HB5482
ZERO EMISSION VEHICLE ACT
TL;DR
Illinois HB5482, introduced by Rep. Barbara Hernandez, is a zero-emission vehicle bill that has nothing to do with AI regulation. It overhauls EV rebates, requires state vehicle contractors to submit Illinois Jobs Plans starting January 2027, mandates fast-charging port buildouts on tollways, and adjusts tax exemptions for heavy-duty electric and hydrogen vehicles.
How This Might Impact Your Business
Vehicle manufacturers and dealers bidding on Illinois state master contracts after January 1, 2027 must submit an Illinois Jobs Plan detailing wages, benefits, and percentages of jobs reserved for disadvantaged or displaced workers at each facility.
Jobs Plan contents become binding contract terms, require annual reporting, and are subject to the Illinois False Claims Act (meaning false statements carry legal liability).
Fleet operators with large vehicle fleets face new biennial reporting requirements to the Illinois Commerce Commission starting 2027.
Commercial truck and heavy vehicle buyers get a sales tax exemption on electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles over 10,000 pounds from July 2026 through December 2035.
EV charging installers and property developers gain clearer rules: tenants and condo owners can install Level 1 and Level 2 chargers at their own expense, and local governments can grant limited exceptions to EV-capable parking requirements when utility upgrades are costly.
EV rebate program tightens starting July 1, 2027: Illinois residency required, and luxury/low-efficiency vehicle fees change, affecting dealer sales strategies.
Tollway operators (Illinois Toll Highway Authority) must build 4 fast-charging ports by 2027, scaling to 16 by 2031, creating opportunities for charging equipment vendors and installers.
What Should You Do
If you sell vehicles to the State of Illinois, have HR and legal draft a template Illinois Jobs Plan now, covering wage floors, benefits, and disadvantaged worker hiring targets by facility.
Fleet managers should inventory current vehicles and prepare data systems for biennial ICC reporting starting 2027.
Commercial fleet buyers considering heavy-duty EVs or hydrogen trucks should model purchases against the July 2026 sales tax exemption window to time capital expenditures.
Property developers and building owners should review EV-capable parking requirements with local counsel and update tenant lease templates to address charger installation rights.
Track this bill's movement out of the Rules Committee; it was re-referred and may not advance this session.
Who It Affects
Sponsors
Status Timeline
introduced
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
February 6, 2026