Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

Illinois Senate Bill SR0142

Introduced
3/21/23  
Refer
3/21/23  
Refer
5/16/23  
Report Pass
5/16/23  

Caption

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL NEAR SCHOOL

Impact

If adopted, SR0142 would significantly influence local safety measures regarding hazardous material transportation and spill response at schools. The resolution calls for comprehensive oil spill response plans to ensure local responders have pertinent information pertaining to hazardous transportation. This initiative is expected to augment access to necessary safety information for school officials, ensuring they can better prepare for potential emergencies involving hazardous materials, thus prioritizing the safety of students and staff in the vicinity of hazardous materials transportation routes.

Summary

Senate Resolution SR0142 aims to address the rising safety concerns related to the transportation of hazardous materials, particularly crude oil, near schools. The resolution highlights the rapid increase in crude oil shipments over the last decade and the inherent risks associated with transporting flammable liquids. Notably, the document references past catastrophic incidents, such as the devastating Lac-Megantic derailment, emphasizing the urgent need for effective emergency response plans. It advocates for local emergency response planners to collaborate actively with school districts to enhance safety protocols related to hazardous material incidents.

Contention

The resolution also touches upon a potential conflict between public safety and the need to disseminate what may be considered 'sensitive security information.' The language used in SR0142 suggests some tension between governmental discretion on security matters and the public's right to know about risks associated with hazardous material transportation. Some stakeholders may express concerns that the push for greater transparency from local planners and school officials could lead to challenges associated with the management of sensitive information, which might restrict effective communication during emergency incidents.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IL AB2776

An act to amend Sections 25117.5, 25123.3, 25123.5, 25125.7, 25160, 25201.5, 25218.1, 25270.2, 25270.4.5, 25270.6, 25270.8, 25288, 25290.1, and 25507 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to hazardous materials.

IL HB140

"hazardous Waste Constituent" Definition

IL SB404

Hazardous materials: metal shredding facilities.

IL SB811

An act to amend Sections 25117, 25150.87, and 41514.6 of, to add Chapter 6.4 (commencing with Section 25095) to Division 20 of, and to repeal Sections 25150.82, 25150.84, and 25150.86 of, the Health and Safety Code, relating to hazardous waste.

IL S652

Requires owner or operator of certain trains to have discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans to transport certain hazardous materials by rail; requires DEP to request bridge inspection reports from US DOT.

IL S664

Relative to liability for release of hazardous materials

IL HB2516

Hazardous substances; Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans, civil penalties.

IL SB1289

Hazardous materials: non-RCRA hazardous waste: landfill disposal.

IL H1045

Relative to liability for release of hazardous materials

IL HB853

Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises ActThis bill establishes a Hazardous Train Event Emergency Reimbursement Fund for state and local emergency response groups.Upon a declaration by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that a hazardous train event has occurred, the FRA must immediately award at least $250,000 from the emergency fund to one or more eligible groups (e.g., law enforcement agencies and fire departments). Additional amounts may be awarded, but may not exceed $3 million per hazardous train event. The FRA may declare a hazardous train event has occurred following a derailment or crash involving a train carrying hazardous materials, hazardous waste, or other materials that pose a threat to public health, safety, and the environment.Costs associated with a response to a hazardous train event that are eligible for reimbursement include (1) replacing damaged or contaminated equipment, (2) overtime pay for firefighters or law enforcement officers, and (3) retroactively covering these types of incurred costs after the event date.The FRA must also (1) establish annual fees for shippers and carriers of hazardous materials by rail that have total annual collections of at least $10 million, and (2) deposit the fees into the reimbursement fund.Further, the Department of Transportation must issue regulations requiring railroads that transport hazardous materials by train to provide county and local emergency response groups with (1) advance warning of the train's load and timing, and (2) real-time location information on the train when it enters and exits the community's service area.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.