HB2742 amends the Illinois Toll Highway Act to create a toll exemption for veterans traveling to or from a medical appointment. Under the bill, a veteran would be allowed to use a toll highway without paying the toll if the veteran has applied for and received an Official Permit Card from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. The bill also directs the Authority to adopt rules governing issuance of that permit and the use of the exemption.
The measure fits into an existing section of law that already contains toll exemptions for certain emergency, law enforcement, transit, and Authority-related vehicles. HB2742 would add veterans traveling for medical care to that list, extending toll-free access to a new class of users while keeping the exemption tied to a formal permit process. The bill does not change the general toll-setting authority of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, but it would require administrative implementation and likely modest revenue impacts from foregone tolls for qualifying trips.
Impact
The bill would amend Section 19 of the Toll Highway Act, codified at 605 ILCS 10/19, by adding a new toll exemption for veterans traveling to or from medical appointments. It would require the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to establish rules for issuing an Official Permit Card and for administering the exemption. In practical terms, the bill would expand the list of vehicles and persons authorized to use toll highways without paying the established toll, while leaving the Authority’s broader toll-setting and bond-related provisions in place.
Sentiment
Based on the bill’s caption and text, the measure appears to be framed as a veterans’ assistance and access bill, with an emphasis on easing transportation costs for medical travel. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition in the available materials. The overall tone of the proposal is sympathetic and service-oriented, aimed at providing a targeted benefit to veterans.
Contention
The main policy issue likely to arise is the fiscal and administrative effect of expanding toll exemptions, since the Toll Highway Act is structured to support operations, maintenance, and bond obligations through toll revenue. The bill’s permit requirement suggests an effort to limit the exemption to verified veterans traveling for medical appointments, which may reduce concerns about abuse or broad revenue loss. Any opposition would likely focus on toll revenue impacts, implementation burdens for the Authority, or the precedent of adding new toll-free categories, while supporters would likely emphasize veteran access to healthcare and reduced transportation barriers.