Kane County OEM Secures Change in State Law to Improve Emergency Response Safety
Kane County OEM Secures Change in State Law to Improve Emergency Response Safety
The Kane County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has successfully spearheaded a change in Illinois law that will make emergency responses safer for both personnel and the public.
House Bill 2442 (HB2442), recently signed into law, amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to allow vehicles operated by local and county emergency management agencies to install and operate traffic control signal preemption devices when responding to emergencies. These devices allow emergency vehicles to change or extend traffic lights, opening intersections as they approach and reducing the risk of collisions.
Previously, only police, fire, ambulance, and a limited number of state agencies were authorized to use this technology. Kane County OEM Director Scott Buziecki advocated for the change, citing the “unacceptable risk to Kane County OEM personnel and County-owned vehicles" under the former law. Working with Kane County's lobbyist, Buziecki identified sponsors and successfully advanced the legislation through the General Assembly, resulting in its passage.
Kane County OEM plays a vital role in disaster response and emergency coordination, assisting with traffic control, communications, resource deployment, and interagency support. Director Buziecki emphasized that the new law will not only enhance safety for emergency management personnel but also improve protection for the community during disaster and emergency operations.
The measure received bipartisan support, with local House sponsors Representatives Dan Ugaste, Barbara Hernandez and Matt Hanson and local Senate sponsor Senators Don DeWitte. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Read more about the Kane County Office of Emergency Management at http://www.kcoem.org/.
