As the Illinois General Assembly nears the March 21st Committee Deadline, both the House and Senate appear to be moving at a slower-than-expected pace in advancing legislation through the committee process. Despite the high volume of bills introduced ahead of the filing deadline—over 3,800 in the House and approximately 2,600 in the Senate—neither chamber has yet to pass any legislation on third reading.
Committee activity has also been relatively limited, with many committee hearing cancellations. As of now, the House has only advanced 97 bills out of committee, while the Senate has moved just 93 bills forward. Additionally, a significant number of bills are still awaiting assignment to a substantive committee, including 1,464 in the House and 1,868 in the Senate. Given the volume of legislation still awaiting committee review, lawmakers face an increasingly compressed timeline to deliberate, amend, and advance priority measures before the deadline.
The slow start isn’t unusual for the early months of session, but it does mean the next two weeks will be packed with committee hearings and floor action. Adding to the pressure, big policy changes are expected at the federal level, particularly in healthcare funding, infrastructure, and regulations. Illinois legislators may soon find themselves needing to adapt quickly to shifting national priorities. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining which bills make it through the process and which end up stalled.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
March 21 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline
April 11 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 9 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 23 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 31 – Adjournment
In the News
Commission of Government Forecasting and Accountability shares reasoning behind lowered revenue estimates – The Daily Line, March 7, 2025
After forecasting revenues for Fiscal Year 2026 will be $700 million below the number predicted by the governor’s budget office, leaders from the Commission of Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) shared some insights on the state’s revenues. The commission released an updated revenue forecast this week which predicts the state will collect $54.224 billion in FY 2026.
Bill to ban cell phones in Illinois classrooms assigned to committee – The Daily Line, March 7, 2025
A measure backed by the governor to ban cell phones in Illinois schools has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee. Gov. JB Pritzker announced the proposed policy as part of his State of the State Address in February. He expanded on the measure Thursday, saying cell phones harm students’ social and mental health, increase cheating and lead to poor academic performance.
Existing state flag prevails in design competition – Chicago Tribune, March 7, 2025
The votes are in — the people of Illinois would like to keep the state flag as it is.
State Rep. Barbara Hernandez: Improving teacher diversity is crucial to the success of all students – Chicago Tribune, March 7, 2025
Over the last 32 years, the Illinois General Assembly has, through the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship, played a key role in growing and strengthening Illinois’ educator workforce and, in turn, helping more pre-K-12 public school students realize their full potential.
IL Governor addresses Trump’s vision for Dept. of Education in Champaign – WCIA, March 7, 2025
The Department of Education’s future is up in the air. President Donald Trump said he has started the process to dissolve the department and “bring schools back to the states.” Governor JB Pritzker was at Centennial High School earlier today talking about a different policy. But — Pritzker said he needed to talk about this issue since he was at a public school.
Hundreds rally at the Capitol to oppose homeschool bill – Capitol News Illinois, March 7, 2025
The bill, called the Homeschool Act, would require families to notify their local school districts if they decide to homeschool their children. Parents could also be required to provide authorities with teaching materials and completed work to document instruction is taking place if there is a concern that homeschooled children are not receiving an education.
Illinois House GOP hopeful their lawsuit to overturn legislative maps will be heard by State Supreme Court – The Daily Line, March 5, 2025
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie and five Illinois registered voters filed a lawsuit Jan. 28 against the Illinois State Board of Elections — and individual board members — alleging the map gave an unfair advantage to Democratic candidates and violated two clauses of the Illinois constitution.
Legislative revenue estimate more than $700M lower than Pritzker’s proposed budget – Capitol News Illinois, March 6, 2025
Lawmakers’ projections for revenues in the coming year aren’t as high as Gov. JB Pritzker’s, raising questions about how much money will be available during this year’s budget negotiations. The General Assembly’s bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability released a new fiscal year 2026 revenue projection Tuesday that is $737 million short of the proposal Pritzker introduced last month.
