SB3419 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 19494 RTM 32942 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB3419

Introduced 2/4/2026, by Sen. Ram Villivalam

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

Amends the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Transit Innovation, Integration, and Reform Act. Provides that the member appointed to the Committee to represent individuals with disabilities shall either be an individual with a disability or an individual who has demonstrated experience advocating for and advancing the accessibility and transportation needs of individuals with disabilities. Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that one of the members of the Board of the Chicago Transit Authority shall be a person with a disability who lives within the Authority's service area and uses the services provided by the Authority. Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that one of the Directors of the Board of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority shall be a person with a disability with expertise in transportation and shall be appointed with the advice and recommendation of a disability advocacy organization serving the Metropolitan Region. Provides that one of the directors of the Suburban Bus Board shall be the Commissioner of the City of Chicago's Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (rather than appointed by the Mayor of Chicago). Provides that one of the directors of the Commuter Rail Board shall be a person with a disability who uses the services provided by the Commuter Rail Division and appointed with the advice and recommendation of a disability advocacy organization serving the Metropolitan Region. Provides that the Chicago Transit Authority, the Suburban Bus Board, and the Commuter Rail Board shall each establish and maintain an ADA Advisory Committee to advise the Chicago Transit Authority, the Suburban Bus Board, or the Commuter Rail Board on accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as it relates to fixed route and paratransit service.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning local government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Interagency Coordinating Committee on Transit Innovation, Integration, and Reform Act is amended by changing Section 2-15 as follows:

(20 ILCS 4140/2-15)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2035)

Sec. 2-15. Committee membership. The Committee shall include the following members, appointed by the Secretary:

(1) one member representing rural public transit providers operating outside of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority service area;

(2) one member representing small urban public transit providers operating outside of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority service area;

(3) two members representing regional public transit providers operating outside of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority service area;

(4) one member representing intercity rail providers;

(5) one member representing intercity bus providers;

(6) one member representing statewide or regional business organizations with interests in transportation, workforce development, or economic growth;

(7) one member representing an Illinois university that generates significant ridership for the transit system or intercity bus and rail systems near the university's facilities;

(8) one member representing individuals with disabilities, who is an individual with a disability or has demonstrated experience advocating for and advancing the accessibility and transportation needs of individuals with disabilities;

(9) one member representing a labor organization that represents workers employed by downstate transit systems, intercity bus providers, or intercity rail providers;

(10) one member representing large urban transit agencies;

(11) one or more members representing the Department that are involved in transit grant administration, project implementation, or procurement;

(12) additional representatives as determined necessary by the Secretary to ensure subject-matter expertise, community representation, and geographic diversity; and

(13) one member who shall serve as chair of the Committee.

The members shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses associated with service on the Committee.

(Source: P.A. 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

Section 10. The Metropolitan Transit Authority Act is amended by changing Sections 7 and 19.5 as follows:

(70 ILCS 3605/7) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 307)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 7. The Authority shall have power to acquire by purchase, condemnation, lease, gift or otherwise all or any part of the plant, equipment, property, rights in property, reserve funds, employees' pension or retirement funds, special funds, franchises, licenses, patents, permits and papers, documents and records belonging to any public utility operating a transportation system within the metropolitan area of Cook County, together with all or any part of the right of way, equipment, fixed facilities and other property of any kind of any such utility extending beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan area of Cook County and forming part of an integrated suburban rapid transit, rail transportation facility or motor bus operation connecting with rapid transit or electric railway lines in super highways of the Authority or leading to the unification and integration of a unified rapid transit, rail, and motor bus operation in and about the metropolitan area of Cook County. Such properties upon acquisition by or lease to the Authority shall become and be operated as part of the transportation system of the Authority and the Authority shall have all powers in connection with such properties and such operations as are conferred by this Act with respect to the transportation system of the Authority located within the metropolitan area of Cook County. The Authority shall also have the power to enter into agreements to operate any such lines extending beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan area; such agreements to be subject to all other provisions of this Act. The Authority shall have power to contract for or lease for operation and maintenance by the Authority, any municipally owned local transportation subways or other municipally owned local transportation facilities or the facilities of any common carrier or the facilities of any local Mass Transit District, organized under the "Local Mass Transit Act", approved July 21, 1959, as heretofore and hereafter amended, whether such subways or facilities are within or without the metropolitan area of Cook County. The Authority shall have the power to contract with any local Mass Transit District, organized under the "Local Mass Transit Act", approved July 21, 1959, as heretofore and hereafter amended, or with any common carrier for the construction and operation of a transportation system, whether such transportation system is within or without the metropolitan area of Cook County. However, the Authority shall not have power to operate a motor bus facility, the major part of which is used for local transportation of passengers in any city, village or incorporated town, unless and until the Authority shall have secured the right to operate motor buses in such municipality for local transportation of passengers in the manner stated in Section 11 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 76-1548.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 7. General powers.

(a) The Board of the Authority shall:

(1) oversee the operations and management of the Authority;

(2) convey the Northern Illinois Transit Authority's goals, priorities, and requirements to the Authority; and

(3) convey information, concerns, and recommendations from the Authority to the Executive Director and Board of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.

(b) The Board shall manage the debt that was issued and outstanding by the Authority and ensure that the obligations owed to bondholders are fulfilled.

(c) The Board may not issue new debt, except for:

(1) debt or other financial instruments designed to refinance or retire debt that was issued and outstanding on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly;

(2) debt or other financial instruments in the amounts, terms and conditions, and other requirements provided for in the Full Funding Grant Agreement in the form in which it was executed on January 10, 2025, and in effect on the date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly (Project ID No. IL-2025-001-00), commonly known as the Red Line Extension Project, and to refinance or retire debt that was issued pursuant to the Full Funding Grant Agreement in the form in which it was executed on January 10, 2025; and

(3) debt or other financial instruments in the amounts, terms and conditions, and other requirements provided for in the Full Funding Grant Agreement in the form in which it was executed on January 9, 2017, and in effect on the date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly (Project ID No. IL-2017-002-00), commonly known as the Red and Purple Modernization Phase One Project, and to refinance or retire debt that was issued pursuant to the Full Funding Grant Agreement in the form in which it was executed on January 9, 2017.

The Authority shall receive revenues sufficient to satisfy the financial obligation of the above instruments under the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.

All material changes in the amount, terms and conditions, or other requirements of the projects covered by the Full Funding Agreements in paragraphs (2) and (3) and occurring after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly are subject to the review and approval of the Board of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. The Authority shall cooperate with the Northern Illinois Transit Authority on the use of alternative issuers of debt or other financial instruments or other efforts by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority to reduce the debt expense of the above-referenced projects, including pursuit of additional funding sources. The authorization provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection shall expire on December 31, 2032.

(d) In addition to any powers provided in this Act, the Authority shall have all of the powers specified in Section 2.20 of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, except that the powers specified in paragraph (v) of subsection (a) of Section 2.20 must be delegated to the Authority by the Board of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.

