Illinois state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, has filed a motion to override the governor’s veto of SB2374 in the state’s House of Representatives.

The bill would end the split speed limit in the state, and Bradley’s motion is the first step in bringing it to a vote in the lower house of the state’s General Assembly.

The Illinois Senate voted to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s veto Tuesday, Nov. 9. The House vote on Bradley’s motion is expected to occur after House members are back in session Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 16, 17 and 18. If the 2/3 or more of House members vote to override Blagojevich’s veto, the bill will become law.

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 bill cleared the Senate the first time on March 4, passing by a vote of 37-15. It gained approval in the House with a vote of 81-37 on May 18. However, Blagojevich vetoed the measure Aug. 18, as he did a similar bill last year.

The Senate override vote came in the late afternoon Tuesday, Nov. 9. The office of the bill’s chief sponsor, Sen. George Shadid, D-Pekin, told Land Line that senators voted to override 41-17.