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The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office announced today that fire departments across the state are beginning the transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)—a secure, cloud-based platform built to modernize how emergency incidents are reported and analyzed. Departments across the country are onboarding to NERIS as part of a phased national rollout led by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T), and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced additional funding for two energy efficiency grant opportunities. The Energy Efficiency Assessment (EEA) Program has $350,000 in funding available for recipients to conduct energy efficiency assessments at properties serving residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal program. The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund (EETF) Program is offering $10 million in funding to implement projects previously identified in an energy efficiency assessment at eligible properties serving residents receiving housing assistance. These grant programs are now accepting applications.

Legislation creating the Public Official Safety and Privacy Act would prohibit the public posting or online display of a public official’s personal information once the official has requested privacy protection. The measure also amends several laws to allow redaction of home addresses from election filings, public records, and identification documents, and permits public officials to use work addresses on state-issued IDs and vehicle registrations. The proposal responds to growing concerns over online harassment and physical threats against public officials and would take effect immediately upon becoming law. Click on the title for additional information.

Legislation was approved by both chambers to authorize counties and municipalities to use Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds to support major tourism, entertainment, and retail projects, subject to approval by the Governor and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The bill also extends Illinois’ pass-through entity tax election, updates bonus depreciation conformity, and modifies the state’s film production tax credit, including limits on eligible executive producer wages and new payroll withholding rules. Additionally, the measure transfers funds to support state audit expenses and sets a 2039 sunset for awarding new film credits. The STAR bond authority is intended to promote large-scale economic development opportunities across the state, with counties now positioned to pursue qualifying projects in partnership with the state. Click on the title for more information.

Legislation expanding senior property tax relief and granting counties new flexibility in managing tax payments has been approved by both chambers. The measure raises income eligibility thresholds for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption beginning in tax year 2026 and clarifies delinquency dates and interest rates for first-installment 2025 property taxes. It also authorizes county clerks to offer payment plans and waive interest penalties for qualifying seniors participating in the tax deferral program. While the bill may modestly delay some property tax collections and reduce penalty revenue, counties and other taxing bodies will ultimately receive the underlying tax dollars. The changes aim to assist low- and fixed-income seniors while providing counties with tools to support taxpayers struggling to keep up with rising property costs. Click on the title for more information.