* WAND…

A bill led by Gov. JB Pritzker’s office to drop drug prices through PBM reformed passed the Illinois Senate Thursday.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBM’s for short are known as the middlemen of the drug industry, negotiating a price between insurance companies, drug makers and pharmacies. […]

The bill championed by state Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) would ban the practice of spread pricing. He said on the Senate floor that from this change alone $50 million would be saved. […]

The legislation passed the Senate floor on a bipartisan 56-1 vote. The bill will now head to the House, where lawmakers could talk about it before session ends May 31.

* The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association…

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) released the following statement in support of SB2008, which contains numerous provisions to attract and grow businesses throughout the state:

“This legislation builds on the economic development gains Illinois has made in recent years by ensuring our state has the proper tools to attract new businesses and increase existing investments,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We’re proud to have worked in collaboration with Gov. JB Pritzker’s office and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on several key provisions of this proposal, including incentives to help small and medium-sized manufacturers build and upgrade their facilities and equipment, as well as extending and increasing apprenticeship programs that are crucial to building a skilled workforce for the future. We have championed efforts to support existing Illinois companies that are retaining jobs and making significant capital investments and are encouraged by initiatives to repurpose state properties into business-ready sites ready to welcome new large-scale development. While there is more work to be done, these are the kind of policies that help Illinois remain competitive and encourage continued growth.”

If signed into law, SB2008 would also expand STAR bonds statewide, giving municipalities new financing tools to invest in capital projects that attract visitors and boost local revenues.

* Capitol News Illinois…

In the backstretch of the legislative session, horse racing advocates are pushing to revitalize the industry in Illinois and its accompanying horse betting, both long in decline.

City officials from Decatur and Illinois horse racing advocates joined an effort this week by Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, to push lawmakers to approve legislation intended to revive a long-stalled south suburban “racino” and open a path for a new racetrack and gaming facility in Decatur.

Joyce’s bill, Senate Bill 1473, would undo part of a 2019 law that gave Hawthorne Race Course, a gambling course in Stickney, authority to veto other racecourse developments within 35 miles surrounding their suburban Chicago location. At the same time, it would make way to build a new racecourse in Decatur. The proposed development would include grandstands, a sports complex, hotels, restaurants, a gaming facility and a training center. […]

Joyce’s bill has received blowback from small businesses in Decatur, who fear a “racino” of this scale might oversaturate the town’s already thriving gambling market.

Rep. Brad Stephens, R-Rosemont, said he’s concerned the projected growth associated with allowing gambling terminals at horse tracks might come at the expense of Illinois’ growing video gambling industry. […]

Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, indicated frustration at Wednesday’s hearing that Hawthorne Race Course has for too long failed to attract investment in its racecourse/casino development plans.

“How long do we give you? 10, 20, 30 years?” Harmon asked a Hawthorne representative at the hearing before voting for the bill’s passage in committee.

* Subscribers know more. WAND…

The Illinois House passed a plan Thursday night to allow anyone dying of a terminal illness within six months to have the option of medically-assisted death. […]

Experts say medical aid in dying is approved in ten states. They also stress that there have been no substantial cases of abuse or coercion since Oregon became the first state with the police in 1997.

“Qualified individuals must be able to self administer or self ingest the medicine,” said House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston). “Physicians must inform the requesting individual about all of their end of life options, including comfort care, hospice, palliative care, and pain control.” [..]

Senate Bill 1950 passed out of the House on a 63-42 vote with two members voting present. The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Although, it is unknown if the chamber has enough people willing to support the plan.

* House Minority Leader Tony McCombie…

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie recently passed a measure to expand the eligibility of Fire Chief license plates to include Mutual Aid Box Alarm Systems (MABAS) chiefs and allow trained and authorized MABAS chiefs to use red or white lights, sirens, and warning devices when responding to emergencies.

Senate Bill 1159 makes a change that will allow MABAS chiefs to safely respond to emergencies.

“As the wife of a fire Captain, I see firsthand the dedication and sacrifice our first responders make every single day,” said Leader McCombie. “This bill is about safety—giving emergency leaders the tools they need when every moment counts. Supporting those who protect us isn’t just smart policy—it’s the right thing to do.”

The piece of legislation earned unanimous support in both chambers—and after passing in the Illinois House this week, it will now advance to the Governor for his signature.

* WAND…

A state Democratic plan would protect the right to collectively bargain further by expanded current law.

The Public Labor Relations act in 1984 gave Illinoisan protections when bargaining with their employee. Now the protections would be expanded allowing the Public Labor Relations Board to investigate when employers do not collectively bargain in good faith. […]

“Under this bill, workers would be even more protected should their employer attempt to withdraw from the negotiation out of bad faith, so that their needs and interests are heard and their employer is brought to justice for their actions,” [state Sen. Graciela Guzmán (D-Chicago) said”].