(e) The Board shall also have the power to:

(1) cooperate with the Northern Illinois Transit Authority in the exercise by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority of all the powers granted to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act;

(2) receive funds from the Northern Illinois Transit Authority under Sections 2.02, 4.01, 4.02, 4.09, and 4.10 of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, as provided in the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act;

(3) receive financial grants from the Northern Illinois Transit Authority;

(4) adopt ordinances and rules to regulate the use, operation, and maintenance of its property and facilities; and

(5) carry into effect the powers granted to the Authority, with any necessary fines or penalties, such as the suspension of riding privileges or confiscation of fare media under Section 2.40 of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, as the Board deems proper.

(f) The Authority shall use powers delegated to it by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority to oversee the delivery of public transportation in the metropolitan region, provided that the Northern Illinois Transit Authority shall retain primary responsibility for setting fares, service standards, schedules, and coordinated fare collection so that the public transportation system in the metropolitan region operates on a one-network, one-timetable, one-ticket model for transit users.

(g) The Authority shall establish and maintain an ADA Advisory Committee to advise the Authority on accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as it relates to fixed route and paratransit service.

(1) The ADA Advisory Committee shall include:

(A) members representing riders with disabilities; and

(B) members representing organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

(2) The ADA Advisory Committee shall meet no less than quarterly.

(3) The ADA Advisory Committee shall present a quarterly report on accessibility to the Authority.

(4) The ADA Advisory Committee shall present an annual report on accessibility to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.

(Source: P.A. 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

(70 ILCS 3605/19.5)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

Sec. 19.5. Chicago Transit Board.

(a) The governing body of the Chicago Transit Authority shall be the Chicago Transit Board. Beginning September 1, 2026, the Board shall consist of 7 members appointed as follows:

(1) Two members appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, including:

(A) a member with an initial term of 5 years who shall serve as a member of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority; and

(B) a member with an initial term of 3 years.

(2) Three members appointed by the Mayor of Chicago, with the advice and consent of the City Council of the City of Chicago, including:

(A) a member with an initial term of 3 years who shall serve as a member of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority;

(B) a member with an initial term of 5 years; and

(C) a member with an initial term of 3 years.

(3) Two members appointed by the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, with the advice and consent of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, including:

(A) a member with an initial term of 3 years who shall serve as a member of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority; and

(B) a member with an initial term of 5 years.

(b) The subsequent terms of each director appointed under subsection (a) shall be 5 years.

(c) The Chair of the Board shall be elected by a majority vote by the members of the Board from among the members of the Board. Until September 1, 2030, the Chair of the Board must be approved by the Senate. Until September 1, 2030, if the members of the Board elect a Chair of the Board, then the elected Chair of the Board may serve as a the acting Chair of the Board until confirmation. Until September 1, 2030, if the Senate votes against confirming the acting Chair of the Board, then the acting Chair of the Board must resign and the members of the Board must elect a new Chair of the Board.

(d) Initial appointments of members under subsection (a) must be made in time for the members to begin their terms on September 1, 2026.

(e) On September 1, 2026, the terms of all members serving on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly, and of any members appointed to fill a vacancy, shall immediately expire. If a vacancy on the Board occurs before September 1, 2026, then the vacancy shall be filled under Section 21. Members serving on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly may be reappointed under subsection (a).

(f) The members of the Board shall receive an annual salary of $15,000, except that members of the Board who are also members of the Board of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority shall receive $5,000 per year in addition to the compensation the members receive for serving on the Board of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.

(g) Directors shall have diverse and substantial relevant experience and expertise for overseeing the planning, operation, and funding of a regional transportation system, including, but not limited to, backgrounds in urban and regional planning, management of large capital projects, labor and workforce development, business management, public administration, transportation, and community organizations.

(h) Those responsible for appointing Directors shall strive to assemble a set of Directors that, to the greatest extent possible, reflects the ethnic, cultural, economic, racial, and geographic diversity of the metropolitan region.

(i) One of the members appointed under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) shall be a person with a disability who lives within the Authority's service area and uses the services provided by the Authority.

(Source: P.A. 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

Section 15. The Regional Transportation Authority Act is amended by changing Sections 2.30, 3.01, 3A.02, 3A.09, 3B.02.5, 7.03, and 7.04 and by adding Section 3B.09d as follows:

(70 ILCS 3615/2.30)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 2.30. Paratransit services.

(a) For purposes of this Act, "ADA paratransit services" shall mean those comparable or specialized transportation services provided by, or under grant or purchase of service contracts of, the Service Boards to individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route transportation systems and who are determined to be eligible, for some or all of their trips, for such services under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2005, the Authority is responsible for the funding, from amounts on deposit in the ADA Paratransit Fund established under Section 2.01d of this Act, financial review and oversight of all ADA paratransit services that are provided by the Authority or by any of the Service Boards. The Suburban Bus Board shall operate or provide for the operation of all ADA paratransit services by no later than July 1, 2006, except that this date may be extended to the extent necessary to obtain approval from the Federal Transit Administration of the plan prepared pursuant to subsection (c).

(c) No later than January 1, 2006, the Authority, in collaboration with the Suburban Bus Board and the Chicago Transit Authority, shall develop a plan for the provision of ADA paratransit services and submit such plan to the Federal Transit Administration for approval. Approval of such plan by the Authority shall require the affirmative votes of 12 of the then Directors. The Suburban Bus Board, the Chicago Transit Authority and the Authority shall comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations in developing and approving such plan including, without limitation, consulting with individuals with disabilities and groups representing them in the community, and providing adequate opportunity for public comment and public hearings. The plan shall include the contents required for a paratransit plan pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations. The plan shall also include, without limitation, provisions to:

(1) maintain, at a minimum, the levels of ADA paratransit service that are required to be provided by the Service Boards pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations;

(2) transfer the appropriate ADA paratransit services, management, personnel, service contracts and assets from the Chicago Transit Authority to the Authority or the Suburban Bus Board, as necessary, by no later than July 1, 2006, except that this date may be extended to the extent necessary to obtain approval from the Federal Transit Administration of the plan prepared pursuant to this subsection (c);

(3) provide for consistent policies throughout the metropolitan region for scheduling of ADA paratransit service trips to and from destinations, with consideration of scheduling of return trips on a "will-call" open-ended basis upon request of the rider, if practicable, and with consideration of an increased number of trips available by subscription service than are available as of the effective date of this amendatory Act;

(4) provide that service contracts and rates, entered into or set after the approval by the Federal Transit Administration of the plan prepared pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, with private carriers and taxicabs for ADA paratransit service are procured by means of an open procurement process;

(5) provide for fares, fare collection and billing procedures for ADA paratransit services throughout the metropolitan region;

(6) provide for performance standards for all ADA paratransit service transportation carriers, with consideration of door-to-door service;

(7) provide, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Public Aid and other appropriate public agencies and private entities, for the application and receipt of grants, including, without limitation, reimbursement from Medicaid or other programs for ADA paratransit services;

(8) provide for a system of dispatch of ADA paratransit services transportation carriers throughout the metropolitan region, with consideration of county-based dispatch systems already in place as of the effective date of this amendatory Act;

(9) provide for a process of determining eligibility for ADA paratransit services that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations;

(10) provide for consideration of innovative methods to provide and fund ADA paratransit services; and

(11) provide for the creation of one or more ADA advisory boards, or the reconstitution of the existing ADA advisory boards for the Service Boards, to represent the diversity of individuals with disabilities in the metropolitan region and to provide appropriate ongoing input from individuals with disabilities into the operation of ADA paratransit services.