Illinois House committee approves student teacher stipend plan – WAND News, March 6, 2025
State lawmakers have reintroduced a plan to help student teachers get paid for their work. A bill moving to the Illinois House floor would require the Illinois Board of Higher Education to distribute a stipend of up to $10,000 per semester for student teachers.
IL Republican lawmaker looks to reduce school gun violence without impeding Second Amendment rights – WAND News, March 6, 2025
“I don’t want to take any threats lightly,” said State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) as he talked about his new bill that could prevent school gun violence before it happens. When a teacher learns a students threatened one of their classmates with a gun, the proposal would force that teacher to contact the principal. After that, the principal would have to contact the family members involved.
Trump’s Justice Department files to join legal challenge to Illinois nonprofit diversity law – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 5, 2025
The Trump administration on Tuesday filed to join a legal challenge to an Illinois law that requires many nonprofit groups to disclose aggregate data about race, gender and other demographics of their board members and officers.
Trump administration ends reimbursements for Illinois food programs – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 4, 2025
The Trump administration has stopped reimbursing Illinois for a program designed to help farmers and supply fresh food to Illinois food banks.
Illinois House GOP hopeful their lawsuit to overturn legislative maps will be heard by State Supreme Court – The Daily Line, March 5, 2025
Illinois House Republicans are hopeful their lawsuit to declare Illinois’ legislative map as unconstitutional will move forward in the Illinois Supreme Court.
How Trump-issued tariffs will impact Illinois, and what products will be hit – NBC 5 Chicago, March 4, 2025
Illinois could be hit especially hard, as it maintains robust trade relationships with Canada and Mexico.
Here’s who Illinois Democrats invited to President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress – Chicago Sun-Times, March 4, 2025
Democrats are trying to give a voice to those who have been harmed by Trump’s policies. That includes a U.S. Army veteran fired by DOGE from a veteran’s hospital, a special education teacher and the executive director of the Illinois Head Start program.
Editorial: Illinois Supreme Court, it’s time — finally — to act on gerrymandering – Chicago Tribune, March 5, 2025
For better or worse, November 2024 elections were a triumph for Republicans nationwide. And margins for the GOP in deep-blue Illinois were no exception. For the Illinois House, Republicans received a total 45% of votes statewide, a considerably better showing than in 2020, the previous presidential election year, when the GOP got just 39% of the Illinois House vote.
Opinion: Steve Chapman: A law that’s a boon for your bladder, pioneered by Illinois – Chicago Tribune, March 5, 2025
Illinois politicians, as a class, are known for many things: corruption, high taxes, profligate spending and heavy regulation. We don’t expect them to adopt policies that are sensible, frugal, carefully wrought and easily implemented. So it may surprise you to learn that in one realm, our lawmakers have pioneered an idea that deserves emulation throughout the land.
IL plan to address unpaid wage claims won in court passes committee – WAND, March 4, 2025
A common call State Senators receive from constituents are employees complaining how they haven’t received money from unpaid wages, even after winning in court.
Illinois lawmakers boycott, bring pointed guests to Trump speech – Daily Herald, March 4, 2025
Three Illinois members of Congress boycotted President Donald Trump’s address Tuesday, while others hosted a fired federal worker, a doctor who treats childhood cancers and even a comedian.
Judge grants retrial on four bribery counts in ‘ComEd Four’ case involving Madigan – Chicago Tribune, March 4, 2025
A federal judge Monday granted a new trial on some counts in the “ComEd Four” case alleging a wide-ranging plot to illegally influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, saying the Supreme Court’s ruling last year on a key bribery statute means the jury was not instructed properly.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker amplifies his fight against Trump – NBC News, February 28, 2025
The two-term Democrat could be a 2028 presidential candidate. In the past week, he’s appeared in Illinois, Washington and the national media standing up to the White House.
Darby Hills chosen — again — to succeed Dan McConchie in state Senate – Daily Herald, February 28, 2025
For the second time in a month, Barrington Hills Trustee Darby Hills has been named the new state senator for the 26th District — but her selection remains the target of court action.
