Third Reading Deadline Update
Friday, April 17, marked the third reading deadline for legislators in both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives to pass bills out of their chamber of origination. While there may be some extensions, the third reading deadline is the date that bills must be passed out of their initial chamber in order to continue forward in the legislative process. As of Friday morning, the House passed a total of 143 bills, and the Senate passed 135 bills.
Ever since the March primary election, the General Assembly session has moved very quickly. After an uncharacteristic session calendar with very few weeks so far where both the House and Senate were in session at the same time, both chambers will be in Springfield together throughout the entire month of May. The next deadline is the opposite chamber committee deadline on May 8. The opposite chamber’s third reading deadline will follow that on May 22, and the final adjournment of the 2026 spring session is scheduled for May 31. The state’s FY 2027 budget package and a variety of omnibus legislation will be introduced and passed in the final two weeks of session.
Data Center Subject Matter Hearings
Following a series of data center- and AI-related subject matter hearings last week, the House Executive Committee continued the discussion with a subject matter hearing on data center energy use on Wednesday, April 15. Data centers have become a major topic in both chambers, and the subject matter hearing series will continue in the House Executive Committee on Wednesday, April 22, focusing on water use. Additional hearings are likely to be scheduled before session is over. These hearings may result in omnibus legislation before the end of May or during the fall veto session.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
May 8 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 22 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 31 – Adjournment
November 3 – Illinois General Election
In the News
OPINION: Future of food in Illinois extends beyond agriculture – Chicago Sun-Times, April 17, 2026
From avian flu outbreaks disrupting poultry production to droughts, it’s getting harder to rely on the food system. Alternative proteins — think plant-based foods and newer approaches like fermentation and cultivated meat — can be an answer.
Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts – The Center Square, April 16, 2026
State legislative leaders from both parties spoke to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce about the broad state of legislation and their priorities Thursday in Springfield, as the end of the General Assembly’s spring session draws closer.
Alexi Giannoulias dominates mayoral hopeful fundraising with $12 million haul – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2026
In the crowded field of candidates committed to or flirting with a run for mayor of Chicago, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias again dominated fundraising to start the year.
Healing Through History: IL Senate passes bill helping families receive foster care records – WAND News, April 15, 2026
The Illinois Senate unanimously passed a plan Wednesday to help ensure foster families have access to a child’s full history before an adoption is finalized.
Illinois lawmakers grill diversity commission over lack of progress – The Center Square, April 15, 2026
State lawmakers expressed public, bipartisan concern again Wednesday over an Illinois commission’s efforts to increase access to state contract money for businesses that are owned by racial minorities, women and people with disabilities.
Feds move to block controversial Illinois credit card swipe fee ban, siding with banks in ongoing legal fight – Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2026
The federal government is looking to stop a controversial Illinois law banning certain credit card fees, a move that appears to favor financial institutions that have fought the state law in court for more than a year.
Christian Mitchell: Why I’m running with JB Pritzker – Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2026
When I think about the stakes of this moment, I think about the people who raised me.
Poll finds broad support for key parts of Pritzker’s housing plan – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 15, 2026
As debate builds around a proposal from Gov. JB Pritzker to build more housing in part by establishing statewide zoning standards, a new poll finds broad support among Illinois voters for higher-density housing.
Lawmakers grill Department of Corrections after audit shows dozens of failures – Capitol News Illinois, April 14, 2026
Illinois lawmakers say the Illinois Department of Corrections must fix a slew of errors that were revealed in a recent audit.
Former ComEd CEO, lobbyist to be released from prison, granted new trial – CBS News, April 14, 2026
Former ComEd chief executive officer Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain have both been ordered released from prison on appeal bonds, as a federal appeals court announced it will be granting them a new trial just hours after hearing arguments in their case.
House Speaker backs millionaires tax, but Democrats split over how much to devote to property tax relief – WBEZ Chicago, April 13, 2026
One proposed constitutional amendment imposing a 3% tax on millionaires would yield $1,500 checks to property owners. Another would divvy up proceeds between schools and property tax relief. An early May deadline looms to get a plan before voters this fall.
Darren Bailey blasts Trump’s remarks on Pope Leo amid controversy – NBC 5 Chicago, April 13, 2026
Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is a supporter of President Donald Trump, but he’s blasting the president amid his ongoing criticism of Pope Leo XIV.
State House passes 133 bills, many potential impacts for Illinoisans – The Center Square, April 13, 2026
The Illinois House of Representatives passed a total of 133 bills last week, sending them to the Senate for further deliberation.
House Speaker backs millionaires tax, but Democrats split over how much to devote to property tax relief – Chicago Sun-Times, April 13, 2026
Illinois House Speaker “Chris” Welch is endorsing a proposed 3% tax on those making more than $1 million annually, but there is a split among House Democrats on how much of the potential $4.5 billion yearly windfall should fund property tax relief.
