Administrative Rules
CAPITOL COMPLEX
The SECRETARY OF STATE adopted amendments to the Part titled Public Use of the Capitol Complex and Springfield Facilities (71 IAC 2005; proposed at 48 Ill Reg 17322) effective 4/15/25 at 49 Ill Reg 5978, replacing emergency rules that were effective 11/18/24. The rulemaking requires all members and employees of the General Assembly, employees of SOS, and employees of other State agencies to wear government-issued photo IDs where they can be easily seen at all times when entering and within the Capitol Complex. Those who do not have such IDs must undergo security screening before entering the complex. Since 1st Notices, SOS has modified the definition of a government-issued photo ID to include, through 6/30/26, only IDs issued by the Illinois General Assembly, an employee identification card issued by an Illinois State agency, or an employee identification card issued by SOS. Effective 7/1/26, this definition will also include employee IDs issued by any State, local or federal agency and IDs issued by SOS to lobbyists, vendors, and employees of State agencies that do not issue their own photo IDs. Those affected by this rulemaking include lobbyists, news media personnel, and others conducting business at the Capitol Complex.
Illinois Legislative News
The Illinois House and Senate resumed activity last week. With a packed committee schedule and the May 9 opposite chamber committee deadline looming, dozens of proposals cleared committee in both chambers. Legislators are gearing up for a busy final month of session as the May 31 adjournment date quickly approaches.
In other news, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced he won’t run for a sixth term in 2026. His decision opens up this U.S. Senate seat for the first time since 1997 as Durbin was Illinois longest-serving U.S. Senator. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton announced she will run for Durbin’s seat by launching a campaign video that focused on opposing President Donald Trump and highlighting her work on abortion rights, the Illinois assault weapon ban, and increasing the state’s minimum wage. Illinois’ other U.S. Sen., Tammy Duckworth, and Gov. JB Pritzker endorsed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton as Durbin’s replacement.
While it’s still early in the race, other potential Democratic contenders include Congressmembers Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lauren Underwood, and Robin Kelly, as well as other statewide elected officials, and state legislators. On the Republican side, Congressman Darin LaHood is being floated as a possible candidate. Sen. Dick Durbin said he plans to publicly stay out of the race to fill his seat, and therefore won’t endorse any candidate.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
May 9 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 23 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 31 – Adjournment
In the News
Revenue warning signs flash as Springfield preps for budget talks – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 2, 2025.
An already dicey budget situation in Springfield is about to get trickier.
Illinois Senate approves measure to expand farmers ability to remove nuisance deer on their land – The Daily Line, May 2, 2025.
Illinois’ deer population has been steadily increasing since 2021, and Illinois farmers say they’re feeling the impact. The Illinois Senate unanimously approved a measure Thursday that aims to improve population control in the state.
Senate race’s sharp elbows – Politico, May 2, 2025.
BC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern is out with a provocative story from unnamed sources claiming the governor’s team is making disparaging remarks about Congresswoman Lauren Underwood in an effort to dissuade her from jumping into the Illinois U.S. Senate race.
Illinois House GOP strongly oppose potential tax hikes in FY26 budget – WAND News, May 1, 2025.
Illinois House Republican leaders are concerned Democratic lawmakers will include tax hikes in their budget proposal next month.
With Trump cuts looming, Johnson hits Springfield to plead for cash – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 30, 2025.
Mayor Brandon Johnson made a brief tour of Springfield today to present “modest” funding requests to state leaders as the city faces threats from the Trump administration that will further strain the city’s budget.
Illinois Senate approves measures banning polystyrene foam containers, removing hurdle for petitioners sentenced as juveniles seeking constitutional review – The Daily Line, May 1, 2025.
After years of negotiations, a bill banning the use of polystyrene foam — commonly known as Styrofoam — takeout containers was approved by the Senate Wednesday.
Opinion: Illinois Republicans need diversity of views, a bigger tent – Illinois Times, May 1, 2025.
Looking ahead to the rest of President Donald Trump’s final term in office is a challenge when there are still three years left. However, interviews with active and former Illinois Republicans give a glimpse into the party’s attitude toward the future in Illinois and overall.
Editorial: Believe it or not, Springfield is mulling a jobs tax – Chicago Tribune, May 1, 2025.
In a state where one of the only job sectors that’s growing is the government, it’s a terrible idea to implement a new tax that hits private-sector employers and workers hard.
Paris on Politics: Metra/CTA/Pace face $770M shortfall, but is a deal close? – FOX 32, April 30, 2025.