Illinois Dems call Donald Trump’s Oval Office blowup with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy a ‘national disgrace’ – Chicago Sun-Times, February 28, 2025
Gov. JB Pritzker joined Democratic governors in pledging their support for Ukraine after the dramatic White House ambush of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., had more blunt words for President Donald Trump, calling him a “national disgrace.”
‘No magic beans’: The structural flaw that still afflicts Illinois’ budget – Daily Herald, February 28, 2025
Last week, Gov. Pritzker delivered a unique state budget address. Sure, he included topics conventionally covered in such speeches — like revenue projections and an outline of some spending priorities for the upcoming year.
Elon Musk’s DOGE moves to cancel leases for federal offices across Illinois – Chicago Sun-Times, March 3, 2025
The Trump administration is aiming to unload half the buildings the government owns and cancel 50% of leases for offices across the country.
Illinois Gov. Pritzker on ABC’s ‘The View,’ speaks out on Trump, Medicaid cuts – WTVO, February 28, 2025
Illinois Gov. Pritzker has not yet announced whether he will seek a third term, but did raise his national profile Friday with an appearance on ABC’s “The View.”
Lawmakers grill mass transit leaders as clock ticks toward funding ‘cliff – Capitol News Illinois, February 28, 2025
Various proposals floating in Springfield to address funding, governing structure.
State Representative Meier provides update on prostate cancer treatment – Southern Illinois Now, March 1, 2025
State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) has provided a medical update following the completion of his radiation treatment for prostate cancer:
‘Adverse effect’: East Peoria mayor criticizes Pritzker for ending Illinois grocery tax – Journal Star, March 1, 2025
East Peoria will institute a 1% tax on groceries beginning in 2026, Mayor John Kahl said Friday.
Illinois hit by President Donald Trump’s cancellation of foreign aid contracts – Chicago Tribune, March 1, 2025
Peter Goldsmith received official notice late Wednesday afternoon that the moment he hoped to avoid had arrived.
IL report calls for juvenile-justice reform; proposed bill would initiate – Public News Service, March 3, 2025
A recent report is highlighting the need for a complete overhaul of the Illinois juvenile justice system. It called for a renewed rehabilitative focus while prioritizing the rights, needs and safety of children, which it argued is sorely lacking across the board.
Editorial: Another layer of bureaucracy isn’t the answer for beleaguered pharmacies, Gov. Pritzker – Chicago Tribune, March 3, 2025
In Gov. JB Pritzker’s Illinois budget address on Feb. 19, he lamented the decline of small-town independent pharmacies like those of Michelle Dyer, who abruptly closed three stores in rural Macoupin County during 2022, transferring their prescriptions to Walgreens.
Jim Dey | Multiple Republicans contemplate challenging Pritzker in 2026 – The News-Gazette, March 2, 2025
Multiple Republicans are making noises about running for governor of Illinois in 2026.
Uber inks deal with powerful union, upending talks over a city rideshare ordinance – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 7, 2025
Approving the ordinance was already a tough lift in a fractured City Council and could force Mayor Brandon Johnson into a legislative brawl he didn’t pick himself. It’s also exposing different theories over how best to provide benefits to workers in an industry where Uber and Lyft have fought tooth and nail to keep their drivers classified as independent contractors rather than company employees.
Small Business Administration closing Chicago office over sanctuary city law – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 7, 2025
The Small Business Administration’s Chicago office will be closed and relocated due to the department’s view that the city is not complying with President Donald Trump’s directives on immigration policy. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced Chicago will join five other major U.S. markets in relocating regional offices to “less costly, more accessible locations that better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law,” according to a news release today.
Finance committee to consider TIFWorks program change, settlement in 2020 Grant Park protest police use-of-force complaint – The Daily Line, March 7, 2025
The City Council Committee on Finance on Monday will consider several proposed legal settlements in alleged police misconduct and vehicle pursuit cases. The committee will also consider the approval of financial assistance to a housing project and a change to a workforce development program in tax increment financing (TIF) districts.