(d) All revisions and annual updates to the ADA paratransit services plan developed pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, or certifications of continued compliance in lieu of plan updates, that are required to be provided to the Federal Transit Administration shall be developed by the Authority, in collaboration with the Suburban Bus Board and the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Authority shall submit such revision, update or certification to the Federal Transit Administration for approval. Approval of such revisions, updates or certifications by the Authority shall require the affirmative votes of 12 of the then Directors.

(e) The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Public Aid, the Authority, the Suburban Bus Board and the Chicago Transit Authority shall enter into intergovernmental agreements as may be necessary to provide funding and accountability for, and implementation of, the requirements of this Section.

(f) By no later than April 1, 2007, the Authority shall develop and submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a funding plan for ADA paratransit services. Approval of such plan by the Authority shall require the affirmative votes of 12 of the then Directors. The funding plan shall, at a minimum, contain an analysis of the current costs of providing ADA paratransit services, projections of the long-term costs of providing ADA paratransit services, identification of and recommendations for possible cost efficiencies in providing ADA paratransit services, and identification of and recommendations for possible funding sources for providing ADA paratransit services. The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Public Aid, the Suburban Bus Board, the Chicago Transit Authority and other State and local public agencies as appropriate shall cooperate with the Authority in the preparation of such funding plan.

(g) Any funds derived from the federal Medicaid program for reimbursement of the costs of providing ADA paratransit services within the metropolitan region shall be directed to the Authority and shall be used to pay for or reimburse the costs of providing such services.

(h) Nothing in this amendatory Act shall be construed to conflict with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations.

(Source: P.A. 94-370, eff. 7-29-05; 95-708, eff. 1-18-08.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 2.30. Paratransit services.

(a) For purposes of this Act, "ADA paratransit services" shall mean those comparable or specialized transportation services provided by, or under grant or purchase of service contracts of, the Service Boards to individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route transportation systems and who are determined to be eligible, for some or all of their trips, for such services under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2005, the Authority is responsible for the funding, from amounts on deposit in the ADA Paratransit Fund established under Section 2.01d of this Act, financial review and oversight of all ADA paratransit services that are provided by the Authority or by any of the Service Boards. The Suburban Bus Board shall operate or provide for the operation of all ADA paratransit services by no later than July 1, 2006, except that this date may be extended to the extent necessary to obtain approval from the Federal Transit Administration of the plan prepared pursuant to subsection (c).

(c) No later than January 1, 2006, the Authority, in collaboration with the Suburban Bus Board and the Chicago Transit Authority, shall develop a plan for the provision of ADA paratransit services and submit such plan to the Federal Transit Administration for approval. Approval of such plan by the Authority shall require a supermajority vote. The Suburban Bus Board, the Chicago Transit Authority and the Authority shall comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations in developing and approving such plan including, without limitation, consulting with individuals with disabilities and groups representing them in the community, and providing adequate opportunity for public comment and public hearings. The plan shall include the contents required for a paratransit plan pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations. The plan shall also include, without limitation, provisions to:

(1) maintain, at a minimum, the levels of ADA paratransit service that are required to be provided by the Service Boards pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations;

(2) transfer the appropriate ADA paratransit services, management, personnel, service contracts and assets from the Chicago Transit Authority to the Authority or the Suburban Bus Board, as necessary, by no later than July 1, 2006, except that this date may be extended to the extent necessary to obtain approval from the Federal Transit Administration of the plan prepared pursuant to this subsection (c);

(3) provide for consistent policies throughout the metropolitan region for scheduling of ADA paratransit service trips to and from destinations, with consideration of scheduling of return trips on a "will-call" open-ended basis upon request of the rider, if practicable, and with consideration of an increased number of trips available by subscription service than are available as of the effective date of this amendatory Act;

(4) provide that service contracts and rates, entered into or set after the approval by the Federal Transit Administration of the plan prepared pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, with private carriers and taxicabs for ADA paratransit service are procured by means of an open procurement process;

(5) provide for fares, fare collection and billing procedures for ADA paratransit services throughout the metropolitan region;

(6) provide for performance standards for all ADA paratransit service transportation carriers, with consideration of door-to-door service;

(7) provide, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Public Aid and other appropriate public agencies and private entities, for the application and receipt of grants, including, without limitation, reimbursement from Medicaid or other programs for ADA paratransit services;

(8) provide for a system of dispatch of ADA paratransit services transportation carriers throughout the metropolitan region, with consideration of county-based dispatch systems already in place as of the effective date of this amendatory Act;

(9) provide for a process of determining eligibility for ADA paratransit services that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations;

(10) provide for consideration of innovative methods to provide and fund ADA paratransit services; and

(11) provide for the creation of one or more ADA advisory boards, or the reconstitution of the existing ADA advisory boards for the Service Boards, to represent the diversity of individuals with disabilities in the metropolitan region and to provide appropriate ongoing input from individuals with disabilities into the operation of ADA paratransit services; and

(12) incorporate the reports the ADA Advisory Committees established by the Services Boards present to the Authority.

(d) All revisions and annual updates to the ADA paratransit services plan developed pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, or certifications of continued compliance in lieu of plan updates, that are required to be provided to the Federal Transit Administration shall be developed by the Authority, in collaboration with the Suburban Bus Board and the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Authority shall submit such revision, update or certification to the Federal Transit Administration for approval. Approval of such revisions, updates or certifications by the Authority shall require a supermajority vote.

(e) The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Public Aid, the Authority, the Suburban Bus Board and the Chicago Transit Authority shall enter into intergovernmental agreements as may be necessary to provide funding and accountability for, and implementation of, the requirements of this Section.

(f) By no later than April 1, 2007, the Authority shall develop and submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a funding plan for ADA paratransit services. Approval of such plan by the Authority shall require a supermajority vote. The funding plan shall, at a minimum, contain an analysis of the current costs of providing ADA paratransit services, projections of the long-term costs of providing ADA paratransit services, identification of and recommendations for possible cost efficiencies in providing ADA paratransit services, and identification of and recommendations for possible funding sources for providing ADA paratransit services. The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Public Aid, the Suburban Bus Board, the Chicago Transit Authority and other State and local public agencies as appropriate shall cooperate with the Authority in the preparation of such funding plan.

