104th ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The Illinois General Assembly adjourned last Friday for the week. The House met Tuesday through Friday, while the Senate met Tuesday through Thursday, cancelling Friday’s session. Both chambers will reconvene on Tuesday, May 13. The House will be in session from May 13 to 16, and the Senate from May 13 to 15.
Friday, May 9, was the deadline to pass substantive legislation out of committee in the opposite chamber. Last week, 92 House Bills and 6 Senate Bills passed out of Senate Committees, while 56 Senate Bills passed out of House Committees. In addition to committee action, the Senate passed 12 Senate Bills, which now head to the House for consideration. Highlights from the week include:
The Senate unanimously approved SB 593 (Glowiak Hilton), which creates the Health Care Workforce Task Force (within IDPH) to make recommendations on various challenges facing the health care workforce. The measure now heads to the House for consideration.
Legislation to ban so-called “junk fees,” SB 1486 (Aquino), passed the Senate 53-1 and now heads to the House.
The sale and use of Styrofoam food containers would be prohibited in five years under SB 1531 (Fine/Gong-Gershowitz), which passed the House Energy and Environment Committee 15-7. The full House will now consider the bill.
HB 2409 (Kelly/Villivalam) phases out the use of firefighter clothing and equipment containing toxic chemicals known as PFAS. The legislation requires disclosure (as of January 1, 2026) if firefighting equipment contains PFAS. Beginning January 1, 2030, the bill bans PFAS in newly purchased personal protective equipment. The Senate Labor Committee unanimously passed the bill and sent it to the full Senate.
The House Education Policy Committee unanimously approved SB 191 (Morrison/Morgan), which requires seat belts on all seats of school buses purchased or leased after July 1, 2031. The full House now considers the measure.
HB 1226 (Hoffman/Villivalam) raises the age for mandatory, in-person renewals for driver’s licenses from 75 to 79 and was unanimously passed by the Senate Transportation Committee. The bill also raises the driving test requirement from the age of 79 to 87 (or 75 and older if the individual holds a commercial driver’s license). Finally, the bill expands the list of who may submit information to the Secretary of State about the medical condition of drivers and their ability to safely operate a vehicle; the list would now include immediate family members such as a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling or child. The bill now heads to the full Senate.
Legislation to implement Governor Pritzker’s school cell phone ban, SB 2427 (Castro/Mussman), passed the House Education Policy Committee 10-1-1. The legislation requires school boards to adopt a policy (by the 2026-2027 school year) to prohibit student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time. This includes cell phones, computers, and smartwatches, but excludes school-issued or required educational devices. The policy must allow exceptions for medical reasons, IEPs, 504 plans, English learners, educational purposes approved by school personnel, and emergencies. Policies must be reviewed every three years and posted on the school board’s website. The full House now takes up the bill.
The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved HB 2994 (Mussman/Koehler), allowing parents or guardians of students receiving special ed services to inspect and obtain copies of their child’s mental health records — regardless of the child’s age. The legislation also ensures designated representatives of students who are 18 or older and involved in special ed services have the same access, enabling better communication and informed decision-making for families and caretakers. The bill now heads to the full Senate.
HB 3772 (Davis/Lightford) prohibits the expulsion of students in kindergarten through second grade — unless the child brought to school a firearm, knife or other object that could be used to harm another student. Having passed the Senate Education Committee 10-3, the bill now heads to the full Senate.
The Senate Executive Committee approved, by a vote of 8-3, SB 2319 (Ellman), which establishes consumer protections for users of crypto kiosks. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Legislation designed to ensure all educators, including substitute teachers, know what to do in case of an emergency at school unanimously passed the Senate Education Committee. HB 1787 (Hirschauer/Loughran Cappel) would require school districts to provide training to all substitute teachers on drills for both school evacuation and law enforcement lockdowns. Additionally, all substitutes would be given the same information as full-time employees, outlining all lockdown and evacuation procedures, and maps would be required to be displayed in every classroom showing all school exit points. The bill now heads to the full Senate.
