* Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen Burke…

Consistent with her commonsense approach to public safety that focuses resources on violent crimes and illegal automatic weapons, Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen Burke announced today a new legislative proposal to provide meaningful opportunities for non-violent, first-time offenders to get into compliance with the law if they participate in a first-time gun crime diversion program. This program is only for individuals charged with a Class 4 felony, the lowest class of felony charge for weapons, and does not include any automatic weapons. Illinois law allows its citizens to carry handguns if they have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. This program provides otherwise law-abiding citizens without criminal history who were arrested because they failed to obtain a FOID card, a pathway to come into compliance with those licensing regulations.

“There is no higher priority for this office than getting illegal guns and the people who use them off the street, and we will use every resource at our disposal in that effort,” State’s Attorney Burke said. “At the same time, we must be smart about how we use our resources and how we impact people and communities. This bill will provide another tool to strike that important balance.”

An individual’s criminal history could preclude their participation and qualification for this program. Non-violent individuals charged with a first offense may be sent to a diversion program, such as the First Time Weapons Offense Program, and upon completion their charges will be dismissed. However, current law does not allow the individual to apply for a FOID card until after the charges are dismissed and in many cases the offender leaves the diversion program still without the necessary licensing to avoid being charged again despite successful completion of the program.

The changes were introduced this week by State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (17th District – Chicago) in Senate Bill 1899, and State Representative Justin Slaughter (27th District – Chicago) in House Bill 3496. The proposal will allow eligible first-time diversion program participants to apply for a FOID card while participating in a diversion program and receive their FOID card after completing the program. All of the current requirements for lawful gun ownership remain the same, and the Illinois State Police could deny any application if the person remains ineligible for a FOID card.

“There are far too many guns in the hands of far too many people who have no business having them in our communities, and that should be our focus,” Sen. Sims said. “Nonviolent, first-time offenders who are eligible and willing to participate in a program centered on safety and responsible gun ownership should have the opportunity to obtain a FOID card rather than be subject to a cycle of gun charges that can derail their lives. This bill provides a valuable diversion opportunity while placing the responsibility to comply with the law squarely where it belongs: with the individual.” […]

This is the first bill Burke, who was sworn into office in December, has introduced to complement her internal policy changes requiring prosecutors to seek pre-trial detention for offenders charged with using machine guns, machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), switches, extended magazines, ghost guns, and other hard-to-trace firearms. Last week, she announced her office would seek prison time for all offenders convicted of similar gun offenses.

* Poker Fuse…

Two bills, SB 1963 and HB 3080, have been introduced in the Illinois Legislature to legalize igaming. They are sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro and Rep. Edgar González, Jr.

While both bills face a long legislative process, they mark the first step toward Illinois online poker becoming a reality. If the proposed legislation passes, the Land of Lincoln would become the eighth state with legal online casinos and the ninth to legalize online poker. […]

Both bills have been dubbed the Internet Gaming Act, which proposes a regulated market for online casinos and poker, taxed at 25% of adjusted gross gaming revenue. Both bills allow an unspecified number of qualified licensees—including the state’s land-based casinos and racetracks—to operate up to three online skins for casino and poker. An internet gaming license would cost $250,000, with renewals set at $100,000.

Notably, both the bills include language that could allow Illinois to join a multi-state gaming compact, such as the existing Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which currently has five members, with Pennsylvania expected to join as the sixth.

* Sen. Doris Turner…

State Senator Doris Turner has introduced two measures in response to the murder of Sonya Massey last year.

“Sonya’s death should have never happened,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Since that fatal day, I have worked with state and county officials, law enforcement and community members to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Alongside Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, we created the Massey Commission to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses, and community relations. Both of these measures came directly from the commission.”

Senate Bill 1953 would require law enforcement agencies to conduct a more comprehensive review of a prospective officer’s past employment to ensure his or her physical and psychological fitness for duty as a police officer before making an offer of employment. To ensure the highest degree of integrity and professionalism in the hiring process of sheriffs’ deputies and other personnel, the legislation would expand the creation of sheriff’s merit boards and sheriff’s merits commissions for counties with a population of at least 75,000.

Additionally, Turner is leading Senate Bill 1954 that would allow the recall of a countywide elected official to be put on the ballot by either the county board or a petition signed by 5% of the county’s registered voters or 1,000 registered voters, whichever is less, based on the size of the county.

The recall would then go on the ballot for voters to approve and must be passed by a majority. If approved to recall an elected official, petitions must be signed by at least 15% of the total votes cast for governor in the last election in the county. If a majority of those voting recalls the official, then he or she would be removed from office after certification of the votes. […]

Turner’s measures await committee assignments in the Senate.

