|
Now that was a Lame Duck Session…
My first day as a legislative staffer was Jan. 3rd 2011. For those of you around then, you’ll recall that was a monumental lame duck. Lawmakers raised taxes, passed a massive gaming bill, and abolished the death penalty. That first week, I never returned to my little apartment before 1 am and remember thinking “what did I get myself into?”.
In the past decade plus, no lame duck has approached that crazy week but late last night, as another Executive Committee was about to begin, I had a strange sense of Déjà vu.
So, What Happened (So Far) this Week?
As of lunch on Friday, lawmakers have passed a comprehensive gun control measure and reproductive health care bills in the House, judicial redistrict (or gerrymander) in the Senate, Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund appropriations and created a “deal closing fund” for the Governor.
Here’s a short look at a few of those:
HB 45 Judicial Redistricting passed the Senate by a vote of 39-16-0. As amended, this bill Makes changes to the Judicial Circuits Districting Act of 2022 and the Circuit Courts Act. This bill will affect Cook and McHenry County. Changes the ratio between associate and resident judges in Cook County.
HB 4412, Energy Policy passed the Senate Executive Committee by a vote of 9-5-0. Among other things, this bill provides that there shall be at least one public hearing during which public comment shall be taken regarding the application for siting approval or a special use permit for a commercial wind energy facility or commercial solar energy facility. Provides that the public hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act and shall be held not more than 45 days after the filing of an application for siting approval or a special use permit for a commercial wind energy facility or commercial solar energy facility. Provides that the county shall make its decision not more than 30 days after the conclusion of the public hearing.
SB 1720, "Deal Closing Fund" passed out of the House Executive Committee by a vote of 9-5-0. This bill, as amended, states that in addition to any other transfers that may be provided for by law, at a time or times during Fiscal Year 2023 as directed by the Governor, the State Comptroller shall direct and the State Treasurer shall transfer up to a total of $400,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Large Business Attraction Fund.
SB 2226, Firearms passed the House by a vote of 64-43-0. Among other things, this bill makes it unlawful to manufacture, deliver, sell, or purchase or cause to be manufactured, delivered, sold, or purchased by another, an assault weapon, assault weapon attachment, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge. Makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly possess an assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge 300 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, with exemptions, and provides penalties. Prohibits the manufacture, delivery, sale, purchase, or possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices, with specified exemptions, and provides penalties.
SB 2801, UI Trust Fund Debt Appropriations passed out of the House Executive Committee by a vote of 14-0-0. This bill states that the sum of $1,370,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Employment Security for payment to the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund for repayment of all outstanding advances pursuant to Title XII of the federal Social Security Act, including prior year costs. The sum of $450,000,000 is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Employment Security as a loan for payment to the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund solely for purposes of paying unemployment insurance benefits, without the accrual of interest, to be repaid pursuant to the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Act.
Quiet Legislative Week for Tech
Fingers crossed, our Tech community has escaped this big week unscathed. Nothing of note has passed- or even been introduced.
We will not be so lucky in the Spring Session. See below for my preview.
2023 Illinois Tech Related Legislative Look Ahead
I wanted to highlight a few issues that I expect to see emerge next year. We’ll get into each of these in detail next month. Hat tip to Chamber alum Tyler Diers for his assistance in putting together this list.
- Reproductive health data
- Look at "My Body My Data" at the federal level for a model of what to expect
- BIPA reform. We’ve discussed this at length. The Chamber will file a BIPA reform bill (or two) next month.
- Age appropriate design code (i.e. California's AADC law)
- Internet Service Provider Privacy (e.g. the Maine law)
- Data centers
-
We will oppose any efforts to hijack the internal HR of data centers like we saw in the amended SB 2182 with Rep. Walker
-
Predictive data analytics (i.e. HB1811)
- Preempted under federal "Fair Credit Reporting Act"?
-
App Stores? (i.e. HB 4599)
-
Digital Repair? (i.e. HB 3061)
- Worker misclassification?
-
Auto Renewal (i.e. SB 3447)
- Rideshare + common carrier
- Personal delivery devices
- Chicago Public School-led Student Data Privacy cleanup
BIPA Case Update- Walton v. Roosevelt
The Illinois Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for the BIPA Case, Walton v. Roosevelt for January 18th, 2023.
You may recall that the court earlier accepted the Illinois Chamber’s Amicus Brief in the BIPA case, Walton v. Roosevelt. In this case, the issue is whether the federal Labor Management Relations Act preempts BIPA. We argue that it does. You can read the full brief: HERE.
We are awaiting a number of BIPA rulings from the State’s top court.
Thoughts on Next Council Meeting?
I’m looking to schedule a council meeting in the first two months of 2023. I’d love to hear of topics/speakers of interest to you. No thought too small and any input is appreciated.
Articles of Interest
John Deere ploughs into robotics to cut farming costs
Illinois House sends Senate bills banning certain semi-automatic weapons, expanding abortion protections
Illinois Supreme Court sets March timeline for oral arguments in cash bail appeal
Caterpillar to Showcase Technology, Autonomy and Sustainability at CES® 2023
FTC Proposes Banning Noncompete Clauses for Workers
Illinois announces $350 million for small business support
DoorDash will now return your packages for you
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is working for all sectors of state economy
| 
