GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
New Laws: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker approved his eighth budget last Tuesday, authorizing a $55.9 billion General Revenue Fund spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1. Note that the Governor used his item and reduction veto powers to correct typos in the budget.
The budget package approved by Pritzker includes: HB 111 (FY 27 operating and capital budget and FY 26 supplemental); HB 2949 (commonly called the BIMP — statutory language necessary to implement the budget); SB 3019 (revenue package); SB 3255 (bonding authority); SB 3365 (Medicaid omnibus); and HB 5196 (pension bonding). Read more here, here, and here.
Governor Pritzker also signed omnibus cannabis legislation (SB 3222). The legislation immediately bans the sale of intoxicating hemp to persons under the age of 21, strengthens social equity and medical access, reduces regulatory burdens, strengthens oversight and more. Read more here.
Also signed, HB 862 (Morgan/Morrison), which consolidates the Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission and creates the Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship. Read more here.
HFS Awards MCO Contracts: The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services awarded new contracts for HealthChoice Illinois to six Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). These contracts aim to enhance the functioning of the Medicaid program by ensuring that MCOs are accountable for the quality of service provided to customers, with an emphasis on comprehensive care. Key requirements of the new contracts include better integration of physical and behavioral health services, addressing health-related social needs that influence health outcomes, ensuring equitable access to quality and culturally competent care, promoting value-based payment models to improve health results, and fostering strong collaborations with providers, community members, MCOs, and other stakeholders. Read more here.
Illinois Gaming Board: The Illinois Gaming Board met last week. A full summary of the Board’s actions is here.
Pharmacy Access: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $24.7 million to 434 organizations through the Illinois Pharmacy Support Program. This initiative aims to enhance access to pharmacy services throughout Illinois. It is specifically designed to support pharmacies most vulnerable to closure or financial challenges, especially those located in rural areas or low-income neighborhoods, or those serving populations with limited healthcare access. Read more here.
IDNR Offers Grants for Pheasant and Wildlife Habitat: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will accept applications from July 1 through August 1 for grants through the State Pheasant Fund, Special Funds, and Illinois Habitat Fund, Special Funds programs. These grant programs support conservation projects by nonprofit organizations and government entities that improve pheasant and wildlife habitat. Funding comes from the sale of habitat stamps to sportsmen and sportswomen.
Applicants must register and be current in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act portal. Applications must be submitted online. For additional information, email susan.duke@illinois.gov.
Gubernatorial Appointments:
· Julie Curry will serve as Chair & Member of the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
· Aakruti Liva will serve as a Member of the Illinois Pollution Control Board.
104TH ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The Illinois General Assembly stands adjourned until the call of the Presiding Officers. Veto Session is scheduled for November 17- 19 and December 1 – 3.
Local Republicans chose Representative Paul Jacobs to fill the vacancy left by retiring Senator Dale Fowler in the 59th Senate District. Jacobs is campaigning for the seat in the November General Election.
OTHER NEWS:
A federal lawsuit filed last week seeks to block an Illinois law, set to take effect September 12, that allows doctors to help terminally ill patients end their lives. The complaint, filed by medical advocacy groups, an Illinois physician, and two Illinois residents with disabilities, alleges the law discriminates against people with disabilities and lacks adequate safeguards or oversight, violating due process and equal protection rights.
The End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act permits doctors to prescribe lethal medication to qualifying terminally ill patients who make two oral requests at least five days apart. Lawmakers passed the measure in October 2025, and the governor signed it in December. Read the full lawsuit here. Read more here.