This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter provides a summary of the 2025 spring legislative session following the General Assembly's adjournment on June 1, 2025, and includes a new episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast, provides an update on immigration "sanctuary" county status, shares a link to register for the upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in the City and County of Philadelphia, Pa., makes counties aware of upcoming NACo webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner Kings Financial Consulting, Inc. and invites counties to join ISACo.
2025 SPRING LEGISLATIVE SESSION SUMMARY
The 104th Illinois General Assembly completed its work for the spring and adjourned during the early hours of June 1, 2025.
During the 2025 spring legislative session, 6,744 bills were filed. This excludes resolutions, proposed constitutional amendments and numerous amendments for individual bills.
In total, 432 bills were approved by both chambers. Put another way, 6.4 percent of introduced House and Senate bills made it to the Governor's desk.
ISACo tracked approximately 2,000 bills and took official positions of support or opposition on legislation 339 times during the 2025 spring session.
The General Assembly will reconvene for the Fall Veto Session. Legislative Leaders have suggested the possibility of convening prior to the Veto Session if it becomes necessary to revisit the SFY 2026 state budget following enactment of a federal budget.
This News and Views e-newsletter provides an initial overview of the more consequential legislation approved during the second year of the 104th General Assembly.
ISACo has prepared a comprehensive report on legislation approved by both chambers that affects or is of interest to counties. The report will be available in the coming days.
ISACo will highlight bills of interest to counties that were approved by both chambers in future News and Views e-newsletters. Additionally, ISACo will develop useful resources and materials with information about issues pertinent to counties.
Counties Count! Podcast
The legislation included in this end-of-session summary is also discussed in our latest Counties Count! Podcast. Stay informed by clicking on the image to listen to the podcast.
State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026 Budget
Prior to adjournment, Illinois lawmakers approved a $55.2 billion budget proposal aimed at closing a $1 billion shortfall through targeted tax increases and spending cuts. The approved budget includes $55.4 billion in revenues. The proposal, released just ahead of a key deadline, mirrors much of Governor JB Pritzker’s earlier spending blueprint, though it is about $200 million leaner. Key revenue sources include increased taxes on gambling, tobacco, and vape products, along with a tax amnesty program. It also implements the Governor's proposed $400 million cut to the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, affecting nearly 33,000 undocumented residents.
Governor Pritzker had previously indicated that he would veto a budget that included increases to income or sales taxes.
The approved budget includes the transfer of approximately $100 million in surpluses from various special state funds to help close the spending gap, with no current plans to repay those funds. It also incorporates the governor’s $75 million request to ensure the Tier Two pension system complies with Social Security’s minimum retirement benefit standards.
The plan allocates about $118 million in grants to support “Safety Net” hospitals and outlines $8.2 billion in new capital spending.
A tax amnesty program is projected to generate $228 million in revenue for the state—$30 million more than initially estimated in the Governor’s introduced budget, which did not account for revenues from the corporate franchise tax amnesty.
The budget also includes the Governor’s proposal to delay transferring the final 1 percent of gasoline sales tax revenue to the Road Fund, a move expected to retain approximately $171 million in the General Revenue Fund.
Additional revenue measures in the plan include a new tax on hotel “re-renters,” a digital wagering tax targeting a portion of online sports betting, and a fee imposed on Pharmacy Benefit Managers.
Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) for education will remain flat, with no increase this year. However, the $43 million property tax relief grant included under EBF will be put on hold pending a study to evaluate its effectiveness.
The budget includes 5 percent pay raises for legislators, bringing their annual salaries to $98,304. Democratic leaders emphasize that the proposal contains no broad-based tax hikes, instead focusing on ensuring corporations and high earners “pay their fair share.” Governor Pritzker had previously insisted he would veto any budget that increased income or sales taxes. The plan also incorporates $382 million in administrative cuts and tools to brace for potential federal funding disruptions.
The new state fiscal year begins on July 1, 2025.
The budget bills are listed below:
HB 2755 (Rep. Tarver, D-Chicago/Sen. Villanueva, D-Chicago) is the omnibus state revenue bill that includes provisions estimated to yield approximately $880 million in new state revenues.
SB 2510 (Senator Sims, D-Chicago/Speaker Welch, D-Westchester) is the appropriations bill. It includes $55.4 billion in anticipated revenues and $55.2 billion in expenditures.
HB 1075 (Speaker Welch, D-Westchester/Sen. Sims, D-Chicago) is the Budget Implementation bill (BIMP). The BIMP bill effectuates the state budget. This BIMP legislation includes several fund sweeps. Fund sweeps that may impact counties are available via this link.
HB 3374 (Rep. Rita, D-Blue Island/Sen. Sims, D-Chicago) is the bond authorization bill.
A statement issued by Governor JB Pritzker following passage of the SFY 2026 State Budget is available via this link.
STATE SHARED REVENUES
LGDF Remains at SFY 2025 Level
The county share of Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) revenue as a percentage of state income tax collections will remain at 6.47 percent of total personal income tax collections in SFY 2026. In other words, there is no change in the percentage share compared to the current state fiscal year.
