* WCIA…

A bill moving through the state legislature would prohibit Illinoisans from paying exorbitant costs for generic brand medications.

A bipartisan group of legislators worked to pass the Pharmaceutical and Health Affordability Act, which aims to stop skyrocketing prices of generic and off-brand prescription medications. The bill passed the Senate Wednesday and the House of Representatives Friday and now heads to the governor’s desk.

In the bill, price gouging is defined as “an increase in the price as 30% or more within the preceding year, 50% or more within the preceding 3 years, or 75% or more within the preceding 5 years.” It also must be found the price hike burdens consumers because of little to no competition in the marketplace. The bill does exempt if companies raise the price because of production cost increases. […]

If signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker, the law would go into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

* Brenden Moore…

A bill that would allow the state to explore entering into an agreement with a private company to run the World Shooting and Recreational Complex near Sparta is headed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk.

The legislation is a trial balloon of sorts that will permit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to gauge interest in a public-private partnership to manage the state-owned, 1,600-acre site, which is the home grounds for the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s Grand American Trapshooting Championships.

The amended bill, sponsored by state Rep. David Friess, R-Red Bud, and state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, passed the Senate 56-0 and the House 111-1 earlier this month.

“IDNR is constantly reviewing our nearly 400 property holdings across the state and considering our options,” said IDNR director Natalie Phelps Finnie in a statement to Lee Enterprises. “Top of mind for the department is always whether we are providing taxpayers with the best value for their money.

* WGN…

A bill headed to the governor’s desk will assist law enforcement in finding stolen vehicles by requiring automakers to provide location information.

HB2245 passed unanimously in both the Illinois House and Senate and, if signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, will force any car manufacturer which sells its vehicles in the state to create a 24/7 hotline. This hotline would be used by law enforcement, to include 9-1-1 center operators, to obtain a stolen car’s location to the best of a manufacturer’s technical abilities.

Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart helped to craft the bill and he wants to see similar legislation at the federal level.

Dart held a news conference Tuesday morning to discuss the state legislation and what he sees as its impacts on his own fight against carjacking in Cook County.

* Ag Clips…

The passage of Senate Bill 1701 advances agriculture conservation in Illinois by supporting farming practices that will yield healthier, stronger soils and cleaner water across the state, advocates said May 19.

Legislators approved Senate Bill 1701 as part of the final days of the spring legislative session in Springfield. It now goes to the Governor for review. […]

The legislation sends a strong message that Illinois must accelerate its efforts to protect soil health and prevent nutrient losses. It directs the Illinois Department of Agriculture to work with Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other conservation-focused state agencies to help with the accelerated soil health framework. […]

The organizations supporting this legislation are now calling on legislators to vote for an Illinois state budget that follows through on SB1701’s promise of more support for sustainable farming practices. By putting more money into Soil and Water Conservation Districts and urging farmers to make voluntary conservation practices a key part of how they manage their operations, we will invest in our future success – on our farms and across our state.

* Sen. Willie Preston…

Taking a step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and incarcerated individuals, State Senator Willie Preston advanced a measure through the Senate addressing indecent exposure in correctional facilities. […]

House Bill 1399 amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to create the offense of “lewd sexual display in a penal institution,” making it a Class A misdemeanor for incarcerated individuals to expose themselves with the purpose or effect of intimidating, harassing or threatening someone in the presence of such a display. Repeat offenders would face more severe penalties, with subsequent violations being considered Class 4 felonies. The provisions will be repealed on Jan. 1, 2028, allowing for thorough review of annual reports provided by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

Brought forth by the Cook County Sherriff’s Office, the measure mirrors penalties for public indecency but changes the penalties given the context and motivation of the crime. House Bill 1399 excludes facilities of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice and other juvenile detention facilities, as well as individuals under the age of 18 and those suffering from behavioral health issues. […]

House Bill 1399 passed the Senate on Friday.

* Center Square…

A measure that implements full-day kindergarten throughout Illinois is now awaiting to be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for his signature.

State Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, filed House Bill 2396. It passed the House in March. After several amendments in the Illinois Senate last week, the House voted to concur Friday.

State Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, said the bill better prepares the state’s youth for the future.

“Full-day kindergarten has shown to boost academic gains and prepare children for the social and emotional demands of early elementary,” Lightford said. “This can provide students and their families with sufficient support and opportunities in their early education career.”