SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In a significant legislative move, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law 124 of the 436 bills that were presented to him during the spring session.
These newly enacted laws introduce extensive changes, including expanded coverage requirements for state-regulated insurance plans, mandates for libraries to stock opioid antagonists, and enhanced training protocols for law enforcement, medical professionals, and food handlers.
Among the bills that garnered substantial public and administrative attention were two measures aimed at safeguarding the drinking water for thousands of residents in central Illinois and improving pension benefits for first responders in Chicago.
One of the most noteworthy bills establishes protections for the Mahomet Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for nearly a million people across several counties, including communities in Peoria and Champaign.
The bill, which was signed into law by Pritzker, marks a crucial step following the state’s previous attempts to regulate carbon sequestration, a process where carbon dioxide emissions are stored underground.
While proponents of carbon sequestration claim that the deep geological storage of CO2 would not affect nearby water supplies, environmental advocates remain wary.
They pointed to previous incidents of leaks in Decatur from a carbon sequestration well run by ADM, a major agricultural business.
“While mitigating the effects of climate change should be a priority, it cannot be at the expense of the clean drinking water of nearly one million Illinoisans,” stated Senator Paul Faraci, D-Champaign.
The Senate passed the aquifer protection bill unanimously, and it received bipartisan support in the House, reflecting widespread agreement on its importance.
Another critical piece of legislation, House Bill 3657, addresses pension benefits for Chicago’s first responders who fall under the Tier 2 pension system.
The decision to sign this bill comes despite objections from government watchdog groups urging Pritzker to veto it.
Advocates for the bill argue it is essential to align benefits for Chicago’s first responders with those of their peers elsewhere in Illinois.
Although the measure sailed through the General Assembly with broad support, it faced warnings from city officials like Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski about its potential to escalate Chicago’s unfunded pension liabilities by $11 billion.
The city is already grappling with an approximate $1 billion deficit projected for 2026.
In a statement, the office of Mayor Brandon Johnson recognized that this amendment passed with a veto-proof majority and termed it an unfunded mandate amid a challenging budget scenario.
They indicated a commitment to working collaboratively with the Illinois General Assembly and local council members to identify long-term solutions for stabilizing the city’s pension funds.
In light of the significant fiscal implications, a Pritzker spokesperson expressed the governor’s expectation that Chicago will handle these changes with careful planning and fiscal discipline.
Aside from the high-profile bills related to drinking water and pensions, various other new laws signed by Pritzker this past week touch upon critical issues across the state.
One such measure, House Bill 1806, establishes regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence in mental health therapy.
The law explicitly prohibits therapists from employing AI for independent therapeutic decisions, engaging directly with clients, or interpreting emotions and mental states.
Limited AI use is permitted for other designated support services.
This bill enjoyed unanimous approval and took effect immediately after the governor’s signature.
Additionally, Senate Bill 212 demands employers to pay nursing mothers for breaks taken to pump breast milk for up to a year following childbirth.
The law prohibits companies from requiring mothers to use their paid leave for these essential breaks, with its implementation slated for January.
Another important public health measure, House Bill 1910, mandates libraries to keep a supply of opioid overdose medication, specifically naloxone, in stock.
The law requires that at least one staff member in each library is trained to identify overdose situations and administer the medication, which is administered as a nasal spray.
In efforts to promote pandemic preparedness, Senate Bill 291 establishes the One Health Commission, which will foster better communication and collaboration between doctors, veterinarians, and other public health professionals concerned with zoonotic diseases.
The commission is tasked with submitting a report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2028.
The new legislation also outlines further training for police officers regarding trauma-informed practices for sexual assault investigations through Senate Bill 1195, known as Anna’s Law.
This legislation, named after a survivor who advocated for the initiative, aims to reduce trauma for victims during investigations and is set to take effect in January.
Furthermore, House Bill 2517 introduces a requirement for healthcare providers to undergo one hour of training on historic racial disparities in maternal care before renewing their state license, which will commence in July 2026.
Additionally, a new mandate under Senate Bill 1288 includes education on celiac disease as part of the existing certification required for food handlers in the state.
This training will focus on the symptoms of celiac disease and appropriate measures to avoid cross-contamination.
Among the unique initiatives is Senate Bill 1607, which forms a Freedom Trails Commission to identify, preserve, and promote historic sites in Illinois associated with the Underground Railroad.
The commission aims to function as a liaison with the National Park Service to enhance the understanding of this critical aspect of American history.
Moreover, Senate Bill 2040 provides the Illinois Commerce Commission with additional authority to combat predatory towing practices, allowing the revocation of licenses and seizure of tow trucks when necessary.
House Bill 2336 permits municipalities or fire districts to impose fees on assisted living facilities or nursing homes for non-emergency calls to fire departments requesting assistance in lifting residents.
This could present a strategy to alleviate burdens on local governments that are faced with increasing liabilities during such responses.
In terms of healthcare funding, House Bill 1141 mandates that insurance companies cover the full cost of anesthesia throughout the duration of procedures, rather than imposing time-related limitations.
This law addresses the complexities faced by patients and surgeons during lengthy medical procedures.
Finally, starting in January 2026, state-regulated insurance plans will need to include coverage for therapeutic horseback riding, which benefits various individuals with conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy through hippotherapy techniques.
In another notable safety measure, beginning July 2031, all newly purchased school buses in Illinois will be required to have seat belts that secure over the lap and shoulders for all passengers, although the law does not obligate schools to ensure compliance regarding seat belt fastening.
Overall, these legislative actions signify Governor Pritzker’s commitment to enhancing public health, safety, and welfare across Illinois, as he seeks to address the myriad challenges within the state.
image source from：abc7chicago
