Illinois motorists will see higher prices at the pump starting July 1, as the state’s annual adjustment to the motor fuel tax takes effect. This increase, part of a broader infrastructure funding strategy, will impact both gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as alternative fuels such as LPG, LNG, and […]
State of Illinois
Pritzker defends Illinois’ immigration laws in theatrical congressional hearing
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois June 12, 2025 Gov. JB Pritzker spent hours Thursday defending his governing record and Illinois’ immigration policies as he was peppered with questions from members of the U.S. House Oversight Committee. Pritzker and Democratic governors Kathy Hochul of New York and Tim Walz of […]
Illinois to Expand Opioid Antagonist Access in State Agencies Starting July 1
A new Illinois law aimed at combating the opioid crisis will take effect on July 1, allowing state agencies to make opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, available at workplaces and shielding employees who administer these life-saving drugs from civil liability. Under House Bill 5028, state agencies may provide opioid antagonists […]
Illinois Hotels Face Major Change as Single-Use Plastic Bottle Ban Takes Effect July 1
Beginning July 1, 2025, Illinois will become the first Great Lakes state to enact a sweeping ban on small, single-use plastic bottles in hotels with 50 or more rooms. The law, officially known as the Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act (SB2960), was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker last August and […]
Illinois Reaffirms Commitment to Life-Saving Emergency Room Care Amid Federal Policy Shift
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, […]
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 […]