FOX 32’s Paris Schutz has the latest on politics in Chicago, the state of Illinois, and across the nation.
It’s a waiting game for 2026 – Politico, May 1, 2025.
While U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorth and Lauren Underwood consider jumping into the U.S. Senate race with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, a long line of candidates are chomping at the bit waiting to run for those congressional seats — should they open up.
Stratton’s top priority in Senate campaign: Fighting back against Trump – Capitol News Illinois, April 30, 2025.
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has one priority if she is elected to the U.S. Senate in 2026: fighting back against President Donald Trump’s policies.
Trump AmeriCorps cuts include grant terminations for $12 million in Illinois programs – Chicago Sun Times, April 30, 2025.
Illinois nonprofits, government agencies and other organizations have seen $12 million in AmeriCorps grants terminated amid the Trump administration’s dismantling of the venerated federal agency for volunteer service.
Trump’s 100 days: Pritzker calls for mass mobilization as he grows his national profile – Capitol News Illinois, April 30, 2025.
President Donald Trump marked the 100th day of his second term on Tuesday as Gov. JB Pritzker has spent the week calling on Americans to pressure congressional Republicans to oppose Trump’s agenda and highlighting how Trump’s policies affect Illinois.
House committee approves Mahomet Aquifer bill, creation of climate-displacement task force – The Daily Line, April 30, 2025.
The Illinois House Energy and Environment Committee approved bills Tuesday including protections for the Mahomet Aquifer, increasing the Illinois Environmental Protection Agencies authority over drinking water standards and the creation of a climate-displacement task force.
Senate Transportation Committee approves bill expanding weight limit for hydrogen, electric trucks – The Daily Line, April 30, 2025.
The Illinois Senate Transportation Committee passed a measure allowing electric or hydrogen powered vehicles to exceed weight limits. Advocates say the measure prevents companies from taking multiple trips and prevents negative environmental impact. Senate Bill 2394 states that vehicles that wholly or partially use an electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell electric fueling system can exceed posted weight limits by up to 2,000 pounds.
Police doubt crash that killed 4 girls at Illinois after-school camp was a ‘targeted attack’ – NBC News, April 29, 2025.
The deaths of three children and an adult teenager when a vehicle veered off an Illinois roadway and into an after-school camp were most likely not the result of a targeted attack, police said Tuesday.
IL bill would require insurance companies to cover screening for peripheral artery disease – Wand News, April 29, 2025.
A state Democratic plan would require insurance companies to cover screening for peripheral artery disease. The disease happens when blood flow is blocked from reaching the foot. Most patients are asymptomatic until it is too late. Often times it causes severe health issues which require amputations.
State Democratic plan to require AED’s in nursing homes passes the Senate committee unanimously – Wand News, April 29, 2025.
A bill in Springfield to require all nursing homes in Illinois to have AED’s on site passed out of the Senate health and human services committee unanimously. The plan would also require training for workers in the building on how to use AED’s. State Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said she was surprised this bill wasn’t already a law.
Is a Pritzker Endorsement Enough? – Chicago Mag, April 29, 2025.
Juliana Stratton is first out of the gate in the race to succeed Dick Durbin as U.S. senator. She was first to announce, and she already has two of the three biggest endorsements, from Governor JB Pritzker and Senator Tammy Duckworth. Only a nod from Durbin himself would carry more weight.
Feds accuse Madigan of lying during testimony, ask judge to deny new trial – Capitol Fax, April 29, 2025.
The United States of America, by and through its attorney, Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, respectfully submits this response in opposition to the post-trial motions filed by defendant Michael J. Madigan (R. 396, 401).
Tariffs, funding cuts and migrant raids — how Trump hit Chicago and Illinois in his first 100 days in office – Chicago Sun Times, April 29, 2025.
From business headaches and education funding cuts to mass federal worker layoffs and a wave of legal battles, President Donald Trump has left his mark on Chicago and beyond during a whirlwind first three months of his second term.
Greg Hinz: As transit meltdown nears, Springfield’s still mulling what to do about it – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 28, 2025.
“This is not just a fiscal cliff,” says Regional Transportation Authority Chair Kirk Dillard. “This is a regional emergency. We need to act.”
Pritzker hits a nerve in Trump world – Politico, April 29, 2025.
Today marks 100 days of Trump 2.0.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth endorses Juliana Stratton for Dick Durbin’s seat – Chicago Tribune, April 28, 2025.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth on Monday endorsed Juliana Stratton to be her next seatmate from Illinois, which gives the two-term lieutenant governor backing from two of the state’s highest-ranking Democrats before any other competitors have announced a bid for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat.
