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HB 3630

TRANSIT-TO-TRAILS PROGRAM

104th Regular Session Introduced by Justin Slaughter

Creates the Transit-to-Trails Grant Program to fund transit-linked access to outdoor recreation, prioritizing underserved communities; funding depends on annual appropriations.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3630

Summary of HB3630 — Transit-to-Trails Grant Program

What this bill aims to do

HB3630 would create the Transit-to-Trails Grant Program within the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The program is designed to award grants to eligible entities to expand and improve access from public transportation to public outdoor recreation sites for nature-based activities (e.g., hiking, biking, boating, picnicking, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation).

Key provisions

  • Program creation and administration

    • Establishes the “Transit-to-Trails Grant Program.”
    • IDOT Secretary must award grants on an annual basis and adopt rules to implement and administer the program.
    • Implementation of the program is contingent on appropriation by the General Assembly.
    • IDOT must provide technical assistance to applicants upon request.

  • Eligible recipients

    • Public transit agencies.
    • Owners of outdoor recreation lands accessible by conservation districts, forest preserve districts, and related entities.
    • General public entities including parks districts, units of local government, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations engaged in facilitating outdoor recreation.

  • Eligible projects and activities

    • Altered or expanded operation of existing transit services to increase access to outdoor recreation.
    • New or improved infrastructure to facilitate safe and convenient access to outdoor recreation sites (examples: stations, stops, shelters, bikeshare programs, bicycle infrastructure).
    • Public outreach, education, and engagement to promote transit use and access to outdoor recreation.

  • Priority considerations (equity focus)

    • The Department must prioritize projects that improve access for populations most in need, defined as:
    • Resident groups in R3 Areas (as defined under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act).
    • Environmental justice communities (as defined by the Illinois Power Agency Act).
    • Communities demonstrating inadequate, insufficient, or no park/recreation facilities or space, with criteria including:
      • Quality concerns or needs not met by current park space or facilities.
      • Inequitable distribution of park space for high-need populations.
      • At least 50% of the population not located within 1/2 mile of park space.

  • Assistance and implementation

    • IDOT may provide technical assistance to applicants for grant preparation.
    • Subject to appropriation, meaning funding depends on state budgeting.

What is affected

  • Public transit agencies and local/state government entities involved in outdoor recreation land management.
  • Organizations and nonprofits that promote or manage outdoor recreation.
  • Communities identified as high-need under the equity criteria (R3 Areas, environmental justice communities, and qualifying park-deficit areas).

Timeline and status

  • Introduced: February 18, 2025 (HB3630, Rep. Justin Slaughter).
  • Bill history includes referrals and committee actions in 2025, with a Rule 19(a) re-referral to Rules Committee as of March 21, 2025, and public hearings noted for April 2025.
  • Current status: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (as of the latest provided actions).

Related legislation

  • Companion bill: SB 1948.

Potential impact

  • Could expand access to outdoor recreation by linking public transit to trails and recreation sites.
  • Emphasizes equity by prioritizing historically underserved communities and areas lacking park space.
  • Requires state funding to be enacted through annual appropriations; effectiveness depends on future budgeting.
  • May encourage transit agencies and land managers to collaborate on infrastructure, service changes, and outreach to boost use of public transit for outdoor activities.

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

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