(g) Any funds derived from the federal Medicaid program for reimbursement of the costs of providing ADA paratransit services within the metropolitan region shall be directed to the Authority and shall be used to pay for or reimburse the costs of providing such services.

(h) Nothing in this amendatory Act shall be construed to conflict with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations.

(Source: P.A. 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

(70 ILCS 3615/3.01) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 703.01)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 3.01. Board of Directors. The corporate authorities and governing body of the Authority shall be a Board consisting of 13 Directors until April 1, 2008, and 16 Directors thereafter, appointed as follows:

(a) Four Directors appointed by the Mayor of the City of Chicago, with the advice and consent of the City Council of the City of Chicago, and, only until April 1, 2008, a fifth director who shall be the Chairman of the Chicago Transit Authority. After April 1, 2008, the Mayor of the City of Chicago, with the advice and consent of the City Council of the City of Chicago, shall appoint a fifth Director. The Directors appointed by the Mayor of the City of Chicago shall not be the Chairman or a Director of the Chicago Transit Authority. Each such Director shall reside in the City of Chicago.

(b) Four Directors appointed by the votes of a majority of the members of the Cook County Board elected from districts, a majority of the electors of which reside outside Chicago. After April 1, 2008, a fifth Director appointed by the President of the Cook County Board with the advice and consent of the members of the Cook County Board. Each Director appointed under this subparagraph shall reside in that part of Cook County outside Chicago.

(c) Until April 1, 2008, 3 Directors appointed by the Chairmen of the County Boards of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties, as follows:

(i) Two Directors appointed by the Chairmen of the county boards of Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties, with the concurrence of not less than a majority of the Chairmen from such counties, from nominees by the Chairmen. Each such Chairman may nominate not more than 2 persons for each position. Each such Director shall reside in a county in the metropolitan region other than Cook or DuPage Counties.

(ii) One Director appointed by the Chairman of the DuPage County Board with the advice and consent of the DuPage County Board. Such Director shall reside in DuPage County.

(d) After April 1, 2008, 5 Directors appointed by the Chairmen of the County Boards of DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry Counties and the County Executive of Will County, as follows:

(i) One Director appointed by the Chairman of the Kane County Board with the advice and consent of the Kane County Board. Such Director shall reside in Kane County.

(ii) One Director appointed by the County Executive of Will County with the advice and consent of the Will County Board. Such Director shall reside in Will County.

(iii) One Director appointed by the Chairman of the DuPage County Board with the advice and consent of the DuPage County Board. Such Director shall reside in DuPage County.

(iv) One Director appointed by the Chairman of the Lake County Board with the advice and consent of the Lake County Board. Such Director shall reside in Lake County.

(v) One Director appointed by the Chairman of the McHenry County Board with the advice and consent of the McHenry County Board. Such Director shall reside in McHenry County.

(vi) To implement the changes in appointing authority under this subparagraph (d) the three Directors appointed under subparagraph (c) and residing in Lake County, DuPage County, and Kane County respectively shall each continue to serve as Director until the expiration of their respective term of office and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified or a vacancy occurs in the office. Thereupon, the appointment shall be made by the officials given appointing authority with respect to the Director whose term has expired or office has become vacant.

(e) The Chairman serving on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly shall continue to serve as Chairman until the expiration of his or her term of office and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified or a vacancy occurs in the office. Upon the expiration or vacancy of the term of the Chairman then serving upon the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly, the Chairman shall be appointed by the other Directors, by the affirmative vote of at least 11 of the then Directors with at least 2 affirmative votes from Directors who reside in the City of Chicago, at least 2 affirmative votes from Directors who reside in Cook County outside the City of Chicago, and at least 2 affirmative votes from Directors who reside in the Counties of DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, or McHenry. The chairman shall not be appointed from among the other Directors. The chairman shall be a resident of the metropolitan region.

(f) Except as otherwise provided by this Act no Director shall, while serving as such, be an officer, a member of the Board of Directors or Trustees or an employee of any Service Board or transportation agency, or be an employee of the State of Illinois or any department or agency thereof, or of any municipality, county, or any other unit of local government or receive any compensation from any elected or appointed office under the Constitution and laws of Illinois; except that a Director may be a member of a school board.

(g) Each appointment made under this Section and under Section 3.03 shall be certified by the appointing authority to the Board, which shall maintain the certifications as part of the official records of the Authority.

(h) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 98-709, eff. 7-16-14.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 3.01. Board of Directors. The corporate authorities and governing and administrative body of the Authority shall be a Board consisting of 20 Directors appointed as follows:

(a) Five Directors appointed by the Mayor of the City of Chicago, with the advice and consent of the City Council of the City of Chicago. Each Director shall reside in the City of Chicago. Directors appointed under this subsection shall include:

(1) one Director with an initial term of 5 years who shall serve as a member of the Board of the Chicago Transit Authority;

(2) one Director with an initial term of 3 years who shall serve as a member of the Board of the Chicago Transit Authority;

(3) one Director with an initial term of 5 years who shall serve as a director of the Suburban Bus Board;

(4) one Director with an initial term of 3 years who shall serve as a director of the Commuter Rail Board; and

(5) one Director with an initial term of 5 years.

(a-5) Five Directors appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each Director appointed under this subsection shall reside in the metropolitan region. Directors appointed under this subsection shall include:

(1) one Director with an initial term of 5 years who shall serve as a member of the Board of the Chicago Transit Authority;

(2) one Director with an initial term of 3 years who shall serve as a director of the Suburban Bus Board;

(3) one Director appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, with an initial term of 5 years who shall serve as a director of the Commuter Rail Board;

(4) one Director with an initial term of 5 years; and

(5) one Director with an initial term of 3 years.

(b) Five Directors appointed by the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, with the advice and consent of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, including:

(1) one Director representing those communities in Cook County that are outside of the City of Chicago and north of Devon Avenue who shall reside in the area the Director represents, serve an initial term of 3 years, and serve as a director of the Suburban Bus Board;

(2) one Director representing those communities in Cook County that are outside of the City of Chicago, south of Devon Avenue, and north of Interstate 55, and in addition the Village of Summit who shall reside in the area the Director represents, serve an initial term of 5 years, and serve as a director of the Suburban Bus Board;

(3) one Director representing those communities in Cook County that are outside of the City of Chicago, south of Interstate 55, and west of the Interstate 57, excluding the communities of Summit, Dixmoor, Posen, Robbins, Midlothian, Oak Forest, and Tinley Park who shall reside in the area the Director represents, serve an initial term of 3 years, and serve as a director of the Commuter Rail Board;

(4) one Director representing those communities in Cook County that are outside of the City of Chicago and east of Interstate 57, and, in addition, the communities of Dixmoor, Posen, Robbins, Midlothian, Oak Forest, and Tinley Park who shall reside in the area the Director represents, serve an initial term of 5 years, and serve as a director of the Commuter Rail Board; and

(5) one Director with an initial term of 3 years who shall serve as a member of the Board of the Chicago Transit Authority.

