* Let’s start with a veto session preview from Capitol News Illinois…

When lawmakers return to the Capitol next week for their annual fall veto session, they have a full agenda, including a handful of vetoes from Gov. JB Pritzker to consider overriding, in addition to deciding whether to revive a private school scholarship program.

But additional state spending is unlikely to be on their agenda, according to recent comments from both the governor and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. […]

Another issue likely to come up during veto session is a change to the state’s labor laws that would allow certain legislative staffers to unionize. […]

Domestic violence advocates and a group of Democratic lawmakers are reviving a proposal left on the cutting room floor when the spring session ended in May. The bill would clarify existing law that mandates guns be taken away from an alleged abuser after a judge grants a certain type of domestic violence order of protection against them.

The staff union bill has been posted for a hearing in Tuesday morning’s House Executive Committee hearing.

* Rep. Adam Niemerg introduced a bill in response to the 5 killed in Teutopolis after an ammonia truck was hit. From the synopsis of HB4182…

Creates the Construction Zone Safe Detour Act. Establishes that a company that provides GPS travel services in the State is required to ensure that at least one person is available to receive official requests 24 hours per day, 7 days per week from emergency services, Illinois State Police, or the Department of Transportation for the purpose of implementing proper detours in the event of construction or emergency. Requires a GPS service provider to upload the detour and routing information provided by emergency services, Illinois State Police, or the Department of Transportation into its navigation system to properly route users of the GPS service provider’s systems. Provides that a GPS service provider that fails to implement proper detour routing on an ongoing and emergency basis may be liable for treble damages. Allows an affirmative defense for GPS service providers if emergency services, including the Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police, fail to notify the GPS service provider with routing information. Prohibits the Department from conducting construction on a secondary route or parallel primary highway at the same time, except in an emergency. Requires the Department to reimburse local governments for damages caused to roads within the local government’s jurisdiction that arise from any detour around or near a construction zone authorized by the Department. Provides that the Department shall adopt emergency rules for the administration of the Act. Defines terms.

Here’s more on Rep. Niemerg’s bill from WAND…

The legislation was filed by State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis).

“The I-70 corridor between Effingham and Terre Haute has been an unmitigated disaster this summer, due to poor planning at the state level, along with navigation services sending people down dangerous routes during closures,” Sen. Rose said. “Our goal is to make sure that major projects like this are planned in a safer manner, and that when roads do have to be closed, drivers are following the best and safest detour route possible.”

The bill establishes that a company that provides GPS travel services in the State is required to ensure that at least one person is available at all times to receive official requests from emergency services, Illinois State Police, or the Department of Transportation for the purpose of implementing proper detours in the event of construction or emergency.

The bill requires a GPS service provider to upload the detour and routing information provided by emergency services, Illinois State Police, or the Department of Transportation into its navigation system to properly route users of the GPS service provider’s systems.

It prohibits the Illinois Department of Transportation from placing a parallel secondary transportation route under construction while a primary route is also under construction, except in cases of emergencies.

* More from Sen. Sue Rezin on her new nuclear power plant legislation….

During the General Assembly’s 2023 spring legislative session, I filed such a bill, Senate Bill 76. After robust negotiations, it received large bipartisan support in both chambers. This legislation was set to usher in the next phase in our state’s new energy generation era and spark economic growth and environmental stewardship opportunities. […]

While I support calling for an override vote and believe that vote would be successful if the Senate and House leaders allowed it, I have also filed a new bill to address the concerns of the Governor.

The reality is Illinois cannot continue to allow the outdated moratorium to remain in place while other states throughout the nation are aggressively embracing advanced nuclear power technology. If Illinois does not adapt to the modern energy era, we will lose any nuclear advantage we currently enjoy.

The embrace of advanced nuclear technology by either overriding the veto of Senate Bill 76 or the passage of Senate Bill 2591 during the upcoming veto session will showcase Illinois’ commitment to the nuclear industry, preservation of the environment, and safeguarding local economies for generations to come.

In cases of road closures, GPS and navigation service providers will have to use detours provided by IDOT and ISP to make sure the safest detour routes are being sent to drivers in real time.

* Rep. Brad Halbrook filed HR449…

Condemns the attacks on the State of Israel and its people and strongly implores the government of Israel to bring the terrorist organization, Hamas, to an end. Reaffirms Illinois’ support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel. Recognizes Israel’s right to act decisively and unilaterally in self-defense to protect its citizens. Expresses Illinois’ support for Israel’s right to pursue without interference or condemnation the elimination of Hamas until Hamas is permanently neutralized and public safety is assured. Conveys Illinois’ most heartfelt condolences to all Israeli victims as well as their families and communities. Calls upon Illinois law enforcement to remain vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans, Jewish Americans, and all supporters of Israel from acts of crime and unlawful discrimination that tend to manifest at such times. Encourages all other American states to likewise condemn Hamas as well as any official body that refuses to recognize Israel’s right to act decisively in self-defense to protect its citizens. Calls upon the United States to provide assistance to support Israel in its defense against Hamas and all other terrorist organizations that threaten its sovereignty.

* Center Square…

As issues continue at state-run mental health facilities across Illinois, legislators are again calling for change. […]

State Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, filed three measures as part of his “Help Protect Us and Improve Our Home” initiative, which he hopes to discuss during the fall veto session.

“I hope we discuss some of these issues during veto. I just started drafting a bill yesterday on trying to do a pilot program with the workers,” Meier told The Center Square. “I think some Dems maybe will like it.” […]

Other changes suggested in the measures include a mass hiring of qualified staff, an increase in administrative and security inspections, and an improved effort to remind employees if they see something is wrong, report it.