Notable Policy Discussions Ahead of Veto Session
With the first week of Veto Session approximately one month away, from November 17-19, legislators and stakeholders have resumed discussions on previously introduced legislation and emerging policy priorities. Recent committee hearings and ongoing negotiations surrounding data centers and the Chicago Bears offer insight into issues that could shape the upcoming veto, lame duck, and spring legislative sessions.
For the first time since the conclusion of the 2026 spring session, House committees convened to discuss several policy issues, including Chicago’s potential municipal charter and statewide cybersecurity preparedness.
Municipal Home Rule Charter Act
On October 13, the House Executive Committee held a subject matter hearing on HB 5282, sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tempore Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), which would establish a process for Chicago to develop its own municipal charter. The charter would serve as a constitution-style framework for city government, with residents participating in its creation. Witness testimony featured Joel Hamernick, Executive Director of More Just Chicago, and Joe Ferguson, President of the Civic Federation. As Ferguson explained, a charter, among other things, could establish the City Council’s right to access information held by the executive branch, allowing council members to conduct independent analyses and make better-informed, accountable decisions regarding budgets, policies, and programs. Rep. Buckner and Ferguson also highlighted the City’s infamous parking meter deal as an example of how a charter could have provided greater oversight and potentially prevented the deal from moving forward as approved by the City Council.
Cybersecurity Preparedness
On October 14, the House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and IT Committee held a subject matter hearing examining cybersecurity threats and potential strategies to strengthen protections across Illinois, given that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Three panels addressed emerging cyber threats, risks to small and midsized manufacturers, and vulnerabilities affecting critical infrastructure and water utilities. Witnesses from state agencies and private industry highlighted the financial, operational, and public safety consequences of cyberattacks. Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly reported more than 33,000 cyber complaints and $535M in associated losses over the past year in Illinois. Witnesses also emphasized the need for practical cybersecurity training to help manufacturers and infrastructure operators respond effectively to attacks, particularly those that could disrupt essential services or threaten public health.
POWER Act and Data Center Regulation
After the 2026 spring legislative session, in which data center legislation was not taken up, Gov. Pritzker ordered the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) to suspend the processing of new state data center tax exemption applications while a legislative solution could be addressed. As legislators continue developing proposals to address these concerns, we should expect language that aligns with the principles outlined in Gov. Pritzker’s Executive Order: ensuring data centers pay their fair share, prioritizing energy reliability for Illinois families and businesses, requiring data centers to provide or fund their own clean energy resources, maintaining strong clean air protections, and ensuring community transparency and input.
Separately, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a yearlong moratorium on new data center development in Chicago. These changes came along with a national wave of data center crackdowns in states across the political spectrum.
Environmental advocates continue to push for the POWER Act (HB5513 / SB4016), legislation that stalled during the spring session. The proposal would establish requirements for data centers related to water-impact permitting, computing efficiency, and public disclosure of infrastructure costs and community benefits. As proponents of the legislation emphasize, the act would welcome data centers that bring new clean energy resources online and cover their own costs, supporting economic development while protecting communities, ratepayers, and the environment. Data center regulation remains a hot-button issue that will be discussed throughout the veto, lame duck, and spring legislative sessions.
Chicago Bears Stadium Negotiations
Although “Bears-related” legislation – like the megaprojects bill (HB 910) and the Municipal Stadium Authority Act (HB 958) – stalled during the spring session, and Bears leadership announced that they would be moving forward with a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, discussions over the Chicago Bears’ stadium plans and the team’s future in Illinois have continued throughout the summer and fall. Nearly two weeks ago, Gov. Pritzker and legislative leaders met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Bears minority owner Pat Ryan to discuss efforts to keep the franchise in Illinois.
The issue also surfaced during the recent gubernatorial debate between Pritzker and Republican nominee Darren Bailey. Pritzker expressed confidence that a deal could be reached in November to keep the Bears in Illinois, while emphasizing that any agreement would not come at taxpayers’ expense. With the previous legislative efforts stalled, ongoing negotiations remain an important issue to monitor ahead of veto session.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 3 – Illinois General Election
November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1
December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2
In the News
On the campaign trail, JB Pritzker courts farmers like he’s running for president – Reuters, October 16, 2026
he town of Shirley, Illinois, population 135, is an unlikely place for a campaign stop.
