Session Update
After a two week hiatus, the Senate will return to Springfield for one day of session this Tuesday, June 15th. The House is expected to return on Wednesday for one day of action as well. Action is expected to be limited to a few categories.
Most important for Illinois businesses and ratepayers is the omnibus energy package. This legislation is not officially filed. Illinois Chamber Energy Council Executive Director Alec Messina is closely following developments. For more information on the energy package or Energy Council membership please contact Messina at amessina@ilchamber.org.
Both chambers are also expected to address legislation on an elected Chicago Public School board as well FOID card/gun legislation proponents are calling “Fix the FOID”.
While its possible other minor legislation will be address, it is uncertain what else will transpire. The Chamber will provide rapid updates in the next week on all new developments.
Republican Legislative Leaders Sue to Overturn New Maps
Last Friday, Governor Pritzker signed into law the Democrat-backed redistricting plan for both the state legislative districts and the Supreme Court after previously pledging to veto any map drawn by legislators or other political operatives.
This week, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie filed a lawsuit in federal court to overturn the redistricting plan. The Republican leaders contend that the maps are inaccurate and unconstitutional due to use of American Community Survey data rather than official decennial census data which is traditionally used. This move was expected.
Despite the lawsuit, Governor Pritzker argues that the redistricting plan satisfies voting rights laws and ensures fair representation of communities.
SB 642 is the Supreme Court remap bill. Access the interactive Supreme Court map here.
HB 2777 is the legislative remap bill. Access the interactive House map here. Access the Senate map here.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Chamber Releases End of Session Report
On June 1st both the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate adjourned until the call of the Chair. Both chambers took a wide array of legislative action in the final weekend. While discussions on an energy package are ongoing, for most policy areas session has effectively concluded.
Provided below is the Illinois Chamber's 2021 End of Session Report. This document details the most significant legislative action of these busy past few months.
Despite present challenges and COVID-19 precautions, the Illinois Chamber had an overall productive session. Each Chamber Council Executive Director has highlighted victories for the business community as well as issues of future concern in their respective policy areas. Click the document below for all the most vital information on the 2021 legislative session.