(b-5) Five Directors appointed by the chair of the county boards of Kane, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, and Will counties. Each chair shall appoint one Director for the chair's county, with the advice and consent of the chair's county board. Each Director shall reside in the county from which the Director is appointed. Directors appointed under this subsection shall include:

(1) one Director appointed by the Chairman of the DuPage County Board with an initial term of 5 years who shall serve as a director of the Suburban Bus Board;

(2) one Director appointed by the Chairman of the Kane County Board with an initial term of 3 years who shall serve as a director of the Suburban Bus Board;

(3) one Director appointed by the Chairman of the Lake County Board with an initial term of 3 years who shall serve as a director of the Commuter Rail Board;

(4) one Director appointed by the Chairman of the McHenry County Board with an initial term of 5 years who shall serve as a director of the Commuter Rail Board; and

(5) one Director appointed by the County Executive of Will County Board who shall reside in Will County, serve an initial term of 3 years, and serve as a director of the Suburban Bus Board.

(b-10) On September 1, 2026, the terms of all directors serving on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly and of any directors appointed to fill a vacancy shall immediately expire. If a vacancy on the Board occurs before September 1, 2026, then the vacancy shall be filled under Section 3.03. Directors serving on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly may be reappointed.

(b-15) Within 120 days of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly, the appointing authorities shall appoint, with the advice and consent required under this Section, a new Board of the Authority. Directors have been appointed when appointments are filed with and accepted by the Secretary of State in accordance with subsection (g). The initial Directors appointed after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly shall serve terms of office beginning on September 1, 2026.

(b-20) On the first meeting of the Board the Directors after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly, the Board of Directors shall, by majority vote, elect a Director to serve as Chair of the Board. All subsequent Chairs of the Board shall be elected by a majority vote by the Directors of the Board from among the Directors. Until September 1, 2030, the Chair of the Board must be confirmed by the Senate. Until September 1, 2030, if the Directors elect a Chair of the Board, then the elected Chair of the Board may serve as a the acting Chair of the Board until confirmation. Until September 1, 2030, if the Senate votes against confirming the acting Chair of the Board, then the acting Chair of the Board must resign and the Directors must elect a new Chair of the Board.

(b-25) The subsequent terms of each Director appointed after September 1, 2026 shall be 5 years.

(c) (Blank).

(d) (Blank).

(e) (Blank).

(f) Except as otherwise provided by this Act, no Director shall, while serving as such, be an officer, member of the Board of Directors or Trustees, an employee of any Service Board or Transportation Agency, or an employee of the State, any department or agency of the State, or any municipality, county, or other unit of local government or receive any compensation from any elected or appointed office under the Constitution and laws of Illinois; except that a Director may be a member of a school board, a member of the National Guard, or, if the Director is also a member of the Suburban Bus Board, an elected officer of a municipality.

(g) Each appointment made under this Section and under Section 3.03 shall be certified by the appointing authority and filed with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Board. The Secretary of the Board shall maintain the certifications as part of the official records of the Authority.

(h) (Blank).

(i) Directors shall have diverse and substantial relevant experience and expertise for overseeing the planning, operation, and funding of a regional transportation system, including, but not limited to, backgrounds in urban and regional planning, management of large capital projects, labor and workforce development, business management, public administration, transportation, and community organizations.

(j) Those responsible for appointing Directors shall strive to assemble a set of Directors that, to the greatest extent possible, reflects the ethnic, cultural, economic, racial, and geographic diversity of the metropolitan region.

(k) One of the Directors appointed under subsection (a-5) shall be a person with a disability with expertise in transportation and appointed with the advice and recommendation of a disability advocacy organization serving the Metropolitan Region.

(Source: P.A. 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

(70 ILCS 3615/3A.02) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 703A.02)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 3A.02. Suburban Bus Board. The governing body of the Suburban Bus Division shall be a board consisting of 13 directors appointed as follows:

(a) Six Directors appointed by the members of the Cook County Board elected from that part of Cook County outside of Chicago, or in the event such Board of Commissioners becomes elected from single member districts, by those Commissioners elected from districts, a majority of the residents of which reside outside of Chicago from the chief executive officers of the municipalities, of that portion of Cook County outside of Chicago. Provided however, that:

(i) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the Northwest Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(ii) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the North Central Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(iii) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the North Shore Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(iv) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the Central Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(v) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the Southwest Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(vi) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the South Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(b) One Director by the Chairman of the Kane County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within Kane County;

(c) One Director by the Chairman of the Lake County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within Lake County;

(d) One Director by the Chairman of the DuPage County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within DuPage County;

(e) One Director by the Chairman of the McHenry County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within McHenry County;

(f) One Director by the Chairman of the Will County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within Will County;

(g) The Commissioner of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, from the City of Chicago, who shall serve as an ex-officio member; and

(h) The Chairman by the Governor for the initial term, and thereafter by a majority of the Chairmen of the DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will County Boards and the members of the Cook County Board elected from that part of Cook County outside of Chicago, or in the event such Board of Commissioners is elected from single member districts, by those Commissioners elected from districts, a majority of the electors of which reside outside of Chicago; and who after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly may not be a resident of the City of Chicago.

Each appointment made under paragraphs (a) through (g) and under Section 3A.03 shall be certified by the appointing authority to the Suburban Bus Board which shall maintain the certifications as part of the official records of the Suburban Bus Board; provided that the initial appointments shall be certified to the Secretary of State, who shall transmit the certifications to the Suburban Bus Board following its organization.

For the purposes of this Section, "chief executive officer of a municipality" includes a former chief executive officer of a municipality within the specified Region or County, provided that the former officer continues to reside within such Region or County.

(Source: P.A. 95-906, eff. 8-26-08.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 3A.02. Suburban Bus Board.

(a) The governing body of the Suburban Bus Division shall be the Suburban Bus Board. Until September 1, 2026, the Suburban Bus Board shall consist of 13 directors appointed as follows:

(1) (a) Six Directors appointed by the members of the Cook County Board elected from that part of Cook County outside of Chicago, or in the event such Board of Commissioners becomes elected from single member districts, by those Commissioners elected from districts, a majority of the residents of which reside outside of Chicago from the chief executive officers of the municipalities, of that portion of Cook County outside of Chicago. Provided however, that:

(A) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the Northwest Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(B) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the North Central Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(C) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the North Shore Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(D) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the Central Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(E) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the Southwest Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(F) One of the Directors shall be the chief executive officer of a municipality within the area of the South Region defined in Section 3A.13;

(2) One Director by the Chairman of the Kane County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within Kane County;

(3) One Director by the Chairman of the Lake County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within Lake County;

(4) One Director by the Chairman of the DuPage County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within DuPage County;

(5) One Director by the Chairman of the McHenry County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within McHenry County;

(6) One Director by the Chairman of the Will County Board who shall be a chief executive officer of a municipality within Will County;

(7) The Commissioner of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, from the City of Chicago, who shall serve as an ex officio member; and

(8) The Chairman by the Governor for the initial term, and thereafter by a majority of the Chairmen of the DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will County Boards and the members of the Cook County Board elected from that part of Cook County outside of Chicago, or in the event such Board of Commissioners is elected from single member districts, by those Commissioners elected from districts, a majority of the electors of which reside outside of Chicago; and who after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly may not be a resident of the City of Chicago.

