Macon Reporter

Senator Erica Harriss highlighted one of the bills that she and Representative Amy Elik worked on with a local towing company, stating she was "proud to have worked alongside State Representative Amy Elik and Paw Paw Towing LLC to pass much needed legislation to help protect our tow truck drivers." She made the statement in a July 25 Facebook post.

"I am proud to have worked alongside State Representative Amy Elik and Paw Paw Towing LLC to pass much needed legislation to help protect our tow truck drivers," said Harriss, Illinois State Senator (R), according to Facebook.

According to the Illinois General Assembly webpage focused on the bill, House Bill 4255 "allows vehicles designed and used for towing or hoisting vehicles" to use white, green, white and green oscillating or flashing lights, along with amber lights. The bill was first filed by Representative Amy Elik in December 2023. It arrived in the state Senate on April 19, and Harriss signed on as Chief Senate Sponsor. It passed the Senate on May 16 and went to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk. He signed it on July 19. The bill will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Screeenshot of Sen. Erica Harriss' July 25 Facebook post | Senator Erica Harriss' Facebook page

"This law is a crucial measure to protect our tow truck operators and emergency responders who face dangerous conditions every day. By allowing the use of green lighting alongside amber and white, we are enhancing their visibility and ensuring safer work environments," said Senator Harriss in a July 24 news release posted on her official website.

Paw Paw’s Towing in Millstadt brought the need for this legislation to the attention of Elik and Harriss following the loss of one of their drivers last November. According to the news release on Harriss’ website, the driver, Wade Bivens, was struck by a car while working a scene on Interstate 255 near Columbia.

Harriss was elected to represent the people of the 56th Senate District in 2022 and began her term in 2023. Her political career began with a six-year stint on the Madison County Board, representing the people of the 26th District; in that position, she served as Chair of the Personnel Committee. She was also a member of the Finance, Government Operations, and Grants Committees, according to her official biography. She is a business owner and an alumna of Edwards High School and Southern Illinois University, where she earned a degree in speech communications/public relations.