ISACo will continue to work with our coalition partners to advocate for a restoration of LGDF distributions to the full 10% received by counties and municipalities prior to 2011. ISACo has prepared more information about LGDF in a Policy Brief. This resource will be updated following enactment of the new budget.
Personal Property Replacement Tax Diversions
The General Assembly continued the practice of diverting Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT) revenue away from local governments for use by the state for other purposes. The amount of the diversion in the SFY 2026 budget exceeds $389 million. ISACo has a Policy Brief with more information about PPRT that will be updated following enactment of the new budget.
KEY LEGISLATION APPROVED BY BOTH CHAMBERS
In addition to the budget, the General Assembly considered and approved several bills of significance during the final days of the spring session. Those bills are included below:
HB 3363 (Rep. Vella, D-Rockford/Sen. Peters, D-Chicago) is the State Public Defender Act. An analysis of the bill is available via this link.
SB 2437 (Sen. Aquino, D-Chicago/Rep. Moeller, D-Elgin) is the omnibus Medicaid bill.
HB 1697 (Rep. Manley, D-Romeoville/Sen. Koehler, D-Peoria) is the Prescription Drug Affordability Act.
SB 8 (Sen. Ellman, D-Naperville/Rep. Hirschauer, D-Batavia) is the Gun Safety Storage Act.
KEY LEGISLATION THAT DID NOT ADVANCE
Several significant bills did not make it through both chambers in the waning days of the spring legislative session. Those bills are listed below:
HB 3438 (Rep. Andrade, D-Chicago/Sen. Villivalam, D-Chicago) is the transit reform and funding bill. ISACo did not take a position on the legislation because of divergent positions among affected member counties. An analysis of the bill is available via this link. ISACo's Transit Reform Resource page is available via this link.
SB 40 (Sen. Preston, D-Chicago/Rep. Hoffman, D-Belleville) is the omnibus energy bill. This legislation as amended includes several provisions, including language authorizing (and limiting) county zoning and regulatory authority over energy storage facilities. The bill also restricts county authority to regulate solar panels on private property. An analysis of the bill is available via this link.
HB 1832 (Rep. Smith, D-Chicago/President Harmon, D-Oak Park) is the omnibus election bill. An analysis of the bill is available via this link.
SB 1937 (Sen. Martwick, D-Norridge/Rep. Kifowit, D-Aurora) is the Tier 2 pension bill. An analysis of the bill is available via this link.
SB 2427 (Sen. Castro, D-Elgin/Rep. Mussman, D-Schaumburg) is the classroom mobile phone ban.
SB 1784 (Sen. Sims, D-Chicago/Rep. Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria) is the Clean Slate Act.
SB 1950 (Sen. Holmes, D-Aurora/Rep. Gabel, D-Evanston) is the Medical Aid in Dying Act.
SB 2008 (Sen. Cervantes, D-Berwyn/Rep. Hoffman, D-Belleville) is the Statewide Innovation Development and Economy Act. An analysis of the bill is available via this link.
Please feel welcome to contact Legislative Advocacy and Research Manager Nekya Hall at nhall@isacoil.org with any questions about the spring legislative session. ISACo will continue to monitor and provide updates on approved bills as they advance to the Governor for his consideration.
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Federal Update - Immigration and "Sanctuary" County Status
On May 30, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a list identifying 396 counties as “sanctuary jurisdictions” under the directives of the Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens Executive Order. DHS noted that this list may be updated, and counties seeking clarification about their status are encouraged to contact sanctuaryjurisdictions@hq.dhs.gov.
This list has since been removed from the DHS website following criticism concerning its accuracy. It is unclear if the list has been removed permanently or if it will be revised and reposted. A statement from the National Sheriff's Association about the list is linked at the end of this story.
DHS has identified 96 counties in Illinois as having "sanctuary" status. This number appears excessive.
According to DHS, the designation reflects local policies that, in the department’s view, restrict collaboration and information-sharing with federal immigration authorities. However, there is no current federal statute that compels local governments to participate in immigration enforcement efforts.
Legal challenges have emerged in some jurisdictions where local officials honored Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests without a judicial warrant, leading to claims of unconstitutional detention under the Fourth Amendment. Meanwhile, certain states have enacted laws requiring local compliance with federal immigration enforcement, and these mandates have been upheld as constitutional by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in City of El Cenizo v. Texas.
DHS has stated that each designated jurisdiction will receive formal notification and is encouraged to reassess local policies to align with federal immigration enforcement objectives.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) advises counties to work closely with legal counsel to ensure any immigration-related practices adhere to applicable state and federal laws.
Additional Information
A statement from the National Sheriff's Association regarding the DHS list is available via this link.
DHS Removes List of 'Sanctuary' Cities After Sheriffs Push Back on Non-Compliant Label (Reuters)
NACo Annual Conference
The NACo Annual Conference is the premier gathering of elected and appointed officials from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs.
This year, the conference will take place from July 11, 2025, to July 14, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA.
County officials and staff will have the opportunity to participate in discussions of federal policies impacting counties, workshops lifting up county best practices, engaging general sessions, mobile tours across our host county and more.
This is a one-of-a-kind advocacy opportunity to strengthen our intergovernmental partnerships for years to come.
