This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter provides a look at the General Assembly's schedule, an update about legislation to establish the Office of the State Public Defender as an independent agency within the judicial branch of state government, shares ISACo's Transit Reform Page that includes analysis of introduced transit reform legislation, highlights several ISACo-tracked bills and provides a link to all legislation being tracked by ISACo, links to a resource explaining how to file a witness slip in support or opposition to legislation, reminds county officials that their Statement of Economic Interests filing is due on May 1, 2025, invites county officials and staff to follow ISACo on Facebook and X, links to articles ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, conveys information about the upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, highlights ISACo corporate partner Constellation Telecom and invites counties to join ISACo.

General Assembly Schedule

The House is in session this week from April 22-24. The Senate convenes on April 29. The next significant deadline is May 9, which is the date by which House bills must be approved by Senate Committees and Senate bills must be approved by House Committees. The House Calendar is available here. The Senate Calendar is available here.

Public Defender Legislation Advances to Senate

House Bill 3363 (Representative Vella, D-Rockford/Senator Peters, D-Chicago) proposes the creation of the State Public Defender Act. This legislation aims to establish the Office of the State Public Defender as an independent agency within the judicial branch of Illinois state government.

The changes include a provision affecting how appointments of public defenders would be handled. Under HB 3363, when a vacancy occurs in the position of public defender, the State Public Defender would nominate a candidate, and the State Public Defender Commission would confirm the appointment. This represents a shift from the current practice where local county boards or courts are responsible for such appointments.

The bill was amended and approved by the House on April 9 by a vote of 72-41. A review of the witness slips shows the Illinois Public Defender Association and several county public defender offices supportive of the bill (DuPage County, Jackson County, Grundy County, Johnson County, Kankakee County, Cook County, Lake County, Boone County, Christian County, Macon County, and Kane County). There are also several county public defender offices opposing the legislation (Madison County, Piatt County, Rock Island County, Massac County, Monroe County, Lee County, Jersey County and Douglas County).

ISACo's analysis of the legislation is available via this link.

Transit Reform Resource Page

ISACo’s Transit Reform Resource Page (available via this link) provides county officials with up-to-date information about legislation and policy proposals aimed at reforming transit governance, funding, and service delivery. As discussions continue about the future structure of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and its service boards, ISACo’s resource page serves as a central hub for bill analyses, policy briefs, and updates relevant to counties impacted by transit reform. The page is designed to support counties in understanding how proposed changes may affect local governance, funding obligations, and transit access for residents.

Highlighted Legislation 

HB 2419 - EPA-Local Siting Review (No Position)

HB 2458 - Local Government Administrative Adjudications (No Position)

HB 3725 - Local Government Billing Act (Under Review)

SB 2129 - IDOT-Local Government Portal (Support)

SB 2264 - Crime Free Housing Ordinance Prohibition (Oppose)

SB 2466 - OSLAD Grants to Local Governments (Support)

A complete list of ISACo-tracked bills is available via this link. ISACo staff continues to keep this resource for counties updated and current following the introduction of numerous amendments. ISACo-tracked bills are searchable by number, category, keyword, or whether they would create a mandate or reduce revenues. ISACo has taken positions on many of these bills in accordance with our County Platform. 

Filing a Witness Slip

ISACo has developed a resource explaining how county officials can fill out a witness slip in support or opposition to legislation scheduled for a committee hearing in the Illinois House or Senate. The fact sheet is available via this link.

Statement of Economic Interests

County officials are reminded that their Statement of Economic Interests must be submitted to the appropriate county clerk’s office no later than May 1, 2025, as required under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Officials required to file include elected and certain appointed officials, as well as employees with specified decision-making or supervisory responsibilities. To assist counties in understanding the filing requirements and disclosures, ISACo has developed a helpful resource that is available via this link.

Stay Connected with ISACo!

Want the latest updates on legislation, county news, and advocacy efforts? Follow the Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) on social media! Our platforms are a great way to stay informed about key issues affecting counties across Illinois — and to see what ISACo is doing on your behalf in Springfield and beyond.

Find us on X, Facebook, and YouTube for real-time updates and resources.

What We're Reading

New Medical License Pathway for International Doctors Could Alleviate Illinois Shortage (WBEZ)

Former Illinois Ag Director Chuck Hartke has Died (NPR)

Illinois Payroll Jobs Climb to Record High (IDPH)

Film and TV productions Have Spent Over $650M in Illinois Over the Past Year. Here's Why (Journal Star)

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.   

Social Security: The Choice of a Lifetime

(Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

The Nationwide Retirement Institute is here to provide county staff and retirees clarity regarding key retirement topics. As we start to think about our retirement, questions come up -- which is why Nationwide has created a range of helpful presentations to provide some answers.

One of the most important decisions you'll make regarding your retirement income is when to file for Social Security benefits. Get informed about your options; doing so could mean a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Navigating the ADA Frontier: From Fundamentals to Future-Ready Tools using MS's Digital Platform

(Thursday, April 24, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Supported Mothers, Thriving Children: Connecting Maternal Health and Child Wellbeing

(Thursday, April 24, 2025, 12:30pm-1:30pm CST)

Counties can significantly improve children's health and wellbeing by supporting maternal mental health through a variety of key strategies. In this webinar, speakers will explore examples of local policies and programs that bolster county efforts to holistically address child wellbeing through focusing on maternal mental health and substance use. Participants will gain insights into local options for addressing maternal mental health needs and substance misuse, learn about the challenges and triumphs experienced by county programs, and discover new opportunities to strengthen their local children’s health services.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 13

(Thursday, April 24, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

Join NACo for week nine of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

The Future of Work, a NACo EDGE Webinar

(Thursday, May 1, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Join NACo's Workforce Network for an engaging webinar on The Future of Work. With constant change in our counties, states, and national government as well as economic and workforce issues, the future of work is changing. Hear from County Administrators and HR experts on creative and innovative solutions on how they are recruiting and retaining employees. What are some secrets and best practices for attracting and retaining Generation Y and Z employees as they enter the workforce?

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

Federal Reforms to Medicaid Financing: What Counties Should Know (Part 1)

(Thursday, May 6, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

This two-part webinar series will examine the vital role Medicaid plays in supporting county-administered behavioral health and primary care services. It will also explore how proposed and ongoing federal financing reforms could impact counties—fiscally, operationally and in their ability to serve residents.
The series will highlight key areas for county engagement and advocacy, offering insights on how local leaders can help shape Medicaid’s future.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT  

Constellation Telecom 

Constellation Telecom is comprised of business telecom leaders who bring over 100 years of combined experience and knowledge – and no ties to any telecom provider or agency.

Constellation Telecom is able to obtain vendor quotes from hundreds of vendors for Phone Service, Phone Systems, both on Premises and also Cloud based, as well for Internet circuits, Cabling and IT support. The company will offer special pricing to ISACo members that will result in cost savings for participating counties.

Additional information about Constellation Telecom is available via this link.

Become an ISACo Member!