Published: March 9, 2023

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, legislation co-sponsored by House Assistant Minority Leader Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) to make improvements to the Illinois Municipal Code in regards to noise mitigation for communities surrounding airports, like the 20^th District, passed out of committee. House Bill 3722 passed out of the House Transportation: Regulation, Roads, & Bridges Committee, of which Rep. Stephens is a member.

This legislation makes several changes to add specifications to the Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP). One change is that residents who modify replacement windows or accept replacement screens are not disqualified from compensation or future services. However, they must have made these modifications or accepted a replacement as an interim or partial solution which then failed to mitigate, partially or entirely, the odorous or malfunctioning window. In addition to that requirement, at least 10% of homes receiving replacements per year must have demonstrated extreme hardship.

HB 3722 also allows the Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate to appoint one member each to an advisory committee that determines the eligibility of homes containing these odorous windows or doors. This committee will also be required to accept all public questions concerning the RSIP and provide a written response within two business days.

“While the RSIP worked to address a serious quality-of-life problem for many 20^th District residents, it created another quality-of-life problem,” said Rep. Stephens. “I’m a proud co-sponsor of this legislation to ensure that people who have made good faith efforts to replace these odorous installments are eligible for compensation. It will also help families in need affected by this problem and ensure minority party representation on the eligibility committee to help airport-area families on the northwest and southwest sides have a quiet, pleasant place they can call home in our communities.”

The RSIP has insulated over 11,500 O’Hare area homes, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). HB 3722 will be sent to the House floor for debate and a vote by the entire chamber.

Lifelong resident and supporter of the 20th District, Representative Bradley A. Stephens was sworn in on June 29, 2019.

Stephens concurrently serves as the CEO of one of the most successful municipalities in the nation, Rosemont, Illinois. Prior to becoming mayor, Brad Stephens served the Village of Rosemont as a member of its Board of Trustees for 18 years.