2025 Veto Session Key Legislation
The Illinois General Assembly concluded a two-week fall veto session in the early morning hours of Friday, October 31. Following an uneventful first week of veto session from October 14-16, the House and Senate returned to Springfield after a one-week break with a great deal to accomplish.
An energy omnibus (SB 25) focusing on battery energy storage and Chicago area public transportation governance and funding reform (SB 2111) were expected to be the most significant items under consideration. Both the energy and transit packages ultimately ended up passing after agreements were reached in the second week of veto session.
Other notable legislation that passed in veto session include a revenue package (SB 1911) to decouple Illinois from two tax changes enacted under the federal government’s budget reconciliation package (HR 1), an immigration enforcement package (HB 1312), a sunset extension omnibus (HB 1437), the Public Official Safety and Privacy Act (HB 576), a tax increment financing (TIF) extension omnibus and changes to the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SB 642), updates to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s (ISAC) scholarship programs to conform with federal requirements (HB 3065), and a Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act Omnibus (SB 243) approved during the first week of veto session.
See below for a summary of key legislation that passed in veto session.
Energy Omnibus – SB 25 (Stadelman/Hoffman) creates the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), an energy omnibus with a focus on battery storage. The bill provides for the procurement of 3GW of utility-scale battery energy storage, incentivizes an estimated 1.8GW of virtual power plants, and repeals the moratorium on new nuclear power plants over 300MW. SB 25 passed the Senate unanimously prior to being amended on April 10. It passed the House on October 29 by a vote of 70-37-0, and the Senate concurred by a vote of 37-22-0 on October 30. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Chicagoland Transit Reform – SB 2111 (Villivalam/Delgado) creates the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Transit Innovation, Integration, and Reform Act, establishing the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) to replace the current Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) as the agency governing transit in the Chicago area. The bill restructures regional transit governance and updates various provisions to improve coordination, planning, and service delivery across Northern and Downstate Illinois. It also includes a $1.5B revenue package that redirects the sales tax on motor fuel to transit operations (85% to the Chicago area and 15% to Downstate Illinois), dedicates a portion of the Road Fund interest to transit capital (90% to the Chicago area and 10% to Downstate Illinois), authorizes a 0.25% RTA sales tax increase, and raises tolls by $0.45 for passenger vehicles and 30% for commercial vehicles. SB 2111 passed the Senate by a vote of 48-4-0, prior to being amended. It passed the House by a vote of 72-32-0 on October 31, and the Senate concurred by a vote of 36-21-0 on October 31. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Decoupling, Film Tax Credit Changes, and STAR Bond Language – SB 1911 (Sims/Tarver) is legislation to decouple Illinois from two of the federal tax changes passed as a part of the federal budget reconciliation package (HR 1). HR 1 modified and renamed Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) to Net CFC (Controlled Foreign Corporation) Tested Income (NCTI). SB 1911 switches Illinois to NCTI and collects NCTI income in Illinois’ tax base. This change preserves an estimated $90M in state corporate income tax revenue in FY 2026. The legislation also preserves an estimated $121.1M in corporate income tax revenue and $23M in personal income tax revenue in FY 2026 by decoupling from the bonus depreciation provisions from HR 1. In addition to the decoupling changes, SB 1911 makes a variety of changes to the state’s Film Production Services Tax Credit and establishes a statutory framework for sales tax and revenue (STAR) bond projects. SB 1911 passed the Senate unanimously prior to being amended on May 5. It passed the House by a vote of 76-33-0 on October 30, and the Senate concurred by a vote of 37-19-1 on October 31. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Immigration Enforcement – HB 1312 (Welch/Harmon) contains various provisions to protect Illinois residents from recent federal immigration crackdowns across the state, particularly focusing on the common immigration touchpoint locations of hospitals, licensed daycare centers, public institutions of higher education, and state courthouses. The bill would ban civil immigration arrests in and within 1,000 feet of state courthouses. Additionally, it would allow residents to sue immigration agents who violate their constitutional rights to due process and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The legislation would also require public universities and colleges to notify campus communities when immigration enforcement activity occurs on campus. HB 1312 passed the House unanimously, prior to being amended. It passed the Senate by a vote of 40-18-0 on October 30, and the House concurred by a vote of 75-33-0 later on October 31. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Sunset Extension Omnibus – HB 1437 (Mayfield/Cunningham) is a sunset extension omnibus extending the sunset date of various acts, commissions, and task forces. HB 1437 passed the House before being amended by a vote of 74-38-0 on April 10. It passed the Senate by a vote of 41-16-0 on October 30, and the House concurred by a vote of 74-26-0 on October 31. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
TIF Extension Omnibus and Senior Homestead Exemption Changes – SB 642 (Collins/Tarver) is a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) extension omnibus that extends project timelines in the City of Chicago, the Village of Millstadt, the City of Mattoon, and the City of Sterling. Additionally, the bill increases the income threshold to qualify for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 in tax year 2025 to $75,000 in tax year 2026, $77,000 in tax year 2027, and $79,000 in tax year 2028 and thereafter. SB 642 passed the Senate by a vote of 45-5-0 before the Senior Homestead Exemption language was added on October 15. It passed the House unanimously on October 31, and the Senate unanimously concurred on October 31. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Public Official Safety and Privacy Act – HB 576 (Stuart/Johnson) creates the Public Official Safety and Privacy Act. This bill seeks to enhance the privacy and security of public officials by restricting the disclosure of their personal information, providing legal protections and penalties for violations, and allowing the use of work addresses in place of home addresses on official records. HB 576 passed the House by a vote of 110-1-1 on October 28. It passed the Senate by a vote of 48-11-0 on October 30. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Higher Education Scholarships – HB 3065 (West/Peters) is a response to legal challenges threatening eight diversity scholarships from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The bill aligns with federal policy and shields these scholarship programs from litigation by using income rather than race as qualifying characteristics for the scholarship programs. HB 3065 passed the House unanimously prior to being amended on April 10. It passed the Senate unanimously on October 30, and the House unanimously concurred on October 31. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
FOIA and OMA Omnibus – SB 243 (Porfirio/Didech) encompasses the 2025 FOIA and OMA Omnibus. The bill changes the Open Meetings Act to include a variety of clean-up provisions intended to streamline government functioning in Illinois. SB 243 passed the Senate unanimously on April 9 prior to being amended. It passed the House unanimously on May 31. Although the Senate did not concur before spring session adjourned, the bill was taken up again during veto session, where the Senate unanimously concurred on October 15.
In the News
‘Drop in the bucket’: Illinois measures to offset SNAP cuts will not alleviate problem – Capitol News Illinois, October 30, 2025
JB Pritzker signed an executive order allocating $20 million to state food banks and food pantries in preparation for a pause in SNAP benefits expected to go into effect Saturday. Advocates say the $20 million allocated by Pritzker will be ‘a drop in the bucket’ and fail to fill the gap left by shutting off federal funds.
Illinois General Assembly approves public transit package, energy omnibus, civil lawsuits against immigration enforcement agents – The Daily Line, October 31, 2025
In the early hours of Oct. 31, Illinois General Assembly passed $1.5 billion in funding for public transportation, an energy omnibus that lifts the state nuclear ban and invests in battery storage and a measure allowing private action to be taken against immigration enforcement agents who violate civil rights.
Pritzker says House transit revenue package ‘not going forward’ as is – The Daily Line, October 30, 2025
A transit reform package passed the Illinois House Executive Committee Wednesday, but Gov. JB Pritzker says the final product will look different.
Illinois joins lawsuit seeking release of November SNAP benefits – The Daily Line, October 29, 2025
With 1.9 million Illinoisans at risk of losing food benefits in November, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of states are suing for the release of emergency funds.
Senate Democrats pass bill to automatically seal nonviolent felony records, send Clean Slate Act to House – Wand News, October 29, 2025
Illinois Senate Democrats passed a monumental bill Wednesday night to automatically seal records for people convicted of nonviolent felonies.
