* Subscribers know more. WAND…

While [House Minority Leader Tony McCombie] is not optimistic about work getting done this week, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch told WAND News it is time to address actions threatening public safety.

“We’re seeing the chaos that Donald Trump is causing in American cities with military troops and ICE, and border patrol hundreds of miles from the border,” Welch said. “It’s just total chaos being created by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.”

Democrats hope to limit ICE agents from detaining people in courthouses, expand the definition of law enforcement prohibited from cooperating with immigration enforcement, and potentially ban law enforcement from wearing masks or neck gaiters on the job. Yet, Republicans strongly oppose those ideas.

House Speaker Chris Welch…

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and members of the House Democratic leadership team will address the media Wednesday to discuss work ahead during the fall session against the backdrop of unprecedented federal overreach affecting communities across Illinois.

Welch and members will hold a media availability at 11:45 a.m. outside of the Speaker’s Capitol Officer (Room 300), before proceeding to the floor for session.

* The Illinois Gaming Board recently adopted a rule banning credit card use for sports betting. Rep. Curtis Tarver filed HB4149 yesterday…

Amends the Illinois Lottery Law. Prohibits a person from selling a lottery ticket or share on a credit basis. Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides that an automated teller machine (ATM) located within a casino shall not be able to perform cash advances on credit cards. Prohibits a person from using a credit card to participate in a gambling game.

* Sen. Laura Fine filed SB2684…

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that no insurance company that is authorized to do business in the State and that issues policies for personal multiperil property coverage, commonly known as homeowners insurance, shall use premiums collected from policyholders for executive employee compensation and bonuses, including, but not limited to, Chief Executive Officer stock buy-backs; any marketing materials, including, but not limited to, any print, radio, television, electronic, or digital advertisements; costs associated with lobbying; and contributions to State candidates for elected office, federal candidates for elected office, or political committees. Provides that, if an insurer that sells homeowner insurance policies in the State cancels or refuses to renew a policyholder’s insurance policy or if, upon renewal, a policyholder’s premium will increase by 10% or more, the insurer shall automatically provide a written notice to the policyholder disclosing the causes of any policy cancellation, non-renewal, or premium increase. Sets forth requirements for the content of the required notice. Provides that an insurer shall, within a reasonable time after providing notice to a policyholder, file electronically with the Department of Insurance a copy of the notice and any supporting documentation provided to the policyholder. Provides that, on or before July 1, 2026, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish a homeowners and renters insurance affordability assistance pilot program. Sets forth criteria for participating in the pilot program. Repeals the provisions concerning the pilot program on July 1, 2030.

* Rep. Bob Rita…

State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita today urged legislators to pass House Bill 1812 to help Cook County Homeowners appeal their property tax assessments and reduce their tax burdens.

House Bill 1812 would ensure Cook County homeowners have a voice in the property tax appeal process:

- Affords homeowners sufficient time to respond to Board of Review decisions on the assessed value of their homes
- Allows for all homeowners to have a hearing about their appeal at the Board of Review when they or their attorney requests one
- Ensures Board of Review decisions include information submitted by homeowners by requiring the Board to consider all evidence submitted by homeowners with their appeals
- Allows for Board of Review to continue its practice of assisting homeowners who do not have attorneys for their appeals
- Requires Board of Review to provide an explanation of its decision to homeowners and their attorneys

HB1812 was introduced early this year and did not move during spring session.

* SB2675 from Sen. Willie Preston…

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that notwithstanding any prior exclusion, any person incarcerated under an indeterminate sentence on the effective date of the amendatory Act whose minimum term was 20 years or more as of February 1, 1978, may elect to be resentenced under the 1978 determinate sentencing law. Provides that the election must be made in writing to the Department of Corrections, which shall inform all eligible persons within 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall provide all necessary forms and assistance to eligible persons. Provides that upon election, the person’s indeterminate sentence shall be converted to a determinate sentence consistent with the 1978 sentencing structure and the offense for which the person was convicted. Provides that time served shall be applied retroactively, and the person shall be credited with all sentence credits and earned time applicable under the law in effect since the date of original commitment. Provides that any person whose recalculated determinate sentence has been fully served shall be immediately released to a mandatory supervised release term under the terms applicable to the offense class and sentence length at the time of original sentencing. Provides that the Prisoner Review Board shall schedule hearings for eligible persons who elect the option within 180 days after receiving their request. Provides that thereafter, continued review shall occur no less frequently than every 12 months, unless earlier action is deemed by the Board to be appropriate. Provides that nothing in the provision shall be construed to require parole or mandatory supervised release for any person who does not elect the option, or who is otherwise ineligible. Effective immediately.

* The Tribune…

One of the Illinois legislature’s biggest opponents of the Chicago Bears’ plan to relocate outside the city introduced legislation on Tuesday that could stall or hinder the team’s efforts, but significant questions remain about whether the bill will garner enough support or when it might be voted on.

The legislation from state Rep. Kam Buckner of Chicago — a former University of Illinois football player who represents the district where Soldier Field is located — calls for greater transparency around stadium deals in Illinois and could require the team to dig deeper into its pockets. It remains silent, however, about major financial issues, including whether the franchise would have to pay off outstanding debt for the 2003 Soldier Field renovation, a point some opponents of the team’s move have said is a bare minimum for their support. […]

“I want to at least lay down the tracks for what the rules of engagement are for us,” Buckner said. “We’ve asked the Bears to come forward with a plan and show their work and show how this is a net benefit to the people. I think they’ve fallen short of that. And so, I think now the ball is back in our court. It’s incumbent upon us to tell what we need to hear from them.” […]

In addition, the Buckner bill targets the Bears’ plans to negotiate a long-term property tax deal with local schools and other taxing bodies, which is a crucial aspect of the team’s plan to relocate to northwest suburban Arlington Heights. Under Buckner’s proposed legislation, sports franchises would instead have to reimburse schools, libraries and emergency services for property taxes lost as a result of stadium agreements.

* SB2700 from Sen. Christopher Belt…

Amends the Local Mass Transit District Act. Provides that the board of trustees of any local mass transit district may: (1) initiate transit-oriented developments and trail-oriented developments; (2) partner with public bodies, private entities, non-profit organizations, or institutions for the purpose of these developments; (3) acquire real property or facilities for the purpose of these developments; (4) own, maintain, design, construct, reconstruct, improve, repair, operate, or lease any facilities for the purpose of these developments; (5) use funds and property of these districts for the purpose of these developments; and (6) borrow money, issue bonds, apply for grants, and enter into lease agreements or intergovernmental agreements for the purpose of these developments.