Rock Island Today

State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Cambridge) was recently appointed to the Illinois House Transportation: Vehicles & Safety Committee by Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), and he is eager to get started.

Swanson joins 12 other legislators, including Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) and Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield), on the committee, according to a press release on Swanson's legislative website.

“I am grateful for Leader Durkin’s trust in me to ensure proper vetting of legislation related to vehicles and safety on Illinois roadways,” Swanson said. “Over the next several years, we are likely to see a lot of important legislation come through this committee as autonomous vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and more artificially intelligent vehicles change the ways in which Americans commute to live, work, and play in the great State of Illinois. We must ensure our statutes are fleet-footed and ever-adjusting to the new ways in which Illinoisans travel.”

According to the release, the committee has traditionally focused on legislation that highlights speed limit changes, vehicle safety requirements, and issues related to modern needs for semi-autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, etc.

“Whether it is issues related to biofuels, motorcycle safety or antique vehicles, I have long understood the importance of this committee and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work on these important issues moving forward,” Swanson said.

Residents in Swanson's district can learn more by visiting Swanson's legislative website by clicking here.

Swanson recently joined Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline) to reclassify emergency dispatchers as first responders. “Dispatchers pick up the phone when people experience the worst moments of their lives,” Swanson said in a statement, according to the Galesburge Reporter. “They are literally the first responders to trauma and we should support them in recovering from the life-altering trauma they shoulder as part of their important public service.”