The Senate Public Health Committee gave unanimous approval to HB 2346 (Faver Dias/Edly-Allen), intended to enhance the Illinois Drug Reuse Program by boosting consumer transparency; widening availability of safe, unused medications; and decreasing pharmaceutical waste. The bill directs IDPH to have a website identifying participating pharmacies’ names and locations, helping both pharmacies and the general public voluntarily engage with the program. The Senate takes up the measure now.
2025 Spring Session Key Dates and Deadlines:
May 9: Deadline – Committee Deadline Bills in Opposite Chamber
May 23: Deadline – Third Reading Deadline Bills in Opposite Chamber
May 31: Adjournment
GOVERNORS HIGHLIGHTS:
Executive Order: Governor JB Pritzker issued Executive Order 2025 – 02 restricting the collection and sharing of autism-related data in Illinois, responding to concerns about HHS Secretary Kennedy Jr.’s proposed research into autism causes. Illinois is the first state to impose such restrictions; the executive order prohibits state agencies and their contractors from collecting or disclosing personally identifiable autism data unless legally or medically necessary. All disclosures must be minimal and anonymized when possible, addressing fears about federal autism databases lacking proper safeguards. Read more here.
Governor Scheduled to Testify Before Congress: Governor JB Pritzker has agreed to testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on June 12 alongside Democratic governors Kathy Hochul of New York and Tim Walz of Minnesota. The hearing will focus on the states’ policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Pritzker’s office confirmed he would “voluntarily appear” at the congressional hearing. Read more here.
Rivian’s New Supplier Park: Rivian and Governor JB Pritzker announced plans for a new supplier park in Normal — a $120 million investment that will create nearly 100 direct jobs. The 1.2 million-square-foot facility will house component suppliers for Rivian vehicles, strengthening the company’s supply chain because key partners will be near its main assembly plant. Parts will be transported across Highway 150 for integration into R1 and R2 models. Expected to be completed by 2026, the project is supported by a $16 million incentive package (including $5 million in REV Illinois tax incentives). The agreement requires Rivian to create at least 93 full-time jobs and invest $119.6 million. More info here.
OTHER NEWS:
CGFA April Revenue Report: The Legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability reports that in April, the State’s General Funds saw a substantial $593 million increase in receipts, reaching $7.613 billion — the second highest monthly revenue ever recorded. Personal Income Tax was the primary driver, growing by $896 million (+20.3%), likely due to higher capital gains, interest earnings, and a $258 million “true-up” reallocation. Another good performer: Corporate Income Tax, with a 6.6% increase despite year-to-date underperformance. While the combined 17.1% income tax growth was significant, it fell short of historical “April Surprise” levels seen in previous years. Federal Sources declined by 70.7% as Medicaid expenditures shifted to non-General Fund sources. Sales Tax receipts increased by 6.3%, possibly reflecting consumer purchases made ahead of anticipated tariff increases. Other State Sources collectively declined by 17.6%, with Insurance Taxes showing the largest drop, while Interest on State Funds rebounded significantly. Transfers In showed modest overall growth of $5 million, with new Sports Wagering Transfers offsetting declines in other categories. Read the full report here.
CGFA Revises FY 25 Revenue Estimate: The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has revised its FY 2025 revenue estimate upward by $317 million, from $53.614 billion to $53.931 billion, due to April revenues exceeding expectations. Most state revenue categories received modest increases (ranging from 0.4% to 2.1%), totaling $664 million in upward adjustments. However, these gains were partially offset by a $347 million downward revision to Federal Sources, which are currently $354 million below FY 2024 levels and unlikely to make up the projected difference in the final two months. The revised total of $53.931 billion now exceeds GOMB’s February forecast by $31 million and surpasses the FY 2025 Enacted Budget assumption by $650 million.
CGFA Revises FY 26 Revenue Estimate: Recent months have shown revenue growth in economically tied sources, creating upward pressure on estimates due to a higher taxable base. However, increasing economic uncertainty suggests caution for FY 2026 projections. Economic outlooks have weakened, with wide-ranging predictions for GDP growth (3.3% to 5.0%) and Corporate Profit growth (-5.5% to 12.4%). Tariff implications remain unclear, complicating revenue forecasting. Given these concerns, the Commission has softened growth factors for FY 2026 while still accounting for the improved tax base from FY 2025. The revised FY 2026 estimate is $54.490 billion, a $266 million increase from March’s estimate but still $471 million below the Governor’s “current law” estimate and $963 million below the Budget Book estimate. Read more here.