Gov. JB Pritzker dismisses as ‘ridiculous’ GOP accusations he urged violence in New Hampshire speech – Chicago Tribune, April 28, 2025.
Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday rejected accusations from Republicans — including the state party and the White House — that he was inciting violence with a fiery speech in New Hampshire in which he said Republicans shouldn’t “know a moment of peace.”
After years of negotiations, state lawmakers consider measures to phase out plastic bags, foam food containers – Chicago Tribune, April 29, 2025.
After more than a decade of negotiations and failed efforts to reduce the use of plastics, Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit large retailers from offering single-use plastic bags and ban the use of most polystyrene containers in the state over the next four to five years.
With hate crimes on the rise, Illinois lawyers and lawmakers are split on hate speech bill – NPR Illinois, April 28, 2025.
With hate crimes rising across Illinois in the last five years, lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow people to sue if they receive threatening flyers on private property due to protected identity characteristics.
Gov. Pritzker celebrates a global healthcare company building their American headquarters in Illinois – Wand News, April 25, 2025.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker alongside lawmakers celebrated Friday the construction of a $23 million dollar Vantive American headquarters in Illinois. Vantive gives kidney and organ care across the globe, employing 23,000 people. This new headquarters will give 50 new full time job opportunities to Illinoisan workers.
Tariffs could devastate Illinois economy – Wand News, April 25, 2025.
Senator Dick Durbin, (D) Illinois, warns the ongoing trade war will raise prices on American families. “Let me tell you,” Durbin said in Springfield this week. “That trade war that he (Trump) has initiated in the United States is going to be devastating to the state of Illinois.”
Lawmakers take steps to pass Alyssa’s Law to increase safety during school shootings – WCIA News, April 25, 2025.
An estimated 80 to 90 percent of the world’s school shootings happen in the United States, and Illinois faces the fourth most out of all the states, ranked only behind California, Texas and Florida. The K-12 School Shooting Database, which compiles data every time a firearm is discharged on school grounds, found that Illinois has had 152 shooting incidents since 1966.
Illinois used federal COVID funds for tutoring. The funding’s gone, but some schools say tutoring is too important to stop. – Northern Public Radio, April 25, 2025.
In the library of Hiawatha Elementary School, students use crayons to connect points on a graph. They don’t know it yet, but they’re drawing a big pirate ship. “We are pirating, not in the illegal way. We’re pirating in the fun math way,” jokes Lily Smith, the third-grade teacher running the activity. It’s part of their “Crazy Eights” after-school math program, where they’re trying to make math more fun.
Illinois community-based foster homes face insurance ‘crisis’ – Capitol News Illinois, April 25, 2025.
Insurance companies are reducing the scope of coverage for some community foster agencies in Illinois, leading to higher costs, diminished coverage and fewer options for agencies who say a continuance of the trend could lead to closures.
Feds’ weak swing in Jones bribery trial part of a troubling trend – Chicago Sun Times, April 25, 2025.
As you likely know by now, a federal jury deadlocked last week on all three corruption charges against Sen. Emil Jones III, D-Chicago. U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood declared a mistrial after polling individual jurors and arriving at the conclusion that they could not possibly reach a verdict.
Illinois bans credit card wagering on sports, but use of digital payment methods at casinos still allowed – Chicago Tribune, April 26, 2025.
Gamblers will no longer be allowed to use credit cards to bet on sports in Illinois, the Illinois Gaming Board announced Friday. The prohibition on credit cards for sports wagering is meant to reduce compulsive gambling. It mirrors a ban on using credit cards to bet at casinos.
Gov. JB Pritzker taps Cook County official to run state emergency management agency – Chicago Tribune, April 25, 2025.
Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday tapped a Cook County official to run the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security. Theodore “Ted” D. Berger most recently worked under Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle as the county’s executive director of emergency management and regional security.
Small business advocates make their voices heard in Springfield – The Daily Herald, April 26, 2025.
Things were buzzing during our 2025 Advocacy Day in Springfield. Indeed, the hallways were packed as advocacy groups navigated their way into meeting rooms to press for or push back against legislation. Policymakers were engaging constituents as they departed committee hearings and left the House and Senate floors. Democracy was on display and, as always, it was exciting to be active participants. The small business community showed up in a big way and made its voice heard.
Facing Trump’s trade war, Illinois soybean farmers say they’ve seen this before – Chicago Tribune, April 28, 2025.
