SC0025 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 18585 HLH 42965 e

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
SC0025

Introduced 2/19/2016, by Sen. Heather A. Steans

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

ILCON Art. VIII, Sec. 2

Proposes to amend the Finance Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that the General Assembly by law shall provide sufficient transportation revenues to ensure that the State's transportation infrastructure is maintained in a good condition. Provides that the General Assembly shall provide by law that all transportation related revenues and fees shall be deposited into a Transportation Trust Fund. Sets forth the purposes for which Transportation Trust Fund moneys may be used. Effective upon being declared adopted.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Section 2 of Article VIII of the Illinois Constitution as follows:

ARTICLE VIII

FINANCE

(ILCON Art. VIII, Sec. 2)

SECTION 2. STATE FINANCE

(a) The Governor shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly, at a time prescribed by law, a State budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The budget shall set forth the estimated balance of funds available for appropriation at the beginning of the fiscal year, the estimated receipts, and a plan for expenditures and obligations during the fiscal year of every department, authority, public corporation and quasi-public corporation of the State, every State college and university, and every other public agency created by the State, but not of units of local government or school districts. The budget shall also set forth the indebtedness and contingent liabilities of the State and such other information as may be required by law. Proposed expenditures shall not exceed funds estimated to be available for the fiscal year as shown in the budget.

(b) The General Assembly by law shall make appropriations for all expenditures of public funds by the State. Appropriations for a fiscal year shall not exceed funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available during that year.

(c) Roads, bridges, and public transportation are an essential public purpose for which public funds must be expended and are vital to the economy of the State of Illinois. As such, the General Assembly by law shall provide sufficient transportation revenues to ensure that the State's transportation infrastructure is maintained in a good condition. To achieve that goal, the General Assembly shall provide by law that all transportation related revenues and fees, including the State motor fuel tax and vehicle registration and license fees, shall be deposited into a Transportation Trust Fund. Moneys in the Transportation Trust Fund may be used only:

(1) for the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on transportation bonds as they become due and payable; and

(2) after meeting debt service requirements for transportation bonds, for any lawful purpose related to transportation, including the construction and maintenance of adequate highways, roads, bridges, and public transit systems in the State.

Moneys in the Transportation Trust Fund may not be transferred to the General Revenue Fund or any other fund or special fund of the State.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

SCHEDULE

This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act.