House passes energy bill amid debate over costs to consumers – Capitol News Illinois, October 29, 2025
Illinoisans could see a new line item on their electric bills under a bill passed Wednesday night by the Illinois House. Under the proposal, contained in an amendment to Senate Bill 25, ratepayers will subsidize energy storage projects like large battery installations.
WATCH: Tax proposals draw questions from Pritzker and GOP state rep – The Center Square, October 29, 2025
Illinois lawmakers are considering progressive revenue measures in the final hours of the fall veto session, but their proposals are drawing questions from both sides of the aisle. Although some Illinois Democrats have joined progressive groups in calling for new taxes, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says lawmakers have a lot more work to do.
Illinois officials should investigate, charge federal immigration agents for state violations, group says – Chicago Tribune, October 29, 2025
A left-leaning voters’ rights group that has pushed for President Donald Trump’s removal from office over alleged constitutional abuses is now asking Illinois officials to investigate and prosecute alleged violations of state law by federal immigration enforcement agents deployed in “Operation Midway Blitz.”
Gov. Pritzker asks Noem to pause ICE enforcement for Halloween: ‘Please let children be children’ – Chicago Sun Times, October 29, 2025
Gov. JB Pritzker is asking Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and top ICE officials to suspend immigration enforcement operations throughout Chicago for three days so children can safely celebrate Halloween.
Gov. Pritzker declares agricultural export crisis in Illinois – My Stateline, October 29, 2025
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed an Executive Order on Wednesday declaring an Agricultural Export Crisis in response to trade policies enacted by the White House.
Illinois House passes plan creating new safety, privacy protections for public officials – Wand News, October 29, 2025
The Illinois House passed a proposal Tuesday night to protect the safety and privacy of public officials. Current and former state lawmakers, constitutional officers, state’s attorneys, public defenders, and election officials would all have their personal information protected under the bill.
House election committee approved election omnibus, bill prohibiting doxxing of public figures –The Daily Line, October 29, 2025
The measure would expand automatic voter registration, language services and curbside voting for people with disabilities. It would also require all high schools to allow eligible graduating high school students to register to vote, beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
Illinois joins lawsuit seeking release of November SNAP benefits – The Daily Line, October 29, 2025
States received notice on Oct. 10 that due to the federal government shutdown, which began Oct. 1, November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would not be released due to insufficient funds.
Remap retreat? Illinois Democrats won’t vote on redistricting effort by end of veto session – Chicago Sun-Times, October 28, 2025
Illinois Democrats will regroup to consider joining the escalating, nationwide redistricting fight with Republican-led states that are moving to gerrymander congressional districts at the request of President Donald Trump, legislative leaders said Tuesday.
Illinois candidates file to run in the 2026 midterm as Jeffries lobbies state lawmakers to redraw Illinois’ map – The Daily Line, October 28, 2025
Illinois politicians descended on Springfield Monday morning to file to run in the 2026 midterms. Some are running in districts national Democrats are looking to redraw.
Opinion: Letters: Preserving the 340B program in Illinois is about protecting patients who need it – Chicago Tribune, October 28, 2025
Media recently have portrayed 340B as a “profit machine” for hospitals, which is simply untrue. The 340B program allows hospitals that serve high numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients to purchase outpatient drugs at a discount. Those savings are reinvested in community care — funding free and reduced-cost prescriptions, mental health and substance use treatment services, cancer treatments, maternity care, and rural and urban clinics that would otherwise close their doors.
Opinion: Kirk W. Dillard: The real consequences of not funding transit in Illinois – Chicago Tribune, October 28, 2025
Three years ago, the Regional Transportation Authority warned that Chicago’s regional transit system was heading toward a fiscal cliff. Since then, every other major state with a large urban transit system has stepped up to fund their systems, which are all facing similar crises — except Illinois.
State rep., comptroller candidate’s ICE disclosures draw threats from DOJ – Capitol News Illinois, October 27, 2025
As state officials continue seeking ways to counter aggressive immigration enforcement activity under President Donald Trump’s “Operation Midway Blitz,” state Rep. Margaret Croke has drawn ire online for an email sharing details about ICE vehicles.
