HJ0091 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0091 LRB097 21701 HEP 70092 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Illinois has long been at the forefront of crafting safe driving laws to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians; and

WHEREAS, The number of Illinois residents who live with a pet has risen significantly in the last 20 years; and

WHEREAS, The number of Illinois residents who drive with their pet in the car has also increased; and

WHEREAS, A survey by the AAA showed that 84% of pet owners allowed their pets to travel in the car without restraint; and

WHEREAS, Modernizing Illinois' distracted driving laws to reflect the travel patterns of Illinois residents with animals in their motor vehicles is in the State's interest in protecting drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and animals; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the Safe Driving with Pets Task Force is hereby created, and is charged with the duty to recommend legislation to the General Assembly that protects drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and animals without unduly burdening law enforcement or drivers with unnecessary regulation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the House, and the Minority Leader of the Senate may each appoint 2 members to the Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a representative of the Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police serve on the Task Force, and the Secretary of State or the Secretary's designee shall serve as the Chair of the Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Transportation shall provide personnel, office space, and administrative support as needed to fulfill the duties of the Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED, That Task Force members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses if funds allow; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force meetings shall be held at the Call of the Chair; and be it further

RESOLVED, That at least 2 public meetings shall be held by the Task Force, one in Chicago and one in Springfield; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall report its recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by February 1, 2013; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, the Director of the Illinois State Police, and the Secretary of State.