2026 Election Update: More Democratic candidates seeking to replace retiring US Senator Dick Durbin emerged this week. Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi both announced they will seek the Democratic US Senate nomination. They will face Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton in the primary. Other Democrats are likely to throw their hats into the ring.
One potential candidate for the Senate seat announced that he will not run for the post. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said, “After many conversations with friends, and lengthy talks with my wife, I have reached the decision that the answer is no. I am not willing to travel to Washington, D.C. 30-some weeks a year and spend so many nights away from my children. I don’t want to miss their games, their recitals, or even that many bedtimes.” Frerichs has a teenage daughter and twin two-year-old sons.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky announced she will not seek reelection in 2026. State Senator Laura Fine, chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, will run for the Democratic nomination to succeed her. Fine has been in the Illinois Senate since 2018, having spent five years in the Illinois House. Fine will face newcomer Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive influencer, in the Democratic primary. The district includes Chicago’s North Side and northern suburbs.
Rachel Ruttenberg, former deputy chief of staff for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and current Evanston Democratic Party deputy committeeperson, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 9th District Illinois state Senate seat being vacated by Laura Fine, who is running for Congress. Environmentalist and online business owner Patrick Hanley also announced he will seek the Democratic nomination for Fine’s open seat.
AG Sues Over Wind Energy Development Freeze: Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 17 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for unlawfully freezing wind energy development. The lawsuit challenges President Trump’s January 20 memorandum that indefinitely halted federal approvals for offshore and onshore wind projects, stopping all permitting activities and even halting an already-permitted project in New York. The coalition argues this directive harms states’ efforts to secure reliable energy, reduce emissions, and meet clean energy goals while threatening billions in wind industry investments. They claim the directive violates the Administrative Procedure Act and other federal laws by providing no reasoned explanation for the halt and disregarding statutory procedures for federal permitting. The attorneys general seek a court declaration that the directive is illegal and an injunction preventing the administration from delaying wind energy development. Read more here.
AG Files Suit Regarding Dismantling of HHS: Raoul has also joined 19 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, HHS, and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for dismantling the Department of Health and Human Services. Since January, the administration has fired thousands of federal health workers, closed vital programs, and left states without federal support during health crises. The lawsuit alleges that Kennedy’s restructuring plan, part of the DOGE initiative, has reduced HHS agencies from 28 to 15 and terminated 20,000 employees, including 10,000 on April 1 alone. These changes have severely disrupted critical health services nationwide, including black lung disease surveillance, N95 mask approval, infectious disease monitoring, mental health services, maternal health programs, and Head Start centers. The attorneys general argue these actions violate constitutional separation of powers by disregarding congressional authority and undermining established laws and budgets designed to protect public health. Read more here.
AG Secures Preliminary Injunction to Restore Federal Education Funding: Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a 17-state coalition secured a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration in a lawsuit to restore access to critical Department of Education funding. The injunction, issued by Judge Edgardo Ramos, prevents the enforcement of Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s March 28 letter that had cut off states’ access to over $1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act grants previously available through 2026. This action restores funding for programs serving low-income and unhoused students, as well as essential school services addressing COVID-19’s impact on K-12 education. Read more here.
New Study Looks at Community College to University Pipeline: When it comes to community college-to-university transfer rates, Illinois ranks first in the nation – with 54% of transfer students finishing bachelor’s degrees within six years. And, a new report by the Partnership for College Completion reveals that while 79% of community college students intend to transfer to universities, only 35% actually do so. This gap is more pronounced among low-income students (28% transfer rate) and students of color (who comprise 44% of enrollment but only 31% of transfers). When it comes to debt, the report shares, transfer students take on 38% more debt and attempt nine more credits than direct university entrants, challenging the perception that the “2-plus-2” model is always a cost-effective path to a degree. More here.