* The House Republican Organization is targeting a bill from Democrat Rep. Murri Briel…

At a time when Illinois families are already stretched thin, Representative Murri Briel has introduced legislation that would allow municipalities to charge residents a fee just to light a campfire. For Democrats obsessed with raising taxes and fees, it seems nothing is off limits.

House Bill 4459 would give local governments the authority to require a $5 permit for open burns, including campfires. That means families, campers, and anyone enjoying the outdoors could soon be paying a new fee for a simple recreational activity.

For many Illinois families, a campfire is not some luxury. It’s a low-cost way to spend time together, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories. Turning that into a pay-to-play activity is just another example of how out of touch Illinois Democrats have become with everyday life. […]

“Democrats keep claiming they are fighting for affordability, but actions like this tell a very different story,” explained the House Republican Organization. “The 76th District needs Liz Bishop to go to Springfield and fight to lower costs, cut taxes, and rein in out-of-control government spending so families in the district can finally get some relief.”

Republican Liz Bishop lost a very close race to Democrat Briel in 2024. Bishop is facing Crystal Loughran in the Republican primary.

* Rep. Briel responded yesterday, calling the claims an “influx of inaccurate news.” Press release…

Thank you to all who reached out. I appreciate the questions and concerns regarding House Bill 4459.

Seeing this influx of inaccurate news is very disheartening, especially when fueled by elected leaders who are bluntly ignoring the process of transparent governing by spreading misinformation about this bill—perhaps to simply grasp at straws to stay in the news. This bill never was and was never going to be about limiting a person’s ability to enjoy campfires or bonfires. I’ll continue to be transparent as I correct this drafting error—something I can not say the same about my counterparts.

Due to these unchecked and inaccurate facts in news articles circulating, I believe it is my responsibility to provide clarification and emphasize my intent that inspired this bill.

The legislative definition of “Open burns” for House Bill 4459 is drawn from 70 ILCS 705/8.20, which falls under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal, not the EPA. Campfires and bonfires, for example, are not named in this statute—and are unaffected by my proposal.

It’s important to note that this bill only impacts unincorporated areas and does not impose any new restrictions on municipalities or their existing authority to regulate fire protection. It simply gives these unincorporated areas the option to adopt requirements. The bill does not require, force or incentivize any new rules for municipal fire protection districts.

My primary intent is to provide our resource-strapped fire protection districts with better knowledge of where fires are occurring and their associated risks. This helps our firemen avoid unnecessary calls and wasted resources, and ensures they are best prepared should a fire spread and cause damage to other properties, structures, or land. Additionally, it will help increase public awareness of “no burn days,” which is critical given the continuously worsening drought conditions. Last year alone, three open burn fires spread, causing over $2 million in damages.

With that being said I am currently working on an amendment.

Still, I must thank everyone who has reached out to share their concerns and feedback. Moments like this show you how integral community feedback has in state government, and the necessity for ALL to have a seat at the table. I applaud my community for taking the interest and initiative to call out these needed corrections.

This year is about putting the power back in the people’s hands. I’m proud to continue the collaboration amongst community members at town halls, district events and council meetings. Because with your contributions, lived-experiences, and robust perspectives, we can continue building a better state together.

“With that being said I am currently working on an amendment.” Sigh.

* Moving on to SB3368 from Sen. Sue Rezin…

Creates the Chatbot Response Liability Act. Provides that a proprietor of a chatbot that is used as an alternative to a human representative or that provides any substantive response, information, advice, or action may not disclaim liability if the chatbot provides materially misleading, incorrect, contradictory, or harmful information that results in financial loss or other demonstrable harm or that results in bodily harm to the covered user or any third party. Provides that a proprietor of a chatbot shall provide clear, conspicuous, and explicit notice to covered users that the covered users are interacting with an artificial intelligence chatbot program rather than a human. Sets forth requirements for proprietors of companion chatbots, including parental consent for the use of companion chatbots by minors. Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules to determine commercially reasonable and technically feasible methods for proprietors of companion chatbots to comply with the Act. Effective one year after becoming law.

* Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado…

State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado today announced the introduction of three bills in the 104th General Assembly aimed at strengthening Illinois’ clean energy leadership, promoting sustainable government operations, and expanding educational equity. […]

HB4371 allows portable solar, modernizing Illinois energy policy by clarifying rules for portable solar generation devices. The bill exempts small, portable solar units from net metering and interconnection requirements while maintaining critical safety protections. By removing unnecessary fees, approvals, and equipment mandates, the legislation makes clean energy more accessible for residents seeking affordable, flexible power options—particularly during outages or emergencies.

HB4399 builds on Illinois’ clean fuel standards by updating biodiesel requirements for publicly owned diesel vehicles. Beginning in 2027, state and local government fleets, school districts, and transit agencies would use a biodiesel blend containing at least 19 percent biodiesel, with seasonal flexibility during winter months. The bill supports Illinois agriculture, reduces emissions, and strengthens the state’s commitment to renewable fuels.

HB4372 advances educational equity by requiring public elementary and high schools to include instruction on the contributions of Latin Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States. The measure directs the State Superintendent of Education to provide instructional materials and professional development support, ensuring that districts have the tools they need to implement high-quality, inclusive curriculum statewide beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

Each bill was crafted with input from environmental advocates, industry stakeholders and educators to balance innovation, safety, and practicality.

* WAND…

The Illinois Senate Local Government Committee unanimously approved a plan Wednesday to allow volunteer fire departments to receive state grant funding.

Many nonprofit fire departments in central and southern Illinois are currently unable to receive grant funding for equipment and building upgrades since the state only provides grants to municipal fire departments.

However, Senate Bill 2645 would allow the Illinois State Fire Marshal to create and award grants for volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts across the state. […]

The legislation now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Senators could vote on the plan when they return to Springfield Feb. 17.

* Patch…

A bill filed by State Representative Nicole La Ha in the Illinois House in Springfield would amend Illinois law to add “coercive control” as a type of abuse, according to a news release from La Ha’s office.

“With this legislation, Illinois will be taking a more proactive stance in addressing domestic violence before it escalates to physical violence,” said Rep. La Ha. “This bill will bring Illinois law in line with federal standards that already recognize coercion in cases of human trafficking. We must recognize that many forms of nonphysical violence are just as harmful as physical, and we must protect all victims of domestic violence.” […]

HB 4659 defines coercive control as, “a pattern of behavior that interferes with a person’s free will and personal liberty,” including isolating a household member from friends or family against their will, restricting access to finances, monitoring communications, using degrading language, making threats, or exerting control through intimidation or fear.

La Ha filed the amendment on Jan. 28, and the first reading in the House was on Feb. 3. It was referred to the House’s rules committee.

* Sen. Karina Villa introduced SB3407 yesterday…

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that a hospital licensed under the Act shall not charge a covered hospital employee more than 10% of the total health insurance premium cost. Provides that any agreement permitting a charge to a covered hospital employee in excess of 10% of the total health insurance premium cost shall be deemed invalid, void, and unenforceable. Provides that a hospital in violation of those provisions shall pay a civil penalty of $500 to the Department of Public Health for each impacted covered hospital employee.

* Rep. Nabeela Syed filed HB5098 today…

Creates the Entertainment Water Access Act. Requires places of entertainment to provide attendees with access to potable water while entertainment is occurring by: (1) providing bottled water at no cost; (2) allowing attendees to bring bottled water; or (3) allowing attendees to bring an empty bottle and providing free water for refilling. Requires the Attorney General to enforce the Act, and allows the Attorney General to provide information to owners and operators of places of entertainment. Allows a State’s Attorney or the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief. Defines “entertainment” and “place of entertainment”.

* More…

* WBBM | Advocates call for stronger paid leave policies in Illinois, other states: ‘It’s not rocket science’: According to an annual report from the organization titled “Paid Leave Means a Stronger Nation” five million workers lack access to paid family leave through their job and 62% of Illinoisans can’t access unpaid leave under the FMLA. “We found that people in Illinois are losing $2.4 billion in wages every year when they need to take leave and don’t have pay or only have partial pay,” said Jessica Mason, Senior Policy Analyst for Economic Justice for the NPWF.