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Safety focal point of Farm Bureau legislative priorities

2012 priorities include new wind development standards to protect public health and safety, and ending improper usage of SMV emblems.
Kay Shipman 
Published: Feb 20, 2012
Statewide commercial wind development standards to protect public health and safety and higher fines to prevent improper uses of slow-moving-vehicle (SMV) emblems are among the 2012 state legislative priorities for Illinois Farm Bureau.

However, given the state’s dire fiscal situation, lawmakers likely will emphasize state appropriations, according to Kevin Semlow, IFB director of state legislation.

“The main focus will be the budget,” Semlow said. “The question is with the new districts and everyone running for election -- will they focus on the election or legislation?

“If history of past redistricting election years is any indication, there will not be much fervor for passing bills,” Semlow added. The year following redistricting, all state legislative seats are up for election.

Public safety is at the heart of SB 3271, sponsored by Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign). The bill seeks to establish statewide standards for commercial wind energy projects. Those standards also would provide adequate protection for private property rights and allow for reasonable development of commercial wind energy projects. Farm Bureau delegates approved similar policy at the IFB annual meeting in December.

“I’m supportive of the wind industry and think statewide standards will help with growth,” Frerichs said.

“Decommissioning is my greatest concern,” the senator added. “When they are decommissioned, I want to ensure there is money to take them down rather than leave them as an eyesore in the farming community.”

Improper use of slow-moving-vehicle (SMV) emblems would become a more expensive violation under HB 4598, sponsored by Rep. Pat Verschoore (D-Milan).

“There are people using these signs to mark gate posts or fence posts. That was not what they were designed for,” Verschoore said.

Currently, SMV emblems are intended to be used to identify farm tractors and equipment, horse-drawn vehicles, and special mobile equipment.

If an SMV emblem is used for any other purpose in a road right-of-way, it is considered a petty offense and the fine is $25 for a first offense and $75 for a second offense within a year of the first offense.

Verschoore’s proposal would increase the fine of a first offense to $75 and expand the definition of illegal use beyond a road right-of-way.

Raising the fine will deter illegal uses, according to Verschoore. “Once you show them you mean business, things generally will be worked out.”

Other legislative priorities include SB 3356, sponsored by Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), which would unsever mineral rights not being used to the surface landowner.


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