Illinois Legislative News: October 20, 2025
Third Reading Consulting Group
Fiscal Year 2026-31 Proposed Highway and Multimodal Improvement Program
The Illinois General Assembly returned to Springfield for the first week of a two-week fall veto session from Tuesday, October 14, to Thursday, October 16. Committee and floor action was limited in both the House and Senate, and the Senate canceled its scheduled session day on Thursday.
Before adjourning for the week, the Senate passed several measures that were left outstanding from the regular session:
- SB 243 is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA) omnibus that already passed the House back in May. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
- SB 642 is a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) extension omnibus that extends project timelines in the City of Chicago, the Village of Millstadt, the City of Mattoon, and the City of Sterling. The bill will now be sent over to the House for committee and floor consideration.
- HB 2394 increases the weight limit for battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks to align with the federal standard. The bill passed the Senate despite concerns about increased road wear and tear, especially since these vehicles do not pay Motor Fuel Tax. Having previously passed the House, the bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Energy and Chicagoland transit funding and governance reform were expected to be major issues during veto session. The House Executive Committee held a subject matter hearing on the RTA fiscal cliff on Wednesday, October 15, though updated bill language has not yet been filed. Despite a series of energy-related hearings held over the summer, new omnibus energy legislation has also not been introduced during veto session.
The House held several extended caucus meetings throughout the week to prepare for the second week of veto session, when more substantive legislative action is anticipated. After a one-week recess, the General Assembly will return to Springfield for the second week of veto session from October 28 to 30.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
October 28-30 – Veto Session Week 2