Last week was quiet in Springfield as the General Assembly was on a break following the third reading deadline. The House is set to return to session this week, while the Senate will reconvene on April 29. In these upcoming weeks the House and Senate will hear bills from the other chambers, as they approach the May 9th Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline.
As Illinois closes in on its deadline of being carbon-free by 2045, talks about the expansion of nuclear reactors are heating up. Illinois’ nuclear construction moratorium first took effect in 1987, when the state enacted a ban to prohibit the construction of new nuclear power plants until the federal government designated a permanent disposal site for high-level nuclear waste (which never occurred). This moratorium remained in place for 36 years until December 2023, when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB 2473 into law which lifted the ban, but only for the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs), which are generally considered more scalable and safer. This year, Illinois legislators filed SB 1527 which seeks to further remove this moratorium by removing provisions prohibiting the construction of new nuclear power reactors with a nameplate capacity of more than 300 megawatts of electricity, thereby allowing large-scale nuclear reactors to be built in the State. Governor J.B. Pritzker recently expressed his support for expanding nuclear infrastructure, stating that such projects must be done “in the right way.” This marks a potential reversal from his earlier move of limiting the size of these new nuclear plants.
Illinois currently operates more nuclear reactors than any other state. Expanding its nuclear capacity could offer a solution to both the state’s growing energy needs and its ambitious clean energy targets. The state’s landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) included $700 million in funding to support the continued operation of these existing nuclear facilities. The law recognized the importance of nuclear energy as a stable, carbon-free power source—especially as the state phases out fossil fuels. As of 2023, Illinois generated 54.9% of its electricity from nuclear power, 31.6% from fossil fuels—including coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases—and 13.5% from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass, making Illinois the nation’s top nuclear power generator and fifth-largest electricity producer.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
May 9 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 23 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 31 – Adjournment
In the News
Illinois joins FTC suit to block GTCR’s takeover of Surmodics – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 17, 2025.
Illinois has joined the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit looking to block private-equity firm GTCR’s purchase of medical device coatings maker Surmodics, saying the deal is anticompetitive.
DCFS requests 4.7 percent budget increase, director shares departmental improvements – The Daily Line, April 18, 2025.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is requesting $2.47 billion for FY26, a 4.7 percent increase from FY25, touting recent improvements to the department.
Activists want immigration on the ballot – Politico, April 18, 2025.
Conservative activists are trying to get sanctuary status referendums on 2026 ballots, and they expect some Democrats could support them.
Gov. Pritzker says public safety is ‘under attack by Trump administration’ – Chicago Sun Times, April 17, 2025.
Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker lambasted the Trump administration Thursday for eliminating or threatening to end a range of anti-violence programs, saying “public safety is under attack by the Trump administration.”
Illinois Democrats await decisions from Durbin, Pritzker that will spark high-stakes political shuffle – Chicago Sun Times, April 16, 2025,
Cook County Democratic Party Chair Toni Preckwinkle on Wednesday told a packed room of Democrats that both Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Dick Durbin aren’t quite ready to discuss their reelection plans — decisions that will set in motion a game of high-stakes musical chairs.
US Sen. Dick Durbin’s slow fundraising fuels speculation about his political future – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2025.
As Dick Durbin pondered whether to seek reelection to a sixth term in the U.S. Senate, the veteran Democrat reported spending $776 in the Senate’s gift shop in the first three months of the year for presents to supporters.
Illinois Gov. suggests not seeking reelection, fueling presidential rumors – MyStateline, April 16, 2025.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker told an interviewer, “I have not decided if I’m running for reelection” on Tuesday, fueling speculation that he may consider a 2028 run for president.
By the numbers: How much Illinois’ constitutional officers and legislative leaders raised so far in 2025 – The Daily Line, April 17, 2025.
With a little more than 18 months until the 2026 General Election, Illinois constitutional officers raised a combined $950,000 in the first quarter of 2025. The legislative leaders raised a combined $1.3 million, marking a slower quarter in a non-election year.
Davis has a challenger – Politico, April 17, 2025.
Chicago businessman Jason Friedman is mounting a Democratic primary challenge for 7th District seat held by Congressman Danny Davis, who hasn’t announced yet whether he’ll seek reelection.
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon appeals $4M dispute with state elections board – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2025.
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon filed notice Wednesday that he plans to appeal the State Board of Elections’ assertion he took millions of dollars more in campaign contributions than allowed under a law designed to reduce the impact of big money in Illinois politics.
Indiana-Illinois border bill — criticized as ‘waste of time’ — passes Indiana Senate – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2025.