Editorial: Don Tracy and Julianna Stratton, running for Senate in the darkening shadow of Donald Trump – Chicago Tribune, October 16, 2026
For many of our readers, the notion of flipping the venerable Dick Durbin’s seat in the United State Senate to a Republican at the very moment when Donald Trump has capriciously abandoned his support for the brave people of Ukraine and climbed into a diesel-filled waterbed with the dangerous Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, would be as irresponsible as it is unconscionable.
Sexual harassment scandal shapes southwest suburban Illinois House race – Chicago Sun Times, October 16, 2026
A far southwest suburban statehouse election race offers a rare instance of a competitive Chicago-area district on Illinois’ heavily gerrymandered legislative map.
Gov. JB Pritzker says Illinois housing plan likely waits but Bears stadium and data center bills alive – Chicago Sun Times, October 15, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday cast doubt on his ambitious housing program passing in the short fall legislative session but indicated optimism about legislation to regulate data centers and support a new Bears stadium to be located in the suburbs or even stay in Chicago.
Pritzker reports more than $9M in income on 2025 tax returns, not including blind trust – Capitol News Insider, October 15, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker made more than $9 million in adjusted gross income in 2025, according to tax summaries released by his campaign Thursday.
Lobbyist campaign cash helps fuel Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s run for U.S. Senate seat Dick Durbin is leaving – Chicago Sun Times, October 15, 2026
As she vies to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is accepting campaign contributions from lobbyists representing special interests, records show.
Documents show state’s disaster request met FEMA’s threshold – Capitol News Insider, October 15, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker’s presidential disaster request that was denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency met the threshold for statewide disaster assistance, according to state documents.
Report: Illinois gets an F for financial health – The Central Square Illinois, October 15, 2026
Illinois is one of four states that received a failing grade on the 2026 Financial State of the States report, but Truth in Accounting said there is a legislative way to improve Illinois’ financial health.
Illinois medical debt relief program surpasses $1B goal in two years – Capitol News Illinois, October 15, 2026
The state has erased over $1.4 billion in medical debt for almost 700,000 Illinoisans for pennies on the dollar, two years after launching a new relief program.
Pritzker offers glimpse of veto session agenda – Capitol News Insider, October 15, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker announced progress in the state’s program to relieve medical debt on Thursday but ended up giving a bit of a preview for what may or may not happen in the veto session upon questioning from reporters.
Illinois comptroller race: Margaret Croke, Bryan Drew vie for open seat as Democrats seek statewide sweep – Chicago Tribune, October 15, 2026
Illinois Democrats have held every statewide constitutional office since early 2019, and a sweep on Nov. 3 would extend that lock on state government to 12 years.
Eye On Illinois: Can judicial elections ever be truly nonpartisan? – Shaw Local, October 14, 2026
Sometimes in the course of understanding Illinois, it helps to look across its borders to ponder issues in neighboring states.
Four takeaways from the Pritzker-Bailey brawl – Capitol News Insider, October 14, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker and Darren Bailey traded barbs in their first and only face-to-face forum of the 2026 campaign. Here are four takeaways from an hour of arguments.
Column: Former state Sen. Link reflects on his career and ‘mistake’ – Chicago Tribune, October 14, 2026
Former state Sen. Terry Link is feeling just fine these days. The Democratic Party he forged controls Lake County elected offices, and he’s put his legal ailments in the rearview mirror.
Democrat Juliana Stratton faces Don Tracy, former GOP chair, in Senate battle for Dick Durbin’s seat – Chicago Sun-Times, October 14, 2026
Since her primary win, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has been building coalitions in Illinois and Washington as she challenges Don Tracy, the state’s former Republican Party chair, and positions herself to become the state’s fourth Black senator.
Calumet City alderman mounts write-in campaign for 29th District House seat – Chicago Tribune, October 14, 2026
Despite failing to make it on the Nov. 3 ballot, a Calumet City alderman hopes 29th District voters will write in her name as an alternative to incumbent Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who is also Calumet City mayor.
