Fall Veto Session 2025

Transit passes: Lawmakers approved a $1.5 billion transit funding plan that was stripped of the several statewide tax increases that had derailed previous versions. Instead, the measure is fueled by revenue sources that currently feed the state’s Road Fund and an increased sales tax targeted to the Chicago area. Ben Szalinski covers the transit plan that capped off a busy veto session.

Immigration response passes: Aside from transit, immigration loomed large over session as it has since federal agents began Operation Midway Blitz last month. Gov. JB Pritzker began Thursday with a futile call for the feds to pause their aggressive tactics for Halloween weekend.

And the House finalized an immigration-focused bill just after 1 a.m. that would allow Illinois residents to sue immigration agents who violate their constitutional right. It would also limit where those agents can enforce civil immigration law. Brenden Moore covered that measure’s early-morning passage.

Energy passes: Gov. JB Pritzker says he’ll sign a major energy bill that incentivizes battery storage among a host of other actions. It cleared the Senate Thursday and the House the day prior. Advocates say it’ll drive down energy costs in the long run, but Republicans criticized it for adding a charge to ratepayer bills to subsidize battery storage.

Medical aid in dying passes: In a surprise move early Friday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1950, to legalize a process allowing doctors to prescribe terminally ill adults a lethal dose of medication. It now heads to the governor after stalling at the end of May.

Elections mixed bag: A measure Brenden Moore covered earlier this week that allows lawmakers to conceal certain personal information passed both chambers. But a broader election package contained in House Bill 575 did not clear either chamber.

Gambling: A measure to pave the way for two new horse racing tracks was moved to House Bill 2724 in an effort to pass it on the final day of session. But it once again stalled after clearing the Senate on Friday.

Pensions on hold: Peter Hancock has a story on a Tier 2 pension reform bill, which lawmakers advanced but never intended to fully pass in the veto session.

Insurance fails: A late developing insurance reform contained in House Bill 3799 cleared the Senate, but in a rare move, it failed in the House and was not called for postponed consideration.

Vetoed bill dies: Lawmakers didn’t overturn the only substantial bill that the governor vetoed this year. Treasurer Michael Frerichs says he’ll work with lawmakers and the governor for a new bill in the spring that will accomplish the original goal of allowing the treasurer to create an investment pool for nonprofits.

Redistricting: There was no action on redistricting in the veto session despite pressure from Washington Democrats.