Blair-Sherlock supports HB5081, altering local safety zone speed ordinance requirements

Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock (D-46th) gave her affirmative vote to HB5081, which modifies requirements for local ordinances regarding speed limits within safety zones, on May 31, 2026, during the 104th General Assembly. According to the Illinois House, the measure was adopted with a 116-1 majority.

The text provided for HB5081 defines the measure as: "VEH CD-ALTER SPEED LIMITS."

The summary below offers an analysis of the bill content based on careful interpretation to clarify the measure’s key points.

This legislation limits the use of automated speed cameras in safety zones on roads where local authorities reduced a previous 30 mph speed limit without an engineering or traffic assessment. Local governments and park districts may now unilaterally set urban district speed limits between 20 and 25 mph, designate alleys at 10 mph, and set residential zone speed at 20 mph. Increases allow urban limits up to 55 mph if any subsequent decrease follows a study. The bill also mandates posting signs outlining any new speed limits set by park districts or local authorities.

The action on HB5081 was formally recorded as 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 House Concurs.'

Blair-Sherlock earned her AA from College of DuPage in 1985, a BS from Northern Illinois University in 1987, and a JD from John Marshall Law School in 1993.

A Democrat, Blair-Sherlock began her term in the Illinois State House in 2023, representing the 46th House District after succeeding former state Rep. Deborah Conroy.

Illinois lawmakers shepherd bills through a structured legislative process that involves initial introduction, committee scrutiny, discussions and debates on the chamber floor, and approvals from both chambers before a bill proceeds to the governor for signing or veto. The General Assembly operates on a two-year term, seeing thousands of bills per cycle, though only a small percentage make it into law.