U.S. House Minority Leader Jeffries accelerates Illinois redistricting push – Capitol News Illinois, October 27, 2025
While candidates filed petitions Monday to run under Illinois’ existing congressional district lines, U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries brought his redistricting campaign to Illinois, pitching top state Democrats on a new map in a series of closed-door meetings.
Illinois contenders file for March primary amid GOP uncertainty for governor, Democratic redistricting push – Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2025
Hundreds of contenders for public office began filing candidacy petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections on Monday, vying to top March 17 primary ballots amid uncertainty over whether a prominent Republican governor contender will continue his candidacy following a family tragedy and a push by national Democratic leaders to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries to combat GOP-favored redistricting efforts in other states.
WATCH: Illinois veto session to resume with potential taxes and fees on the table – The Center Square, October 27, 2025
Fall veto session is scheduled to resume Tuesday for lawmakers at the Illinois Capitol. State Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, said Monday that transit and energy are two of the biggest issues facing the General Assembly.
Crowded Dem primaries, GOP field for governor take shape as candidates file for office – Capitol News Illinois, October 27, 2025
Four years ago, candidates braved a mix of rain and snow. Two years ago, it was bone-chilling cold. But on Monday, the sun was shining with an Autumn crisp in the air as hundreds of candidates gathered in Springfield to file petitions for the primary election.
Primary election filing to begin Monday for Illinois Dem, GOP candidates – The Center Square, October 25, 2025
Monday is the first day of the filing period for Democrats and Republicans seeking state and federal offices in Illinois. Candidates often arrive early, hoping to secure a favorable spot on the primary ballot
Opinion; Fair Maps push faces bad timing in Illinois – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 24, 2025
When two public figures from opposite sides of the political aisle — Bill Daley and Ray LaHood — find common cause, Illinoisans should take notice. Their organization, Fair Maps Illinois, is pushing for a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would overhaul how the state draws its legislative districts. It’s an idea rooted in fairness and common sense — and one that, under less turbulent circumstances, would deserve swift adoption.
Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. to be sworn in to Illinois Supreme Court – CBS News Chicago, October 24, 2025
For the second time in Illinois history, the Illinois Supreme Court will be led by an African American justice.
Democratic candidates, officeholders indicted for ‘impeding’ agent outside ICE facility – Capitol News Illinois, October 29, 2025
Illinois 9th Congressional District Democratic candidate Kat Abughazaleh is among six people indicted for “impeding” a federal immigration agent during a protest last month outside of a Chicago-area U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility.
Illinois lawmakers approve $1.5B legislative package to buoy mass transit – Chicago Sun-Times, October 31, 2025
Lawmakers agreed on a tax package to stave off a $200 million-plus fiscal cliff next year that would likely result in major cuts to bus and rail service at the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace.
Inspector General talks about past accomplishments, unfinished business during budget hearing – The Daily Line, October 30, 2025
Alderpeople praised the work of the outgoing city inspector general and asked about the work that still needed to be done during a 2026 budget hearing Wednesday.
Environment department to receive its former regulatory functions under 2026 budget plan – The Daily Line, October 30, 2025
Alderpeople on the budget committee heard from the head of the Chicago Department of Environment (DOE) on Wednesday as its budget is proposed to skyrocket next year while it absorbs many functions it used to oversee before it was abolished in former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2012 budget.
Cook County Sheriff touts new helicopter program, warns overtime costs could grow – The Daily Line, October 30, 2025
At his annual budget hearing Wednesday, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart told county commissioners the Department’s latest initiative to provide his deputies aerial support with helicopters is producing strong results while warning the “wild card” is overtime costs due to local townships and villages struggling to properly fund their police departments.
Domestic Violence Case and Hiring Are Top Priorities for Cook County State’s Attorney in 2026 – The Daily Line, October 30, 2025
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke said during a 2026 budget hearing Wednesday her office will prioritize violent crime and domestic violence cases but warned county commissioners she doesn’t have the staffing levels and infrastructure needed to handle growing workloads in the coming year.
