Ancel Glink has released Quorum Forum Podcast Episode 106: Legislative Update. The Illinois General Assembly
recently concluded its spring legislative session and Ancel Glink’s Greg Jones and Tyler Smith join
us to talk about recent legislation local governments should know, including
updates on housing grants, e-bike and e-scooter regulations, hemp regulations,
and more! 

In This Episode:

  • [00:00]
    Baseball Fever:     Greg and Tyler discuss their favorite all-time
    and underrated players, including Lou Whitaker, Barry Bonds, and Anthony
    Rizzo.
  • [03:45]
    The “Build Plan” vs. The “REAL Act”:     We
    review Governor Pritzker’s Build Plan omnibus package, which sought to
    preempt local zoning for housing but ultimately failed to advance. We also
    discuss the IML’s alternative REAL Act.
  • [09:00]
    Housing Grants:     Even though the Build Plan didn’t pass, the FY27
    budget allocated hundreds of millions for housing, including funds for the
    Missing Middle program, SmartBuy, and Opening Doors.
  • [10:45]
    E-Bikes & E-Scooters:     New statewide standards
    for electric micromobility devices effectively preempt home rule authority
    for regulating these devices, starting January 1, 2027 .(SB3484)
  • [14:45]
    The Illinois Hemp Act & Cannabis:     Illinois repeals
    the Industrial Hemp Act to align with federal standards, effective
    November 12, 2026. This bill also doubles the legal possession limit for
    cannabis to 60 grams and extends dispensary hours to 2 a.m., subject to
    local zoning. (SB3222)
  • [17:45]
    Operational Updates:     Briefing on HB4541 regarding overpayments under
    the Unclaimed Property Act and HB1353 protecting volunteer emergency
    workers during training.
  • [19:30]
    Financial Posting & Trusts:     Coverage of HB2137
    regarding website financial posting requirements, SB638 on OPEB trust
    funds, and SB2102 on electronic filing receipts.
  • [22:45]
    Special Districts:     New rules for dissolving drainage and sanitation
    districts in certain counties (HB5166) and disconnecting park district
    territory (HB5542).
  • [26:15]
    Local Finance & IMRF:     Discussing SB2769
    (Business District fund transfers), SB2826 (IMRF separation benefits), and
    SB2836 (increased audit thresholds for FY27).
  • [29:30]
    Fire Protection & School Transfers:     Updates on HB4292
    (ambulance fund transfers), HB4909 (Taft-Hartley/IMRF contributions), and
    HB4375 (extending school fund transfer periods).
  • [33:00]
    School Code Changes:     An update covering psychologist qualifications
    (HB4397, effective July 1, 2027), CPR/AED training (HB4788), staff mental
    health procedures (HB4862, starting 2028), and service animal handling
    (SB2761).
  • [37:30]
    Rights & Protections:     Details on SB2914
    (expanded teacher dismissal warnings) and SB3361 (The Jett Hawkins Law
    regarding religious hairstyles), both effective immediately upon signing.
  • [39:45]
    Open Meetings Act:     Can you list “Personnel Issues” on a
    meeting agenda? We review a new binding opinion regarding employee
    termination and the Open Meetings Act.
  • [44:15]
    Upcoming Events:     A summary of where to catch Ancel Glink attorneys
    this summer and fall.