GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
New Laws: Governor Pritzker signed HB 5295, the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act, which protects patient privacy and prevents sensitive medical information from being shared out of state for those seeking reproductive healthcare in Illinois. Read more here.
He also signed a package of bills aimed at protecting consumers. Those bills include:
- HB 228, which bans junk fees.
- HB 4984, which prohibits ticket resellers from offering tickets they do not actually have.
- SB 318, which prevents bots from purchasing tickets’
· SB 3561, which regulates ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later’ lenders.
IDPH Updates Standing Contraception Order: The Illinois Department of Public Health issued an updated standing contraception order, expanding pharmacists’ ability to provide prescription birth control directly to Illinois residents. This measure will broaden the types of reproductive health products Illinoisans can easily access at their local pharmacies. Read more here.
Governors Urge Congress to Reject Fossil Fuel Legislation: Governor JB Pritzker joined nine other governors in urging Congress to reject federal legislation that would give broad legal protections to fossil fuel companies and restrict state and local governments’ authority to enforce their own laws.
In a letter signed by the governors of California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Illinois, the coalition said the proposal would undermine longstanding state authority, block state and local legal claims under state law, and create special protections for one industry at the expense of taxpayers and consumers. Read more here.
CJIA Awards R3 Grants: The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced 147 grants totaling $50.8 million in the latest round of Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program funding. The awards continue the state’s investment in communities affected by systemic racism and historic disinvestment. Of the Cohort 4 funding, about $35 million will support community reentry, economic development, and civil legal aid, while about $15 million will fund youth development and violence prevention programs. Read more here.
ADM Announces Decatur Expansion: ADM is investing over $103 million to modernize its Decatur facilities, where it has operated since 1939. This investment will create 50 new jobs and help retain over 1,000 existing positions. The project will enhance operations in soy crushing, refining, and protein production, and modernize storage and corn milling capabilities. By upgrading control systems, ADM aims to improve equipment monitoring, reduce downtime, and increase production efficiency. Read more here.
ICC Offers Public Comment Opportunity on People’s Gas Rate Proposal: The Illinois Commerce Commission will hold an in-person public comment forum for People’s Gas customers to weigh in on the utility’s proposed general rate increase. The forum is open to the public and media and will take place on Wednesday, July 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Read more here.
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.
Assistant Majority Leader Senator Linda Holmes announced she will not seek reelection and filed paperwork Monday to withdraw from the November general election ballot. Holmes, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for 37 years, said the disease is forcing her to slow down. She plans to retire at the end of the year.
Democratic county chairs from Kane, Kendall, DuPage, and Will counties will select a replacement nominee through a weighted vote. The nominee will face Republican Edgardo “Eddie” Perez in the November general election.
OTHER NEWS:
Kalshi Sues State of Illinois: Kalshi is suing the state of Illinois over a new law that imposes regulations on prediction markets, claiming it conflicts with federal law. The company filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against state officials, arguing that the law, effective July 1, would cause it “irreparable harm.” The law includes a 0.2% tax on digital asset transactions and requires prediction market platforms to obtain a state license. Kalshi contends these requirements are preempted by federal regulations. The company seeks a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, and a permanent injunction to stop enforcement of the law. In response, a spokesperson for Governor Pritzker stated that the state will defend its authority to regulate such activities and protect consumers. Read more here.