Acting legislative watchdog calls for more staff, changes; some not convinced – The Center Square, October 13, 2026
The Illinois General Assembly has a new legislative watchdog after months of lawmaker ethics issues have been brought to light and the former Springfield investigator resigned.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Iran war, ICE accountability, and her campaign for U.S. Senate – UIUC Illinois Public Media, October 13, 2026
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is the Democratic nominee for U.S. senator from Illinois, seeking to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin when his term ends in January 2027.
Pritzker says something will get done in veto session to keep Bears – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 13, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker says he’s optimistic he and state legislators will put together a bill during the upcoming veto session to keep the Chicago Bears from leaving for Indiana.
6 takeaways from the only gubernatorial debate between Gov. Pritzker and Darren Bailey – Chicago Sun-Times, October 13, 2026
Taking their most direct shots yet in Illinois’ gubernatorial election rematch, incumbent Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker went head-to-head with Republican nominee Darren Bailey Tuesday night in the only televised debate scheduled before the polls close next month.
In lone debate for Illinois governor, Darren Bailey gets testy as JB Pritzker links challenger to Trump – Chicago Tribune, October 13, 2026
The lone scheduled face-to-face meeting between the major-party candidates for Illinois governor turned chippy Tuesday night, as Republican Darren Bailey repeatedly attacked and interrupted Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, who countered by casting his challenger as a conservative extremist and a follower of President Donald Trump.
Illinois Democrats on defense over scandals in races for state legislature – Chicago Tribune, October 13, 2026
With the national political landscape tilting against Republicans ahead of next month’s midterm elections, the Illinois GOP is hoping recent scandals involving Democratic state lawmakers will breathe new life into the party’s efforts to gain more relevance in the General Assembly.
Gubernatorial grudge match pits Gov. JB Pritzker against Darren Bailey – Chicago Sun-Times, October 13, 2026
Illinois voters have gotten to know incumbent Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker through the darkest days of a pandemic, bouts of civil unrest and repeated clashes with President Donald Trump’s administration.
Independent Collin Corbett gets long-awaited fundraising boost – Capitol News Insider, October 12, 2026
Suburban philanthropist becomes first major donor to campaign.
Barack Obama endorses Juliana Stratton for Senate in slew of midterm picks – Chicago Sun-Times, October 12, 2026
Declaring, “if you can make it in Springfield, you can make it in Washington, D.C.,” former President Barack Obama on Monday endorsed Juliana Stratton for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Dick Durbin’s retirement.
‘Illinois Separation’ director looks to clarify what 12 counties are voting on – The Center Square, October 12, 2026
Voters in 12 Illinois counties could join 33 others in declaring they want to break the state into two.
Republican Adam Beaty challenges Rep. Anthony DeLuca for 80th state House – Chicago Tribune, October 12, 2026
Braidwood police Sgt. Adam Beaty is mounting his second challenge to Democratic Rep. Anthony DeLuca, who has represented District 80 in the state House of Representatives for 17 years.
Pritzker backs candidates in predominantly red state congressional races – The Center Square, October 12, 2026
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has had a hand in widely backing Democrat candidates in largely red states where he and the national party feel there’s a chance they could pick up more seats.
Race for Governor hits the home stretch – WGN9, October 12, 2026
Head to head. It’s the eve of a high stakes faceoff between Governor JB Pritzker and Darren Bailey.
Candidates for 4th, 8th Illinois congressional districts make cases as experts discuss prospects of blue wave – CBS News, October 12, 2026
Several well-known names among the Illinois delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives are not running for reelection, including U.S. Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García of the 4th Congressional District, and Raja Krishnamoorthi of the 8th.
Illinois Senate race: Juliana Stratton, F-bomb ads behind her, leans on primary performance versus Don Tracy – Chicago Tribune, October 11, 2026
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton may be best known among voters for the F-bomb-filled ads she ran to show she had the fight to take on President Donald Trump on her way to winning the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
JB Pritzker wants 4 more years as Illinois governor. Why is he headed to SC? – The State, October 10, 2026
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on first look may not have the ideal biography among potential presidential contenders for some parts of the Democratic Party.
Illinois Senate candidates outline priorities on affordability, immigration – ABC7Chicago, October 9, 2026
With the November election less than a month away, the three candidates running to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin are sharpening their messages on affordability, immigration reform and how they would approach the job.
