SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Operators of farm vehicles in Illinois will no longer have to apply for commercial driver’s licenses, according to the state Senate Democrats Caucus.

Sponsor Sen. Scott Bennett’s (D-Champaign) legislation was signed into law Thursday, to ensure Illinois is compliant with federal regulations that would exempt operators and vehicles such as tractors, trucks or trailers that are registered as farm vehicles with the state from Commercial Driver Licenses, controlled substance/alcohol use and testing, physical qualifications and examinations, driver’s hours of service and inspection, repair and maintenance pertaining to the covered farm vehicle.

House Bill 2515 also addresses changes to gross combination weight ratings to conform to the federal definition. House Bill 2515 was signed into law July 16.

The Caucus also said State Sen. John Sullivan (D-Rushville) sponsored a law that allows farmers to use synthetic gypsum on their fields. Senate Bill 543 creates guidelines for applying gypsum including setting a maximum per-acre limit. The Illinois Department of Agriculture will make a regulatory distinction classifying synthetic gypsum as either a fertilizer or an agricultural amendment. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the proposal July 10, and it also took effect immediately.