The Indiana-Illinois border bill was passed out of the Senate Tuesday with Democratic senators calling the bill a “political stunt” and “a waste of time.”
Raoul defends requested $15 million budget increase amidst legal challenges to Trump administration – The Daily Line, April 16, 2025.
Amidst legal battles against the Trump administration, efforts to retain attorneys and attempts to improve normal functions of the office, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is asking the Illinois General Assembly for an additional $15 million in funding.
Daily Herald opinion: Cautious optimism for senior driving proposal: But ‘safety first’ must remain rule of the road – Daily Herald, April 16, 2025.
In 2023, Illinois inched forward in regards to treating seniors with the respect they deserved, raising the age of mandatory annual driver’s tests from 75 to 79.
In Illinois, Democrats tout pro-labor bona fides, but sometimes push back when their staffs seek unions – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2025.
As she worked the campaign trail more than a year ago, Cook County state’s attorney hopeful Eileen O’Neill Burke made a promise to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. If elected, O’Neill Burke wrote at the time, she would recognize a union of her assistant state’s attorneys if a majority of them wanted one.
Ex-GOP nominee for AG Thomas DeVore should be suspended for improper client relationship, panel says – Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2025.
A former Republican nominee for Illinois attorney general, downstate lawyer Thomas DeVore, should have his law license suspended for 60 days for a series of infractions, including having a sexual relationship with a client whom he represented in challenging Gov. JB Pritzker’s COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, a legal disciplinary hearing board has recommended.
From the Farm: Illinois conservation advocates eye funding help from Senate Bill – WCIA News, April 15, 2025.
The Illinois General Assembly has six weeks left in its session, and soil and water conservation advocates are following several topics of discussion very closely. This includes Senate Bill 2387, which could be a permanent fix to funding for local offices, according to Eliot Clay, state executive director of the Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Illinois bill would alter state’s purchasing habits – Brownfield, April 15, 2025.
The communications coordinator with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance says a bill making its way through the General Assembly would alter the state’s buying habits for the betterment of the food system. Nathan Ryder says the Good Food Purchasing Program would ensure state government contracts look within Illinois first.
Illinois Head Start providers worry about the future as Trump eyes potential cuts– Chalkbeat Chicago, April 15, 2025.
Amy Blythe stays up at night thinking about what will happen to kids and families if federal funding is cut for Head Start, an early childhood education program serving low-income families.
Pritzker announces expansion to state pre-apprenticeship program, says he is undecided if he will appear before congressional committee – The Daily Line, April 15, 2025.
Gov. JB Pritzker announced a $19 million expansion to the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program on Monday.
Capitol Connection: Advocates concerned about proposed cuts to care hours for developmentally disabled – WCIA News, April 15, 2025.
Capitol Connection: Advocates concerned about proposed cuts to care hours for developmentally disabled
Illinois lawmakers push to protect family farms through Family Farm Preservation Act – WIFR News, April 14, 2025.
Family farms are a staple of Illinois life, but rising costs and tax burdens are threatening that tradition. Now, lawmakers are pushing to protect the legacy of farmers.
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence sees increase in need, decrease in funding – WAND News, April 14, 2025.
The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) consists of more than 50 organizations across the state working to support domestic violence survivors.
‘Tariffs are on, tariffs are off’: Pritzker dives into trade, transit and why suburbs went blue – Daily Herald, April 14, 2025.
Gov. JB Pritzker talked about tariffs, trade and the transit funding crisis while visiting Lombard Monday but didn’t reveal if he’ll testify before Congress on state immigration policies.
Do Illinois breakaway counties want to become Hoosiers? Annexation bill nears finish line – Pontiac Daily Leader, April 14, 2025.
Driving west from Central Indiana into Illinois, the farmhouses and crops seamlessly and namelessly blend into one with the occasional whiff of rotting manure, a sign of good things to come. There is no tourist station at the state line and the small “Welcome to Illinois” sign is easy to miss if one is glancing at their GPS.
Bills approved by Illinois House include eligibility changes to Electric Vehicle Rebate Program – The Daily Line, April 14, 2025.
The Illinois House of Representatives passed 380 bills last week before the third-reading deadline, including changes to eligibility requirements for Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program.
Illinois Senate approves bills to prohibit car searches solely based on cannabis odor, expand gun storage requirements – The Daily Line, April 14, 2025.
The Illinois House of Representatives passed 380 bills last week before the third-reading deadline, including changes to eligibility requirements for Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. The Senate on Thursday approved Senate Bill 1784 to raise the age minors can be detained from 10 to 13 years old.
