharing arrangements.

Mandates contract carriers transporting employees (including railroad employees) in vehicles designed for 15 or fewer passengers to verify hit and run, uninsured motor vehicle, and underinsured motor vehicle coverage of at least $250,000 per passenger, increasing to $500,000 per passenger effective January 1, 2017.

Requires rail carriers to verify that contracted carriers maintain the minimum insurance coverage specified in the law.

Specifies that if the vehicle operator is not the owner, proof of financial responsibility must identify the owner as primarily liable.