Johnson, other mayors say sanctuary city policies make cities safer at daylong House Oversight Committee hearing – The Daily Line, March 7, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined three other big city mayors on Wednesday to defend Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance at a congressional hearing on sanctuary cities and the effect they have on public safety and immigration enforcement.
Johnson, other mayors say sanctuary city policies make cities safer at daylong House Oversight Committee hearing – The Daily Line, March 6, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined three other big city mayors on Wednesday to defend Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance at a congressional hearing on sanctuary cities and the effect they have on public safety and immigration enforcement.
Housing committee approves land sales to support community arts center, lease renewal for Garfield Ridge public library branch – The Daily Line, March 6, 2025
The City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate on Wednesday approved the sale of city land to support an arts center, new housing and a community garden and the renewal of lease agreements to support a public library branch in Garfield Ridge and a children’s literacy organization, sending final approval of those items to the City Council next week.
What to watch as Brandon Johnson takes the congressional hot seat today – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 5, 2025
Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson will be at center stage today as he testifies before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on the subject of “sanctuary cities.”
License committee approves BACP commissioner appointment, fur product ban – The Daily Line, March 5, 2025
The City Council Committee on License and Consumer Protection on Tuesday approved the appointment of a permanent Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) commissioner and approved a citywide ban on the sale of most fur products.
Effort to house Gompers Park homeless moving forward, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration says – Chicago Tribune, March 4, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is moving ahead Wednesday on a plan to get the homeless residents of a controversial Gompers Park encampment into housing.
After taking down Mike Madigan, top Chicago prosecutor is taking Trump buyout – NBC 5 Chicago, March 4, 2025
Amar Bhachu is considered a tough-as-nails questioner and an advocate for ethics, justice and cleaning up Chicago’s halls of power.
Trump administration puts several major Chicago federal buildings up for sale – WBEZ Chicago, March 4, 2025
The properties listed for sale Tuesday include two iconic high-rise towers in the Loop: the Kluczynski and Metcalfe Federal Buildings.
Venezuelans in Chicago face Trump’s decision to end protected status – WBEZ Chicago, March 4, 2025
Many intend to stay in the U.S. But uncertainty from losing the status is putting pressure on business owners and straining relationships.
Mayor Johnson is taking his message straight to Black Chicagoans – The Tribe, March 3, 2025
Though he is the mayor of a big city, the spirit of organizing is still within Brandon Johnson. No longer the hunger striker protesting former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s attempt to close a South Side high school, Mayor Johnson’s administration represents a regime change from Democratic politics as usual.
Brandon Johnson Picks Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa to Lead Chicago Parks – WTTW News, March 4, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday picked Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th Ward) to lead the Chicago Park District, elevating one of his closest allies on the Chicago City Council to oversee the city’s 600 parks and 6,000 employees.
Mayor Johnson in DC to prep for GOP-led sanctuary city hearing – Chicago Sun Times, March 4, 2025
On Wednesday he’ll testify before the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Republicans are expected to use the Democratic mayors of Chicago, Denver, Boston and New York as “punching bags” to advance Trump’s deportation agenda.
Crimo pleads guilty to Highland Park parade massacre — ending long-awaited trial before it begins – Chicago Sun Times, March 4, 2025
Crimo told Judge Victoria Rossetti that he would change his plea to guilty to all 69 counts filed against him. “This was not a negotiation,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart told reporters. “He received nothing in exchange for this plea today.”
Lopez, advocates call on mayor to name permanent Animal Care and Control director – The Daily Line, March 4, 2025
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) and animal advocate and care organizations are calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to name a permanent leader of Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC). At a news conference in front of CACC headquarters Monday morning, they said that the lack of a permanent director for more than two years has been a detriment to Chicago’s animal care efforts, resulting in lower adoptions and higher rates of euthanasia.
Housing committee to consider land sales to support community arts center, housing developments, lease renewal for Garfield Ridge public library branch – The Daily Line, March 4, 2025
The City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate on Wednesday will consider the sale of city land to support an arts center, new housing and a community garden and the renewal of lease agreements to support a public library branch in Garfield Ridge and a children’s literacy organization.