As April showers cleared over the village of Manhattan this week, John Kiefner got to work planting soybeans. He is not alone. Illinois farmers expect to plant about 10.5 million acres of soybeans this year, an area equivalent to nearly 30% of the state’s entire land mass. China is by far the largest customer for soybean exports: Illinois exported about $2.4 billion worth of soybeans last year, $805 million of which went to China, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s economic research service.
Illinois sues to block Trump freezing school funding over DEI – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 25, 2025.
A group of 19 states including Illinois sued to block the Trump administration from freezing federal funds for states that refuse to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in K-12 public schools, intensifying a legal battle over billions of dollars in assistance.
With US Sen. Dick Durbin retiring, Illinois’ tradition of upstate-downstate senators is in peril – Chicago Tribune, April 27, 2025.
Ever since Illinois voters gained the right to directly elect their U.S. senators in 1913, they have largely embraced — whether by choice or chance — an unofficial tradition of splitting the state’s two Senate seats geographically with one coming from the Chicago area and the other from downstate, regardless of party.
Gov. JB Pritzker, lawmakers moving sluggishly on Illinois ethics law reforms despite uptick in convictions – Chicago Tribune, April 28, 2025.
In the six years since Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker took office, members of the Illinois General Assembly have run afoul of the law at a staggering pace, even for a body with a history of greed and graft stretching back more than a century.
Feds no longer seeking $3.1 million from Michael Madigan – Chicago Sun Times, April 27, 2025.
Federal prosecutors in Chicago have reversed course, telling a judge they no longer plan to seek a $3.1 million forfeiture judgment against former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, “as a matter of discretion.”
JB Pritzker headlines New Hampshire fundraiser; calls out ‘do-nothing’ Democrats – Chicago Sun Times, April 27, 2025.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sharply criticized fellow Democrats on Sunday for not doing enough to oppose President Donald Trump, drawing a clear divide between himself and other high-profile Democrats seen as future presidential contenders.
Illinois bill helps homeowners fight back against squatters – The Center Square, April 27, 2025.
With instances of squatting sharply on the rise across the state, an Illinois lawmaker is sponsoring a bill that would give more protections to home owners from squatters.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, introduced a bill that would give law enforcement the power to remove trespassers from properties where the owner is able to establish legal ownership. The measure has already passed in the Illinois Senate.
Federal cuts threaten program that allows suburban libraries to share books – Chicago Tribune, April 28, 2025.
Peggy Frank loves old research books, especially ones about history. But they aren’t always available through her local library collection in Naperville, where she’s lived for the past 45 years. But in Frank’s community — and hundreds like it in Illinois — proximity is not a prerequisite for access. Not with a state’s-worth of reading material available for the asking.
The wealth management industry is growing. Chicago banks want their piece of the action. – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 2, 2025.
Chicago’s banks are beefing up the investment services they offer their richest customers as they view the wealth management sector as a consistent source of long-term profit growth.
Microsoft drops law firm that cut Trump deal — and turns to Chicago’s Jenner & Block – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 1, 2025.
Chicago-based Jenner & Block has landed a high-profile assignment from Microsoft, stepping into a major case after another top law firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, withdrew amid scrutiny over its deal with the Trump administration.
At Chicago’s May Day rally, thousands call for immigrant protections, end to deportations in rebuke of Trump – Chicago Tribune, May 1, 2025.
University of Chicago student Karen Chuchuca thought of her father, an Ecuadorian immigrant who has worked as a truck driver for 25 years, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this week reinforcing a federal law requiring commercial motor drivers speak English.
Chicago riders might be in line for refunds as city investigates Uber overcharges – Chicago Sun Times, May 1, 2025.
Thousands of Uber riders could be in line for refunds — and Uber could face hefty fines — after the ride-hailing company acknowledged that it improperly charged a $1.50 downtown congestion fee outside the hours it was supposed to be applied.
Watch: Chicago mayor’s progressive income tax idea would hurt Illinois, economist says – The Center Square, May 1, 2025.
The mayor of Chicago is pushing for a progressive income tax in Illinois, even though a recent economic report says it would make the state less competitive.
Ald. Brendan Reilly eyes primary challenge against Toni Preckwinkle – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 30, 2025.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle may face a primary challenge as she seeks a fifth term.
Public safety committee defers action on expanding curfew powers for “teen takeovers” – The Daily Line, May 1, 2025.
The Chicago City Council Committee on Public Safety held off on voting on an ordinance Wednesday that would give the city more power to impose emergency curfews to respond to large teen gatherings.
Johnson joins lawsuit seeking to prevent Trump’s federal government overhaul – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 29, 2025.
