This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes bills signed into legislation by Governor JB Pritzker, shares the Bills Approved by Both Chambers: Legislation of Interest to Counties in 2025 Report, highlights a new episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast that unpacks the urgent need for FEMA reform from a county government perspective, reports on The U.S. Department of Justice releasing a significantly narrowed list of jurisdictions considered to be sanctuary jurisdictions under Executive Order 14287, recaps the 2025 Midwest Staff Retreat in the Lake of the Ozarks, congratulates State Representative Marcus Evans, Jr. on his election as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), provides information about the 2025 Illinois State Fair and an appreciation picnic for local government officials, links to articles ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, makes county officials and staff aware of available grant funding for outdoor fitness courts in counties, conveys information about the upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, highlights ISACo corporate partner Comcast and invites counties to join ISACo.

Governor Bill Actions

HB 0028 (P.A. 104-0034) - Illinois Receivership Act

HB 0663 (P.A. 104-0038) - Local Government-Tech

HB 1083 (P.A. 104-0040) - Property-Gender Neutral

HB 1141 (P.A. 104-0042) – General Anesthesia Coverage

HB 1367 (P.A. 104-0048) - Twp Open Spaces-Lease Or Sale

HB 1910 (P.A. 104-0056) - Libraries-Opioid Antagonists

HB 2339 (P.A. 104-0058) - Wildlife Cd-Chronic Wasting

SB 0031 (P.A. 104-0066) - Court Review-Permanency Hearing

SB 0069 (P.A. 104-0068) - Ins Code-Riding Therapy

SB 0175 (P.A. 104-0073) - Ins Cd-Klinefelter Syndrome 

SB 0212 (P.A. 104-0076) - Nursing Mothers in Workplace 

SB 0220 (P.A. 104-0078) - Military Funeral Honors Leave

SB 0224 (P.A. 104-0079) - EPA- Water Main Installation

SB 1195 (P.A. 104-0084) - Trauma-Informed Response

SB 1301 (P.A. 104-0092) - Funds-Community Reinvestment

SB 1348 (P.A. 104-0096) - Sheriff-Process Service Fees

SB 1380 (P.A. 104-0097) - Cty Cd & Muni Cd-Utility Poles

SB 1422 (P.A. 104-0099) - Human Trafficking Recognition

SB 1491 (P.A. 104-0106) - Intervention Team-Therapy Dog

SB 1504 (P.A. 104-0107) - DCFS-Youth Independence Goal

SB 1612 (P.A. 104-0114) - Park Dist-Competitive Bids

SB 1701 (P.A. 104-0118) - Public Labor-Police Supervisor

SB 1909 (P.A. 104-0126) - Quick-Take-Kane County

SB 2001 (P.A. 104-0130) - Online Market-Illegal Goods

SB 2164 (P.A. 104-0135) - Wage Payment-Collection

SB 2175 (P.A. 104-0136) - Pers Cd-Va Appointments

SB 2314 (P.A. 104-0143) - Shoreline Restoration Funding

SB 2500 (P.A. 104-0155) - Mobile Mental Health Providers

SB 2506 (P.A. 104-0156) - DCEO-Zoning Task Force

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."  

New Episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast 

In this episode of the Counties Count! Podcast, we unpack the urgent need for FEMA reform from a county government perspective. As natural disasters grow in frequency and intensity, counties are often on the front lines—managing response, coordinating recovery, and facing bureaucratic hurdles that slow progress and strain local budgets. We explore key reforms under discussion in Washington, the gaps in FEMA’s current approach, and what counties need to better protect their communities. This conversation shines a spotlight on changes that matter to county leaders. Please click on the image below to listen to the Podcast.

As an additional resource, ISACo has prepared a Policy Brief about the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025. The Policy Brief is available by clicking on the image below:

DOJ Releases Updated Sanctuary Jurisdictions List, Including Four Counties

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a significantly narrowed list of jurisdictions considered to be sanctuary jurisdictions under Executive Order 14287. This article outlines the current counties included, the criteria used for designation, and implications for local governments moving forward. Additional information is available via this link.

2025 Midwest State Association Staff Retreat

The ISACo team recently had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Midwest State Association Staff Retreat, held last week at the beautiful Camden on the Lake in Missouri. The retreat brought together staff from county associations across the region for a dynamic and enriching experience.

Over the course of the retreat, attendees participated in collaborative sessions focused on strengthening local partnerships, enhancing communication strategies, and exploring key legislative and membership priorities. The agenda provided a wealth of opportunities for professional development, idea sharing, and strategic discussions. All of these endeavors have the goal of making our respective associations even more valuable to our member counties.

