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HB 3388

VEH CD-FIRE DEPT VEHICLES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Neil Anderson and 7 co-sponsors

The bill expands the definition of fire department vehicles to include off‑highway vehicles, ATVs, watercraft, and aircraft designated for fire department use.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0304
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Bill Summary · HB 3388

Summary — HB 3388 (Public Act 104‑0304)

Title: VEH CD‑FIRE DEPT VEHICLES
Primary sponsor: Rep. Dan Swanson (with several cosponsors)
Statutes amended: 625 ILCS 5/1‑120.7 and 625 ILCS 5/3‑808.1 (Illinois Vehicle Code)
Public Act: 104‑0304 — Effective August 15, 2025

Purpose

HB 3388 updates the Illinois Vehicle Code to broaden the statutory definition of a "fire department vehicle" so that additional types of equipment used by fire departments are explicitly included. The change is intended to recognize off‑highway, marine, and aviation assets when they are designated or authorized by local authorities for fire department use.

Key provisions

  • Amends 625 ILCS 5/1‑120.7 (definition of "fire department vehicle") to explicitly include:
    • recreational off‑highway vehicles,
    • all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs),
    • watercraft, and
    • aircraft that are designated or authorized by proper local authorities for fire department use.
  • The bill also references Section 3‑808.1 (permanent vehicle registration plates). Although HB 3388’s primary substantive change is to the definitional section (1‑120.7), that expanded definition interacts with existing registration provisions that authorize "Fire Department" plates and related registration/transfer fee exemptions for vehicles used by fire departments, fire protection districts, and MABAS.

Who is affected

  • Local fire departments, fire protection districts, Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) units, and municipalities that operate or authorize use of ATVs, recreational off‑highway vehicles, boats, or aircraft for firefighting, rescue, or related emergency operations.
  • Secretaries of State and local vehicle registration offices, which implement registration and plate issuance rules.
  • Manufacturers and dealers who may supply conversion or equipment information for certain off‑road vehicles to qualify them for street use or departmental designation.
  • Operators of the covered equipment when operated under fire department authority.

Practical effects / implications

  • Equipment types now explicitly recognized as "fire department vehicles" will more clearly qualify for any statutory privileges, identification (e.g., "Fire Department" registration plates), and administrative exemptions tied to that designation under the Vehicle Code (for example, permanent plates and transfer fee exemptions described in Section 3‑808.1).
  • Improves legal clarity for use, registration, and interagency recognition of modern and non‑traditional firefighting/rescue assets (e.g., ATVs used for rural firefighting, boats for water rescue, aircraft for wildfire or rescue support).
  • Administrative implementation will be handled by the Secretary of State under existing plate/registration rules.

Legislative history / status

  • Introduced: Feb 18–26, 2025 (Rep. Dan Swanson).
  • Passed both chambers; companion: SB 2596.
  • Enacted as Public Act 104‑0304; Governor approved Aug 15, 2025.
  • Effective date: August 15, 2025.

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

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