The city of Chicago has joined other cities, unions and nonprofits in filing a lawsuit asking a judge to block President Donald Trump’s administration from firing federal workers and implementing a sweeping reorganization of the government.
Chicago May Day Rally Planned as Trump Ramps Up Attacks on Immigrants, Sanctuary Cities – WTTW News, April 29, 2025.
As Gov. J.B. Pritzker calls on Democrats to be more aggressive in their fight against the Trump administration, organizers in Chicago and across the national are planning May Day protest rallies for Thursday. May 1 has come to be known as International Workers’ Day and has strong ties to Chicago, where the first-ever May Day event was held in 1886 with thousands of workers protesting for an eight-hour workday. Three days later, the historic Haymarket Riot, where a bomb went off at a labor demonstration, killed at least seven police officers and four civilians and resulted in hundreds of arrests.
Editorial: Springfield should help Chicago despite Mayor Johnson’s past missteps – Chicago Tribune, April 30, 2025.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2024 trip to Springfield was a fiasco as he lobbied for a taxpayer-funded Chicago Bears stadium on Chicago’s lakefront and failed even to ask Gov. JB Pritzker for more money for the city’s public schools despite earlier trumpeting his position that the state “owed” CPS more than $1 billion.
Rep. Kam Buckner: The RTA is running ads while riders and legislators are running out of patience – Chicago Tribune, April 30, 2025.
There’s a $750,000 campaign running across northeast Illinois right now — from TV to radio to billboards — asking the public to “Save Transit Now.” The Regional Transportation Authority says it’s meant to raise awareness about the $1.5 billion funding gap threatening our transit system’s future. But here’s the thing: We don’t need more awareness. We need leadership.
‘I didn’t take this job because I thought it would be easy’: Chicago’s new US attorney balances office’s tradition with new directives from DC – Chicago Tribune, April 30, 2025.
Chicago’s newly appointed U.S. attorney, Andrew Boutros, said Tuesday he’s committed to balancing the storied office’s traditional areas of focus such as public corruption with new policy directives coming from the Trump administration, from immigration to narcotics trafficking by international cartels.
Naperville advisory board debates how to fill $6.5M budget hole from loss of state grocery tax – Chicago Tribune, April 29, 2025.
Naperville’s Financial Advisory Board wants more information before making a recommendation on how the city should replace the $6.5 million it stands to lose in annual revenue when the state’s grocery tax sunsets in eight months.
Chicago Officials Weigh New Curfew Powers Ahead of Summer After Past Teen Takeovers –The Daily Line, April 29, 2025.
As summer approaches, Chicago’s Public Safety Committee will meet Wednesday to discuss whether to grant the city expanded authority to impose emergency curfews in response to large-scale teen gatherings.
With big problems and modest requests, Mayor Johnson heads to Springfield hoping to break losing streak – Chicago Sun Times, April 28, 2025.
Chicago has big financial problems — at the city, the schools and the CTA — but you’d never know it by the modest wish list Mayor Brandon Johnson is carrying with him to Springfield Tuesday.
Amid push for mass transit reforms, CTA bus drivers seek more police presence on routes – Chicago Sun Times, April 25, 2025.
Working conditions have gotten more dangerous for CTA bus drivers over the last decade, a group of drivers testified during an Illinois House Transportation Committee hearing this week.
In 2024, 184 CTA employees reported being assaulted while on the job, according to Keith Hill, president of the Local 241 labor union that represents CTA and Pace bus drivers and mechanics.
Jenner & Block headed to court for key hearing in battle with Trump – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 25, 2025.
The next round in President Donald Trump’s fight against Big Law is set, with Jenner & Block primed to square off against the administration as it looks to permanently block the executive order targeting the firm’s operations.
Cook County circuit clerk: Online records access, mobile app among office’s first successes – The Daily Line, April 28, 2025.
Shortly after launching a court data dashboard and launching a mobile app for public use, Cook County Circuit Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos highlighted what she called some of the office’s successes of her first 100 days in office.
Illinois lawmakers stop in Buffalo Grove to protest federal funding cuts – The Daily Herald, April 27, 2025.
Democratic state lawmakers gathered Sunday in Buffalo Grove as part of a four-stop bus tour of Chicago and the suburbs to speak out against cuts in federal funding.
What you need to know about the local grocery tax most suburbs are adopting – The Daily Herald, April 26, 2025.
On a single night last week, officials in Buffalo Grove, Carol Stream, Des Plaines and Lake Zurich voted to adopt their own local grocery taxes, joining a growing list of others enacting the same in neighboring communities.