(b) Beginning September 1, 2026, the board shall consist of 11 directors appointed as follows:

(1) One director appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 3 years. The director appointed under this paragraph shall also serve as a Director of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.

(2) One director Two directors appointed by the Mayor of Chicago with the advice and consent of the City Council of the City of Chicago. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 5 years. The director appointed under this paragraph shall serve as a Director of the Board of the Authority. , including:

(A) a director with an initial term of 5 years who shall serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority; and

(B) a director with an initial term of 3 years.

(2.5) One director who is the Commissioner of the City of Chicago's Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.

(3) Three directors appointed by the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners with the advice and consent of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, including:

(A) a director with an initial term of 5 years who shall serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority;

(B) a director with an initial term of 3 years who shall serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority; and

(C) a director with an initial term of 5 years.

(4) One director appointed by the Chairman of the DuPage County Board. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 3 years. The director appointed under this paragraph shall also serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority.

(5) One director appointed by the Chairman of the Kane County Board. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 5 years. The director appointed under this paragraph shall also serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority.

(6) One director appointed by the Chairman of the Lake County Board. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 5 years.

(7) One director appointed by the Chairman of the McHenry County Board. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 3 years.

(8) One director appointed by the County Executive of Will County Board. The director appointed under this paragraph shall reside in Will County. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 5 years. The director appointed under this paragraph shall also serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority.

(c) The subsequent terms of each director appointed under subsection (b) shall be 5 years.

(d) The Chair of the Suburban Bus Board shall be elected by a majority vote by the directors of the Suburban Bus Board from among the directors of the Suburban Bus Board. Until September 1, 2030, the Chair of the Suburban Bus Board must be approved by the Senate. Until September 1, 2030, if the directors of the Suburban Bus Board elect a Chair of the Suburban Bus Board, then the elected Chair of the Suburban Bus Board may serve as a the acting Chair of the Suburban Bus Board until confirmation. Until September 1, 2030, if the Senate votes against confirming the acting Chair of the Suburban Bus Board, then the acting Chair of the Suburban Bus Board must resign and the directors of the Suburban Bus Board must elect a new Chair of the Suburban Bus Board.

(e) Initial appointments of directors under subsection (b) must be made in time for the directors to begin their terms on September 1, 2026.

(f) On September 1, 2026, the terms of all directors appointed under subsection (a) and of any directors appointed to fill a vacancy shall immediately expire. If a vacancy on the Suburban Bus Board occurs before September 1, 2026, then the vacancy shall be filled under Section 3A.03. Directors appointed under subsection (a) may be reappointed under subsection (b).

(g) Directors shall have diverse and substantial relevant experience or expertise in overseeing the planning, operation, or funding of a public transportation system, including, but not limited to, backgrounds in urban and regional planning, management of large capital projects, labor and workforce development, business management, public administration, transportation, and transit and ridership advocacy.

(h) Those responsible for appointing directors shall strive to assemble a set of directors that, to the greatest extent possible, reflects the ethnic, cultural, economic, racial, and geographic diversity of the metropolitan region.

(Source: P.A. 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

(70 ILCS 3615/3A.09) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 703A.09)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 3A.09. General powers. In addition to any powers elsewhere provided to the Suburban Bus Board, it shall have all of the powers specified in Section 2.20 of this Act except for the powers specified in Section 2.20(a)(v). The Board shall also have the power:

(a) to cooperate with the Regional Transportation Authority in the exercise by the Regional Transportation Authority of all the powers granted it by such Act;

(b) to receive funds from the Regional Transportation Authority pursuant to Sections 2.02, 4.01, 4.02, 4.09 and 4.10 of the Regional Transportation Authority Act, all as provided in the Regional Transportation Authority Act;

(c) to receive financial grants from the Regional Transportation Authority or a Service Board, as defined in the Regional Transportation Authority Act, upon such terms and conditions as shall be set forth in a grant contract between either the Division and the Regional Transportation Authority or the Division and another Service Board, which contract or agreement may be for such number of years or duration as the parties agree, all as provided in the Regional Transportation Authority Act;

(d) to perform all functions necessary for the provision of paratransit services under Section 2.30 of this Act;

(e) to borrow money for the purposes of: (i) constructing a new garage in the northwestern Cook County suburbs, (ii) converting the South Cook garage in Markham to a Compressed Natural Gas facility, (iii) constructing a new paratransit garage in DuPage County, (iv) expanding the North Shore garage in Evanston to accommodate additional indoor bus parking, and (v) purchasing new transit buses. For the purpose of evidencing the obligation of the Suburban Bus Board to repay any money borrowed as provided in this subsection, the Suburban Bus Board may issue revenue bonds from time to time pursuant to ordinance adopted by the Suburban Bus Board, subject to the approval of the Regional Transportation Authority of each such issuance by the affirmative vote of 12 of its then Directors; provided that the Suburban Bus Board may not issue bonds for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction, or improvement of any facility other than those listed in this subsection (e). All such bonds shall be payable solely from the revenues or income or any other funds that the Suburban Bus Board may receive, provided that the Suburban Bus Board may not pledge as security for such bonds the moneys, if any, that the Suburban Bus Board receives from the Regional Transportation Authority pursuant to Section 4.03.3(f) of the Regional Transportation Authority Act. The bonds shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act and shall mature at such time or times not exceeding 25 years from their respective dates. Bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph must be issued with scheduled principal or mandatory redemption payments in equal amounts in each fiscal year over the term of the bonds, with the first principal or mandatory redemption payment scheduled within the fiscal year in which bonds are issued or within the next succeeding fiscal year. At least 25%, based on total principal amount, of all bonds authorized pursuant to this Section shall be sold pursuant to notice of sale and public bid. No more than 75%, based on total principal amount, of all bonds authorized pursuant to this Section shall be sold by negotiated sale. The maximum principal amount of the bonds that may be issued may not exceed $100,000,000. The bonds shall have all the qualities of negotiable instruments under the laws of this State. To secure the payment of any or all of such bonds and for the purpose of setting forth the covenants and undertakings of the Suburban Bus Board in connection with the issuance thereof and the issuance of any additional bonds payable from such revenue or income as well as the use and application of the revenue or income received by the Suburban Bus Board, the Suburban Bus Board may execute and deliver a trust agreement or agreements; provided that no lien upon any physical property of the Suburban Bus Board shall be created thereby. A remedy for any breach or default of the terms of any such trust agreement by the Suburban Bus Board may be by mandamus proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction to compel performance and compliance therewith, but the trust agreement may prescribe by whom or on whose behalf such action may be instituted. Under no circumstances shall any bonds issued by the Suburban Bus Board or any other obligation of the Suburban Bus Board in connection with the issuance of such bonds be or become an indebtedness or obligation of the State of Illinois, the Regional Transportation Authority, or any other political subdivision of or municipality within the State, nor shall any such bonds or obligations be or become an indebtedness of the Suburban Bus Board within the purview of any constitutional limitation or provision, and it shall be plainly stated on the face of each bond that it does not constitute such an indebtedness or obligation but is payable solely from the revenues or income as aforesaid; and

(f) to adopt ordinances and make all rules and regulations proper or necessary to regulate the use, operation, and maintenance of its property and facilities and to carry into effect the powers granted to the Suburban Bus Board, with any necessary fines or penalties, such as the suspension of riding privileges or confiscation of fare media under Section 2.40, as the Board deems proper.

