Ram Villivalam

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2027, an electric vehicle owner may register an electric vehicle with any qualifying registration, and an additional $320 surcharge shall be collected in addition to the applicable registration fee. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2028, the Secretary shall annually adjust the electric vehicle registration surcharge by an amount equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months ending in March of the year in which the increase takes place. Establishes the Road Usage Charge Program to be implemented by Secretary of State to be used in lieu of the fees levied for electric vehicle owners. Requires the Secretary to adopt rules to implement the Program. Allows the Secretary to impose a penalty for failure to timely pay a road usage charge according to the terms of the Program or tampering with a device necessary for the Program. Provides that if enrolled in the Program, the owner of an electric vehicle shall: report mileage driven; pay the road usage fee for each payment period; and comply with all other provisions and other requirements of the Program. Provides that beginning July 1, 2027, the road usage charge rate is 1.5 cent per mile and the road usage charge cap is $320 for an annual registration. Requires the Secretary to annually adjust the road usage charge rate and the road usage charge cap by an amount equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months ending in March of the year in which the increase takes place. Provides that revenue generated by the Program and relevant penalties shall be distributed in the same manner revenue from the motor fuel tax is distributed after covering the costs to administer the Program.