Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Champaign) thinks there are other reasons legislative leaders canceled the Illinois General Assembly's fall session. | Photo Courtesy of SenChapinRose.com
Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Champaign) thinks there are other reasons legislative leaders canceled the Illinois General Assembly's fall session. | Photo Courtesy of SenChapinRose.com
A bill establishing a 'foreign fireboard' aroused the curiosity of Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Decatur).
At a recent hearing, Rose wanted clarification on the bill. “Where do you find these bills? This is amazing,” Rose said. “What even is a foreign fireboard? Please tell us what this is as opposed to an in-state fireboard.”
Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) told Rose a foreign fireboard collects fees from out-of-state fire insurers.
"The foreign fire insurance fee was established generations ago," Martwick said. "It’s a fee levied on insurance policies sold to residents in the state of Illinois (by companies) who are not domiciled in the state of Illinois. It’s collected and distributed to local fire departments for the benefit of that department."
The legislation would establish a board that will create rules and procedures toward distribution of the collected fees.
Rose was impressed by Martick's explanation.
"I intend to vote for this bill because this is the most interesting piece of arcane knowledge that I’ve achieved today," Rose said.
The Illinois General Assembly website recorded that the bill passed the Senate with 50 yes votes and 0 no votes.
The website showed that several Republicans support the bill and are co-sponsors of the bill.
The bill was sent to the House on Feb. 28.
Alerts Sign-up