Illinois lawmakers say extra funding for transit through a sales tax change may have extended the deadline to pass transit reform and funding, but the plan is still to pass legislation during the October veto session. 

With Illinois voter turnout decreasing in the 2024 general election, lawmakers are looking at options to encourage more eligible voters to show up on election day. 

The House Ethics and Elections Committee met Wednesday to hear subject matter on two of those options: compulsory voting and consolidated elections. 

Amid federal funding cuts and economic concerns, Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order Tuesday instructing state agencies to reserve up to 4 percent of the Fiscal Year 2026 General Funds. 

Illinois’ vaccine advisory panel recommended Monday that all adults receive a Covid-19 vaccine, bucking federal restrictions on the vaccination. 

The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments last week in a case questioning whether certificates of innocence (COI) can be awarded posthumously. 

Heading into the fall veto session, Illinois lawmakers are discussing an energy bill that would advance battery storage projects and lift a state ban on nuclear power plant constructions. 

Illinois Republicans are proposing changes to the state law that eliminated cash bail they say will improve safety and ensure defendants return to court. 

The Rivian floor in their Normal manufacturing facility. [Photo courtesy of Rivian]

After the Trump administration unsuccessfully attempted to block the release of funding, $18.4 million in grants are being awarded to build electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Illinois. 

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) objected to an emergency rule Tuesday from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) intended to stop illicit substances from being smuggled in on inmate’s mail. 

During the first week of the Illinois Supreme Court September session, the state argued that defendants given jail time for breaking the conditions of their pretrial release are not eligible for good conduct credit.