Click on this link to register for the conference.
Upcoming NACo Webinars
NACo has announced the following upcoming webinar opportunities. ISACo is a proud partner with NACo and encourages counties to participate in NACo membership and activities.
Efficiency in Action: Saving Millions, Serving Better — Summit County’s Success Story
(Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)
Join NACo for an insightful webinar that explores the transformative impact of the NEXT program in Summit County, Ohio. This workforce development initiative, powered by Unite Us technology, has not only helped working families achieve economic self-sufficiency but has also delivered millions of dollars in cost savings and hundreds of administrative hours saved. Learn how outdated manual processes slowed progress and created inefficiencies—until the program adopted secure data sharing, closed-loop referrals, and streamlined billing solutions to drive faster, more effective support.
Dive into the key results, including:
- $3M in first-year savings;
- $190K distributed to community organizations; and
- 591 administrative hours gained.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how technology can drive significant improvements in government efficiency and constituent outcomes. Register for the webinar today and join the conversation on transforming community services.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Impacts of Federal Action on Local Jurisdictions: A Conversation on County Administration
(Monday, June 16, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)
National policy has far-reaching implications across our entire country, but distilling its impacts on specific states and localities can be difficult. Join NACo staff and representatives of the National Association of County Administrators (NACA) for deep dive into how recent federal action is impacting county government administration and management. In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of county administrators as they unpack their local responses to the current federal and political environment and, ultimately, prioritize good governance and high-quality service delivery.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Building Trust: The Framework for Responsible AI
(Monday, June 23, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)
As AI becomes an integral part of business operations, the imperative for responsible integration with existing county technology grows. This webinar will explore the critical considerations and frameworks necessary for implementing AI ethically and effectively. By exploring the core themes of transparency, accountability, reliability, safety, privacy, security, fairness, and human oversight, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for harnessing AI's potential responsibly.
Our county guest speakers will share their experiences with AI deployments, providing valuable insights into overcoming challenges like reducing fears, addressing bias, and enhancing constituent trust. They'll share practical strategies for ensuring AI initiatives are both effective and efficient, delivering tangible benefits to communities.
Key Takeaways
- Transparency and Accountability: Discover how to ensure AI systems are open and accountable, enabling trust and preventing misuse by clearly defining roles and responsibilities.
- Reliability and Safety: Learn about robust validation techniques to ensure AI systems perform accurately and safely in varied scenarios, protecting public welfare.
- Privacy and Security: Gain insights into safeguarding sensitive data and securing AI systems from breaches, in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Fairness and Non-Discrimination: Understand how to design AI systems that avoid biased outcomes, ensuring equitable treatment for all demographics and upholding civil rights.
- Human Oversight and Autonomy: Explore the importance of maintaining informed human oversight in AI processes to empower individuals and preserve their agency in decision-making.
By attending this webinar, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to build a robust framework for responsible AI use.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
New BRECC Toolkit: Coal Communities’ Pathways for Economic Diversification
(Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)
Join the BRECC National Network to learn how coal counties are diversifying their economies through increasing housing supply, providing innovative workforce development opportunities and revitalizing downtowns. NACo will unveil our new economic diversification toolkit with six proven strategies for coal and other rural communities. For more information on BRECC's National Network learning series and other programming, visit naco.org/brecc.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Faster, Smarter Disaster Relief: How LA County Used AI & Geospatial Mapping to Deliver $20M in Aid
(Thursday, June 26, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)
Disaster response demands speed, coordination, and accessible tools to reach communities when they need it most. When wildfires struck LA County, officials launched two major relief programs in just two weeks - delivering $2,000 grants to impacted workers and up to $25,000 to affected businesses. Join LA County and AidKit to explore actionable strategies and replicable tech solutions that can strengthen your jurisdiction’s readiness for future crises.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategies for incorporating geospatial technology in disaster planning and response.
- Techniques for using identity verification tools to balance security and accessibility.
- Best practices for building public-private partnerships in times of crisis.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Kings Financial Consulting, Inc. is an industry-leading municipal advisory firm located in Monticello, Illinois, that assists Illinois municipal governmental entities with raising capital for their financing needs.
Kings Financial Consulting specializes in Illinois Public Finance with a focus in bond issuance, referendum assistance, post-issuance compliance, and many other financial-related services.
Click here to learn more about Kings Financial Consulting Inc.
Become an ISACo Member!
Is your county a member of ISACo? If not, why not?
ISACo is a statewide association whose mission is to empower county officials to provide excellent service to their residents.
ISACo member counties are comprised of forward-thinking public servants who recognize that the challenges confronting county governments require new and innovative ideas, collaborative solutions and collective advocacy at the state and federal levels of government.
Members of the association will benefit from education and training opportunities, peer-to-peer networking, shared resources and robust representation before policymakers at various levels of government. ISACo creates and connects county officials to these opportunities and successfully equips them to make counties ideal places to live, work and play.
If your county is interested in discussing membership in ISACo, please contact Member Services and Communications Manager Tiffani Homer at (217) 679-3368 or thomer@isacoil.org. ISACo member counties are listed here. Thank you for your consideration.