This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes bills signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker, highlights a new episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast about the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," invites county officials and staff to the Local Officials Appreciation Picnic at the Illinois State Fair hosted by the State Treasurer’s office, links to articles ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, makes county officials and staff aware of available grant funding for outdoor fitness courts, reminds county officials about the upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, highlights ISACo corporate partner Mahoney, Silverman and Cross, LLC, and invites counties to join ISACo.

Governor Bill Actions

HB 3339 (P.A. 104-0018) - Road Camera-Human Trafficking

SB 0108 (P.A. 104-0021) - Crim Pro-Assessment Fees

SB 0852 (P.A. 104-002) - Transportation-Tech

SB 1344 (P.A. 104-0023) - Work Comp-Timing Required

SB 2266 (P.A. 104-0026) - EPA-Water Supplies

ISACo will include further updates on signed legislation in the News and Views e-newsletter when bills receive public act numbers. Our "Bills Approved by Both Chambers: Legislation of Interest to Counties" report will also be continuously updated. 

Bills of Interest to Counties in 2025

ISACo has published our Bills Approved by Both Chambers: Legislation of Interest to Counties in 2025 report. The report organizes approved bills by category, includes a synopsis and ISACo's position. The report will be updated frequently as the Governor signs legislation into law. Please click on the image for our most updated comprehensive report on bills approved by both chambers of interest to counties.

*An ISACo tracked bill includes bills that directly or tangentially impact county finances and operations, bills that may be of interest to county officials for the performance of their duties and legislation presented "for your information."  

ISACo's 2025 post-session information is available via this link.

New Episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast 

In this episode of the Counties Count! Podcast, we discuss the impact that the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" will have on counties and constituents. We invite you to listen and become a subscriber to this free podcast. Click on the image below to listen!

IEMA-OHS Recognizes Extreme Heat Safety Month

July is Extreme Heat Safety Month, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is asking everyone to understand the danger to you, your family, and your pets.

Tips on how to stay cool and the full press release is available via this link.

Local Officials Appreciation Picnic at the Illinois State Fair – Hosted by the State Treasurer’s Office

Join the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office for its annual appreciation picnic recognizing local government officials on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. CST on the Director’s Lawn at the Illinois State Fair. The event will feature lunch, games, and prize giveaways for all attendees. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs extends a warm invitation to leaders from local governments across Illinois to attend this special gathering in recognition of your service. Advance registration is encouraged and can be completed via this link.

Learning from Chicago: A Blueprint for Government Innovation

What can other governments learn from Chicago’s approach to utilizing data, technology, and innovation? A new resource from Government Executive highlights how the city is using digital tools and cross-sector partnerships to enhance public safety and the delivery of other services while fostering better resident engagement. You are cordially invited to a roundtable breakfast on July 22 in Chicago to explore key takeaways and practical strategies that can be adapted by counties and local governments nationwide. Additional information and registration are available via this link. 

What We're Reading

Archetype AI is Helping this Washington City Monitor Pedestrian Safety in Real Time (American City and County)

TSA to End Shoes-Off Policy for Airport Security Screening (ABC News)

State Ends Fiscal Year with Record Revenue (Capitol News Illinois)

Grant Funding Available for Outdoor Fitness Courts by National Fitness Campaign (NFC)

ISACo is excited to share an opportunity for county officials and staff to benefit their counties. County officials are invited to apply for an outdoor fitness court through ISACo's corporate sponsorship with National Fitness Campaign. 

National Fitness Campaign (NFC) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois have announced $750,000 in new grant funding to communities and schools in the state of Illinois. This funding will be allocated to support counties across the state to join the growing National Fitness Campaign, building healthy infrastructure for smart communities and schools of the future. 

If you are not familiar with the Campaign, the program is designed to bring world-class healthy infrastructure to public spaces, along with consulting, funding and community programming support. 

Information about National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is available via this link. 

Grant application information is available via this link. 

Click on the photo below to watch a video about NFC!

Please contact Member Services and Communications Manager Tiffani Homer at thomer@isacoil.org if you have additional questions. 

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.      

Unlock the Full Potential of Retirement Plans: Discover the Advantages of Today's Lifetime Income

(Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

A recent survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute® revealed that roughly ¾ of Americans fear they’ll run out of money before they run out of time. 

Join Nationwide and NACo EDGE for a presentation that discusses how lifetime income solutions can build participant confidence. Many misconceptions surround incorporating lifetime income into retirement planning. This presentation offers positive reality checks about solutions that can help participants achieve a more secure retirement.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

Proactively Defend Your Collection Rate: How Automation Makes It Possible

(Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

The path to payment is more complex than ever—and for county providers, that means that having a strong understanding of payer policies, claim prioritization and opportunities for automation is crucial.

By using automation and analytics to drive decision-making, county providers can have confidence in the actions they’re taking to facilitate cash flow and support the mission of the organizations they serve. Even in the midst of uncertainty. 

Join Leah Bezanson, Patient Revenue Supervisor at Minnesota Department of Human Services and Erica Gregory, SVP & GM, Revenue Cycle Management at Netsmart, for insights on how automation can help protect collection rates, enhance accuracy and improve data visibility.

Attendees can expect to gain an understanding of: 

•    Strategies for addressing large volumes of denials, especially as the move to privatized plans may be driving more denials and strenuous adjudication rules 
•    How to keep pace with the use of AI and automation among payers 
•    Real-world examples of a public sector organization using revenue cycle automation to accelerate cash and strengthen collection rates 
•    How supervisors and finance leaders can use automation to simplify the reimbursement process and support staff

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Legislative Landscape: Prescription Drug Costs & County Impacts

(Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

There is significant legislative activity at both the federal and state levels focused on prescription drug costs. These developments have important implications for employer-sponsored health plans, including how counties administer their prescription drug benefits and broader healthcare offerings.

This webinar from NACo's Public Promise Insurance will provide an overview of the current legislative landscape and highlight key trends expected to shape county benefit plans in 2025 and beyond. Hear directly from Leanna Gassaway, Vice President of Government Affairs at CVS Health, on what's unfolding in Washington and what it means for your county.

What will be covered:

• Overview of the prescription drug benefit landscape
• 2025 legislative proposals and litigation at both the federal and local level
• Potential impact on health insurance coverage, including implications on cost for plan sponsors
• Opportunities for you to engage on this important issue

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Robert's Rules 102: Advancing Your Meeting Mastery for Effective Governance

(Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

​​​​​​Robert’s Rules can help you run effective meetings. Don’t forget to attend “Roberts Rules 101 – Mastering the Basics” being held at the NACo Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pa.Whether you're a newbie or an experienced leader, Robert's Rules 102 goes beyond the basics to equip you with the skills needed to orchestrate meetings that truly make an impact. Learn to minimize disruptions, establish proper procedures and apply Robert's Rules to real-life parliamentary examples.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT  

The Law Firm of Mahoney, Silverman and Cross, LLC strives to provide superior legal representation with the objective of exceeding our clients’ expectations. Each member of our firm is committed to utilizing critical analysis and innovative approaches to achieve timely resolutions with the best possible results for our clients.  

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