(Source: P.A. 103-281, eff. 1-1-24.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-457)

Sec. 3A.09. Powers.

(a) The Suburban Bus Board shall:

(1) oversee the operations and management of the Service Board;

(2) convey the Authority's goals, priorities, and requirements to the Service Board; and

(3) convey information, concerns, and recommendations from the Service Board to Authority leadership.

(b) The Suburban Bus Board shall manage the debt that was issued and outstanding by its service board predecessor to ensure that the obligations owed to bondholders are fulfilled.

(c) The Suburban Bus Board shall not have the power to issue new debt other than debt or other financial instruments designed to refinance or retire debt that was issued and outstanding on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly.

(d) The status and rights of employees of the Suburban Bus Board under any applicable statutes, any applicable collective bargaining agreements, or any pension, retirement, or annuity plan shall not be affected by this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly.

(e) In addition to any powers elsewhere provided to the Suburban Bus Board, it shall have all of the powers specified in Section 2.20 of this Act, except that the powers specified in Section 2.20(a)(v) must be delegated to the Suburban Bus Board by the Board of the Authority.

(f) The Suburban Bus Board shall also have the power:

(1) to cooperate with the Authority in the exercise by the Authority of all the powers granted it by such Act;

(2) to receive funds from the Authority pursuant to Sections 2.02, 4.01, 4.02, 4.09 and 4.10;

(3) to receive financial grants from the Authority or a Service Board upon such terms and conditions as shall be set forth in a grant contract between either the Suburban Bus Division and the Authority or the Division and another Service Board, which contract or agreement may be for such number of years or duration as the parties agree;

(4) to perform all functions necessary for the provision of paratransit services under Section 2.30 of this Act; and

(5) to adopt ordinances and make all rules and regulations proper or necessary to regulate the use, operation, and maintenance of its property and facilities and to carry into effect the powers granted to the Suburban Bus Board, with any necessary fines or penalties, such as the suspension of riding privileges or confiscation of fare media under Section 2.40, as the Board deems proper.

(g) The Suburban Bus Board shall use powers delegated to it by the Authority to oversee the delivery of public transportation in the metropolitan region, provided that the Authority shall retain primary responsibility for setting fares, service standards, schedules, and coordinated fare collection so that the public transportation system in the metropolitan region operates on a one-network, one-timetable, one-ticket model for transit users.

(h) The Suburban Bus Board shall establish and maintain an ADA Advisory Committee to advise the Suburban Bus Board on accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as it relates to fixed route and paratransit service.

(1) The ADA Advisory Committee shall include:

(A) members representing riders with disabilities; and

(B) members representing organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

(2) The ADA Advisory Committee shall meet no less than quarterly.

(3) The ADA Advisory Committee shall present a quarterly report on accessibility to the Suburban Bus Board.

(4) The ADA Advisory Committee shall present an annual report on accessibility to the Authority.

(Source: P.A. 103-281, eff. 1-1-24; 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

(70 ILCS 3615/3B.02.5)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

Sec. 3B.02.5. Commuter Rail Board.

(a) The governing body of the Commuter Rail Division shall be the Commuter Rail Board. Beginning September 1, 2026, the Commuter Rail Board shall consist of 11 directors appointed as follows:

(1) One director appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 5 years. The director appointed under this paragraph shall also serve as a Director of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.

(2) Two directors appointed by the Mayor of Chicago with the advice and consent of the City Council of the City of Chicago, including:

(A) a director with an initial term of 3 years who shall also serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority; and

(B) a director with an initial term of 5 years.

(3) Three directors appointed by the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners with the advice and consent of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, including:

(A) a director with an initial term of 3 years who shall also serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority;

(B) a director with an initial term of 5 years who shall also serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority; and

(C) a director with an initial term of 3 years.

(4) One director appointed by the Chairman of the DuPage County Board. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 5 years.

(5) One director appointed by the Chairman of the Kane County Board. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 3 years.

(6) One director appointed by the Chairman of the Lake County Board. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 3 years. The director appointed under this paragraph shall also serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority.

(7) One director appointed by the Chairman of the McHenry County Board. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 5 years. The director appointed under this paragraph shall also serve as a Director on the Board of the Authority.

(8) One director appointed by the County Executive of Will County. The director appointed under this paragraph shall reside in Will County. The director appointed under this paragraph shall have an initial term of 3 years.

(b) The subsequent terms of each director appointed under subsection (a) shall be 5 years.

(c) The Chair of the Commuter Rail Board shall be elected by a majority vote by the directors of the Commuter Rail Board from among the directors of the Commuter Rail Board. Until September 1, 2030, the Chair of the Commuter Rail Board must be approved by the Senate. Until September 1, 2030, if the directors of the Commuter Rail Board elect a Chair of the Commuter Rail Board, then the elected Chair of the Commuter Rail Board may serve as a the acting Chair of the Commuter Rail Board until confirmation. Until September 1, 2030, if the Senate votes against confirming the acting Chair of the Commuter Rail Board, then the acting Chair of the Commuter Rail Board must resign and the directors of the Commuter Rail Board must elect a new Chair of the Commuter Rail Board.

(d) Initial appointments of directors under subsection (a) must be made in time for the directors to begin their terms on September 1, 2026.

(e) On September 1, 2026, the terms of all directors serving on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly and of any directors appointed to fill a vacancy shall immediately expire. If a vacancy on the Board occurs before September 1, 2026, then the vacancy shall be filled under Section 3B.03. Directors serving on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly may be reappointed under subsection (a).

(f) Directors shall have diverse and substantial relevant experience and expertise for overseeing the planning, operation, and funding of a regional transportation system, including, but not limited to, backgrounds in urban and regional planning, management of large capital projects, labor and workforce development, business management, public administration, transportation, and community organizations.

(g) Those responsible for appointing directors shall strive to assemble a set of directors that, to the greatest extent possible, reflects the ethnic, cultural, economic, racial, and geographic diversity of the metropolitan region.

(h) One of the directors appointed under paragraph (3) of subsection (a) shall be a person with a disability who uses the services provided by the Commuter Rail Division and shall be appointed with the advice and recommendation of a disability advocacy organization serving the Metropolitan Region.

