Data centers have become the backbone of the modern digital economy, powering growing demand for AI, cloud computing, e-commerce, and data storage. This rapid expansion has made the data center industry one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy, with Illinois positioned as a national leader alongside states such as Texas, Virginia, California, Wisconsin, and Indiana. While these facilities can bring transformative investment to surrounding communities, they also raise questions about energy and water consumption, sustainability, and regulation. A lack of clarity in the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) has also hindered Illinois’ ability to recruit large-scale projects in recent years due to concerns over costly litigation.

 

Also affecting Illinois’ competitiveness is Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposal, outlined in his February State of the State and FY 2027 Budget Address, to pause the Data Center Investment Tax Incentive for two years. The pause would apply only to new projects and has received little consideration from the General Assembly so far. Business interests view it as removing a valuable economic development tool, while environmental stakeholders argue it could be beneficial, citing concerns about the unchecked proliferation of data centers straining the state’s energy and water supplies.

 

General Assembly Subject Matter Hearings

In response to these and other concerns, both the House and Senate began a series of subject matter hearings this week to hear from stakeholders and discuss data center issues.

 

On Wednesday, April 8, the House Executive Committee held a subject matter hearing on data center local impacts, bringing together representatives from local government, organized labor, and agriculture. Local government officials highlighted economic benefits such as property tax revenue while calling for greater transparency and state limits on water use and noise. Labor groups, particularly in construction, argued that data centers represent an investment opportunity Illinois cannot afford to lose, while acknowledging the need for smart standards to ensure long-term industry sustainability. The Illinois Farm Bureau expressed concern about data centers consuming tillable land and water otherwise dedicated to agriculture, noting openness to a “bring your own energy” model provided new generation capacity does not further encroach on farmland.

 

Following an extensive hearing on Thursday, April 9, the Senate Executive – AI and Social Media Subcommittee plans to continue the data center discussion on the afternoon of Friday, April 10. Thursday’s hearing focused on consumer protection and privacy regulation of AI companies. Friday’s hearing will focus on data centers, workforce related-issues, youth safety, and youth education.

 

The House Executive Committee will continue its data center hearings on Wednesday, April 15, focusing on energy use, and Wednesday, April 22, focusing on water use. These hearings may result in omnibus legislation before the end of May, during fall veto session, or in the coming years. AI and data center issues will continue to be key legislative topics for years to come.

 

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

April 17 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 8 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline

May 22 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 31 – Adjournment

November 3 – Illinois General Election

 

In the News

Democrat wants to unseat a 3-term Republican in ultra-conservative Illinois district – St. Louis Public Radio, April 10, 2026

Edwardsville nurse Jennifer Todd wants to do something that many believe to be highly unlikely — win Illinois’ 15th Congressional District as a Democrat this fall.

 

Rental fee limits, detention center regulations among bills to pass House – Capitol News Illinois, April 9, 2026

The Illinois House on Wednesday approved legislation that would prohibit the federal government from operating a new immigration detention center within 1,500 feet of any home, school, day care center, park, forest preserve, cemetery or place of worship.

 

Madigan’s landmark conviction now in hands of appeals court focused on ‘specific’ corruption – Chicago Sun-Times, April 9, 2026

The 40-minute argument on the 27th floor of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse drew members of Madigan’s family, including former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. It’s unclear when the court will rule.

 

IL House passes bipartisan bill banning indirect quotas for police – WAND News, April 9, 2026

The Illinois House unanimously passed a bill Wednesday to ban indirect quotas for municipal police.

 

House Republicans outline what it will take for them to vote on Bears bill – Capitol News Illinois, April 9, 2026

Some Illinois House Republicans say they’d vote for a megaprojects bill to help the Chicago Bears build a stadium in Arlington Heights if Democrats include broader property tax relief in their plan.

 

IL House passes Rev. Jesse Jackson youth voter empowerment bill – WAND News, April 8, 2026

Illinois House Democrats passed a plan Wednesday to expand youth civic engagement in honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson.

 

IL bill could require diaper ingredients transparency for consumers – WAND News, April 8, 2026

A new bill in Springfield could help protect adults, parents and small children who may be allergic to diaper ingredients.

 

Illinois House advances bill restricting immigrant detention centers in neighborhoods – Chicago Sun-Times, April 8, 2026

The Illinois House passed a bill Wednesday restricting future immigration detention centers from being built near community buildings.

 

Hundreds gather in Springfield to push environmental bills on wetlands, plastics and data centers – Chicago Tribune, April 8, 2026

More than 200 Illinois residents gathered in Springfield on Wednesday for Environmental Lobby Day, joining lawmakers and advocates in the Illinois Capitol rotunda to push for a trio of environmental bills aimed at curbing pollution and protecting natural resources.

 

Illinois ‘not going back’ on SAFE-T Act, Black Caucus leaders say – Capitol News Illinois, April 7, 2026

Members of the Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus said they “remain open to thoughtful, data-driven refinements” to the landmark criminal justice reform law known as the SAFE-T Act, but will not consider measures that undermine the goals of the law, which eliminated cash bail as a condition of pretrial release.

 

IL bill could require incarcerated demographic data reporting – WAND News, April 7, 2026

A bill moving in the Illinois House could require the collection and public reporting of demographic data for people in Illinois prisons and county jails.

 

Springfield lands $1.35M for water main, Lincoln center upgrades – The State Journal-Register, April 6, 2026

The city of Springfield will receive $1.35 million in federal funding for two major projects, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced.

 

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Her US Senate Campaign, Health Care Funding and Raising Minimum Wage – WTTW, April 6, 2026

Stratton joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss her vision for Illinois and the country.

 

Anjanette Young Act: Illinois lawmakers could ban no-knock warrants – WAND News, April 6, 2026

State lawmakers could pass a plan in the final months of session to ban no-knock warrants in Illinois. The legislation is named in honor of Anjanette Young, a social worker who was handcuffed naked by Chicago police after officers executed a search warrant at the wrong address in 2019.

 

US Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois’ law barring concealed carry of guns on public transit – Chicago Tribune, April 6, 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a legal challenge to an Illinois law barring concealed carry permit holders from carrying loaded guns on public transportation, leaving intact the state’s 2013 prohibition on firearms aboard buses and trains.

 

Illinois gun owners plan rally in wake of Supreme Court order – The Center Square, April 6, 2026

The Illinois State Rifle Association says gun owners have run out of options in a case challenging the state’s prohibition of carrying concealed firearms on mass transit.

 

City Council concerned about Turner’s downtown legislation – Capitol City Now, April 6, 2026

Last week’s announcement of legislation from State Senator Doris Turner that could end up improving the Bank of Springfield Center and building a new hotel next to it was met with a bit of skepticism by the Springfield City Council.

 

State posts strong March revenue numbers – Capitol News Illinois, April 6, 2026

Revenue was up 4.8% in March, or $233 million from the previous year, due to continuing growth in sales and income taxes, according to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. The month reflects a continuing trend for fiscal year 2026 as revenue is now up 4.2%, or $1.6 billion, three-quarters of the way through the fiscal year.

 

Illinois conversation therapy ban intact after Supreme Court ruling, though advocates wary of future challenges – Chicago Sun-Times, April 5, 2026

Last week, the Supreme Court ruled against a law banning “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ kids in Colorado, one of 23 states — including Illinois — that ban the discredited practice. Illinois’ ban remains intact, but could be open to future challenges in the wake of the decision.

 

Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing – The Center Square, April 5, 2026

A proposed Illinois bill aimed at addressing firefighter shortages by lowering the minimum hiring age has stalled in the legislature after failing to be called before a key deadline.

 

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s agenda under fire in Springfield – Chicago Tribune, April 5, 2026

Illinois lawmakers head into the busy back half of the spring legislative session seeking to quash signature parts of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s agenda, from his attempts to tax businesses based on their number of employees to his policy eliminating tipped wages.

 

Proposed Illinois bill could ban wild animals in circuses – Fox Illinois, April 4, 2026

A big change could be coming to circuses in Illinois. The Traveling Animal Acts bill would ban circuses traveling through Illinois from featuring specific wild animals, including big cats like lions and tigers, bears, and primates.

 

Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill – The Center Square, April 4, 2026

A proposal aimed at helping local governments manage retiree health care costs is drawing differing views from Illinois lawmakers over how taxpayer dollars should be used.

 

In ‘unprecedented’ move, feds sue Illinois and other states over prediction markets rules – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 3, 2026

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is asserting federal authority over fast-growing prediction markets with lawsuits against Illinois, Connecticut and Arizona that challenge state efforts to regulate the multibillion-dollar industry.

 

Illinois Accountability Commission requests testimony from Trump officials responsible for Midway Blitz – Chicago Sun-Times, April 3, 2026

The Illinois Accountability Commission wants current and former officials responsible for Operation Midway Blitz to testify at two hearings as part of an ongoing probe of tactics used by federal agents.

 

Illinois and other Democrat-led states sue against Trump executive order that tightens mail-in voting – Chicago Sun-Times, April 3, 2026

Illinois has joined 23 other Democrat-run states in a lawsuit against a Trump administration executive order. The order would establish a national list of eligible voters and restrict mail-in voting to those on the list.

 

Illinois remains abortion ‘safe haven’ for out-of-state patients in 2025, report shows – Chicago Sun-Times, April 3, 2026

Illinois by far remained the most popular destination nationally among patients who had to cross state lines to obtain abortion services in 2025, according to a new report from a prominent abortion-rights organization.

 

Illinois child torture bill advances – Our QC News, April 3, 2026

A bill in Illinois would provide new criminal penalties for people convicted of torturing children.

 

Illinois State loses to ‘NCAA Tournament-caliber’ Auburn in NIT semifinals: ‘What we’re building is special’ – Chicago Tribune, April 3, 2026

Perhaps the most notable Cinderella playing in Indianapolis this week went down on Thursday night. Certainly none of the four teams playing at Lucas Oil Stadium in Saturday’s NCAA Tournament Final Four qualifies as a Cinderella by March Madness standards. But across town at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, Illinois State saw its season end with an 88-66 loss to Auburn in the NIT semifinals.

 

Illinois attorney general vows to fight President Trump executive order on mail-in voting – ABC 7 Chicago, April 1, 2026

President Donald Trump’s push to regulate mail-in voting is already being met with considerable pushback.

 

IDOI director says bill regulating ‘excessive’ homeowners,’ auto insurance rate hikes should not increase rates – ­­The Daily Line, April 2, 2026

Illinois senators questioned the launch of the state-based health insurance marketplace and a proposed law to increase the state’s regulatory authority over homeowners’ and auto insurance during a budgetary hearing of the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) Wednesday.

 

Pritzker calls for year-round E15 gasoline in letter to Congress – Capitol News Illinois, April 2, 2026

Gov. JB Pritzker is calling on Congress to allow the permanent year-round use of E15 gasoline — a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline that is cheaper than regular fuel and increases demand for corn.

 

Republicans, Pritzker point fingers over cause of rising property taxes – Capitol News Illinois, April 1, 2026

Illinois Republicans says Democratic policies are to blame for rising property taxes in the state after Gov. JB Pritzker said earlier this week school districts bear part of the responsibility.

 

New Illinois bill aims to address ‘asset trap’ for residents with disabilities – IPM News, April 1, 2026

State Sen. Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) is sponsoring Senate Bill 3008, which would require the state to provide information about financial independence resources for people receiving disability services.

 

State Rep. Sharon Chung and the insurance industry oppose new rate regulation bill – WGLT, April 1, 2026

The Illinois House has passed a bill for insurance companies to get approval for rate increases and give a 60-day notice to customers if they increase rates more than 10%. Insurance companies said this could raise rates in the long term and does not address the real cause of the rate increases.

 

Mondelez, Radio Flyer among 70 Illinois companies suing Trump for tariff refunds – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 1, 2026

Around 70 Illinois companies are among thousands nationwide that have filed suit in recent weeks against the Trump administration, seeking billions in tariff refunds, according to a review of court records by Crain’s.

 

IDOT clears suburban road builder to resume work after investigation, lengthy ‘pause’ on contracts – Chicago Sun-Times, March 31, 2026

Launched in 2024, the Illinois Department of Transportation inquiry centered on whether Sebastian “Sam” Palumbo was secretly involved in the contracting firm, Builders Paving LLC, that family members help run. Palumbo is a felon barred from participating in state government projects, and Builders oversaw a number of them.

 

New hotel could be coming to Springfield – The State Journal-Register, March 31, 2026

A bill pending in the Illinois Senate would create a unit of local government that would build a hotel in Springfield and expand the Bank of Springfield Center.

 

Pritzker touts Illinois for international business, GOP leader pushes for lower taxes – The Center Square, March 30, 2026

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois is open to foreign investment, but the Illinois House Republican leader says the governor must lower taxes to grow the economy.

 

Engineers outline their needs at Capitol – Capitol City Now, March 30, 2026

Improving both infrastructure and recruiting are among the goals for an engineering trade group which sent its members to the state Capitol.

 

Illini headed to the Final Four – but you can’t legally bet on them in Illinois – NBC5 Chicago, March 30, 2026

The last time University of Illinois’ basketball team was in the Final Four, legal sports betting in Illinois was more than two decades away. But one thing has not changed. You still cannot legally bet on the Illini.

 

No deadline for stadium deal, according to Bears, as Illinois lawmaker says talks are progressing – ABC 7, March 30, 2026

One Illinois lawmaker says he still thinks the Arlington Heights proposal has the upper hand over Indiana, and new comments from Chicago Bears leadership suggest the team is being patient with Springfield.

 

Climate change is fueling a surge in Illinois home insurance premiums – Chicago Sun-Times, March 27, 2026

Between 2021 and 2024, home insurance costs increased by about 50% in Illinois, and this year, the state’s insurance rates are expected to climb about 5%.

 

How a Democratic Senate candidate leapfrogged her opponents and surged to victory – NBC News, March 29, 2026

Juliana Stratton’s anti-ICE position, push for a $25 minimum wage and boost from Gov. JB Pritzker led to her win in Illinois, said Quentin Fulks, who led the super PAC backing her.

 

Illinois House poised to consider a ban on new ICE detention centers near homes, schools and parks – Chicago Tribune, March 29, 2026

The Illinois House is poised this session to vote on legislation that would prohibit federal immigration detention centers from being built within 1,500 feet of schools, parks, homes and other community spaces — a direct response to the clashes that erupted in Chicago and the suburbs last year during the Trump administration’s mass deportation operations.

 

Illinois cities and counties could feel the pinch from Governor’s plan – Our Quad Cities, March 28, 2026

Local governments in Illinois could see less money from the state if Gov. JB Pritzker gets his way. Cities and counties might feel the squeeze.

 

Legislation to help Bears build Arlington Heights stadium remains stalled in Illinois House – CBS News Chicago, March 27, 2026

The Chicago Bears will have to wait until at least April for action on a property tax bill that would boost their efforts to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights, as the Illinois House is set to adjourn Friday.

 

Chicago Zoning Committee to skip another month and leave developments in limbo but alderman has plan for deal – Chicago Tribune, April 9, 2026

Chicago developers and property owners — from major construction firms to homeowners seeking routine zoning changes — will again face delays as a monthslong City Council feud over who should lead the influential Zoning Committee drags into spring.

 

As participation declines, dentists are pushing to hand the state oversight of program that helps Chicago students – Chicago Tribune, April 9, 2026

In recent years, frustration with the Chicago Department of Public Health, which oversees dental providers in CPS schools, has begun to erode the program, with the number of participating dental groups and the share of CPS students being cut nearly in half. And some providers now are saying they are on the verge of walking away entirely. Amid the decline, a bill is advancing in the Illinois General Assembly that would strip the city of its oversight role and hand it to the state.

 

Johnson picks new deputy mayor of community safety, transportation commissioner, 7 more new hires – Chicago Sun-Times, April 8, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a big round of new hires Wednesday morning, including a replacement for Garien Gatewood, who was fired last month from his post as deputy mayor for community safety.

 

Judge won’t compel prosecutors to produce White House communications in Broadview Six case – Chicago Tribune, April 7, 2026

A federal judge on Tuesday rejected defense attorneys’ argument that the government was conducting a vindictive prosecution of four local political figures for their alleged misconduct outside the Broadview processing center at the height of Operation Midway Blitz last fall.

 

Transportation committee to take up CTA, Metra board appointments – The Daily Line, April 8, 2026

The City Council Committee on Transportation and Public Way on Wednesday will consider mayoral appointments to three separate boards, including a nominee whose appointment was stalled at a meeting last month.

 

Activists threaten lawsuit over Chicago Housing Authority CEO vote – Chicago Tribune, April 7, 2026

A group of community activists announced Tuesday they plan to sue the Chicago Housing Authority over last month’s CEO vote, the latest turmoil facing the agency after it went 16 months without a permanent leader.

 

Proposed $55M tax break for United Center’s 1901 Project hits a speed bump – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 7, 2026

A proposed $55 million property tax break for the 1901 Project surrounding the United Center will not be considered by the City Council in April, frustrating the local alderman — but the delay may only be temporary.

 

As support for Jenner in Trump fight swells, Chicago’s biggest firms hang back – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 7, 2026

A growing national backlash against President Donald Trump’s legal attack on major law firms is drawing hundreds of signatories — but most of Chicago’s heaviest hitters are staying on the sidelines.

 

Acting CHA leader tells staff it’s business as usual, defying Johnson’s attempt to block CEO hire – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 2, 2026

Despite Mayor Brandon Johnson’s insistence he has no authority to do so, the interim leader of the Chicago Housing Authority is continuing in the job and says the agency is moving full steam ahead with the CEO appointment the mayor is attempting to block.

 

City Hall’s fine mess. City workers owe millions, remain on the payroll – Chicago Sun-Times, April 3, 2026

Chicago city workers, mostly CTA and CPS employees, owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and various fines — and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has done little to make them pay up.

 

CPD is overstaffed at desks, under-supervised on streets, study finds. Here’s why fixing that will be tricky – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 2, 2026

The Chicago Police Department should civilianize hundreds of positions, provide better supervision of its officers and reallocate its existing force to efficiently serve the city, according to a long-awaited workforce allocation study.

 

Mayor Johnson’s administration ‘reflexively hostile to oversight,’ outgoing Chicago inspector general says – Chicago Sun-Times, April 2, 2026

The mayor’s office fired back that the Office of Inspector General is “using its platform to air politicized grievances in a manner that risks compromising the credibility and independence of the office.”

 

Chicago Bears brass looking for quick movement on a new stadium to open by 2030 – Chicago Tribune, April 1, 2026

Chicago Bears leaders said Wednesday they want a quick resolution to their search for a new stadium, with a goal of opening a new enclosed stadium by 2030 — either in Arlington Heights or Indiana.

 

Chicago asks Black residents to shape reparations plan – Axios Chicago, April 1, 2026

The City of Chicago is asking Black residents to help shape the city’s long-promised reparations plan, just as Evanston’s program comes under attack.

 

600 vacant city lots to hit the market Wednesday, including 55 for affordable housing – Chicago Sun-Times, March 31, 2026

The $34 million in lots include 30 parcels in West Englewood and South Chicago for Missing Middle housing and a 2.6-acre site in Austin that could support up to 140 new homes.

 

County treasurer study examines 30-year increases in property taxes levied locally – The Daily Line, April 1, 2026

The Cook County Treasurer’s Office released a study Monday that shows a disproportionate increase in the county’s property tax levy over the last three decades when compared to inflation.

 

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveils homelessness plan as chief officer departs – Chicago Tribune, March 31, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson revealed his administration’s five-year plan to tackle homelessness on Tuesday amid another personnel flap that has elicited pushback from one of the city’s nonprofit partners on housing.

 

Park District pushes $630M Museum Campus overhaul as Bears exit nears – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 31, 2026

The Chicago Park District is intensifying its lobbying campaign for a $630 million revamp of Soldier Field and the Museum Campus even as Mayor Brandon Johnson remains focused on trying to keep the team.

 

ADU legalization ordinance to go into effect, city prepares to launch application process – The Daily Line, March 31, 2026

An ordinance to formally end a nearly 70-year ban and broadly legalize attic and basement conversion units and coach houses citywide goes into effect Wednesday, with the city launching a webpage to inform property owners interested in participating of their eligibility and program requirements.

 

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first — and apparently last — chief homelessness officer exits – Chicago Tribune, March 30, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first chief homelessness officer appears to be his last, with his inaugural appointee departing the position that the mayor’s team said was always meant to be a temporary one.

 

Cook County property taxes doubled the rate of inflation in past 30 years, Treasurer Maria Pappas study finds – Chicago Tribune, March 30, 2026

Property taxes imposed by government bodies within Cook County’s borders have grown at twice the rate of inflation over the past three decades, outpacing wage growth and driving an affordability crisis, a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office has found.

 

Mayor Johnson’s veto over freezing tipped minimum wage divides restaurant industry – Chicago Sun-Times, March 26, 2026

Labor activists want better workers’ pay, but some servers say they earn more with tips and the city’s ordinance hurts them.

 

Johnson devising strategy to tackle pension crisis that includes ‘deferred retirement option’ – Chicago Sun-Times, March 26, 2026

Chicago’s Acting Chief Financial Officer Steve Mahr said he expects the so-called “D.R.O.P or deferred retirement option” to be one of “roughly a dozen or more ideas” that will “set the city’s agenda” for the next decade. It would offer city employees the option of accepting a reduced pension payment in exchange for a lump-sum payment.