Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (4/8)

April 8, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker calls for Trump’s removal as Iran tensions escalate

“Gov. JB Pritzker, widely considered to be sizing up a run for the presidency, this morning called on President Donald Trump’s cabinet to remove him via the 25th Amendment,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

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Illinois bill would force gunmakers to redesign pistols that can be converted to automatic weapons

“Three years after Illinois passed a sweeping assault weapons ban in the wake of Highland Park’s Fourth of July mass shooting, state lawmakers are weighing another measure aimed at the firearms industry: requiring some gun manufacturers to redesign pistols so they can’t be easily converted into automatic weapons,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Waymo begins testing in Chicago as bill seeks to legalize autonomous vehicles 

“For the last year, legislators in Springfield have been trying to work through a variety of issues raised by skeptics of the autonomous vehicles, known as AVs. Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, said AV legislation has a long road ahead to address constituent concerns over safety, insurance and job losses for rideshare and cab drivers,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

IL plan increasing access for mental health crisis care awaits House action 

“The Illinois House could vote on a bill this month to increase access to behavioral healthcare by requiring insurance companies to expand coverage,” by WAND News. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson picks new deputy mayor of community safety, transportation commissioner, 7 more new hires 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a big round of new hires Wednesday morning, including a replacement for Garien Gatewood, who was fired last month from his post as deputy mayor for community safety,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

Proposed $55M tax break for United Center’s 1901 Project hits a speed bump

“A proposed $55 million property tax break for the 1901 Project surrounding the United Center will not be considered by the City Council in April, frustrating the local alderman — but the delay may only be temporary,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.   

Johnson’s standoff with the Chicago Housing Authority, explained 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson may now be hurtling towards a court fight with the Chicago Housing Authority, following a public rift with its interim leader over who exactly will be the next CEO of the $1.4 billion agency,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Housing advocates to sue CHA over CEO appointment

“Housing advocates plan to sue the Chicago Housing Authority over its decision to hire a new CEO last month,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Who’s in Control Here? 

Anthropic’s run-in with the Trump administration is just the latest in a long history of clashes between the federal government and tech firms over who should control emerging technologies. 

Expectations are that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will remain as Senate Democratic Leader through at least 2028, though that has not stopped jockeying by other Senate democrats to assume that role. 

As the Trump administration has taken a lighter touch toward antitrust and competition policy enforcement, state and local regulators have sought to fill a perceived gap in oversight. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: In-Conversation: Michael Gips on Navigating Risk in a Polycrisis Era

Security and risk expert and author Michael Gips joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on risk assessment, decision-making, and leadership when certainty is not an option. While most leaders are focused on the immediate pressures of the moment, security and risk professionals are scanning the horizon, identifying fractures in the foundation of institutions before they become crises. From AI-driven disruption to politically fueled threats, they operate where ambiguity is constant and the stakes are high. Together, they explore how these professionals stay grounded and persuade leaders to prepare for risks they cannot yet see, and why that mindset is increasingly essential across every sector. 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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