Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/11)

December 11, 2023

ILLINOIS

Gov. Pritzker takes bill action 

On Friday, Gov. JB Pritzker took action on 17 bills recently passed by the Illinois General Assembly.

Included in the governor’s signed bill list is a proposal to end a nearly four-decade moratorium on the construction of small nuclear reactors in Illinois. The legislation (HB 2473) addresses concerns expressed by Gov. Pritzker during an August veto message of a similar bill that contained “vague definitions” and provided “no regulatory protections.” The law goes into effect June 1, 2024.

Pritzker also signed legislation Friday that amends electric vehicle policies in the state, boosts pensions for some Chicago police officers, lifts some fees on the state’s cannabis industry, and requires IDFPR to procure and implement a new electronic professional licensing system.

| AROUND THE STATE

State asks Supreme Court to deny request to block assault weapons ban  

“The Illinois Attorney General filed a petition to reject a request to the U.S. Supreme Court from opponents of Illinois’ assault weapons ban that asks the justices to issue an emergency injunction to block the law to allow for more appeals in lower courts,” by The Daily Line.

IDPH Reports that COVID-19, Other Respiratory Viruses are Mounting Across the State

“The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that with the holidays approaching, data indicate that the impact of respiratory viruses is being felt across the state with 44 counties now at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to the CDC’s national COVID Data Tracker, as of the week ending November 25,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

New state ID program for Cook County Jail detainees aims to ‘help people reintegrate’

“A pilot program announced by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is thought to be the first in the nation offered to inmates at the county jail level,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago Officials Revise Rules Limiting Access to City Council Meetings After Warning

“Members of the public would have to make reservations and show government-issued identification to sit in the main, second-floor gallery in the Council Chambers during meetings of the Chicago City Council under revised rules designed to limit access to where members of the public can sit,” by WTTW.

City moves to step up enforcement on bus companies bringing migrants

“The city is adding impoundment to the list of penalties on private bus operators that don’t obey rules on where and when to drop off migrants they’re bringing to Chicago,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

City Council panel advances new 311 ‘hate incident’ reporting plan

“Chicagoans could soon be able to call 311 to report swastika graffiti, white supremacist pamphlets and other ‘hate incidents’ that can precede violent attacks against people from marginalized groups, under a new plan advanced by a key City Council committee Friday,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Finance committee to consider police shooting settlements; Ethics committee to consider new regulations for lobbyists

“The City Council Committee on Finance will meet Monday and consider approving millions of dollars paid out to settle lawsuits. The ethics committee will also meet and consider a litany of code changes regarding the registration of lobbyists,” by The Daily Line.

At a pivotal moment for Chicago’s left, North Side alderman tries to bridge socialism and pragmatism

“A self-styled democratic socialist in his sophomore term, Vasquez knocked out a 36-year incumbent to win the seat representing the neighborhoods of Andersonville, Lincoln Square and Edgewater, an election that was as much about dissatisfaction with the status quo as it was about the former battle rapper’s candidacy. His North Side ward is marked by progressive voters but also wealthy homeowners who are upset over violence and property taxes,” by the Chicago Tribune.

If you have any questions regarding this update or if you’re interested in ways to engage on these issues, please contact one of our team members here.

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