Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (3/30)

March 30, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Lawmakers advance Pritzker’s cell phone ban, social media regulations

“House committees advanced portions of Gov. JB Pritzker’s legislative agenda on Wednesday, though in many cases lawmakers conceded they’d need to amend their bills to gain broader support,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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Illinois House poised to consider a ban on new ICE detention centers near homes, schools and parks 

“The Illinois House is poised this session to vote on legislation that would prohibit federal immigration detention centers from being built within 1,500 feet of schools, parks, homes and other community spaces — a direct response to the clashes that erupted in Chicago and the suburbs last year during the Trump administration’s mass deportation operations,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Lawmakers seek measure to make small-scale plug-in solar panels available to renters 

“A bill to make solar power more accessible to renters and others who face barriers to the alternative energy source is moving through the Illinois Senate,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

University funding overhaul bill advances in House despite U of I opposition 

“A bill that would overhaul the way Illinois funds its public universities advanced out of a House committee Thursday and could face a vote by the full House soon, despite continued opposition from the University of Illinois System, the state’s flagship institution,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Macquline King Officially Named Permanent Chicago Public Schools CEO

“Macquline King will officially drop the interim tag from her title as Chicago Public Schools CEO after the city’s Board of Education voted to make her the district’s next permanent leader. The 19 board members present at Monday’s special meeting voted 18-1 to name King as the new full-time CPS CEO. Elected board member Jennifer Custer offered the lone no vote,” by WTTW. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first — and apparently last — chief homelessness officer exits

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first chief homelessness officer appears to be his last, with his inaugural appointee departing the position that the mayor’s team said was always meant to be a temporary one,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Johnson devising strategy to tackle pension crisis that includes ‘deferred retirement option’ 

“Cash-strapped Chicago is crafting a plan to chip away at its $35.8 billion pension crisis that is likely to offer city employees the option of buying out a portion of their future pension benefits in exchange for a lump-sum payment upfront,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Cook County property taxes doubled the rate of inflation in past 30 years, Treasurer Maria Pappas study finds 

“Property taxes imposed by government bodies within Cook County’s borders have grown at twice the rate of inflation over the past three decades, outpacing wage growth and driving an affordability crisis, a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office has found,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Democrats’ Oversight Agenda 

In anticipation of winning control of the House in the November midterm elections, Democrats are developing their oversight strategy with an eye towards outflanking President Trump by going around the administration. 

A subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing this week on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides immunity for online platforms regarding third-party content, as the law marks its 30th anniversary. 

Turmoil in the private credit market is testing the Trump administration’s regulation by competition approach to the rapidly growing industry. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: Tax Policy in 2026: What Business Leaders Need to Know 

With Tax Day approaching, Sean Clerget, former chief tax counsel to the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee and a recent addition to DC Public Strategies, breaks down Washington’s tax agenda. They discuss the Trump administration’s policy priorities, key provisions businesses should watch, and the tax debates likely to shape the rest of 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC) and Sean Clerget (DC). Listen here.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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