More than 16,000 immigrants in Illinois may lose food assistance in the coming months – Chicago Tribune, April 11, 2026
Roughly 16,000 immigrants, including victims of domestic violence, may lose access to crucial food assistance in Illinois as a result of federal eligibility changes that took effect April 1.
Vote-a-thon in the House; Pritzker talks to Sharpton – Capitol News Illinois, April 11, 2026
A mountain of bills passed through the Illinois House this week including legislation addressing junk fees, immigrant detention centers and grocery coupon fraud. Meanwhile, Gov. JB Pritzker was in New York talking to Rev. Al Sharpton and his National Action Network.
Consumer protection: IL House passes junk fee ban, sends bill to Senate – WAND News, April 10, 2026
State representatives passed a plan Thursday to ban junk fees and create price transparency for consumers.
Pritzker, GOP candidate say they support a free press, differ on tax credits – The Center Square, April 10, 2026
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he supports a strong, free press, but Republican Darren Bailey’s running mate says taxpayer dollars should not be spent on partisan outlets.
New Illinois bill targets large online platforms with digital advertising tax – My Stateline.com, April 10, 2026
A newly introduced bill in Springfield would impose a statewide tax on digital advertising, potentially reshaping how large online platforms and digital content companies do business in Illinois.
Committee’s ‘tone’ criticized for trying to price the poor out of gun ownership – The Center Square, April 10, 2026
A proposed bill gun owners say will price lower income buyers out of the market continues to get attention at the Illinois state capitol.
Illinois proposal would give unemployment benefits to striking workers – The Center Square, April 10, 2026
Illinois workers involved in a labor dispute could soon be eligible for unemployment benefits.
‘R-rated Groundhog Day’: Cook County tax bills will be late this summer, officials predict – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2026
Cook County property tax bills will be late again this year, the treasurer’s office bluntly affirmed this week, as various offices continue to try to catch up from last year’s troubles and address lingering ones.
First chunk of new transit money to be spent on security, service for CTA, Metra and Pace – Chicago Sun-Times, April 16, 2026
The new money will start kicking in June 1, when the RTA is replaced by NITA, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, which will have expanded powers over the transit agencies it oversees.
FAA orders O’Hare flight cuts amid United, American turf war – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 16, 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to slash flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport this summer to prevent overscheduling and flight disruptions, further complicating a turf war between United Airlines and American Airlines at the airfield.
Former ComEd CEO, company lobbyist walk free day after Chicago appeals court ruling – Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2026
Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and retired lobbyist Michael McClain were released from federal prison Wednesday, but their freedom comes with a future that remains uncertain.
GOP governor candidate Darren Bailey moves into Chicago apartment – Capitol News Illinois, April 15, 2026
Republican gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey has moved into an apartment in Chicago as he seeks to improve his outreach to voters in the state’s most populous region.
City Council names new Zoning Committee chair, ending standoff over key post – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 15, 2026
Chicago’s City Council has finally resolved an embarrassing impasse that threatened to stall relatively non-controversial developments for no other reason than Mayor Brandon Johnson and aldermen could not decide who should preside over zoning meetings.
What Chicago stands to lose in potential United-American merger – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 15, 2026
There’s no telling how serious United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is about the prospect of merging with rival American Airlines — or whether regulators would allow it.
State Rep looks to drum up GOP support to help keep Bears in Illinois – WGN, April 14, 2026
The clock continues to count down toward a final decision on where the Chicago Bears will call their next home.
Votes in doubt to override Mayor Brandon Johnson veto protecting Chicago tipped wage hike – Chicago Tribune, April 14, 2026
As Mayor Brandon Johnson stares down another veto fight, his opponents trying to freeze required restaurant worker pay raises are signaling they do not have the votes to win.
Ordinance aims to kick officers with extremist ties out of Chicago Police Department – Chicago Tribune, April 13, 2026
Aldermen advanced an ordinance Monday aimed at forcing officers with ties to extremist groups out of the Chicago Police Department.
New Cook County forest preserve boss expands conservation efforts amid federal retreat – Chicago Tribune, April 12, 2026
Adam Bianchi does not consider himself an administrator. But eight months ago — amid sweeping cuts to federal parks, forests and conservation programs — he got himself that exact title: general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Pritzker says DHS threat over O’Hare customs will hurt economy – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 10, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker says Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s veiled threat earlier this week to withhold customs-processing resources at O’Hare International Airport because of Chicago’s sanctuary city rules will hurt the Chicago economy.
Flooding in Chicago is getting worse. Here’s why. – WBEZ Chicago, April 10, 2026
Chicago’s sewers can handle just 2 inches in that short period of time before flooding becomes likely. That means every neighborhood in Chicago is at risk of flooding, and that threat rises with every big storm.
