East Central Reporter

State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) wants more information on how making changes to the tax-free sales of dyed diesel fuel would affect his constituents before he votes in favor of proposed legislation. 

Rose made his stance known during a debate on the Senate floor on Feb. 16. 

"I'm not going to vote on this because I don't know what it's going to do for the people that fuel every farm in my district," Rose said. 

Senate Bill 3090 would adjust the Motor Fuel Tax Law by requiring the tax-free sale of dyed diesel fuel to be made by a "licensed distributor" directly to the end user who is not a licensed distributor. 

"Until I know more, because frankly I don't know what the problem is that we're trying to solve here." Rose said. "If they are delivering fuel today and there hasn't been an issue then I don't know what we're solving. On the other hand, if they're required to be licensed anyway, then what are we doing here?"

The bill would go into effect immediately if it is passed in both the Senate and House and signed into law by the governor. Chapin encouraged other lawmakers who represent rural districts to pause before voting in favor of the legislation.

"I need to know more before I vote for this," Rose said. "I would encourage anybody on both sides who represents downstate to take a second look at this before they vote yes."

According to the Illinois General Assembly website, the bill passed in the Senate with 36 senators voting in favor of the legislation and 14 voting against it. 

It now heads to the state House of Representatives where it currently sits in the Rules Committee.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) in the Senate and its chief House sponsor is Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside).