South Central Reporter

The legal battle over a controversial new election law, recently found unconstitutional by a Sangamon County judge, intensified this week as legislative allies of Governor JB Pritzker petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to review and reverse the ruling. Senate Bill 2412, signed into law by Governor Pritzker in May, introduced significant changes to an election process already underway. One of the law’s most contentious provisions aimed to halt the process of slating candidates to fill ballot vacancies—a process already in progress statewide.

The legislation drew swift and widespread criticism from good government groups and numerous newspaper editorial boards, who viewed it as a blatant power move by Illinois Democrats designed to safeguard incumbents and limit voter choices. In response to the controversy, candidates affected in the 2024 election cycle challenged the law, leading to a ruling in early June by a Sangamon County judge declaring the law unconstitutional for the 2024 election. Following this decision, Democrats are now seeking to overturn the ruling, appealing to the Illinois Supreme Court where Democrats hold a 5-2 majority.

During the 2024 spring legislative session, Senate Republicans stood up for consumers, supporting legislation that prohibits long-term and inequitable real estate listing agreements. Senate Bill 3420, which passed unanimously in the Senate, bans companies from entering into deceptive and costly long-term real estate listing agreements with homeowners. This legislation was prompted by public outcry following accusations against a Florida-based company operating in Illinois for engaging in deceitful business practices. The company targeted homeowners with equity in their homes but who were in financial distress, offering cash up front in exchange for exclusive listing rights lasting up to 40 years, which extended to heirs inheriting the property.

Under the new proposal, real estate listing agreements cannot exceed one year, and violators may face prosecution under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. The legislation unanimously cleared both chambers of the General Assembly and now awaits the Governor’s approval.

During the spring session, lawmakers worked together to address concerns about the future of historic bridges that pose potential safety risks to drivers and communities while still being used. Senate Bill 3622, sponsored by Senator Steve McClure, allows the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council to recommend that a bridge be removed from the National Register of Historic Places if it meets specific criteria: less than 22 feet wide with a banister at least 18 inches tall; located on or crossing a township road; and slated for renovation or rebuilding.

The proposal recognizes preserving historic places' importance while providing a pathway forward for much-needed repairs or replacements addressing safety concerns. SB 3622 passed unanimously in both chambers earlier this year and now awaits the Governor’s signature.

The Illinois State Fair is set to return to Springfield later this summer from August 8th to August 18th. The Du Quoin State Fair will then kick off on August 23rd and wrap up on September 2nd. Tickets for Grandstand events are now available with headliners such as Miranda Lambert, Lil Wayne, Motley Crue at Springfield's fair; Ashley McBride; Kansas; Mitchell Tenpenny at Du Quoin's grandstand.

For more information including schedules ticket purchases entry forms visit statefair.illinois.gov dsf.illinois.gov.