GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
New Laws: Governor Pritzker continues to take action on legislation passed during the spring session. Late last Friday, the Governor signed over 80 bills into law. Read the full list here.
Included in Friday’s bill signings was HB 2371, which creates the Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act to place guardrails around the federal 340B drug program. A group of pharmaceutical companies quickly filed a lawsuit against Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul following the bill’s signing to block implementation of the new law. Read more here.
Also signed this week:
- SB 3196, which requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to consult with the Statewide Youth Advisory Board to develop rules concerning transition planning for youth aging out of foster care.
- SB 3510, which strengthens child abuse investigation protocols and expands data sharing amongst law enforcement and medical professionals.
- HB 4534, which reinforces professional boundaries between educators and students, increases transparency regarding school misconduct policies, and defines grooming as a form of abuse.
Behavioral Health Report Released: The Illinois Department of Human Services released “The Care Compass: A Strategic Framework for Behavioral Health Access and Integration.” The report aims to enhance the state’s behavioral health system with a focus on three main priorities:
1. Increasing access to high-quality care.
2. Strengthening the behavioral health workforce.
3. Integrating behavioral health data and monitoring systems.
The framework combines qualitative community insights with quantitative data analysis and outlines key initiatives, including developing a statewide crisis response system, supporting Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, and advancing integrated mental health and substance use services. It was created through extensive public engagement and collaboration over the course of a year. Read more here.
IDPH Reaffirms Childhood Immunization Schedule: The Illinois Department of Public Health announced it will continue to follow the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, despite a federal executive order this week that changes established vaccine guidance. Read more here.
Executive Order 2026-06: Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2026-06, renaming the Illinois State Armory in Springfield as the Governor Jim Edgar Executive Office Building. Once renovations to the building are completed, it will house more than 870 employees across multiple state agencies. Read more here.
Transportation Enhancement Program Funding Available: The Illinois Department of Transportation has opened the application period for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), which offers $157 million in funding. The program supports projects such as biking and walking paths, trails, and streetscape beautification to enhance local transportation safety. At least 25% of the funding is reserved for disadvantaged and economically distressed communities. Eligible applicants include local governments and regional planning commissions. Nonprofits and private entities will need a public sponsor. The maximum grant awarded is $5 million. For more information, including instructions for viewing and participating in webinars on the application process, visit the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program page. Read more here.
Upland Game Hunting Applications Open: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the 2026 free upland game hunting permit lottery and the controlled pheasant hunting program. These programs allow hunters to pursue wild upland game such as bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants, and cottontail rabbits at designated sites in Illinois this fall. The free permit program offers no-cost opportunities through a lottery, while the controlled pheasant hunting program charges a fee to hunt pen-reared pheasants released at participating locations. Read more here.
OTHER NEWS:
School Funding Update: Illinois increased base funding for public schools by $350 million this year, but new data indicate the state is still falling short of providing adequate funding for all school districts. According to new data from the Illinois State Board of Education, the number of districts receiving 90% or more of their adequacy target will drop for the third year in a row, with only 292 of 850 districts meeting this threshold in FY 2027, down from 327 in fiscal year 2024. The overall adequacy gap has also widened to $6.8 billion, up from $4.8 billion three years ago. State Superintendent Tony Sanders attributed this increase to rising costs, a decline in corporate tax revenue, and a growing number of low-income students. Read more here.
Second Lawsuit Filed Against Medical Aid in Dying Law: The Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, along with the Lutheran Care Center and four Illinois physicians, filed a lawsuit against the State of Illinois regarding the “End of Life Options” Act. They are seeking to block the law before it takes effect on September 12, arguing that it requires medical professionals, particularly those in faith-based institutions, to assist in patient suicides, which conflicts with their religious beliefs and the Hippocratic Oath. The plaintiffs emphasize their commitment to healing rather than ending lives, asserting that the law violates their religious liberty and professional ethics. Dr. Mary Keen, one of the plaintiffs, expressed that the state’s mandate contradicts her moral convictions and her responsibility as a physician. Read the full complaint here.
Illinois Joins Settlement with Mortgage Broker New Rez, LLC: Illinois and 46 other states have reached a $15.5 million settlement with NewRez LLC, a major mortgage servicer, for improperly charging “force-placed” insurance costs on borrowers who already had homeowners insurance. The settlement includes nearly $11 million in costs and penalties, in addition to the $4.5 million the company has already remediated for affected borrowers. As part of the agreement, NewRez will enhance monitoring of loans with force-placed insurance and implement stronger control measures. The issue was identified in a multistate examination that uncovered harm to over 4,200 borrowers. Read more here.
104TH ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The Illinois General Assembly remains adjourned until the call of the Presiding Officers. Veto Session is scheduled for November 17 – 19 and December 1 – 3.
In response to earlier reporting regarding Speaker Welch’s commitment to seek additional funding for the Chicago Public Schools, the Speaker has now clarified that he did not specifically promise to lead the charge to provide an additional $150 million to Chicago Public Schools. Welch insists that he does not know where the specific dollar figure came from and that he merely pledged to fight for school funding. Read more here.
Last week’s report noted the members of the newly formed House Democratic Working Group on House Culture and Accountability tasked with recommending changes to the harassment complaint process. Representative Gregg Johnson, whose name appeared on the list of members, has now indicated that he will not be serving on the Working Group. Johnson cites a miscommunication with leadership and says he feels “uncomfortable” participating because the group includes members who’ve publicly staked out positions. Read more here.