Illinois Senate Advances Bills on Boater Insurance, Pension Buyouts, and Digital Privacy

Springfield, IL – The Illinois Senate is moving forward with several pieces of legislation, addressing issues ranging from boater safety to public pension liabilities and digital privacy rights, as it approaches a key deadline before the primary election. While lawmakers are mindful of the upcoming Tuesday primary, legislative activity continues in the Statehouse, with larger issues like the state budget slated for discussion later this spring.

Boater Insurance Requirements

The Senate Transportation Committee voted 16-1 on Tuesday to advance Senate Bill 2972, which would expand insurance requirements for boat owners. The bill stipulates that boats with engines of at least 50 horsepower or a length of 21 feet or more must carry liability insurance.

Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), the bill’s sponsor, explained to the committee that the requirement is intended to cover those boat owners who currently lack insurance. “This is to cover the people who don’t,” she stated.

Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry), representing the Chain O’Lakes region, was the sole dissenting vote, suggesting that fines collected for lack of insurance should benefit waterway management rather than the court system.

Local Pension Buyout Programs

The Senate Pensions Committee has as well advanced Senate Bill 3404, which would require local governments to establish pension buyout programs similar to the state’s existing program. The bill passed on an agreed bill list, with potential amendments expected to address concerns raised by the Illinois Municipal League, according to sponsor Senator Rob Martwick (D-Chicago).

The state’s current program, initiated in 2018 and extended twice, allows Tier 1 pension system members to opt for a lump-sum payment in exchange for forfeiting future benefits, or a reduced lump sum in exchange for foregoing annual cost-of-living adjustments. Governor JB Pritzker’s office estimates the program has reduced the state’s long-term pension liability by $2.9 billion. A related bill to extend the state program through fiscal year 2028 also passed the committee unanimously, with an estimated potential savings of another $1.4 billion.

Mobile Device Privacy

The Senate Executive Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 3449, which aims to protect individuals’ privacy by preventing law enforcement or others from demanding access to mobile devices for identification purposes.

Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) emphasized the importance of protecting the personal information stored on mobile devices, stating, “People shouldn’t have to hand over their phones just to prove their identity, nor can we allow critical personal information to fall into the wrong hands.” The bill updates state law to clarify requirements regarding mobile IDs.

Transparency in University Faculty Workload

The Senate Higher Education Committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 3314, which seeks to increase transparency regarding course workloads for college faculty. The bill would require the Illinois Board of Higher Education to annually report, starting in 2027, the number of credit hours taught by full- and part-time faculty at both public and private universities.

Karl Goeke, President of the Illinois Education Association, stated that the legislation would “shine a light on who is doing the teaching in our colleges and universities” and provide students and families with information about the faculty leading their courses.

Rideshare Unionization

The Senate Labor Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2906, which would grant rideshare drivers the right to unionize. Several legislators expressed support for the bill but raised concerns about potential unintended consequences for drivers who engage in multiple forms of gig work.

Rideshare driver Andrew Spiro testified in support of the bill, citing low wages and limited bargaining opportunities. Bill sponsor Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) indicated he is considering amendments to address concerns raised by the Illinois Department of Labor and Labor Relations Board regarding a proposed administrative fee.