(Source: P.A. 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

(70 ILCS 3615/3B.09d new)

Sec. 3B.09d. ADA Advisory Committee. The Commuter Rail Board shall establish and maintain an ADA Advisory Committee to advise the Commuter Rail Board on accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as it relates to fixed route and paratransit service.

(1) The ADA Advisory Committee shall include:

(A) members representing riders with disabilities; and

(B) members representing organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

(2) The ADA Advisory Committee shall meet no less than quarterly.

(3) The ADA Advisory Committee shall present a quarterly report on accessibility to the Commuter Rail Board.

(4) The ADA Advisory Committee shall present an annual report on accessibility to the Authority.

(70 ILCS 3615/7.03)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

Sec. 7.03. ADA Advisory Council.

(a) There is established an ADA Advisory Council. The Board shall appoint at least 5 and not more than 15 members to the ADA Advisory Council.

(b) The purpose of the ADA Advisory Council is to advise the Board of the Authority of the impact of Authority policies, programs, and public transportation services on disabled transit riders within the metropolitan region and to make recommendations for how to improve public transportation in the metropolitan region.

(c) The Board shall strive to assemble an ADA Advisory Council that is reflective of the diversity of the metropolitan region, the users of the various modes of public transportation, and the interests of the residents of the region in a strong public transportation system. The Board shall strive to include people with disabilities and disability advocates in the membership of the ADA Advisory Council.

(d) ADA Advisory Council members shall be appointed to terms of 5 years, may be reappointed to serve multiple terms, and may continue to serve after expiration of their terms until their successors are appointed.

(e) The members of the ADA Advisory Council shall elect a Chair, who shall preside over meetings, which shall occur monthly or on such other schedule as is set by vote of the ADA Advisory Council and shall establish meeting agendas in consultation with fellow ADA Advisory Council members and the Authority.

(f) Meetings of the ADA Advisory Council shall be held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, and the public shall be given an opportunity to attend and comment on matters pertaining to the work of the ADA Advisory Council.

(g) The Authority shall designate one or more staff liaisons to provide technical support for the ADA Advisory Council and to facilitate direct communication between the ADA Advisory Council and those in the Authority responsible for delivering public transportation services.

(h) The ADA Advisory Council shall:

(1) review and comment on proposed Authority budgets, financial plans, capital programs, fare policies, and service standards;

(2) convey concerns pertaining to the quality, efficiency, safety, accessibility, and equity of mainline and paratransit public transportation services as they impact disabled riders;

(3) assess the efficacy of Authority initiatives to protect the safety of disabled riders on the public transportation system;

(4) prepare and convey recommendations to the Authority for how the Authority can improve the quality, efficiency, and equity of public transportation service for disabled riders in the metropolitan region;

(5) serve as a resource for connecting disabled riders and disability advocacy organizations with those in the Authority responsible for delivering public transportation services;

(6) advocate for funding, policies, and laws that shall improve public transportation in the metropolitan region; and

(7) serve as a resource for Authority staff to discuss proposed changes to services, policies, and technologies affecting disabled transit riders before those changes are implemented.

(i) The Authority shall provide adequate technical support so the ADA Advisory Council can function effectively, provide regular briefing on service delivery issues and other topics of interest for transit riders, make staff responsible for delivery of public transportation services accessible to the ADA Advisory Council, give the ADA Advisory Council sufficient information and time to comment on proposed plans and policies, and take into account the comments and recommendations of the ADA Advisory Council before taking action on initiatives that impact public transit riders.

(j) The Authority shall establish an Office of Disability of Policy and Planning, whose initial responsibilities shall include developing ADA-related training standards, complaint and comment procedures, paratransit eligibility criteria, and a regional Transit Accessibility Plan in collaboration with the ADA Advisory Committee.

(k) Members of the ADA Advisory Council shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable and necessary costs incurred in the performance of their duties.

(l) ADA Advisory Council members are subject to public transportation usage requirements applicable to Directors.

(Source: P.A. 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

(70 ILCS 3615/7.04)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

Sec. 7.04. Riders Advisory Council.

(a) There is established a Riders Advisory Council. The Board shall appoint at least 5 and not more than 15 members to the Riders Advisory Council.

(b) The purpose of the Riders Advisory Council is to advise the Board of the Authority on the impact of Authority policies, programs, and public transportation services on transit riders within the metropolitan region and to make recommendations for how to improve public transportation in the metropolitan region.

(c) The Board shall strive to assemble a Riders Advisory Council that is reflective of the diversity of the metropolitan region, the users of the various modes of public transportation, and the interests of the residents of the region in a strong public transportation system. The Board shall strive to include people with disabilities and disability advocates in the membership of the ADA Advisory Council.

(d) Members of the Riders Advisory Council shall be appointed to terms of 5 years, may be reappointed to serve multiple terms, and may continue to serve after expiration of their terms until their successors are appointed.

(e) The members of the Riders Advisory Council shall elect a Chair, who shall preside over meetings, which shall occur monthly or on such other schedule as is set by vote of the Riders Advisory Council, and shall establish meeting agendas in consultation with fellow Riders Advisory Council members and the Authority.

(f) Meetings of the Riders Advisory Council shall be held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, and the public shall be given an opportunity to attend and comment on matters pertaining to the work of the Riders Advisory Council.

(g) The Authority shall designate one or more staff liaisons to provide technical support for the Riders Advisory Council and to facilitate direct communication between the Riders Advisory Council and those in the Authority responsible for delivering public transportation services.

(h) The Riders Advisory Council shall:

(1) review and comment on proposed Authority budgets, financial plans, capital programs, fare policies, and service standards;

(2) convey rider concerns pertaining to the quality, efficiency, safety, accessibility, and equity of public transportation services;

(3) assess the efficacy of Authority initiatives to protect the safety of riders on the public transportation system;

(4) prepare and convey recommendations to the Authority for how the Authority can improve the quality, efficiency, and equity of public transportation service in the metropolitan region;

(5) serve as a resource for connecting riders and rider advocacy organizations with those in the Authority responsible for delivering public transportation services;

(6) advocate for funding, policies, and laws that shall improve public transportation in the metropolitan region; and

(7) serve as a resource for Authority staff to discuss proposed changes to services, policies, and technologies affecting transit riders before those changes are Implemented.

(i) The Authority shall provide adequate technical support so the Riders Advisory Council can function effectively, provide regular briefing on service delivery issues and other topics of interest for transit riders, make staff responsible for delivery of public transportation services accessible to the Riders Advisory Council, give the Riders Advisory Council sufficient information and time to comment on proposed plans and policies, and take into account the comments and recommendations of the Riders Advisory Council before taking action on initiatives that impact public transit riders.

(j) Members of the Riders Advisory Council shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable and necessary costs incurred in the performance of their duties.

(k) Riders Advisory Council members are subject to public transportation system usage requirements applicable to Directors.

(Source: P.A. 104-457, eff. 6-1-26.)

Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other Public Act.