Mayor Johnson’s job approval up slightly, but his tax choices are unpopular, poll shows – Chicago Sun Times, October 29, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 31% job approval rating — up from 26% last summer — follows months of mayoral attacks on budget cuts imposed or threatened by President Donald Trump and after Johnson’s opposition to weeks of immigration raids that have besieged Chicago neighborhoods.
Lollapalooza ‘at risk’ if state entertainment tax is approved, organizer says – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 29, 2025
Organizers of Chicago’s largest music festival, Lollapalooza, and a group representing smaller independent venues are sounding the alarm about a proposed statewide 7% amusement tax on tickets for concerts and sporting events.
Bovino ordered to make daily court appearances after three days of tear gas in Chicago – Capitol News Illinois, October 28, 2025
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino spent a little more than an hour testifying in U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis’ courtroom Tuesday after she ordered him to appear for a hearing in ongoing litigation over CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ treatment of protesters.
Mayor Johnson ramps up pressure on state lawmakers to help him save working people from Trump cuts – Chicago Sun-Times, October 28, 2025
Brandon Johnson said he demonstrated his own willingness to “go first” by proposing a $16.6 billion budget that includes nearly $600 million in tax and fee increases that “challenge the ultra-rich and corporations to pay their fair share.”
Chicago’s lead over U.S. home price growth narrows – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 28, 2025
After a long bull run, home price growth is slowing in Chicago and the metro area, trimming their lead over U.S. home price increases. But even with the long run-up, housing remains more affordable here than in any major U.S. city.
Candidates begin filing petitions for 2026 primary for Cook County, statewide offices – Chicago Sun-Times, October 27, 2025
Petitions were submitted for dozens of candidates — including JB Pritkzer for a potential third term as governor; his returning Republican challenger Darren Bailey; and the many candidates looking to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky. Signatures were also filed for Toni Preckwinkle, running for a potential fifth term as Cook County Board president, and her primary challenger 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly.
County commissioners discuss continuation of ARPA programs, potential loss of federal grant funds during first day of budget hearings – The Daily Line, October 28, 2025
Cook County commissioners on Monday kicked off their 2026 budget hearings with an overview of the county government’s finances and threats of federal grant losses from the County Bureau of Finance and the Offices Under the President (OUP).
City budget proposes Smart Streets expansion with larger pilot area, inclusion of street sweeping violations – The Daily Line, October 28, 2025
The city’s proposed expansion of its Smart Streets pilot program is estimated to net the city millions of extra dollars next year by lengthening the geographic boundaries and increasing the number of infractions that are enforced.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries visits Chicago, talks state redistricting – WGN Chicago, October 27, 2025
U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Illinois must view the effort as an urgent priority. WGN’s Mike Lowe reports.
Opinion: Transit safety must be a priority during veto session – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 27, 2025
As the Illinois General Assembly enters its veto session this week, lawmakers must prioritize rider safety in any transit-related legislation. This includes ensuring a visible and effective law enforcement presence and dedicated Emergency Medical Services response across the Chicago Transit Authority system.
Chicago business leaders mobilize to kill Johnson’s head tax – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 27, 2025
Chicago’s business community is mobilizing to strip the proposed corporate head tax out of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion 2026 budget in a fight that will place moderate members of the City Council in a vice-grip as they choose between eliminating the tax and the politically painful alternatives.
County resolution would establish task force to recommend policies addressing violence against women – The Daily Line, October 27, 2025
The resolution (25-4095), which was referred to the Criminal Justice Committee, would establish the Chicago-Cook County Task Force to Reduce Violence Against Women, which would be charged with recommending Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council and Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and the County Board of Commissioners governmental policies and strategies for addressing gender-based violence.
Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino ordered to testify in federal court – Capitol News Illinois, October 26, 2025
A federal judge on Friday ordered U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino to testify in federal court on Oct. 28. The order came the day after Bovino himself threw a canister of tear gas into a crowd of protesters Thursday in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
