Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (3/19)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois lawmakers pursue restrictions on search warrants after botched raid in Chicago

“An Illinois House committee on Tuesday moved to overhaul how Illinois police officers execute search warrants in response to the botched 2019 raid at Young’s home, which includes banning what’s often called “no-knock” warrants,” by Capitol News Illinois.

State legislators look to establish rules for artificial intelligence in elections, education and health care 

“The Democratic-controlled legislature, in the early stages of a two-year term, is considering bills to address how AI affects residents in areas including education, health care, insurance, elections, picking up on work from the previous General Assembly,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois legislators renew push for ‘junk’ fee transparency for hotels, restaurants and concerts 

“An Illinois measure would target the disclosure of fees for businesses, including restaurants, hotels and lodging, food delivery apps, live-ticketed events and independent contractors. So-called “junk” fees include service fees for popular concerts, resort fees for hotels and additional fees tacked onto restaurant bills,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Illinois Republicans urge Democrats to stop supporting illegal immigration

“Illinois Republican lawmakers are urging their colleagues to join them in “stopping” illegal immigration while suggesting Gov. J.B. Pritzker is “shifting his view” on the issue. State Rep. Paul Jacobs, R-Pomona, introduced House Bill 1345 to repeal the Illinois TRUST act and end the state’s sanctuary status,” by Central Square.

How the Proposed Ban on Cellphones in Illinois Classrooms Would Work 

“Illinois legislators are answering Pritzker’s call, with Republicans and Democrats on the Senate education committee Tuesday voting for a measure that was written in coordination with the governor’s office,” by WTTW.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson blames CPS leadership in $175 million pension dispute as school board vote looms

“Two days before the Chicago Board of Education is set to vote on a mid-year budget amendment, it’s still unknown how the school district plans to raise new revenue or how it will be spent,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Consultant lays out limited funding options for Chicago’s school board ahead of consequential vote 

“A highly anticipated report from a consultant hired by the Chicago school board confirmed what its members already knew: There are no great options to secure more funding as the district tries to pay for a new teachers contract and weighs a pension reimbursement to the city,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.

Mayor Johnson defends 3% trim off of invoices from city contractors 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday defended the 3% squeeze he is putting on city contractors as construction industry leaders urged their members to refuse the city’s demand to cut their prices on city invoices by that amount,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

The state must pass hemp restrictions while Mayor Brandon Johnson’s local efforts flounder, a City Council majority says

“A majority of the Chicago City Council wants Illinois legislators to pass rules on the sale of hemp products, calling into doubt Mayor Brandon Johnson’s efforts to regulate it at the city level. The letter, signed by 28 aldermen and sent to Illinois General Assembly members Monday, expressed “deep concern” over the ongoing lack of laws governing the often-intoxicating products,”  by the Chicago Tribune.

Federal complaints lodged against Chicago, Deerfield for accommodating trans students 

“The controversy at a middle school in the North Shore community of Deerfield comes at the same time as a federal complaint has been lodged against Chicago Public Schools and the state board of education for allegedly “forcing students” to share bathrooms and locker rooms with transgender classmates,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – The Method to Trump’s Tariff Madness

President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have roiled the business community. However, there are likely limits to how far he is willing to push the uncertainty, while some of the more targeted measures enjoy support from domestic beneficiaries.

President Trump has put innovation at the heart of his approach to AI but has maintained export controls on the emerging technology, an indicator that his focus is primarily on the domestic AI industry in “America First” fashion.

From investigations to funding, higher education across the country is feeling President Trump’s attempt to reform an institution he’s long derided.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing – Fast and Furious Tariffs

Both the Republican and Democratic parties have consistently failed to meaningfully address the growing national debt and deficit across multiple administrations. Has this ongoing fiscal neglect paved the way for movements like MAGA to present alternative solutions aimed at restoring economic competitiveness? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Share

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin