* Sen. Sue Rezin filed a new nuclear power plant bill, SB2591…

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Deletes language that provides that no construction shall commence on any new nuclear power plant to be located within the State, and no certificate of public convenience and necessity or other authorization shall be issued therefor by the Illinois Commerce Commission, until the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that the United States Government has identified and approved a demonstrable technology or means for the disposal of high level nuclear waste, or until such construction has been specifically approved by a statute enacted by the General Assembly. Provides that the Commission shall only issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity to a public utility operating or located within the State or to a company with a fossil fuel-based power generator. Provides that the Commission shall adopt rules concerning the granting of certificates of public convenience and necessity for the construction, purchase, or lease of small modular nuclear reactors. Provides requirements for the Commission to follow when adopting rules for the granting of certificates of public convenience and necessity for small modular nuclear reactors. Provides that the Commission may adopt emergency rules for the granting of certificates of public convenience and necessity for small modular nuclear reactors.

* SJ-R…

One vetoed bill would have ended the state’s 35-year moratorium on nuclear reactor construction, a decision Pritzker said he made because it lacked “regulatory protections for the health and safety of Illinois residents.” Bill sponsor Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, has already filed paperwork to override the veto. Her bill received bipartisan support during the spring session. […]

In a move placing “corporate profits over consumers,” the governor issued an amendatory veto on House Bill 3445. The energy omnibus consisted of several portions, many of which Pritzker wants to keep as is, but is against a provision allowing existing utilities in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator region a transmission line construction monopoly.

Rep. Larry Walsh, D-Elwood, the bill sponsor, will also push the legislation in the upcoming session. He has said the bill is in the best interest of downstate workers, while environmental groups supported the governor’s veto.

* HR446 introduced by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie…

Expresses unlimited, unwavering support for the civilians, soldiers, defenders, and government of the Republic of Israel. Rejects any attempt to compromise, undermine, or “both sides” this fundamental moral issue of human good and evil. Extends sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this brutal assault, including the families of the 27 American citizens who lost their lives.

* Sen. Natalie Toro…

State Senator Natalie Toro is working on new legislation to ensure protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence by expediting the process to receive protective orders against perpetrators and increasing workplace safeguards.

“For too long, people have fallen victim to violence or assault after concerns for their safety were not taken seriously,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “It is time we turn our commitment to believing survivors into policy and strengthen protections for survivors to prevent further harm.”

Protective orders are vital for the safety of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking by separating an alleged offender from the alleged victim. Nearly 56,000 protective orders were filed in Illinois during 2021 alone. However, these orders are only effective if they are served or if a short order notification is issued.

Short form notifications are triggered during routine interactions with law enforcement, allowing officers to inform offenders of the protective order. Under current law, law enforcement officers are not required to service short form notifications. Senate Bill 2604 would require law enforcement to serve short form notifications if they encounter someone with an unserved protective order.

Further, Senate Bill 2605 increases protections in the workplace for people with protective orders by requiring managers to immediately call law enforcement if the offender appears on the premises during the survivor’s work hours.

Together, these measures will strengthen protections for survivors and offer better peace of mind.

“Navigating the world as a woman — especially as a woman of color — requires us to be vigilant for our safety because those entrusted to protect us have not always listened to our very real concerns about threats of harm,” said Toro. “With these laws, I hope survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are afforded more protections and can instead focus on healing from these traumas.”

Toro looks forward to working with advocates and community stakeholders on advancing Senate Bill 2604 and Senate Bill 2605 during the legislative session.

* Sen. Sally Turner introduced SB2597 that would amend a Sen. Feigenholtz bill passed last session…

Amends the Electric Vehicle Charging Act. Exempts new single-family residences and tiny homes specifically constructed for veterans from the Act’s electric vehicle charging system requirements. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Effective immediately.

* Press release…

Sen. Rose and Rep. Niemerg Press Conference to Unveil Legislation to Improve Safety During Road Construction and Emergency Closures.

WHEN: Friday, October 20th at 10:00am
WHERE: BP Gas Station
306 N. Spring Creek Rd.
Montrose, IL

Senator Rose and Representative Niemerg will be hosting a press conference to introduce new legislation designed to make construction zones safer. The legislation is being filed to address the types of issues that occurred along I-70 and Route 40 this summer.

* Rep. Nabeela Syed continues to focus on healthcare related bills with HB4180…

Amends the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning coverage for mammograms, provides that coverage for certain types of mammography shall be made available to patients of a specified age (rather than only women of a specified age). Makes changes to require coverage for molecular breast imaging and, in those cases where it’s not already covered, magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall convene an expert panel, including representatives of hospitals, free-standing breast cancer treatment centers, breast cancer quality organizations, and doctors, including radiologists that are trained in all forms of FDA approved breast imaging technologies, breast surgeons, reconstructive breast, surgeons, oncologists, and primary care providers to establish quality standards for breast cancer treatment. Makes technical changes. Effective immediately.

* Sen. Harriss’s SB2590…

Creates the Adult Content Age Verification Act. Defines terms. Provides that a commercial entity that knowingly and intentionally publishes or distributes material harmful to minors on the Internet from a website that contains a substantial portion of material harmful to minors shall be subject to civil penalties if the entity fails to perform reasonable age verification methods to verify the age of individuals attempting to access the material. Provides that the Attorney General may investigate alleged violations and initiate a civil action for an injunction and to assess civil penalties. Provides that the civil penalties shall be deposited into the Cyber Exploitation of Children Fund, which shall be expended for the investigation of cybercrimes involving the exploitation of children and for no other purpose. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change.

* Sen. Willie Preston‘s SB2612…

Creates the Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens Act. Establishes the Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board within the Department of Public Health for the purpose of advising and making recommendations to the Department regarding the provision of psilocybin and psilocybin services. Provides that the Department shall begin receiving applications for the licensing of persons to manufacture or test psilocybin products, operate service centers, or facilitate psilocybin services. Contains licensure requirements and prohibitions. Provides that a licensee or licensee representative may manufacture, deliver, or possess a psilocybin product. Provides that the Department may obtain, relinquish, or dispose of psilocybin products to ensure compliance with and enforce the Act and rules adopted under the Act. Creates the Psilocybin Control and Regulation Fund and the Illinois Psilocybin Fund and makes conforming changes in the State Finance Act. Requires the Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, and the Department of Revenue to perform specified duties. Contains provisions concerning rulemaking; taxes; fees; zoning; labeling; and penalties. Preempts home rule powers. Contains other provisions. Amends the Criminal Identification Act. Provides that specified records shall be expunged prior to (i) January 1, 2025 (rather than January 1, 2023) and (ii) January 1, 2027 (rather than January 1, 2025). Provides for expungement of specified records concerning the possession of psilocybin and psilocin. Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Removes psilocybin and psilocin from the list of Schedule I controlled substances. Amends the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal Act of 2012. Provides that the Tax Tribunal shall have original jurisdiction over all determinations of the Department of Revenue reflected on specified notices issued under the Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens Act. Effective immediately.

* Sen. Doris Turner introduced SB2559 yesterday. Release…

With the ever-growing support for pickleball, State Senator Doris Turner has introduced legislation that would increase the number of pickleball courts in Springfield.
 
“We have seen a tremendous growth in the interest of pickleball over the past few years. To meet the needs of the sport, I’ve worked closely with the Springfield Pickleball Club to find the best way to accommodate players,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Adding additional courts to Centennial and Iles parks would bring an economic boost to Springfield. This would be instrumental for Springfield, pickleball players, businesses and our community.”
 
Pickleball has become the country’s fastest-growing sport. The Springfield Pickleball Club has 435 members and has averaged about 24% more new members each of the last three years. Currently, there are 15 pickleball courts in Springfield. Turner’s measure would increase the number of courts in Springfield to meet the growing demand.
 
Senate Bill 2599 would provide funding to add 14 new pickleball courts at Centennial Park in an undeveloped space and would include a new concrete slab with a six-foot walkway separating the courts. The measure would also fund the replacement of a 60-year-old concrete slab at Iles Park, which currently has eight courts, and add four courts to allow for more participation in an annual summer tournament.
 
“The Springfield area has experienced, perhaps, the largest percentage increase in the number of pickleball players. It now has an estimated 1,200 players,” said Jack Handy, president of the Springfield Pickleball Club. “With only 15 pickleball courts available for play, it has been increasingly difficult to avoid long waits for a court. The addition of 18 courts, as outlined in this bill, will meet the current demand for play space.”
 
Senate Bill 2599 awaits committee assignment in the Illinois State Senate.