Illinois Legislative News: October 19, 2026
Third Reading Consulting Group
Notable Policy Discussions Ahead of Veto Session
With the first week of Veto Session approximately one month away, from November 17-19, legislators and stakeholders have resumed discussions on previously introduced legislation and emerging policy priorities. Recent committee hearings and ongoing negotiations surrounding data centers and the Chicago Bears offer insight into issues that could shape the upcoming veto, lame duck, and spring legislative sessions.
For the first time since the conclusion of the 2026 spring session, House committees convened to discuss several policy issues, including Chicago’s potential municipal charter and statewide cybersecurity preparedness.
Municipal Home Rule Charter Act
On October 13, the House Executive Committee held a subject matter hearing on HB 5282, sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tempore Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), which would establish a process for Chicago to develop its own municipal charter. The charter would serve as a constitution-style framework for city government, with residents participating in its creation. Witness testimony featured Joel Hamernick, Executive Director of More Just Chicago, and Joe Ferguson, President of the Civic Federation. As Ferguson explained, a charter, among other things, could establish the City Council’s right to access information held by the executive branch, allowing council members to conduct independent analyses and make better-informed, accountable decisions regarding budgets, policies, and programs. Rep. Buckner and Ferguson also highlighted the City’s infamous parking meter deal as an example of how a charter could have provided greater oversight and potentially prevented the deal from moving forward as approved by the City Council.
Cybersecurity Preparedness
On October 14, the House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and IT Committee held a subject matter hearing examining cybersecurity threats and potential strategies to strengthen protections across Illinois, given that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Three panels addressed emerging cyber threats, risks to small and midsized manufacturers, and vulnerabilities affecting critical infrastructure and water utilities. Witnesses from state agencies and private industry highlighted the financial, operational, and public safety consequences of cyberattacks. Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly reported more than 33,000 cyber complaints and $535M in associated losses over the past year in Illinois. Witnesses also emphasized the need for practical cybersecurity training to help manufacturers and infrastructure operators respond effectively to attacks, particularly those that could disrupt essential services or threaten public health.
POWER Act and Data Center Regulation
After the 2026 spring legislative session, in which data center legislation was not taken up, Gov. Pritzker ordered the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) to suspend the processing of new state data center tax exemption applications while a legislative solution could be addressed. As legislators continue developing proposals to address these concerns, we should expect language that aligns with the principles outlined in Gov. Pritzker’s Executive Order: ensuring data centers pay their fair share, prioritizing energy reliability for Illinois families and businesses, requiring data centers to provide or fund their own clean energy resources, maintaining strong clean air protections, and ensuring community transparency and input.
Separately, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a yearlong moratorium on new data center development in Chicago. These changes came along with a national wave of data center crackdowns in states across the political spectrum.
Environmental advocates continue to push for the POWER Act (HB5513 / SB4016), legislation that stalled during the spring session. The proposal would establish requirements for data centers related to water-impact permitting, computing efficiency, and public disclosure of infrastructure costs and community benefits. As proponents of the legislation emphasize, the act would welcome data centers that bring new clean energy resources online and cover their own costs, supporting economic development while protecting communities, ratepayers, and the environment. Data center regulation remains a hot-button issue that will be discussed throughout the veto, lame duck, and spring legislative sessions.
Chicago Bears Stadium Negotiations
Although “Bears-related” legislation - like the megaprojects bill (HB 910) and the Municipal Stadium Authority Act (HB 958) - stalled during the spring session, and Bears leadership announced that they would be moving forward with a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, discussions over the Chicago Bears’ stadium plans and the team’s future in Illinois have continued throughout the summer and fall. Nearly two weeks ago, Gov. Pritzker and legislative leaders met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Bears minority owner Pat Ryan to discuss efforts to keep the franchise in Illinois.
The issue also surfaced during the recent gubernatorial debate between Pritzker and Republican nominee Darren Bailey. Pritzker expressed confidence that a deal could be reached in November to keep the Bears in Illinois, while emphasizing that any agreement would not come at taxpayers’ expense. With the previous legislative efforts stalled, ongoing negotiations remain an important issue to monitor ahead of veto session.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 3 – Illinois General Election
November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1
December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2