IL House passes bill to train 911 operators in telehealth CPR – WCIA News, April 12, 2025.
911 operators may soon be able to provide lifesaving CPR care over the phone after a measure was passed by a state representative on April 7.
Legislature kills bill that would have expanded resentencing for youth offenders – Capitol News Illinois, April 11, 2025.
The Illinois House shot down legislation Thursday that would have allowed some people incarcerated for crimes they committed when they were under 21 to become eligible for release.
Prisoner Review Board reform bill clears Senate – Capitol News Illinois, April 11, 2025.
A bill that would reform the Prisoner Review Board passed the Illinois Senate on Thursday, aiming to protect victims and increase transparency about prisoner releases following years of controversy surrounding the board’s decisions.
House passes consumer protection bill prohibiting fees for customers requesting paper invoices, statements – Wand News, April 11, 2025.
The Illinois House passed a bill Friday to prohibit companies from charging additional fees if someone requests paper monthly statements for bills. The legislation would not stop businesses from offering a discount to consumers who enjoy electronic or paperless bills. This plan could also block companies from creating surcharges for people who opt out of autopay services.
IL bill to reduce single use plastics from restaurant deliveries passes the House – Wand News, April 11, 2025.
A state Democratic plan to reduce single use plastics used by third party delivery apps passed the House on Thursday. Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats under the plan would no longer automatically add plastic forks, spoons or knives. Customers could still receive plastic utensils with their meal, but it would only be through a request on the app.
Illinois Budget Update & Tier 2 Pensions – Capitol News Illinois, April 12, 2025.
In the latest episode of Illinois Lawmakers, host Jak Tichenor spoke with legislators about key issues at the Capitol. Discussions included the ongoing budget process, how federal government decisions are affecting Illinois, and Tier 2 pension reform. Other issues discussed include concerns about synthetic cannabis getting into Illinois prisons by mail.
‘I want to hang out with u’: Sen. Emil Jones III texted ex-intern headed to strip club – Chicago Sun Times, April 11, 2025.
Federal jurors considering the bribery case against Illinois Sen. Emil Jones III have already seen him on video socializing with fellow Sen. Martin Sandoval and red-light camera executive Omar Maani at fancy steakhouses in the city and the suburbs.
Illinois House passes bills to ban Native American and disability mascots from school sport teams – NPR Illinois, April 11, 2025.
The Illinois House has passed two bills that would ban offensive portrayals of Native Americans and disabilities such as dwarfism in school logos, names and mascots.
Little doubt Illinois will face a rough fiscal road – Chicago Sun Times, April 11, 2025.
Gov. JB Pritzker said last week the extreme uncertainty with the U.S. government and the international economy might mean the legislature may have to reconvene to reconfigure the state budget after it adjourns at the end of May.
Illinois House passes ‘Dillon’s Law’ to help more people carry Epi-Pens – WCIA News, April 11, 2025.
An Illinois bill passing Dillon’s Law could help save lives by making a medication more accessible. Under Dillon’s Law, anyone could be trained to use, carry and administer epinephrine (commonly called Epi-Pens) to save someone who is experiencing anaphylaxis. It is commonly only prescribed for people with known allergies.
Chicago communities targeted by peacemaker program see 41 percent decrease in gun violence – The Daily Line, April 18, 2025.
A report from Northwestern University found a 41 percent decrease in gun violence rates in Chicago and Cook County communities targeted by the state-backed Peacekeeper Program.
Mayor Brandon Johnson reports bigger fundraising numbers, but so do potential opponents – Chicago Tribune, April 17, 2025.
Mayor Brandon Johnson reported raising nearly $300,000 in the first three months of the year, a sizable chunk of which came from gambling interests that want Chicago to legalize sweepstakes machines, as well as some longtime friends and political allies.
City Council approves Jan. 6 employment ban, downtown conversion projects – The Daily Line, April 17, 2025.
The City Council on Wednesday approved measures prohibiting people convicted of participating in the Jan. 6 U.S.Capitol riot from city employment, assisting two downtown office-to-residential conversion projects and reining in “rogue towers.”
Despite city outreach, homeless encampment shows no sign of shrinking at Northwest Side park – Chicago Sun Times, April 16, 2025.
A cluster of more than 20 tents stood at the Gompers Park homeless camp on the Northwest Side Wednesday, a sign that little progress has been made sheltering occupants despite city claims last month that many people were being placed in housing.
