IllinoisIllinois allows blue road markings for hydrants starting January 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, Illinois local governments may mark roadside water sources with blue squares, except on freeways and freeway ramps; highway markings require a permit.
What it does
Starting January 1, 2027, local governments may mark roadside hydrants and water supplies with blue squares. Highway markings require a permit, and the permission excludes freeways and freeway ramps.
Argument forConsistent blue squares could help firefighters spot nearby hydrants and water supplies more easily when responding to emergencies.
Argument againstRequiring a highway agency’s permit could delay local governments’ efforts to mark nearby hydrants and water supplies.
More detail
Local governments may place and maintain blue road markings to show nearby fire hydrants or water supplies. The permission covers highways, streets, and roads, but excludes freeways and freeway ramps. Each blue marking must be a 4-inch square. Before placing or maintaining markings on a highway, the local government must obtain a permit from the agency responsible for that highway. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 31Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0748Latest
- Jul 31Effective Date January 1, 2027
- Jul 31Governor J. B. Pritzker ApprovedBecame Law
- Jun 18Sent to the GovernorTo Governor
- May 22Passed Both Houses
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 22Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 098-000-000Passed House
- May 19Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
- May 19Second Reading - Short DebateMinor
- May 14Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Jackie Haas
- May 14Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Kevin Schmidt
- May 14Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy
- May 14Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Michelle Mussman
- May 14Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Anthony DeLuca
- May 11Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Martin McLaughlin
- May 11Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Jason R. Bunting
- May 11Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Regan Deering
- May 7Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short DebateMinor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- May 7Do Pass / Short Debate Counties & Townships Committee; 011-000-000
- Apr 27Assigned to Counties & Townships CommitteeMinor
- Apr 14Referred to Rules Committee
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 14First ReadingMinor
- Apr 14Chief House Sponsor Rep. Amy Elik
- Apr 14Arrived in HouseMinor
- Apr 14Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 5-4(a)Minor
- Apr 14Third Reading - Passed; 054-000-000Passed Senate
- Apr 14Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Jason Plummer
- Mar 26Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 14, 2026
- Mar 26Second ReadingMinor
- Mar 25Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments
- Vote recorded Do Pass, Amendment 2. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 25Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 26, 2026Minor
- Mar 25Do Pass as Amended Local Government; 009-000-000
- Mar 25Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 AdoptedMajor
- Mar 24Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Assignments Refers to Local Government
- Mar 17Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Referred to Assignments
- Mar 17Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Erica HarrissMinor
- Mar 13Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As March 27, 2026
- Mar 10Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Local Government
- Mar 6Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
- Mar 6Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Erica HarrissMinor
- Feb 24Assigned to Local GovernmentMinor
- Feb 6Referred to Assignments
- Feb 6First ReadingMinor
- Feb 6Filed with Secretary by Sen. Erica HarrissIntroduced
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