Stay Informed

GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:

State and Industry Reach Agreement to Delay Digital Transaction Tax: The State of Illinois has agreed to postpone the implementation of a 0.2% tax on cryptocurrency activities for six months, following negotiations between the Digital Chamber, the Illinois Blockchain Association, and state officials. This delay, pending judicial approval, aims to alleviate pressure from the crypto industry, which is seeking to challenge the constitutionality of the new tax. A joint request for the delay was filed in Sangamon County Circuit Court, allowing both sides to address constitutional and enforceability issues related to the Digital Asset Tax Act without further legal disputes over implementation timing. The agreed motion is here.

Nonbank Industry Advisory Council: The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) has established the Nonbank Industry Advisory Council (NIAC) to encourage dialogue between industry experts and state supervisors. Two representatives of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will serve on the council: Francisco Menchaca as Regulator Liaison and Bradley Fletcher as Alternate Regulator Liaison. The NIAC will provide a platform for industry members to engage with CSBS and state supervisors on issues related to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, the State Examination System, and broader nonbank supervision policies. Read more here.

Downstate Transit Grants Available: The Illinois Department of Transportation is accepting applications from downstate transit providers through October 30 for new capital projects. Up to $100 million will be awarded to projects that improve and expand transit, broaden transportation options, and enhance quality of life in downstate communities. Applications are available here.

Governor Continues Call for More AI Regulation: Governor Pritzker penned an op ed this week, warning that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence requires the same seriousness, cooperation, and foresight that American leaders demonstrated when confronting the dangers of nuclear proliferation. Read more here.

Prairie State Access Fund: The Michael Reese Health Trust is investing another $ 1.25 million to strengthen abortion access in Illinois. This includes a $650,000 grant from the Wally Nathan Go Big Fund and a $600,000 contribution from Michael and Cari Sacks to counteract federal cuts to reproductive health funding. The funds will support the Prairie State Access Fund, a public-private initiative with Governor JB Pritzker's administration, which was established in January with an initial $1 million raised by the trust. Read more here.

Emerging Contaminants Funding Opportunity: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is offering $21,806,000 in funding for projects that tackle emerging contaminants in drinking and source water in small or disadvantaged communities. This funding, provided through the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant Program, targets Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and manganese. Eligible projects are listed on the Illinois EPA’s Public Water Supply Loan Program Emerging Contaminant Intended Funding List for FY2027. More details can be found in a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the Illinois EPA website.  Read more here.

Tourism Grants Awarded: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $4.6 million in grants to 49 recipients to attract visitors and support tourism statewide. The funding includes $2 million for Route 66 projects, $2 million to market destinations and attractions across Illinois, and $654,000 to promote the state internationally. Read more here.

Life Policy Locator Program: The Illinois Department of Insurance reports the return of $9.3 million to consumers this year through its Life Policy Locator service for lost or unclaimed life insurance policies and annuities. Read more here.

Barber and Other Examinations to Be Offered in Multiple Languages: Beginning October 1, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will offer select licensing examinations for barber, cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology professions in five languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Gubernatorial Appointments: Governor Pritzker appointed the following:

• Melissa Brandenburg will serve as Executive Director of the Prisoner Review Board.
• James Hayes will serve as a Member of the Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees.
• Stacia Edwards will serve as Assistant Director / Chief Workforce Officer of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

104TH ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:

The Illinois General Assembly remains adjourned until the call of the Presiding Officers. Veto Session is scheduled for November 17 - 19 and December 1 - 3.

OTHER NEWS:

Corteva Settlement Announced: Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a coalition of 12 attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission, announced a proposed $35 million settlement with Corteva Inc., a major pesticide manufacturer. The settlement aims to lower pesticide prices for farmers by dismantling Corteva's loyalty program, which restricted distributors from working with generic competitors. This agreement is intended to improve farmers' access to lower-cost pesticide products after years of high prices. Read more here.

Labcorp Data Breach Settlement Announced: Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a bipartisan coalition of 44 state attorneys general, reached a settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach involving its debt collector, American Medical Collection Agency (AMCA). The breach affected the personal information of more than 27.5 million individuals, including 10.2 million Labcorp patients, and more than 175,000 impacted residents in Illinois. The coalition had previously settled with AMCA in 2021. Read more here.

Attorney General Calls for AI Regulation: Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition of 26 attorneys general in urging Congress to regulate the artificial intelligence industry immediately.  In their letter, the coalition cites recent incidents as evidence that unchecked AI development could threaten Americans, the financial system, critical infrastructure, and national security. The letter calls for prompt, substantive legislation requiring AI to advance deliberately, with safety and transparency built in, while preserving states’ authority to oversee the industry. Read more here.