In addition to the informative sessions, the ISACo team enjoyed connecting with peers from across the Midwest over dinner, in breakout workshops, or aboard a scenic water taxi ride to Shady Gators. These moments of camaraderie reinforced the value of regional collaboration and shared learning.

ISACo extends sincere thanks to the Missouri Association of Counties for their exceptional hospitality and for organizing such a thoughtful and energizing retreat.

ISACo Congratulates State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

ISACo offers our congratulations to Illinois State Representative Marcus C. Evans Jr., for being elected President of the National Conference of State Legislatures during the Conference's Annual Summit in Boston, Massachusetts. Representative Evans brings strong leadership and a commitment to collaboration between state and local governments. The Summit provided opportunities to engage with legislators and staff from across the country and discuss issues of mutual interest to state and local government.

2025 Illinois State Fair

The 2025 Illinois State Fair is in full swing in Springfield, running now through August 17, 2025.

Visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of free entertainment—from Big Top Adventures’ daily circus performances and stunt shows to nightly free concerts at the Grand Central Stage at 7:30 p.m. This year’s Butter Cow, unveiled in the Dairy Building, plays on the fair’s theme “Adventure Awaits” and features a creative companion and hidden hearts symbolizing the nutritious goodness of milk. 

The Office of Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is hosting an appreciation picnic for local government officials on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The event will be held on the Director's Lawn from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. CST. It will feature lunch, games, and prize giveaways. 

What We're Reading

Aquifer Protection, Chicago Pension Boost Among More than 100 New Laws (Capitol News Illinois)

Tariff Uncertainty ‘Will Not Stop’ Central Illinois Farmers as Harvest Season Approaches (Peoria25News)

Pritzker Won't Rule Out a Presidential Run (Crains Chicago Business)

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. 

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.      

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. 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. 

Enhancing Child Welfare: Best Practices for Measuring and Improving Outcomes

(Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

​​​​​​Join NACo for an insightful webinar focusing on child welfare specifically designed for county governments. We will delve into evidence-based practices, informed funding decisions, cost efficiencies, and effective program management. Key areas of discussion will include out-of-home placements, prevention services, and reunification services.

During the webinar, NACo panel of county leaders will share the latest methodologies for outcomes monitoring and discuss the importance of translating these outcomes into actionable practices. Attendees will gain valuable insights into identifying service gaps, leveraging data for increased service utilization, and supporting fiscal efficiencies. This session will empower county executives and department leaders with strategies to measure outcomes effectively and implement best practices for continuous quality improvement. 

Key takeaways:
1.    Understanding the importance of outcomes monitoring
2.    Measuring and reporting best practices to enhance accountability and transparency
3.    Improving preventative and early intervention services
4.    Optimizing resource allocation and enhancing collaboration
5.    Implementing standardized assessments and continuous quality improvement initiatives

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Unity in Uncertainty: Thriving Through Turbulence

(Tuesday, October 9, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

​​​​​​This training will focus on the current operating environment and emphasize core partnerships to identify opportunities and strengthen infrastructure security and resilience. Comprehensive partnerships and diverse perspectives can solidify and fortify operations during uncertain times. 

Click on this link to register for the webinar.   

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT  

There for what matters™

The mission of UnitedHealthcare is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. UHC dedicates itself to this every day for our members by being there for what matters in moments big and small — from their earliest days, to their working years and through retirement.

Across the United States, UHC offers health benefit plans for all ages, all lifestyles and all kinds of budgets — including member programs for individuals and families, people with health insurance through work, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

They work with more than 1.3 million physicians and care professionals and over 6,700 hospitals and care facilities nationwide. Together, they work to provide more people with access to quality care when and where they need it.

Creating a better health care experience

UnitedHealthcare believes that when it comes to your health, everything matters. That’s why they are constantly working to improve the health care experience and make it deliver for the needs of everyone.

They know health care can be complicated, so they work to make it simpler — for patients as well as providers. Streamlining processes and providing answers helps make coverage easier to understand and use.

UHC believes everyone deserves quality health coverage they can afford. So they provide coverage options designed to fit all kinds of budgets, and always look for ways to take costs out of the system to improve affordability and access for all.

They focus on serving the individual, offering access to quality care, personalized solutions and support for every step of the way.

Click here to learn more about UnitedHealthcare.

Become an ISACo Member! 

Is your county a member of ISACo? If not, why not?