License and consumer protection committee to consider BACP commissioner appointment, fur product ban – The Daily Line, March 4, 2025
The City Council Committee on License and Consumer Protection on Tuesday will consider the appointment of a permanent business affairs commissioner and an ordinance to ban the sale of fur products. The committee will consider Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointment of Acting Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Comm. Ivan Capifali to serve as the department’s permanent head. Capifali took over as acting head of BACP following former Comm. Ken Meyer’s retirement last summer.
Rahm Emanuel won’t rule out another run for Chicago mayor, but says city and Democratic Party need work – Chicago Tribune, March 4, 2025
Rahm Emanuel, a former Chicago mayor and most recently the U.S. ambassador to Japan, is not ruling out making another bid for the city’s top job or even seeking the Illinois governorship but stressed both the city and the Democratic Party in which he’s long been a leading voice have a lot of work to do.
Mayor to appoint new 35th Ward alderperson after Ramirez-Rosa becomes head of Park District – The Daily Line, March 3, 2025
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) next month will step down after nearly a decade on the City Council to become the next superintendent of the Chicago Park District, giving Mayor Brandon Johnson his first opportunity to appoint an alderperson to a vacant seat.
License and consumer protection committee to consider BACP commissioner appointment, fur product ban – The Daily Line, March 3, 2025
The City Council Committee on License and Consumer Protection on Tuesday will consider the appointment of a permanent business affairs commissioner and an ordinance to ban the sale of fur products.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s upcoming testimony before Congress will unfold in an arena of political risk — and theater – Chicago Tribune, March 3, 2025
When Mayor Brandon Johnson lands in the nation’s capital this week to testify at a Republican-led hearing on sanctuary cities, he will be walking into one of the riskiest arenas of his political career.
Mayor Brandon Johnson arrives in DC to prep for testimony before GOP-led sanctuary city hearing – Chicago Sun-Times, March 2, 2025
Brandon Johnson is in DC ahead of Wednesday’s appearance before the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Republicans are expected to use the Democratic mayors of Chicago, Denver, Boston and New York as “punching bags” to advance Trump’s deportation agenda.
Tribune files lawsuit against CTA for failing to turn over documents related to 2023 Yellow Line crash, among other FOIA requests – Chicago Tribune, February 28, 2025
The Chicago Tribune is suing the Chicago Transit Authority for allegedly violating the Freedom of Information Act after the transit agency failed to turn over records related to the 2023 Yellow Line crash, among other requests.
Rooted in faith, an unseen but growing community of Guatemalans in Chicago defies deportation fears in face of Trump – Chicago Tribune, March 2, 2025
On the Southwest Side of Chicago, a Catholic church service was being held in K’iche’, a Mayan language, and Olga held her daughter, who is 2 years old and 9 months, as they prayed. Both wore a picturesque and handwoven traje, or a traditional outfit from the highlands of Coban, Alta Vera Paz in Central Guatemala.
Chicagoans rally in support of Ukraine after Zelenskyy’s contentious meeting with Trump – Chicago Tribune, March 3, 2025
In front of Chicago’s iconic Water Tower, hundreds gathered Sunday afternoon in thunderous support of democracy in war-torn Ukraine — two days after President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted the Eastern European nation’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, over plans for peace in a tense televised meeting.
Chicago scientists reel from Trump funding cuts: ‘We are just going to abandon all those discoveries’ – Chicago Sun-Times, March 2, 2025
On Friday, scientists will leave their labs to protest cuts to research in Chicago and across the country.
Chicago Loop Alliance expands 2025 programming, as several projects transform downtown – Chicago Sun-Times, February 28, 2025
The organization hopes to drive more foot traffic into the Loop with new events and programming in the fall.
Fear of ICE arrests keeping customers at home, immigrant-owned businesses in Aurora say: ‘The streets were so lonely’ – Chicago Tribune, March 2, 2025
Just off the Metra tracks on the East Side of Aurora, Elotes Gus, a food truck, sits in a parking lot. It’s open every day, according to its owner, Gustavo Salmeron, 47.
