HB3015 amends the Illinois Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971 to create a specific exception allowing business advertising signs along Interstate 90 before Exit 25 (Genoa Road). The bill states that signs advertising a business, including but not limited to a gas station, may be erected and maintained on both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90 in that location. It also makes conforming changes to the existing statutory framework governing highway advertising.
Under current law, the Act generally prohibits signs along primary and Interstate highways except for enumerated exceptions. HB3015 adds a new Section 4.09 to expand those exceptions for a particular stretch of I-90, while leaving the broader prohibition in place elsewhere. The bill therefore creates a location-specific carveout rather than a statewide change to highway sign rules.
The bill’s impact would be narrow but direct: it would modify state law to permit commercial roadside advertising in a specific area of DeKalb County near Genoa Road, potentially benefiting nearby businesses that rely on highway visibility. It would also slightly weaken the general restriction on billboards and business signs along Interstate highways by adding another statutory exception.
There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal debate or amendment record is available. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be a targeted local business-sign exception rather than a broad policy overhaul, and the available context does not show organized support or opposition. The caption and wording suggest the bill is primarily about highway advertising signage, with the main policy question being whether a special exception should be made for this specific I-90 location.
Impact
HB3015 would amend the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971 by adding a new statutory exception for business advertising signs along Interstate 90 before Exit 25 (Genoa Road) and by making conforming changes to the existing sign restrictions. The practical effect is to authorize commercial signage in a specific corridor where such signs are otherwise generally prohibited, while leaving the statewide ban on most Interstate highway signs intact.
Sentiment
No committee discussion or vote record was provided, so there is no documented legislative sentiment to summarize from debate or roll calls. From the bill text, the measure appears narrowly targeted and administrative in nature, suggesting a localized policy adjustment rather than a controversial statewide change.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the creation of a special exception to Illinois’ general prohibition on signs along Interstate highways. Supporters would likely view the bill as a practical accommodation for local businesses near Genoa Road, while opponents could argue it opens the door to piecemeal exceptions and weakens highway advertising controls. No specific individuals or groups are identified in the provided record as taking either side.
Relating to the designation of portions of the state highway system as memorial highways, to certain memorial markers on certain highways, and to the installation of highway signs for certain cultural attractions.