HB1575 Summary

• Creates the Rural Illinois Utility Infrastructure Investment Program under the Illinois Commerce Commission to award grants for gas and electric utility infrastructure projects in rural counties with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants and to eligible businesses with 500 or fewer employees located in those counties.

• Establishes the Rural Illinois Utility Infrastructure Investment Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury, funded by redirecting 1% of gas tax revenues under the Gas Revenue Tax Act and 1% of electricity tax revenues under the Electricity Excise Tax Law.

• Requires grant applicants to demonstrate that funded projects will create new jobs and comply with competitive selection criteria established by the Illinois Commerce Commission under the Illinois Procurement Code.

• Mandates that eligible entities maintain records subject to audit by the Commission, State auditors, or authorized State officers for verification of proper fund usage.

• Effective July 1, 2019.