HB3612 Summary

• Creates the High Speed Railway Commission composed of 17 members including the Governor, legislative leaders, Secretary of Transportation, Metra chair, Chicago mayor, and representatives from labor, industry, and municipal organizations.

• Directs the Commission to develop a statewide high-speed rail plan connecting St. Louis, Missouri and Chicago, Illinois that incorporates existing Amtrak and Metra services and connects Rockford, Moline, Peoria, and Decatur.

• Requires the Commission to conduct a ridership study and provide recommendations on governance structure, service frequency, and implementation, with annual reports due by December 31.

• Mandates the Department of Transportation provide administrative support to the Commission.

• Repeals the Act on January 1, 2025, and takes effect immediately upon passage.