While plenty of focus has been given to a bill aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois, there is plenty of other legislation being mulled in Springfield.
The General Assembly will be in session through the end of the month, and they’ll be deciding on a host of bills, including the state’s new fiscal year budget and measures related to technology, AI, education and much more.
While the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) bill is largely seen as a precursor to the Bears staying in Illinois, it could help other teams as well, including the Chicago Stars, who could potentially look to receive incentives to build a soccer-specific stadium in the city of Chicago thanks to programs baked into the bill.
The team is eyeing property currently owned by the CTA on Goose Island, but the site would require significant infrastructure improvements to be a feasible option, and the PILOT bill could help alleviate some of those concerns.
One of the biggest topics that’s been tackled by lawmakers is artificial intelligence, with nearly 50 bills focused on privacy, consumer protection and worker protection.
The debates come as the federal government weighs broader controls over the ability of states to pass legislation regarding AI, with President Donald Trump vowing to oppose increased regulations in the industry.
Among the Illinois bills is HB 5760, sponsored by State Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet, which would create the Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Workforce Transition Act. It would assess the impact of generative AI on industries, occupations, and workers, and would make recommendations based on what its findings are.
SB 2427, which passed the House in mid-April, would require schools to implement a wireless device policy, largely banning the use of wireless devices during school hours. There are exceptions for medical reasons and other learning-based factors, and the bill has been supported by some high-profile lawmakers, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
The Illinois Federation of Teachers has expressed concerns about the implementation of restrictions, and the development of the criteria each district would use.
The Senate still needs to pass the amended version the House passed, but had previously passed the legislation in April 2025.
Other pieces of legislation being mulled by legislators include Senate bill 2822, which would require companies to properly inform consumers of their rights when it comes to purchasing access to digital media, prohibiting them from using terms like “buy” or “purchase” without explaining the full ramifications of the transaction.
Another bill passed in the Senate would require higher education institutions to provide updated policies and education on gender-based violence.
State Sen. Rachel Ventura also spearheaded a bill that would lead the state of Illinois to investigate best practices for the use of psilocybin treatments for disorders such as PTSD.
The legislative session will come to an end on May 31, and in addition to the Bears bill, lawmakers will have to approve the state’s budget for the coming fiscal year.
