Illinois Legislative News: July 27, 2026
Third Reading Consulting Group
Election Season and the Fall Agenda
The 2026 election will shape Illinois’ political landscape for the next several years. Illinois’ general election is set for November 3, with Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, statewide executive offices, all Illinois House seats, and some Illinois Senate seats on the ballot. Gov. JB Pritzker is seeking a third term, while the open U.S. Senate seat following Sen. Dick Durbin’s retirement has become one of the state’s highest-profile races. As campaigns ramp up, legislative activity is likely to slow, though negotiations continue on several major policy issues ahead of veto session.
Recent ballot developments have also reshaped the November landscape. Independent gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett is expected to remain on the ballot after election officials determined he submitted enough valid signatures. In addition, Jessica Dixon Heitman was appointed to represent the 97th House District and will stand for election this fall.
One of the most significant issues left unresolved at adjournment is data center policy. Lawmakers ended the spring session without advancing the POWER Act (SB 4016 / HB 5513), leaving negotiations to continue over energy demand, water usage, tax incentives, and local community impacts. Following legislative inaction, Gov. Pritzker paused new data center incentive agreements beginning July 1, released a proposed regulatory framework, and encouraged lawmakers to return with legislation incorporating those recommendations.
Major Legislation Signed Into Law
Gov. Pritzker has continued signing legislation approved during the spring session, with several measures affecting artificial intelligence, energy policy, child care, cannabis regulation, consumer protection, health care, and public safety.
- Artificial Intelligence. On July 6, Gov. Pritzker signed SB 315, the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act, establishing new safety, transparency, incident reporting, compliance, whistleblower, and independent audit requirements for developers of the largest AI systems. The legislation positions Illinois among a small number of states adopting comprehensive AI governance and distinguishes the state by requiring independent third-party safety audits for covered developers.
- Energy Affordability and Transparency. On July 9, Gov. Pritzker signed HB 4456 and HB 5524, expanding eligibility for low-income utility assistance and increasing transparency around residential electric bills. Together, the laws raise eligibility for federal energy assistance programs from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level and require detailed reporting on electric bill charges, including the statutory authority for each charge and the programs or services those charges support.
- Child Care and Early Childhood. HB 3595 modernizes Illinois’ child care licensing framework by updating statutory terminology, streamlining license-exemption structures, and allowing background checks to be tied to individuals rather than providers once the relevant provisions take effect. The legislation coincides with the July 1 launch of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, which now oversees child care licensing, home visiting, early intervention, and related early childhood programs.
- Cannabis and Hemp Regulation. SB 3222 immediately prohibits the sale of intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 THC, to individuals under 21 and incorporates those products into Illinois’ existing cannabis regulatory framework. The law also establishes child-resistant packaging requirements, restricts marketing aimed at minors, and expands access to medical cannabis products through licensed dispensaries.
- Health Care and Medicaid. In June, Gov. Pritzker signed SB 3365, a Medicaid omnibus package intended to strengthen Illinois’ hospital funding structure and implement reforms in response to recent federal legislation. The package also includes hospital oversight and long-term care funding provisions aimed at maintaining access to care and supporting provider stability.
- Consumer Protection and Public Safety. Gov. Pritzker also signed more than 60 additional bills in late June, including HB 3564, addressing rental fee transparency and landlord “junk fees,” and HB 4514, providing for public forums in utility rate proceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 3 – Illinois General Election
November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1
December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2