Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/8)

July 8, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker signs landmark AI regulation bill that aims to mitigate risks 

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed artificial intelligence legislation modeled after similar bills in California and New York yesterday, furthering a push for a state-driven national framework in lieu of federal regulations,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

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New regulations on intoxicating hemp are ‘long overdue,’ Pritzker says

“A wide-ranging new state law on hemp and other cannabis regulations was “long overdue,” Gov. JB Pritzker said Thursday at an event in Chicago to celebrate the new law he signed last month,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Illinois bill awaiting Pritzker OK would add oversight on private equity firms buying disability group homes 

“By the time Illinois notified group home provider Broadstep two years ago that it was revoking its license, the list of problems documented by state investigators spanned nearly seven pages,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Disgraced ex-state Rep. Harry Benton ‘made right decision’ to resign, Gov. JB Pritzker says

“A disgraced southwest suburb ex-legislator “made the right decision” to step down last week following unspecified misconduct allegations, according to Gov. JB Pritzker — but it’s unlikely the public will ever see the scathing government watchdog report that prompted the resignation of state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson names his picks for new regional transit board 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson has named five nominees to serve on the new board that soon will oversee mass transit in the Chicago area,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson taps new public health commissioner 

“Dr. Garth Walker, an executive at Rush Health and an emergency department physician, has been appointed Chicago’s next public health commissioner,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Cardiologist and whistleblower Dr. Lisa Nee to run for Chicago mayor 

“A Chicago cardiologist and medical whistleblower is entering the crowded race for mayor, promising to face the city’s problems free of special-interest connections and with a doctor’s even hand,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

With Chicago police chief Snelling leaving, replacement search clouded by prospect of heated mayor’s race 

“The search for retiring Chicago police superintendent Larry Snelling’s replacement will take place against the backdrop of a highly contested mayoral race,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: How Far Can Progressives Progress?

Progressives are gaining electoral momentum and shifting the Democratic Party to the left, though their success may have limits on the national stage. 

From the impact of GLP-1 medications to how the Food and Drug Administration approves drugs, much of the policy debate around pharmaceuticals centers on one number: a pill’s list price. 

A growing gap between the White House’s China diplomacy and Congress’s hawkish legislative agenda is emerging, with the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act likely to be where the two approaches collide. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: Can the American Experiment Endure?

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we step back from the daily headlines to examine the state of the American experiment. From the 2026 midterm outlook to global conflicts, AI, and the search for political leadership, the conversation explores the forces shaping the nation’s next chapter—and whether shared experiences can help bridge the nation’s deepest divides. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (PA), and Cozen O’Connor alum Jim Schultz (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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