Kane County Reporter

Legislation to end a driving test requirement for older Illinois drivers has passed the Senate and is now awaiting action from the Governor. House Bill 1226, sponsored by Senator Don DeWitte, aims to remove the mandatory behind-the-wheel driving test for drivers aged 79-87. The bill received unanimous support in the Senate after passing in the House of Representatives in April.

The proposed law specifies that drivers aged 79 and 80 will still need to visit a DMV facility for license renewal and vision tests but will not be required to take a driving test unless they have a violation on their record. Drivers aged 81-86 will also be exempt from the driving test under similar conditions. However, drivers aged 87 and older will continue with annual driving tests.

Jeff Scott from AARP Illinois praised Senator DeWitte's efforts: “AARP Illinois is profoundly grateful to Senator Don DeWitte for his leadership and commitment to fairness and road safety in championing the Road Safety and Fairness Act." If signed by the Governor, HB 1226 would become effective on July 1, 2026.

In other legislative matters, Senate Republicans, including Senator DeWitte, are urging Governor JB Pritzker to restore funding cuts for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They have expressed concerns over a proposed $32 million cut affecting Direct Support Professional service hours in Community Integrated Living Arrangements.

Senator DeWitte announced an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant of $1,207,520 for Algonquin. The funds will support a bike path along Sandbloom Road. This project is part of statewide efforts to enhance community paths with a total funding of $139.2 million across 66 projects.

Additionally, Senator DeWitte is launching traveling office hours across the 33rd District this summer. These events aim to provide constituents with access to legislative resources without needing appointments.

Finally, Senate Republicans are addressing rising energy costs with a three-part legislative package aimed at improving energy reliability and affordability. The package includes creating a task force on energy policies' impact, repealing closure dates for certain power plants under current laws, and expediting permits for new power plants.