Legislation to End Discriminatory Driving Clears Senate; Goes to Governor
Legislation I originally sponsored last year that ends a discriminatory driving test requirement for older Illinois drivers passed with unanimous support in the Senate on Thursday. With the passage of the bill in the House of Representatives in April, House Bill 1226 now heads to the Governor for final action. It was a shining example of bipartisanship.
HB 1226 will eliminate the automatic behind-the-wheel driving test rule for drivers aged 79-87 in Illinois. Currently, drivers aged 79 and 80 must take a driving test whenever their four-year license is due for renewal. For drivers aged 81-86, they must retake the driving test every two years, and after the age of 87, driving tests are required annually.
Specifically, the new law will include the following provisions:
- Drivers aged 79 and 80 would still be required to visit a DMV facility if they need to renew their driver’s license and take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
- Drivers between the ages of 81-86 would still be required to visit a DMV facility to renew their license every two years and would have to take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
- Rules for drivers aged 87 and older would remain the same, with a behind-the-wheel driving test and vision test required annually.
Jeff Scott, AARP Illinois Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, had this to say upon the bill’s passage in the Senate: “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. His advocacy has been instrumental in moving this critical legislation forward, offering hope and renewed independence to thousands of older drivers who have been unfairly impacted.”
By passing this bill, we are removing an unnecessary burden from millions of motorists who have spotless driving records, and I am extremely proud to deliver this ‘win’ to AARP and the older residents of my district.
Once the Governor signs the bill, the provisions of HB 1226 will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Illinois Senate Republicans Urge Governor Pritzker to Protect Care for Vulnerable Illinoisans
Last week I joined the entire Senate Republican Caucus in calling on Governor JB Pritzker to protect critical funding that provides care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Illinois. In a letter sent Friday, Republican Senators urged him to fully restore a proposed $32 million cut to Direct Support Professional (DSP) service hours in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), where nearly 10,000 Illinois residents with IDD receive care.
“There will be lean years and there will be tight years, but every year – the state budget is a list of priorities. It is our duty as legislators to represent not just our constituents but all vulnerable Illinoisans who need our state’s help and protection,” the letter reads. “The IDD community has been pushed aside for far too long. This year you have the chance to prioritize them and make promised investments that help bring dignity and quality of life to these valued and vulnerable citizens.”
While the Governor’s proposed budget includes a 50-cent wage increase for DSPs, the Senate Republicans point out that the impact is undercut by the planned reduction of 900,000 service hours—the impact of which could eliminate an estimated 430 positions and result in a net loss of $32 million to the community-based care system.
I strongly believe the proposed rollback threatens the state’s progress toward meeting federal requirements and increases the risk of institutionalization for individuals with disabilities—a path many families have worked for decades to avoid.
Senator Don DeWitte Announces ITEP Grant for Village of Algonquin Bike Path Along Sandbloom Road
I’m pleased to announce that the City of Algonquin will be receiving an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant totaling $1,207,520 to help with the installation of a bike path and pedestrian access along Sandbloom Road.
The ITEP program grants are issued through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and a total of 66 projects statewide received grant funding to enhance community bike and pedestrian paths and trails, sidewalks, streetscape beautification, and other community improvement projects.
Specifically, the $1.2 million grant will be used in Algonquin for the construction of a 1.16-mile multi-use path and sidewalks. The project extends from just south of Teri Lane at the Village limits to south of the State’s right of way at the intersection of IL Route 62.
In all, 233 ITEP applications were received, and the funding total for all 66 projects stands at $139.2 million.
Senator Don DeWitte to Launch Summer Traveling Office Hours Tour in 33rd District
In an effort to make the resources of my legislative office more broadly available to those living in the 33rd Senate District, this summer my staff and I are hosting a series of traveling office hours events. My highly-trained constituent services staff will attend all events, and I will attend as my schedule permits.
While additional dates may still be added, the following events are scheduled:
- Thursday, May 29: Elburn Town & Country Public Library, 320 East North Street, Elburn, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday, June 11: Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 W. Paddock Street, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Tuesday, June 17: Geneva Public Library, 227 South 7th Street, Geneva, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday, July 9: South Elgin’s Gail Borden Public Library, Rakow Branch, 2791 West Bowes Rd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Tuesday, July 15: Lake in the Hills Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday, August 6: Algonquin Public Library, 2600 Harnish Dr, Algonquin, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
No appointment is necessary. Each event is open to the public.
Those who attend these traveling office hours can learn about the services my office can provide and receive assistance with issues regarding state agencies. My talented staff can help with unemployment benefit issues, license transfers and receipts, FOID and Concealed Carry delays, and many other issues.
For more information about traveling office hours or to schedule an individual appointment, please contact Senator DeWitte’s office at (847) 214-8245.
Other upcoming community outreach events include:
- June 4: Property Tax Seminar, DeWitte-Ugaste Legislative Office, 406 Surrey Woods Drive, St. Charles, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- June 28: Document Shredding Event, Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Community Center, 1710 S. 7th Avenue, St. Charles, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- August 19: ICASH Unclaimed Property Event, Gail Borden Public Library District (South Elgin Branch), 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- September 4: Senior Fair in Carpentersville, Dundee Township Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- September 16 or TBA: Senior Fair in St. Charles, Details TBA
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake, Grand Oaks Recreation Building 1401 IL-176, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Additional events are added regularly, so please visit the Events page on my website to remain up-to-date on outreach activities in the district.
Senate Republicans Unveil Plan to Combat Rising Energy Bills
With energy prices once again on the rise, Senate Republicans are calling for immediate action to protect Illinois families from even higher electricity costs in the future.
According to recent utility filings, Ameren customers are expected to see their average monthly summer bills rise from $37.62 to $45.98, while ComEd customers could pay up to $118.60 per month, up from $108. These increases are tied to the results of recent energy grid capacity auctions.
With families already stretched thin by rising costs for groceries, gas, and housing, Senate Republicans say it’s time for Illinois Democrats to get serious about energy reform.
To address the problem, Senate Republicans are pushing a three-part legislative package aimed at improving energy reliability and affordability across the state:
- Senate Bill 1234: Creates the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force, which would examine how state policies, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), are impacting energy prices and reliability.
- Senate Bill 1235: Repeals the forced 2045 closure date for coal and natural gas plants under CEJA and allows for the construction of new gas peaker plants to meet energy demand without fear of premature shutdowns.
- Senate Bill 1236: Cuts red tape at the Illinois EPA to fast-track permits for new power plants. One key example is the Lincoln Land Energy Center in Pawnee, which began the permitting process in 2017 and is now not expected to open until 2028 due to delays.
I am a co-sponsor of all three bills. Our plan will help prevent future rate hikes and ensure grid reliability by expanding access to dependable, affordable energy. Continued inaction by Democratic lawmakers and their refusal to acknowledge the clear link between these rate hikes and the policies they’ve supported is simply unacceptable.
In the meantime, Illinois residents are encouraged to visit the Senate Republican Caucus’ FAQ page to learn how they can reduce energy usage and soften the impact of expected summer rate hikes.