We’ve wrapped up a few very busy weeks in Springfield and it’s time for another Capitol Update! I’ve been passing a few bills, standing up for homeschool families, fighting against the mascot ban, and a little more!
BILLS
I passed four bills through the Illinois House during last week’s pivotal deadline week, all with unanimous support.
HB 1724 allows highway naming resolutions to pass through only one chamber of the General Assembly. Currently, memorial road namings often get held up in the second chamber, limiting the ability to honor local heroes.
HB 2139 updates and modernizes several parts of the America’s Central Port statute, to allow more efficient business operations at our local port.
HB 2179 clarifies the reporting requirements for assisted living facilities to ensure incidents and accidents are properly reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
HB 2863 requires transparency and robust notification when utility companies acquire water and sewer utilities.
These bills reflect my commitment to honoring our citizens, improving transparency, and supporting essential services across Illinois. Each measure helps remove red tape, protect consumers, and enhance efficiency in ways that will positively affect people across our state.
Each bill now awaits further action in the Senate. You can monitor their progress at ilga.gov or RepElik.com.
HOMESCHOOL ACT
I recorded a video over the weekend explain where we’re at with the Homeschool Act.
The Homeschool Act, HB 2827, was held on third reading and not brought for a vote by last Friday’s House bill deadline. This bill places unnecessary mandates on homeschool families and includes an annual registration scheme. The public has been vocal in opposition to this bill. My main concerns are about the cost of the mandates on different levels of government as well as the restrictions this will have on homeschool families.
This is a bad bill, and it couldn’t get the votes necessary to pass it through the House. Illinois has far bigger problems right now than mandating homeschool families. Although this bill could still come back, this is a big win for Illinois families.
The sponsor held HB 2827 on third reading, meaning it could still come back to for a vote prior to adjournment on May 31, however advocates across the state are pleased that the sponsor did not have necessary support to bring it to the floor for a vote. I am urging advocates to keep up the fight.
Your voices matter. Over the course of this legislation’s life, over 130,000 people have filed witness slips in opposition to this bill and its amendments. Republicans and Democrats have serious concerns about this bill. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so I urge homeschool advocates to remain diligent and informed.
As expected, the sponsor ruled the notes filed on the bill that were requesting information on the impact of this legislation inapplicable with all Republicans and a few Democrats voting “no.”
MASCOT BAN
I urged my colleagues to vote against HB 1237, which will require at least 90 school districts to change their mascots. This will cost school districts hundreds of thousands of dollars. This includes the Collinsville Kahoks and Granite City Warriors, who will likely have to change their mascots if this bill passes the Senate. Urge your Senators to vote NO!
PHOTOS FROM SPRINGFIELD
WHAT’S NEXT
I’m heading back to Springfield next week, and expect a busy remainder of session. I’m looking forward to sharing a few outreach events over the summer and fall that I think you’ll really enjoy!
Thanks for taking the time to read my Capitol Update! If you have any problems with a state agency, please reach out to my district office. Have a great week!
Amy Elik