In Chicago, Fed chief warns that Trump’s tariffs likely to spur inflation – Chicago Sun Times, April 16, 2025.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told a Chicago audience of business executives Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are “highly likely” to trigger inflation in a hawkish warning of darkening economic conditions for the country.
Tariff-fueled market rout cost Chicago’s pensions $1 billion – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 15, 2025.
Four Chicago pension funds are estimated to have lost nearly $1 billion amid the market rout set off by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, a blow to the city’s retirement programs that are among the least funded of all major US cities.
Teen curfew push could see tweaks before vote, Mayor Brandon Johnson open to negotiations – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2025.
A downtown alderman’s push for a stricter curfew to curb “teen takeovers” could face tweaks before a vote as soon as Wednesday. Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, promised once again Tuesday to move forward on his bid for an 8pm curfew for teens downtown, two hours earlier than the current citywide rule. But he said he’s open to tailoring the broad ordinance so it targets the chaotic gatherings he wants to stop, a move he may need to make to win City Council approval.
‘Ever since I was a child I always wanted to be a state senator’: Emil Jones III takes stand in his own defense at bribery trial – Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2025.
State Sen. Emil Jones III stood Tuesday in a gray suit and paced, taking a sip of water, tapping on a table, even stifling a loud, seemingly nervous yawn. But Jones, the son of former Senate President Emil Jones Jr, wasn’t preparing for some big speech in Springfield. Instead, he was about to take a federal witness stand in Chicago in his own bribery trial, rolling the dice before a jury that could make him the first sitting state legislator to be convicted of corruption in nearly a decade.
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Trump’s threats to federal funding: ‘We’re not going to negotiate with terrorists’ – Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2025.
Mayor Brandon Johnson lambasted President Donald Trump dangling the possibility of cutting federal funding over Democratic leaders as “terrorism” in a Tuesday news conference during which he offered few specifics on how he would fight back.
Council to consider CCPSA appointment, Jan. 6 hiring ban, expansion of anti-discrimination code – The Daily Line, April 16, 2025.
The City Council on Wednesday will consider numerous
Lawmaker calls for study of AI-powered cameras in effort to make DuSable Lake Shore Drive safer – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2025.
Shortly after starting his midnight shift as a doorman at a Gold Coast high-rise a few years ago, Julian Fuentes heard a screech on nearby DuSable Lake Shore Drive. As he and some residents streamed outside to investigate, he said, he saw a car on its side and a fiery wreck.
CTA employee overtime costs under scrutiny – ABC7 Chicago, April 15, 2025.
On the verge of a fiscal crisis, the ABC7 I-Team has examined hundreds of millions of dollars in Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) employee overtime costs since 2019; all happening while ridership is down, and the agency’s debt continues to climb.
Mayor Johnson now has to consider whether to bring ShotSpotter back to Chicago – Chicago Sun Times, April 15, 2025.
Mayor Brandon Johnson is now being forced to reconsider his decision to shut down the controversial ShotSpotter system — a move that set off a search for police technologies that some business leaders have slammed as slipshod and frantic.
John Rau, serial CEO for Chicago companies and a business school dean, dies at 77 – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 15, 2025.
John Rau, a banker who had a knack for reaching the top of several Chicago financial institutions and then moving on to something else, died early last week in Bloomington, Ind. He was 77 and was visiting the city as an executive in residence at Indiana’s University Kelley School of Business, where he had been the dean.
Former President Joe Biden in Chicago Tuesday to speak at disability advocates conference – Chicago Sun Times, April 14, 2025.
Former President Joe Biden will return to Chicago Tuesday to speak before a national gathering of disability advocates focused on protecting and strengthening Social Security.
Two more projects in La Salle Street revamp in line for $65M in city subsidies – Chicago Sun Times, April 14, 2025.
The City Council’s Finance Committee Monday authorized a combined $65 million in city subsidies to help transform two more La Salle Street office buildings to residential use amid concern about minority participation on those projects.
Education committee approves appointment of nonprofit leaders to City Colleges of Chicago board – The Daily Line, April 15, 2025.
The City Council Committee on Education and Child Development on Monday approved two appointments to the seven-member Board of Trustees for City Colleges of Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s resistance to ethics reforms draws criticism – Chicago Tribune, April 13, 2025.
When Mayor Brandon Johnson came into office, his handpicked City Council ethics leader hoped the new mayor promising big change might truly reform the rules meant to keep elected officials in line in the famously corrupt city. But then Johnson instead fought those efforts, Ethics Committee Chair Ald. Matt Martin said. And he has done so again and again.
