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SB 1249

SCS/SB 1249 - This act provides that the Director of the Department of Public Safety shall have cause to deny any application for a peace officer license or entrance into a basic training course when the applicant previously had a peace officer license or certification revoked or surrendered or when the applicant is not a citizen of the United States. This act identical to HB 981 (2025), and to a provision contained in HS/HCS/HBs 3068 & 3049 (2026), and is similar to HB 981 (2025). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Gregory

Out-of-state public safety workers may operate Illinois emergency vehicles only if they hold the appropriate license class and complete the Illinois Fire Service Vehicle Operator t

SCS Voted Do Pass S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee (5118S.02C)
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Bill Summary · SB 1249

SB 1249 — VEH CD: Emergency Vehicles (Public Act 104-0087) — Summary

Status: Enacted (Public Act 104‑0087)
Effective date: January 1, 2026 (Governor approved August 1, 2025)
Primary amendment: 625 ILCS 5/6‑104 (Illinois Vehicle Code, Classification of Driver — Special Restrictions)
Introduced: Sen. Donald P. DeWitte (LRB filing) — enacted as PA 104‑0087

Main purpose

Clarify and expand when a nonresident public safety worker may legally operate an authorized emergency vehicle in Illinois. The Act adds a training requirement to an existing provision that allows certain out‑of‑state public safety employees to operate emergency vehicles in Illinois.

Key provisions / changes

  • Amends Section 6‑104 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/6‑104).
  • Adds a new condition to the existing “notwithstanding” clause: a nonresident who is employed as a public safety worker (as defined in Section 6‑117.2) may operate an authorized emergency vehicle in Illinois if:
    • the nonresident possesses the driver license class required by the nonresident’s state of residence to operate similar equipment; and
    • the nonresident has completed the Fire Service Vehicle Operator program of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
  • Leaves the rest of Section 6‑104 intact (driver license classification framework and other special restrictions remain unchanged).

Who is affected

  • Nonresident public safety workers (e.g., out‑of‑state firefighters or other public safety personnel as defined in Section 6‑117.2) who respond to or operate emergency vehicles in Illinois.
  • Illinois Secretary of State and State Fire Marshal — for recognition/verification of license class equivalence and the listed training program.
  • Local and interstate mutual aid operations and agencies that rely on cross‑jurisdictional deployment of emergency vehicle operators.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Facilitates interstate emergency response by allowing properly licensed out‑of‑state public safety workers to operate Illinois emergency vehicles — provided they also have completed the Illinois Fire Service Vehicle Operator program.
  • Introduces a specific training credential (completion of the Fire Service Vehicle Operator program) as a precondition; agencies and individuals will need to ensure training records/certificates are obtained and verifiable.
  • The change narrows the earlier, broader permission (which required only equivalent license class) by adding a training requirement, potentially raising the standard for out‑of‑state emergency vehicle operation in Illinois.
  • Administrative implementation (verification processes, recordkeeping) will likely involve coordination between the Secretary of State, the Illinois State Fire Marshal, employers, and mutual‑aid partners.

Procedural timeline (selected)

  • Passed both legislative chambers and enrolled May 2025.
  • Sent to Governor June 18, 2025; approved August 1, 2025.
  • Effective January 1, 2026 as Public Act 104‑0087.

For exact statutory language and definitions (e.g., the statutory definitions of “authorized emergency vehicle” and “public safety worker”), see 625 ILCS 5/6‑104 and related sections cited in the Act.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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