by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois August 7, 2025 Article Summary Dozens of Democratic lawmakers from Texas are staying in Illinois to prevent the Texas Legislature from adopting a Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan for political purposes. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, says the FBI has accepted his request to help […]
State of Illinois
Illinois Enacts Expanded Protections for Nursing Mothers in the Workplace
A new law has been signed in Illinois, strengthening workplace rights for nursing mothers. The legislation, an amendment to the state’s Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act, ensures that employees who need to express breast milk for their infants are not only guaranteed reasonable break time, but will now receive […]
Illinois Libraries Required to Stock Opioid Antidote Under Newly Signed Law
Illinois public libraries must now maintain a supply of opioid overdose reversal medication, following the passage and signing of a new law aimed at combating the growing opioid crisis across the state. The law, officially an amendment to the Illinois Local Library Act (HB1910), mandates that all libraries open to […]
Illinois Passes Groundbreaking School Bus Seat Belt Law
Illinois has enacted a significant new measure aimed at boosting student safety on school buses. Beginning July 1, 2031, all newly purchased school buses in the state will be required to have a combination pelvic and upper torso seat safety belt system installed at every designated seating position. Commonly known […]
Illinois Enacts New Law to Regulate AI in Therapy
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the “Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act” into law on Friday, August 1, establishing new protections to shield mental health patients from unlicensed providers and unregulated artificial intelligence systems. The new legislation mandates that therapy and psychotherapy services in Illinois must be provided by qualified, […]
Texas Dems flee to Illinois to block redistricting vote
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois August 4, 2025 Article Summary Texas Democrats fled to Illinois Sunday night in an effort to block a vote to bolster the state’s number of Republican lawmakers in Congress. JB Pritzker called the Texas GOP’s effort “cheating” at the request of President Donald Trump. […]
Illinois joins suit against Trump administration orders limiting gender-affirming care
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois August 1, 2025 Article Summary Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and other Democratic attorneys general are suing the Trump administration over policies to limit gender-affirming care for youths. The lawsuit argues the policies violate states’ 10th Amendment right to regulate health care. Many Illinois […]
State leaders seek more transparency from insurance companies
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois July 30, 2025 Article Summary Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is calling on Illinois lawmakers to pass legislation banning auto insurance companies from considering non-driving factors when setting a person’s premium. Insurance industry groups say considering non-driving factors helps keep insurance costs lower in […]
Pritzker signs bill to implement mental health screenings in schools
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois July 31, 2025 Article Summary A new Illinois law is scheduled to implement annual mental health screenings in public schools beginning during the 2027-28 school year. The screenings would be available for students in third grade through high school, but parents can opt their […]
Pritzker signs bills addressing gun storage, tracing of firearms
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois July 28, 2025 Article summary: Senate Bill 8 requires gun owners to keep their weapons secured and inaccessible to minors, people at risk of harming themselves or others, and people prohibited from possessing firearms. Violations can result in civil fines. House Bill 1327 requires […]