HB4796 - Sidewalk Vendor Access Act Summary

• Creates the Sidewalk Vendor Access Act establishing statewide standards for regulating sidewalk vendors selling food or merchandise from nonmotorized conveyances on public sidewalks and pedestrian paths.

• Prohibits governmental units (municipalities and counties) from restricting sidewalk vendors except as specifically authorized, including restrictions on location, neighborhood designation, or total number of vendors unless directly related to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns.

• Eliminates criminal penalties for sidewalk vending violations; violations are punishable only by civil fines ($100 for first offense, $200 for second, $500 for each additional within one year) with permit rescission possible after fourth violation.

• Requires governmental units to allow alternative identification methods (Illinois driver's license, ITIN, or municipal ID) in place of social security numbers for permit applications and protects collected identification information as confidential.

• Allows immediate sealing of criminal records for sidewalk vending arrests or charges that would not have occurred under this new Act, and dismisses pending criminal prosecutions for sidewalk vending violations.