The Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) is considering a proposal that would ban the sale of most new non-electric vehicles in the state by 2035. Environmental groups are pushing for Illinois to adopt California-style emissions standards, which include phasing out gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles and implementing stricter emissions regulations on heavy-duty trucks.
Republican lawmakers in Illinois are introducing legislation to crack down on fentanyl dealers, calling the crisis a public health emergency. The proposed bills would increase penalties for those distributing the deadly drug and officially classify fentanyl overdose deaths as fentanyl poisoning.
Illinois' Interchange Fee Prohibition Act remains tied up in court as industry experts warn that the law could create unnecessary complications for businesses. The law prohibits credit card issuers from charging interchange fees on portions of transactions, including taxes and gratuities. While supporters claim the transition will be easy, financial institutions and business advocates argue otherwise.
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is refusing to comply with President Donald Trump’s directive to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, despite the potential loss of over $2.2 billion in federal tax funds.
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen Burke has introduced a legislative proposal aimed at providing first-time, nonviolent gun offenders with an opportunity to comply with Illinois’ firearm licensing laws.
A sexual assault involving students in a central Illinois community has sparked legislative action. State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) is pushing for stronger school policies after discovering that the student responsible for the assault was allowed to remain in class.