The ball is now in the governor’s court – and the clock is ticking.

Illinois lawmakers have formally moved SB2374, a bill to end the state’s split speed limit, to the desk of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is expected to veto the measure.

OOIDA and other trucking industry officials also fought for passage of the bill, citing federal statistics showing that split speed limits lead to more accidents. However, other forces, including the AAA Chicago Motor Club and the Illinois State Police, have lined up to oppose the measure.

SB2374, would eliminate provisions in Illinois law that set up a slower, 55 mph speed limit for any vehicle over 8,000 pounds traveling on rural interstates. Other vehicles on those roads can travel 65 mph; all speed limits would remain 55 mph in urban areas.

The measure passed the House May 18 by a vote of 81-37; it passed the full Senate by a vote of 37-15 March 4. Both votes are more than the two-thirds necessary to override a veto should Blagojevich reject the bill. However, despite similar majorities last year on a nearly identical bill – HB1186 – many lawmakers changed their votes when asked to override the veto, and the bill died.

Now, a similar battle is shaping up around SB2374.

“He vetoed it last year and he will do the same this year,” Rebecca Rausch, a spokeswoman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, said recently. The governor’s reasons are the same this time.

An official with Rausch’s office told Land Line June 18 that the governor still planned a veto, but did not know when the action would be taken, as the governor was dealing at that time with “more pressing matters.” However, he is required to make his decision within 60 days of June 16, the date it was sent to him.

--by Mark H. Reddig, associate editor

Mark Reddig can be reached at mark_reddig@landlinemag.com.