The Illinois General Assembly has put forward a new bill to address food deserts throughout the state. House Bill 1607, introduced by Rep. Sonya M. Harper calls for the establishment of the Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts. This commission will evaluate existing state initiatives, provide policy recommendations, and advise the […]
State of Illinois
With electricity price spikes coming, environmental and industry groups pitch reform
by Andrew Adams, Capitol News Illinois March 4, 2025 Illinois faces potential energy shortfalls and all-but-guaranteed price spikes for northern Illinois this summer, consumer and environmental advocates say. Lawmakers and advocates in Springfield have proposed bills that they say would address their concerns — but it’s unclear whether they’re likely […]
High school student helps draft bill to require opioid overdose medications in Illinois libraries
by Ismael M. Belkoura and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois March 6, 2025 ELGIN – High school students generally don’t participate in drafting legislation. Jordan Henry is an exception. A senior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy, the Elgin native is working with her local state representative […]
Trump administration ends reimbursements for Illinois food programs
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois March 4, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — The Trump administration has stopped reimbursing Illinois for a program designed to help farmers and supply fresh food to Illinois food banks. The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that changes to federal funding mean Illinois is missing reimbursements […]
Illinois Lawmakers Propose Tax Deduction for Gratuities
Illinois Representatives Ryan Spain and Tony M. McCombie and Senator Senate Craig Wilcox have introduced a bill to create a new income tax deduction for gratuities. House Bill 1383 and Senate Bill 0140, introduced in the 104th General Assembly, aim to amend the Illinois Income Tax Act to allow taxpayers […]
Illinois Launches New REAL ID Initiative Ahead of 2025 Deadline: Expanded DMV Hours, Online Portal
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a new initiative to help residents prepare for the upcoming REAL ID enforcement deadline on May 7, 2025. The program includes several key components: Secretary Giannoulias emphasized that not all residents need a REAL ID before May 7. Those with valid U.S. […]
Illinois schools continuing DEI initiatives despite federal funding threats
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois February 26, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education is not telling schools to stop any diversity, equity and inclusion lessons or programs, the state’s education chief told a House committee this week, even as the Trump administration threatens to pull federal […]
Illinois Lawmakers Propose Bills to Limit Cell Phone Use in Schools
Two new bills introduced in the Illinois General Assembly aim to address the use of cellular devices in schools, potentially changing how students interact with their phones during the school day. HB2975: Strict Prohibition Representative Curtis J. Tarver II introduced House Bill 2975 on February 6, 2025, which calls for […]
Illinois Lawmakers Introduce Right to Repair Bill to Expand Consumer Choice and Challenge Manufacturer Monopolies
Illinois Representative Amy Briel and Senator Laura Fine have introduced a groundbreaking “Right to Repair” bill (HB2549) in the Illinois General Assembly, aimed at giving consumers and independent repair shops greater access to tools, parts, and documentation needed to fix electronic devices and appliances. The introduction of Illinois’ Right to […]
Illinois Lawmakers Propose New Ticket Sale Regulations
Illinois legislators (Representatives Nicholas K. Smith and Jay Hoffman) have introduced a new bill that would significantly alter the landscape of ticket sales and resales in the state. House Bill 3108, introduced on February 18, 2025, by Representatives Nicholas K. Smith and Jay Hoffman, proposes several amendments to the Ticket […]