Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/15)

June 15, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker signs hemp regulations into law, settling Illinois’ lengthy delta-8 debate for now

“The long-running tug-of-war between Illinois’ licensed cannabis and unregulated hemp industries reached a head at the end of the legislative session in Springfield, where lawmakers approved sweeping reforms to regulate delta-8 and other intoxicating, hemp-derived products in the same manner as recreational marijuana,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.   

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Illinois joins states’ challenge to Trump’s anti-DEI contract rules 

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined attorneys general from 19 other states and Washington, D.C., in suing the Trump administration over new federal contract provisions aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs among government contractors,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Bill creates gender-affirming, reproductive care protections for out-of-state foster placements

“A bill that would require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to consider access to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare before placing foster children out of state passed the legislature during the last week of session,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

Illinois distributes first $25M to local pharmacies to help them compete 

“Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday that 434 Illinois pharmacies will receive nearly $25 million in support, the first distribution of annual funding established through legislation he signed last year,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Johnson will ask City Council committee to repeal video gambling in Chicago

“Johnson asked the Council’s Committee on Workforce Development to meet Monday to consider direct introduction of an ordinance that would ‘authorize one or more agreements with the casino developer to enhance casino workforce capability to disallow video gaming terminals,’” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

Parking-meter fight widens as 15 aldermen question Stonepeak’s ICE ties 

“A group of 15 Chicago aldermen is demanding answers from Stonepeak Partners about the private equity firm’s ties to federal immigration enforcement as City Council weighs whether to approve the transfer of the city’s controversial parking-meter lease,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

RTA chair sends veiled warning shot to Mayor Brandon Johnson over CTA leadership 

“Regional Transportation Authority board Chair Kirk Dillard made it clear in a letter sent to transit officials this week that any changes to executive leadership at the CTA now need the OK of Illinois’ brand-new transit governing body,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Chicago made progress on transit-oriented development 5 years after policy push, report says 

“The city adopted a framework for equitable transit-oriented development, and while progress has been made, there is more work to be done to encourage development in the South and West sides,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Candidates Still Matter 

Faced with a Senate map that at least partially insulates the GOP majority from a Democratic-leaning midterm environment, Democrats must go on offense deep in GOP territory to flip control of the Senate. 

If Democrats don’t win enough of the more competitive races, they’ll need to pick up seats in the more challenging states of Texas and Iowa. 

On top of it all, Democrats must play perfect defense in four vulnerable seats, ranging from the Rust Belt to the South. All but one of which features an open race, and two with competitive primaries. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: Inside Cities’ World Cup Preparations 

As New York and Philadelphia prepare to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local leaders are treating the tournament as more than a sporting event. From transit coordination and public safety planning to tourism strategy and economic development, cities are using the World Cup to test how they manage infrastructure, mobility, and global attention at scale. Featuring Public Strategies’ Rose Christ (NY), Jamie Ansorge (NY), and Max Weisman (PA). 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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