Illinois officials have reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting access to life-saving emergency room treatment for pregnant women, following a controversial move by the Trump administration to rescind federal guidance requiring hospitals to provide abortions when medically necessary to save a patient’s life. Governor JB Pritzker condemned the federal rollback, […]
State of Illinois
Baby food safety, press freedom, public defender measures will head to governor
by Ben Szalinski and Jade Aubrey, Capitol News Illinois June 4, 2025 Gov. JB Pritzker will have hundreds of bills to review after lawmakers concluded their spring session, including measures protecting press freedoms and baby food, as well as creating a state public defender’s office. Lawmakers voted along party lines […]
Amid court battle, lawmakers look to push back ‘swipe fees’ ban
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois June 4, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers have decided to delay a ban on “swipe fees” for another year as bankers are locked in a court battle with the state over the ban. Lawmakers passed the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act last spring as part […]
Shield law, university admissions, foster placement bills clear General Assembly
by Bridgette Fox and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois June 2, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – More than 150 bills moved through the General Assembly in the final week of the legislative session and will make their way to the governor, including measures touching on drug approval, college admissions […]
Illinois Passes Landmark Prescription Drug Affordability Act
The Illinois General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (HB 1697), a sweeping measure designed to lower prescription drug costs and bolster independent pharmacies across the state. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has already indicated his strong support. Key Provisions of […]
Illinois House Passes Bill to Raise Minimum Detention Age for Minors
The Illinois House has approved legislation that would raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained in juvenile facilities. The bill, which has already cleared the Senate, now awaits the governor’s signature. Key Provisions of the Bill Proponents argue that detaining very young children is “potentially life-altering” and […]
Illinois House Passes Safe Gun Storage Bill, Sending Measure to Governor Pritzker
The Illinois House has approved legislation that would raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained in juvenile facilities. The bill, which passed the House on a 69-40 vote, now heads to Governor JB Pritzker for his signature. Key Provisions of the Safe Gun Storage Act Exemptions and […]
Amid uncertainty in Washington, Illinois lawmakers pass slimmed-down Medicaid package
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois June 1, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — Nearly every year, Illinois lawmakers pass a package of measures dealing with the state’s Medicaid program, the joint federal and state health care program that covers low-income individuals. Known as the Medicaid omnibus bill, it sometimes includes bold components, […]
New taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2B budget
by Ben Szalinski and Jerry Nowicki, Capitol News Illinois June 1, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – Giving almost no time for public review, Illinois Democrats pushed through a $55.2 billion budget for next fiscal year late Saturday, bolstering coffers with new taxes on sports bets, nicotine products and businesses. The $55.2 billion […]
Illinois bill aims to lower cost of prescriptions, rein in pharmacy benefit managers
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois May 30, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — A bill that seeks to control the rising cost of prescription drugs while also offering financial help for many small, independent pharmacies in Illinois cleared the state Senate on Thursday and awaits action in the House. The bill, known […]