* SB2305 from Sen. Omar Aquino…

Amends the Illinois TRUST Act. Provides that law enforcement may not: (i) retain information regarding the citizenship or immigration status or place of birth of any individual; (ii) give any immigration agent access, including by telephone or other communication medium (rather than only including by telephone), to any individual who is in that agency’s custody; (iii) permit immigration agents’ use of agency facilities or equipment, including any agency electronic databases not available to the public (rather than permit immigration agents use of agency facilities or equipment, including any agency electronic databases not available to the public, for investigative interviews or other investigative or immigration enforcement purpose); or (iv) provide information to any immigration agent regarding any individual in the agency’s custody (rather than provide information in response to any immigration agent’s inquiry or request for information regarding any individual in the agency’s custody). Provides that law enforcement may not enter into or maintain any agreement regarding direct access to any electronic database or other data-sharing platform maintained by a law enforcement agency, or otherwise provide such direct access to a federal entity enforcing civil immigration law or any third parties unless such third parties certify that the information will not be used for civil immigration purposes or knowingly disseminated for any purpose related to civil immigration enforcement. Adds provisions from the Keep Illinois Families Together Act to the Illinois TRUST Act. Changes reporting requirements. Removes certain provisions from the legislative purpose. Changes definitions. Repeals the Keep Illinois Families Together Act. Effective immediately.

* Sen. Rachel Ventura…

State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced two new measures to address medical fees and lower prescription drug costs, providing relief to Illinoisans’ health care costs.

“The cost of prescription drugs are on the verge of being raised significantly – leaving millions unsure how they will be able to afford life-saving medications. We cannot allow big pharmaceutical companies to drain people’s pockets when there are much cheaper alternatives,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I also believe it is unfair to penalize individuals who have difficulties making and attending medical appointments with outrageous medical fees of services not rendered. My legislation puts people first in health.”

To help alleviate rising medical costs, Senate Bill 1972 would prohibit health care providers — including dentists, physical/occupational therapists, eye doctors and veterinarians —from charging patients a fee for a missed or late appointment.

The Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program Act, or Senate Bill SB1971, would allow the Illinois Department of Public Health to contract with prescription drug wholesalers and Canadian suppliers to import prescription drugs to the state.

The current market value of prescription drugs sold in Illinois and nationwide is significantly higher than the same medication sold in the Canadian market. This measure, which would comply with all federal requirements, would allow the state to purchase medication at a lower market price to provide major savings to Illinoisans.

“Illinoisans are paying outrageous prices for the same medications that cost far less just across the border,” said Anusha Thotakura, executive director of Citizen Action Illinois. “We are grateful to Senator Ventura and Representative West who are championing the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program Act to make life-saving medications more affordable and accessible.”

Both measures currently await Senate committee assignments.

* Rep. Jed Davis…

State Representative Jed Davis (R-Yorkville) is taking action to protect kids and support parents with the Protecting Kids Bill Package – a set of 12 bills focused on keeping kids safe, improving their well-being, and strengthening parental rights.

“These bills are about doing what’s right for kids in Illinois,” said Rep. Davis. “We need to do more to support, protect, and care for the next generation, allowing them to thrive throughout life.”

The Protecting Kids Bill Package includes:

- HB 1097: Allows parents or guardians to record audio during meetings regarding their child’s individualized education program (IEP).
- HB 1103: Requires online platforms distributing adult content to verify ages before granting access.
- HB 1106: Lets school districts create volunteer Special Education Advisory Committees when parents request them.
- HB 1107: Requires school staff training to better understand and support students with disabilities.
- HB 1113: Allows schools to welcome certified chaplains as volunteers, helping broaden student support.
- HB 1140: Prevents individuals charged with sex trafficking minors from pleading down to lesser offenses and receiving less jail time.
- HB 1260: Requires human trafficking awareness training for cosmetologists, barbers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and teachers.
- 1346: Creates a grant program to fully fund School Resource Officers (SROs).
- HB 2511: Creates the State Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Program to provide awareness and education to lower rates of fetal alcohol disorders.
- HB 2512: Ensures informed parental consent before minors receive psychotropic medications.
- HB 2542: Updates child support calculations to be more accurate and fair, helping third-shift workers like firefighters, nurses, and police officers.
- HB 3008: Launches the Illinois Classroom Supply Assistance Program to reimburse teachers for out-of-pocket classroom expenses.

“Keeping kids safe and helping them thrive should be a priority for everyone,” said Rep. Davis. “I’m hopeful for strong bipartisan support on these common-sense bills putting kids first.”

* HB3351 from Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl…

Creates the Rental Age Protection Act. Provides that it is unlawful for an automobile rental company to refuse to rent a motor vehicle to any person 18 years of age or older on the basis of age if insurance coverage for a person of that age is available. Provides that an automobile rental company may not charge a person any extra costs for insurance based solely on the age of the person renting the motor vehicle. Provides that it is unlawful for a lodging establishment to refuse to rent a room to any person 18 years of age or older on the basis of age or charge a person a higher rate than the regular rate charged to rent a room on the basis of age. Provides that a violation of any of the provisions of the Act is an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Defines terms. Amends the Renter’s Financial Responsibility and Protection Act to remove provisions concerning minimum age requirements. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change.