SB3229 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act to require Local Emergency Planning Committees and the State Emergency Response Commission to partner with schools regarding safety threats from hazardous substance storage and transport near schools.

• Mandates development of comprehensive emergency response plans including 4-corner evacuation plans (north, south, east, west), wind direction determination methods, and identification of safety zones and routes for schools near hazardous materials.

• Requires the State Emergency Response Commission to identify worst-case and likely-case scenarios, conduct drills reviewed within 3 years, develop plans for students with special needs and medical requirements, and implement an Incident Command System for emergency response.

• Directs creation of a 20 miles-per-hour speed limit zone for high-hazard flammable trains near schools and restricts new public school construction within a 5-mile radius of existing and planned railroad infrastructure where hazardous substances are stored or transported.

• Establishes a 2-year compliance timeline for all requirements and requires the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security to adopt necessary rules in consultation with the State Board of Education.