GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
New Laws: Governor Pritzker signed the following into law this week:
- SB 3044, which strengthens protections for survivors of domestic violence and harassment by closing a legal loophole that occurs between emergency and final orders of protection.
- SB 3048, which creates safeguards for those at the highest risk of being seriously injured or killed by an intimate partner.
· SB 3506, which expands access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners with telehealth options.
Cannabis Cultivation: The Illinois Department of Agriculture proposed rules allowing cultivation centers and craft growers to cultivate cannabis outdoors. The proposal defines “licensed premises” to include contiguous outdoor areas beyond an enclosed, locked facility. Outdoor cultivation would be permitted only if the area is enclosed by a continuous physical barrier at least 8 feet high, made of chain link, topped with razor wire or other security wire, screened or covered from ordinary public view from nearby streets or roads, and secured by an access point or gate that meets the same barrier and access-control standards. Read more here.
Public Buildings Energy Efficiency Program Funding Available: Illinois EPA is offering $766,600 through the Public Buildings Energy Efficiency Program for projects based on energy efficiency assessments or audits completed within the last five years. The Efficient and Resilient Public Building Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity is now open.
The program helps municipalities, counties, and other local governments fund energy-efficiency improvements in public buildings, reducing demand, conserving resources, and limiting environmental impacts associated with energy production.
Eligible projects include insulation, window replacement, lighting upgrades, programmable thermostats, occupancy sensors, heating and cooling retrofits, high-efficiency appliances, and transfer switches. An assessment or audit is a third-party review with recommendations to improve efficiency and/or reduce energy costs. Read more here.
IDOT Offering Paratransit Grants: IDOT is accepting grant applications from public transportation providers and eligible nonprofit organizations seeking paratransit vehicles. Municipalities, local governments, and nonprofits that provide specialized transportation for seniors or individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply by September 21. Read more here.
ICC Forum on American Water Rate Increase: The Illinois Commerce Commission will host an in-person forum for Illinois American Water customers to discuss a proposed general rate increase. Customers can also submit comments online or by calling 1-800-524-0795. The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Bolingbrook Community Center. Each speaker will have three minutes to make their comments. Read more here.
Community Health Center Awards: The Illinois Capital Development Board and the Illinois Department of Public Health awarded $50 million in grant funding to 21 grantees through the Community Health Center Construction Grant Program. Read more here.
Governor Issues Disaster Proclamation: Governor Pritzker has declared a state disaster in Illinois due to several recent severe weather events, including heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes. This proclamation will provide additional state resources and personnel to assist with local response and recovery efforts. Read more here.
OTHER NEWS:
Illinois Tollway Board Approves Toll Increases: The Illinois Tollway Board unanimously approved toll increases beginning in 2027, with additional hikes scheduled every two years. Beginning January 1, I-PASS passenger vehicle tolls will increase from an average of 7 cents to 11 cents per mile, a 57% rise, while truck tolls will increase 30%. Moving forward, tolls will rise every two years based on the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers, with increases capped at 8% every two years and 4% annually, officials said. The increases will help fund the tollway’s 15-year, $26.5 billion Driving Connections capital program, which officials say will ease congestion, improve mobility, and create jobs. 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.
The former Deputy Chief of Staff for Democratic Representative Amy Briel is out with a video posted by Briel’s Republican opponent accusing the Representative of sexual harassment. The former staffer indicated that she has spoken with the Legislative Inspector General about the matter. Briel is reported to be one of the appointees to the Speaker’s new Democratic House Culture and Accountability Working Group tasked with recommending changes to the harassment complaint process, particularly for district offices. The working group reportedly had its first meeting on Wednesday.
Representative Briel responded to the reports by saying in part, “Liz Bishop can’t run on her blind loyalty to proven abuser Donald Trump, so her campaign is recycling malicious claims previously proven to be false. The statements in the video produced by her MAGA political operatives were previously taken to the Legislative Inspector General in 2025 and were found to be without merit. I am calling for the immediate release of the Legislative Inspector General’s report on this matter.” The Legislative Inspector General indicated that the claim was “unfounded”.