Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/8)

ILLINOIS

LRB sets new procedures, deadlines 

In a memo released Thursday, the Illinois Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) has set a single bill request deadline for both chambers in order to minimize conflicts in bill drafting and to streamline the process for LRB attorneys. The deadline for lawmakers to submit their requests for bills to be drafted is Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

The memo also states that there will be a request blackout period from Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. until Feb. 9 until 12 p.m., during which the Bureau will not receive requests except on an emergency basis through Chiefs of Staff or their designee, to allow uninterrupted time for the Bureau’s attorney to process requests. LRB will not accept any amendment requests until after Feb. 9, 2024.

In 2024, LRB will also require that all drafting requests be made in the name of a Senator or Representative and that only lawmakers and their legislative staff make ASAP and next-day requests.

All next-day, holiday, and weekend drafting requests must be delivered to the Bureau no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day preceding a session day or 5:00 p.m. any other day.

LRB also issued guidelines and a checklist for submitting draft requests, which includes a sample pre-draft for lawmakers.

| AROUND THE STATE

Recommended changes to transit head to state lawmakers, who could debate expanded sales tax and consolidating agencies

“A sweeping set of recommendations about what Chicago-area transit could look like in the future has been sent to the state legislature, setting the stage for lawmakers to debate potentially thorny issues about funding for public transit and whether the CTA, Metra and Pace should be consolidated into one agency,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois Gaming Board Completes Historic Year; Approves New Rules and Licenses Among Other Measures

“The Illinois Gaming Board held its final regular meeting of the year today as it works to close out a historic and productive 2023 that included the opening of four newly authorized casinos and two sportsbooks, licensing of more than 200 new video gaming establishments, issuing numerous other licenses and regulatory approvals, adopting significant new rules, and taking impactful enforcement and disciplinary actions,” by the Illinois Gaming Board.

State health plan declares racism a public health crisis

“A new state health report pinpoints racism as a public health crisis while also noting Illinois needs to improve in the areas of maternal and infant health, mental health and substance use disorders. The broad goals are laid out in a draft of the State Health Improvement Plan, which will be finalized and presented to the Illinois General Assembly next year,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Cook County state’s attorney’s office replaces head of unit that reviews possible wrongful convictions, rebrands effort

“The Cook County state’s attorney’s office has replaced the prosecutor heading its unit that reviews potential wrongful convictions and rebranded the effort, the office announced Wednesday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago’s new paid leave policy set to be delayed

“Chicago’s new paid leave policy is set to be amended by the City Council, including delaying implementation of the measure by six months. [The changes will] delay implementation of the policy until July 1, 2024, impose a 16-day cooling off period before a worker could sue an employer for violating the ordinance and narrow the definition of who would be covered under the policy to accommodate the trade show industry,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

City Council committee rejects discipline provision in Chicago police contract but OKs pay hikes

“Setting the stage for a potential legal fight and protracted turmoil between Chicago’s largest police union and Mayor Brandon Johnson, a City Council committee on Thursday opposed a contract provision that would allow officers accused of serious misconduct to have their cases decided by a third party behind closed doors,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Council committees to vote on changes to hate crimes ordinance, Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant award for old St. Laurence School redevelopment project

“Alderpeople on Friday will meet to consider legislation that overhauls the city’s hate crimes ordinance and a redevelopment and grant agreement to transform an old school into a collaborative workspace for artists. [Alderpeople will also meet on Friday to] consider a redevelopment agreement with Rebuild Foundation NFP and the awarding of grant funds through the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) for the St. Laurence Arts Incubator project,” by The Daily Line.

Aldermen Want Meetings With CHA Boss After Investigation Revealed Vacant, Decaying Properties

“City Council leaders, including the housing committee chair, renewed calls for CHA officials to attend regular hearings after a Block Club/Illinois Answers investigation found the agency is sitting on hundreds of vacant homes,” by Block Club Chicago.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: The Bipartisan Impact of Partisan Legislation

• Republicans have been talking a big game about repealing the Inflation Reduction Act in its entirety but actually going through with it will be more difficult.
• Non-defense spending is poised to be hit harder than the Pentagon budget in the event of a FY24 sequester, resulting in shifting political dynamics around the FY24 appropriations fight.
• The debate last week between Governors Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Gavin Newsom (D-CA) underscored the red versus blue divide. Recent trends suggest this gap could still grow even larger in coming years as more states come under single-party rule.

The Cozen Currents article can be read here.

Beltway Briefing, George Santos: You’re Fired

The US House of Representatives expels New York Congressman George Santos. Meanwhile on the campaign trail, support continues to coalesce around Nikki Haley. To be seen as a strong alternative to the former president, Haley must master a balancing act between the party’s conservatives and moderates. Featuring CPS’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French and Kaitlyn Martin.

Listen to the full Beltway Briefing here.

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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