Senate Bill 453 passed out of the Illinois Senate on a partisan 39-16 vote. It will now head to the House for further debate.

SB453 passed out of the House Labor & Commerce Committee (15-8) this morning.

* WIFR…

State Representative Joe Sosnowski rolls the dice on a bill meant to strengthen the Illinois gaming industry and sustain its long-term success in the Prairie State. […]

Sosnowski doubles down on House Bill 4070, which allows the three most under-performing casinos to relocate to a new community with the ability to support the jobs and economic activity that comes with this industry.

“It doesn’t mandate it, but it allows for those casino operators to put in a request and then bid out for a new location,” explained Sosnowski.

According to the American Gaming Association, the Illinois gaming industry supports nearly 30,000 jobs across the state.

“If we have 100 jobs in an underperforming casino location and we can shift those to an overperforming location, you know, we could triple the number of jobs and people that are employed,” Sosnowski said.

Rep. Sosnowski introduced HB4070 yesterday, it is highly unlikely it will see any movement before June 1.

* Sen. Rob Martwick…

Thanks to legislation led by State Senator Robert Martwick, several Illinois pension systems may soon see reforms to better protect retirement security for all public workers. [..]

House Bill 3193 is a comprehensive proposal that would address issues in current pension administration. Among the initiatives, the legislation includes changes to the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund to allow retired teachers who return to work to keep their pension benefits on a prorated basis rather than have them revoked entirely. This provision supports efforts to address the state’s teacher shortage while retaining the hard-earned benefits of retirees who are willing to re-enter the workforce.

In recognition of the risks firefighters face, House Bill 3193 would add breast cancer to the list of occupational diseases covered by disability provisions. It would also update policies within the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to clarify the definition of salary for employees on disability benefits and require annual medical examinations for workers to continue to receive these benefits.

To provide financial stability for retiring state troopers, the measure would require the State Employees’ Retirement System to issue an estimated annuity payment when they retire. This provision would address the delays experienced by state troopers whose pensions are calculated using an alternative formula, ensuring they have time to financially plan as they move into the next stage of their lives.

The measure also opens up opportunities for service credit transfers between various systems, including between downstate fire and police funds, military service into the Cook County system, CTE teacher service into the Teachers’ Retirement System, and downstate police to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. These changes will help resolve issues faced by public workers who move between roles or agencies. […]

House Bill 3193 passed the Senate on Thursday.

* WAND…

State representatives passed legislation Thursday night to collect and publicize data on contraband found in Illinois prisons.

The plan could require the Illinois Department of Corrections to document the contraband, where it was found, and any method of entrance to the facility. That includes employee and visitor entrances, vendor entrances, mail delivery or attorney visits. […]

Senate Bill 2201 passed out of the House on a 109-1 vote. It now moves back to the Senate due to an amendment.

“As public servants, we have a responsibility to improve transparency between state-run agencies and Illinoisans,” said Sen. Graciela Guzmán. “Without transparency, there is no way for the public to trust that any plans to stop the spread of contraband are founded in evidence, and may instead be harmful to people who are incarcerated. This initiative will ensure any plans are rooted in facts, and ensure people who are incarcerated are not mistreated in the process of changing these policies.”

* Sen. Julie Morrison…

To protect Illinois residents from the long-term health risks posed by PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation that would eliminate their use within common household products sold in the state. […]

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a type of synthetic chemicals designed for oil- and water-resistant purposes. Once released into the environment or absorbed by our body, PFAS do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health issues including cancer, hormone disruption, immune system damage and developmental problems in children.

To reduce Illinoisans’ exposure to these chemicals, House Bill 2516 would ban intentionally added PFAS from seven categories of products sold and distributed in the state, including cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, children’s items, menstrual products, intimate apparel and food packaging. Morrison’s bill prioritizes products where PFAS exposure is likely to be frequent or prolonged, especially for vulnerable populations like children, and sets a 2032 implementation date to give manufacturers time to phase out their use. […]

House Bill 2516 passed the Senate on Thursday.

…Adding… The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois…

The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois released the following statement following House committee approval of SB90, which was amended to make key reforms to the state’s cannabis regulations:

“Five years after adult-use cannabis launched in Illinois, the state’s legal cannabis industry is at an inflection point. While we thank Rep. La Shawn Ford for his leadership on this legislation, which contains important reforms we have long advocated for – including expanded access for medical patients, added support for social equity license holders and flexibility for transporters – additional action is needed to prevent further erosion of the legal cannabis market,” said Tiffany Chappell Ingram, Executive Director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois. “We again call on policymakers to implement meaningful regulations to rein in the parallel intoxicating hemp market, which is undercutting licensed operators, evading health and safety regulations, and generating de minimis revenue for state programs because these products are not taxed at the high rate levied on licensed cannabis products. Today’s action is a step forward, but the work cannot stop here.”