HB4803 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)

ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SITING
Last Action
3/25/2026 - House: Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
House Sponsors
Rep. Dave Vella
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
New Act  
Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Electric Transmission Colocation and Siting Priority Act. Defines terms. Requires that, in the siting of new electric transmission facilities, available corridors be used in the following order of priority: (1) existing public utility corridors; (2) State highway corridors; and (3) new corridors. Provides that a public utility or transmission developer may construct, place, or maintain a high-voltage transmission line on a public right-of-way or along a highway if (i) the public utility or transmission developer submits a colocation request for the high-voltage transmission line to the Secretary of Transportation and (ii) the Secretary reviews and approves the colocation request. Provides that the Secretary may deny a colocation request if the Secretary determines that the construction, placement, or maintenance of a high-voltage transmission line on a public right-of-way or along a highway would endanger public safety or would interfere with the proper function of the highway. Provides that a public utility or transmission developer may submit a written request to the Department of Transportation for an evaluation of certain corridors for possible locations for a high-voltage transmission line. Provides that, within 30 days after receipt of a written request, the Secretary shall assign a project coordinator to the request. Provides that a project coordinator, upon assignment to a request, shall begin the evaluation in coordination with the applicable public utility or transmission developer. Requires a public utility or transmission developer to develop a constructability report in consultation with the Department and requires the public utility or transmission developer and the Department to follow the terms and conditions of the constructability report during the planning and approval process for the siting of a high-voltage transmission line. Sets forth requirements for the content of the constructability report. Provides that, if the Department requires that a high-voltage transmission line on a public right-of-way be relocated by a specific date, the Department shall give the applicable public utility or transmission developer notice of the required relocation no less than 10 years before the date of the required relocation. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2027.

House Committee Amendment No. 1
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Electric Transmission Colocation and Siting Priority Act. Defines terms. Requires that, in the siting of new electric transmission facilities, available corridors be considered in the following order of priority: (1) existing public utility corridors; (2) State highway corridors; and (3) new corridors. Provides that the order of priority shall not apply to projects that have been sited on or before the effective date of the Act. Provides that a public utility or transmission developer may construct, place, or maintain a high-voltage transmission line on a public right-of-way or along a highway if (i) the public utility or transmission developer submits a colocation request for the high-voltage transmission line to the Secretary of Transportation or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and (ii) the Secretary or the Authority reviews and approves the colocation request. Provides that the Secretary or the Authority may deny a colocation request if the Secretary or the Authority determines that the construction, placement, or maintenance of a high-voltage transmission line on a public right-of-way or along a highway would endanger public safety or would interfere with the proper function of the highway. Provides that a public utility or transmission developer may submit a written request to the Department of Transportation or the Authority for an evaluation of certain corridors for possible locations for a high-voltage transmission line. Provides that, within 30 days after receipt of a written request, the Secretary or the Authority shall assign a project coordinator to the request. Provides that a project coordinator, upon assignment to a request, shall begin the evaluation in coordination with the applicable public utility or transmission developer. Requires a public utility or transmission developer to develop a constructability report in consultation with the Department or the Authority and requires the public utility or transmission developer and the Department or the Authority to follow the terms and conditions of the constructability report during the planning and approval process for the siting of a high-voltage transmission line. Sets forth requirements for the content of the constructability report. Provides that, if the Department or the Authority requires that a high-voltage transmission line on a public right-of-way be relocated by a specific date, the Department or the Authority shall give the applicable public utility or transmission developer notice of the required relocation when the Department or the Authority determines that the relocation is necessary. Requires electric transmission facilities constructed or placed on a public right-of-way or along a highway to be built by a general contractor and requires the general contractor to enter into a project labor agreement prior to construction. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
Actions
DateChamberAction
2/02/2026HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Dave Vella
2/06/2026HouseFirst Reading
2/06/2026HouseReferred to Rules Committee
2/17/2026HouseAssigned to Public Utilities Committee
3/13/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Dave Vella
3/13/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
3/18/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Public Utilities Committee
3/24/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Public Utilities Committee; by Voice Vote
3/24/2026HouseDo Pass as Amended / Short Debate Public Utilities Committee; 012-006-000
3/25/2026HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate