Illinois General Assembly

Illinois has banned hidden 'junk fees' in online purchases and targeted bots and 'ghost ticketers' in ticket sales through new legislation signed by Gov. JB Pritzker. The law requires upfront disclosure of all fees, including service and processing charges, and prohibits resellers from listing tickets they do not physically possess.

Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill to ban drivers from using AI-powered smart glasses, which allow video recording and messaging, to combat distracted driving. The legislation, awaiting Governor JB Pritzker’s signature, would make Illinois the first state to prohibit such devices, adding them to existing restrictions on electronic devices for drivers.

Illinois did not advance the POWER Act during its 2026 legislative session, which aims to regulate data centers' water usage, energy efficiency, and infrastructure costs. Governor JB Pritzker paused new data center tax incentives and directed lawmakers to revisit the issue during a November veto session, citing the need for a comprehensive framework. Supporters, including Prairie Rivers Network, expressed disappointment despite a poll showing 68% public support for the bill.

Gov. JB Pritzker stated he would call a special session if Illinois lawmakers reach a Bears stadium deal before their fall return. The Bears are considering a move to Hammond, Indiana, where lawmakers proposed a tax-funded stadium near a site with toxic waste issues. Previous Illinois legislative efforts for stadium funding failed in May.

A City Council committee approved a crackdown on marijuana sales within 1,000 feet of schools and parks, with Ald. Gilbert Villegas adjusting penalties to address concerns about disproportionate enforcement. The move aims to combat black-market cannabis sales near public spaces, which officials attribute to high state taxes and weak state-level disciplinary measures for illegal sales.

Illinois’ 2027 fiscal year state budget allocates $56 billion, including a $9.2 billion K-12 funding increase via an evidence-based formula. Chicago Public Schools faces a $732 million deficit, leading to program cuts, while advocates argue the state remains off track to fully fund schools by 2027.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has paused tax breaks for data center projects as lawmakers failed to advance legislation addressing energy and environmental concerns. The pause, effective July 1, aims to address rising energy costs and resource usage linked to data centers, which have faced public opposition.

Illinois’ FY27 state budget allocates $9.2 billion for K-12 schools via an evidence-based funding formula, a $350 million increase from last year, but education advocates argue the state remains off track to fully fund schools by 2027. Chicago Public Schools faces a $732 million deficit and potential staff cuts, intensifying calls for additional state support.

Illinois lawmakers passed House Bill 5511, the Children’s Online Social Media Safety Act, to limit how social media companies target content to minors under 18 by requiring age verification via device operating systems and adjusting app features like algorithmic feeds. The bill, supported by Governor JB Pritzker, mandates privacy protections, restricts data use for feed personalization, and limits harmful content exposure, passing unanimously in the Senate and with bipartisan support in the House.

Illinois will implement a cellphone ban in schools starting the 2027-28 school year, prohibiting devices like phones, tablets, and smartwatches in classrooms. The legislation, now awaiting Governor JB Pritzker’s approval, aims to reduce distractions and improve academic performance, with exemptions for school-issued devices. It received bipartisan support alongside another bill limiting social media algorithms for children.

Illinois police chiefs advocate for statewide e-scooter and e-bike regulations to address safety concerns, including reckless teen behavior and enforcement challenges. A proposed bill would set age limits, speed restrictions, and licensing requirements for e-bikes, with potential implementation by 2027 if signed by Gov. JB Pritzker.

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill banning cellphone use in classrooms, effective for the 2027-28 school year, with exemptions for school-issued devices. The legislation, supported by Gov. JB Pritzker and backed by bipartisan lawmakers, also restricts tablets, gaming consoles, and smartwatches, aiming to reduce distractions and improve student focus.

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill banning cellphone use in classrooms, effective for the 2027-28 school year. The legislation also restricts tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and smartwatches, with exceptions for school-issued devices. The bill, which received bipartisan support, aims to improve academic performance and reduce distractions.

Illinois will temporarily pause its gas tax increase starting July 1 for six months as part of the FY2027 budget, which also includes a back-to-school sales tax holiday. The pause aims to provide affordability relief amid rising fuel costs and economic uncertainty.

The Illinois General Assembly adjourned their spring session without passing a bill to build a new stadium for the Chicago Bears. The legislation related to the NFL team's proposed stadium was not approved before the session ended.

The Illinois General Assembly is holding its final session day to pass critical legislation, including the 2027 state budget featuring a social media tax and casino tax changes. Lawmakers also face decisions on a potential bill to retain the Chicago Bears in Illinois and other measures like AI regulations and housing development laws.

State Rep. Kam Buckner predicts Illinois lawmakers will approve property tax relief for the Bears to build a stadium in Arlington Heights and address Chicago traffic issues. The bill, sponsored by Buckner, includes tax breaks for homeowners and economic incentives for Chicago development projects. State Sen. Bill Cunningham is negotiating Senate changes to finalize the deal.

Illinois lawmakers face a Sunday deadline to pass a PILOT bill to secure the Chicago Bears' stadium project in Arlington Heights. Opposition from Chicago lawmakers and internal Democratic Party disagreements have complicated negotiations, with a potential special session requiring a higher legislative threshold if no agreement is reached by the session's end.

Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker supports a statewide classroom cellphone ban, clashing with the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) over funding concerns and the role of phones as lifelines for students in communities affected by immigration raids. The bill, passed by the Illinois General Assembly, requires Senate reapproval before reaching Pritzker's desk.