104th General Assembly

SB 90 (P.A. 104-0450): Expands who may request debt offsets through the Comptroller.

HB 111 (P.A. 104-0464): Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.

SB 408 (P.A. 104-0356): Provides that “Student Permanent Record” shall include a summary of performance for students who received special-education services. The records will be confidential.

SB 618 (P.A. 104-0451): Liquor Omnibus Bill. Among other things, it makes the state’s temporary “cocktails-to-go” law permanent.

HB 862 (P.A. 104-0465): Encourages efficiency by dissolving and merging numerous state special funds.

HB 1226 (P.A. 104-0169): Changes the age for when senior drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test when renewing their driver’s license.

SB 1504 (P.A. 104-0107): Helps ensure that all youth leaving the care of the Department of Children and Family Services have been provided the life skills necessary to become successful adults.

SB 1701 (P.A. 104-0118): Clarifies state laws with regard to collective bargaining for police.

SB 1799 (P.A. 104-0393): Amends the School Code to clarify terms and definitions with regard to “emergency situations.”

HB 1863 (P.A. 104-0435): Cleans up the statutes with regard to non-active commissions and advisory boards.

SB 2201 (P.A. 104-0412): Increases transparency to help provide better insight into the challenges and efforts within correctional facilities to manage contraband, support rehabilitation, and address health emergencies.

HB 2386 (P.A. 104-0216): Provides for the issuance of special license plates designated as “Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.”

HB 2517 (P.A. 104-0061): Requires health care workers who provide maternal health care services to participate in a training course that addresses potential maternal health risk factors associated with individuals who are part of a marginalized racial or ethnic group with increased maternal mortality rates.

HB 2801 (P.A. 104-0249): Requires the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to post a public form on its website for organizations to submit science, technology, engineering, arts, and math opportunities. These opportunities can include internships, externships, and volunteer work.

HB 2949 (P.A. 104-0466): Budget Implementation Bill.

HB 2962 (P.A. 104-0256): Creates a new classification of driving permit for multifunction school activity buses that carry up to 15 passengers, including the driver.

SB 3019 (P.A. 104-0468): Revenue Omnibus to Fund the Budget.

HB 3363 (P.A. 104-0300): Establishes a comprehensive State Public Defender system in Illinois and creates an independent agency within the judicial branch of state government.

SB 3365 (P.A. 104-0470): Medicaid Omnibus.

HB 3851 (P.A. 104-0338): Establishes that “cyber-bullying” also includes the posting or distribution of an unauthorized digital replica by electronic means if the posting or distribution creates any of the effects provided in the definition of “bullying,” and provides that bullying may take the form of posting or distributing sexually explicit images.

103rd General Assembly   

SB 1 (P.A. 103-0594): Creates the Department of Early Childhood.

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“Our Kids Fair continues to grow each year because families appreciate having a place where they can learn about services available to their children while enjoying a fun day together,” said Senator Harriss. “It was wonderful to see so many families connecting with community organizations and taking advantage of the resources offered.”

The free event provided families with access to valuable local and state resources while offering a variety of activities designed to entertain children of all ages. This year’s Kids Fair featured a popular foam party, face painting, balloon artistry, a touch-a-truck experience, and complimentary vision and hearing screenings.

“As legislators, serving our communities goes beyond our work in Springfield,” said Representative Elik. “Events like the Kids Fair allow us to connect directly with families, provide helpful information, and bring people together. We’re grateful for everyone who helped make this event such a success.”

Attendees also enjoyed free snacks and refreshments provided through the generous support of community sponsors, including Kraft Heinz, Meridian, and Granite City Route 66.

Senator Harriss and Representative Elik extend their sincere thanks to the many participating organizations, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners, including The Mill Events, whose support and dedication helped make this year’s Kids Fair another successful community event.

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“Supporting our 911 system and emergency communications network is one of the most important investments we can make in public safety,” said Senator Harriss. “This grant will help Madison County continue providing dependable emergency services while ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to serve residents effectively.”

The ETSB oversees and maintains Madison County’s enhanced 9-1-1 system, connecting residents with police, fire, and emergency medical personnel when they need help most. The new facility will provide long-term operational stability and support future technology upgrades as public safety needs continue to evolve.

Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser thanked Senator Harriss for her efforts in securing the state funding.

“Senator Harriss has consistently been a strong advocate for Madison County and understands the importance of investing in infrastructure that serves our residents every day,” said Chairman Slusser. “Her leadership in securing this grant funding will help strengthen a critical public safety asset while reducing costs to local taxpayers.”

In addition to enhancing emergency communications capabilities, the project is expected to support ongoing economic development efforts in downtown Wood River. The presence of county employees and visitors at the facility will increase activity in the area, helping drive foot traffic and supporting local businesses as the city continues its downtown revitalization efforts.