State Week: Durkin backs Pritzker; Hastert’s rise and fall – NPR Illinois, October 9, 2026
A former Illinois House Republican Leader announced this week he will support Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker in his bid for a third term.
A Chicago billionaire is now a chief foe to both Mayor Johnson and CTU. Just who is Michael Sacks? – Chicago Sun Times, October 16, 2026
Four years ago, billionaire businessman Michael Sacks wrote a $200,000 check to Brandon Johnson’s inaugural committee and went to see the mayor-elect two days after his runoff victory to advise him on how to set up his administration.
Alderpeople approve Styrofoam foodware ban for city departments, resolution calling for passage of POWER Act – The Daily Line, October 16, 2026
The City Council on Wednesday passed two environmental policy measures, including a call for Springfield to regulate data centers and a ban on the city government’s purchase and use of foodware products made from Styrofoam and similar material.
Johnson’s veto of bid to curtail his borrowing power survives override try — by one vote – Chicago Sun-Times, October 15, 2026
After an emotional and racially charged debate, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s fourth veto survived an attempted override Wednesday, preventing the City Council from making it more difficult to issue city debt by raising the threshold for approval from 26 votes to 30 votes.
Council approves $260M settlement for Guevara cases, Smart Streets expansion, appointments of new HR, 2FM commissioners, Access to Democracy advisory board members – The Daily Line, October 15, 2026
The City Council on Wednesday approved an expansion of the city’s automated parking enforcement pilot permanent, a new human resources commissioner and fleet and facility management commissioner and a massive police misconduct settlement.
Judge dismisses Bill Quinlan’s lawsuit alleging double-dipping in Chicago mayoral election; he vows appeal – CBS News, October 14, 2026
A Cook County Circuit Court judge dismissed Chicago mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan’s lawsuit accusing some of his opponents of illegally double-dipping by running for mayor while running for state office.
Ethics committee advances eight of nine mayoral appointments to Access to Democracy advisory council – The Daily Line, October 14, 2026
The City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight on Tuesday approved the majority of the mayoral appointments to a task force created under recent legislation that both instituted and called for recommendations for policies to safeguard and improve access to the ballot box and protect rank-and-file election workers from targeted harassment.
Jamie Dimon warns of a global debt reckoning: Government spending is ‘like heroin’ – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 14, 2026
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned in Chicago Wednesday night that soaring government deficits pose a greater threat to the global economy than inflation, geopolitical tensions and other risks the financial system has repeatedly weathered since World War II.
Judge tosses suit seeking to force Giannoulias, Quigley, Pappas to choose between re-election or mayoral bid – Chicago Sun-Times, October 14, 2026
Mayoral challenger William J. Quinlan suffered a setback Wednesday in his attempt to shrink the field for Chicago mayor by three: Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.
Council to consider Smart Streets expansion, 2FM, HR commissioner appointments, Guevara global settlement – The Daily Line, October 14, 2026
The City Council on Wednesday will consider final approval of a measure to make the city’s automated parking enforcement pilot permanent, a new human resources commissioner and fleet and facility management commissioner and a massive police misconduct settlement.
Ethics committee advances eight of nine mayoral appointments to Access to Democracy advisory council – The Daily Line, October 14, 2026
The City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight on Tuesday approved the majority of the mayoral appointments to a task force created under recent legislation that both instituted and called for recommendations for policies to safeguard and improve access to the ballot box and protect rank-and-file election workers from targeted harassment.
Mayor Brandon Johnson again calls for taxes on big corporations as budget showdown looms – Chicago Tribune, October 13, 2026
With his city budget pitch for next year looming, Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday again argued large corporations must pay more taxes to help Chicago balance its books.
Lawmakers weigh Chicago voter-guided Chicago charter – The Center Square, October 13, 2026
A proposal being weighed in the Illinois House would allow Chicago to create its own city charter, which the lawmaker behind it said could simplify many of the complexities that have led to fiscal and other governmental issues in the city.
Johnson vetoes City Council bid to curb his borrowing power – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 9, 2026
Mayor Brandon Johnson is vetoing legislation that would require a 30-vote supermajority for the city to borrow money, intensifying his fight with a City Council majority for control of Chicago’s finances.