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“One of the most important parts of our job is providing helpful services and resources to the people we represent,” said Senator Harriss. “Events like this free shred day are just one way our offices can give back and help residents safely protect their personal information at no cost.”

“We’re pleased to bring this free event to Pontoon Beach,” Rep. Elik stated. “I hope that residents will take this opportunity to get rid of some documents you’ve been holding on to that need secure disposal. See you in Pontoon Beach!”

Event details are as follows:

Saturday, June 27

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

3 Regency Parkway, Granite City

To participate, simply drive to the location where staff will assist.

Questions can be directed to Rep. Elik’s office at elik@ilhousegop.org or 618-433-8046.

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“People are frustrated, and they have every right to be,” said Senator Jason Plummer. “Families are paying more for electricity, more at the gas pump, and more in property taxes, yet many feel like Springfield isn’t listening. That’s why these town halls matter. We work for the people of Illinois, and they deserve answers, transparency, and a government that focuses on their priorities instead of political agendas.”

The event provided constituents with an opportunity to hear directly from their state senators about legislative activity in Springfield and ask questions on a wide range of topics. Discussion focused on rising energy costs, the state’s motor fuel tax, increasing property taxes, education policy, and the legislative process in Springfield.

“We greatly appreciate everyone who took the time to attend and participate in the conversation,” said Senator Harriss. “These town halls are an important way for us to hear directly from the people we represent and provide transparency about the decisions being made in Springfield.”

Both Senators would like to thank the Edwardsville Gun Club for hosting the event and expressed their appreciation to Paul and the club staff for their continued hospitality and support.

Residents who were unable to attend are encouraged to contact either legislative office with questions, concerns, or requests for assistance with state government matters.

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This fun-filled community event will feature a variety of activities for children and families, including touch-a-truck, face painting, a foam party, balloon art, free food, and much more. The Kids Fair is designed to bring families together for a morning of entertainment, exploration, and community engagement.

The event is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the activities, and connect with local organizations and community resources.

For additional information, visit senatorericaharriss.com/event/kidsfair2026.

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Attendees will have the chance to hear directly from both senators about the work completed during the spring session, ask questions about state government, and share feedback on issues important to their communities. The town hall is intended to encourage open dialogue and ensure residents have access to information about decisions being made at the state level.

Senators Plummer and Harriss encourage residents to attend and participate in the discussion. The event is free and open to the public and will be held at the Edwardsville Gun Club.

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“Our firefighters and first responders work tirelessly to protect our communities, often operating with limited budgets and resources,” said Senator Harriss. “These grants help ensure departments have access to the equipment they need to respond effectively to emergencies and keep both residents and emergency personnel safe.”

The grants are part of a statewide initiative that awarded $6 million to 260 fire departments, fire protection districts, and EMS providers to assist with the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

Departments receiving grant funding in the 56th Senate District include:

• Village of East Alton Fire Department – $14,634
• Alton Fire Department – $18,452
• Granite City Fire Department – $25,988.38
• Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department – $25,827.48
• Roxana Fire Department – $26,000
• Village of Maryville Fire Department – $26,000
• Hamel Fire Protection District – $25,000
• City of Wood River Fire Department – $25,000
• Godfrey Fire Protection District – $20,260
• Glen Carbon Fire Protection District – $23,622
• Village of Bethalto Fire Department – $16,244
• O’Fallon Fire Department – $26,000
• Fairview Caseyville Township Fire Protection District – $24,000
• Village of Fairmont City Fire Department – $26,000

The Small Equipment Grant Program was created to help fire departments and nonprofit ambulance services address equipment needs that can be difficult to fund through local revenues alone. Grants of up to $26,000 are available for the purchase of essential small equipment that supports emergency response operations.

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The $7,320 grant will provide reimbursement for eligible equipment purchases and firefighter training expenses.

“Strong volunteer fire departments are vital to public safety in communities across Illinois,” said Senator Harriss. “Support for training and equipment helps ensure our firefighters are prepared to respond when residents need them most.”

The Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Program provides reimbursement for up to 50 percent of approved project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 per recipient.

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“Across our district, families are working hard to keep up with rising costs. Every month brings new challenges as people make careful decisions about how to stretch their paychecks. They deserve a state government that approaches their tax dollars with the same level of responsibility.

“I had hoped this budget would reflect that discipline and care. Unfortunately, it does not.

“This is the largest budget in state history, continuing a pattern of spending growth that has outpaced what many Illinois families have seen in their own household budgets. At a time when people are already feeling the strain of inflation, rising energy costs, and property taxes that climb year-after-year, this plan fails to provide meaningful relief.

“A budget that truly puts affordability first would have started with the everyday pressures facing families, seniors, and small businesses. Instead, this plan asks taxpayers to shoulder the burden of even more government spending.

“I voted no because I’m standing with the people I serve. They deserve a government that respects their hard work, lives within its means, and puts their family’s stability at the center of every decision.”

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