Dupage Policy Journal

The Illinois General Assembly concluded its final veto session for the year on October 31, with lawmakers returning to their districts until the next legislative session begins in January 2026. During the last days of the session, several notable bills were passed.

Among these was the Clean Slate Act (HB 1836), which will automatically seal certain eligible criminal records without requiring individuals to initiate the process. However, records related to serious crimes such as murder, sex offenses, human trafficking, Class X felonies, violent crimes, DUI, and domestic battery are not included in this automatic sealing.

Senate Bill 1911 allows Illinois to decouple from specific federal tax incentives that were recently extended at the national level. This move removes some tax breaks for businesses and manufacturers in Illinois and is expected to increase state taxes for these sectors.

Another significant measure was Senate Bill 25, known as the Energy Omnibus bill. It gives more authority to the Illinois Commerce Commission over energy rates and eliminates existing caps on rate increases. The bill also includes investments in battery storage but is projected to result in higher electricity costs.

The legislature also approved Senate Bill 1950, which legalizes physician-assisted suicide under a strict set of criteria.

Public transit reform was addressed through Senate Bill 2111. This legislation redirects existing revenue streams and grants additional financial decision-making powers to the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to address ongoing financial challenges faced by Metra, Pace, and Chicago Transit Authority systems. The law also changes governance structures for regional transit boards.

Senator Seth Lewis highlighted his involvement in negotiating reforms related to public transit funding and governance: "After two years of public hearings and intense negotiations, on October 31 I voted to support the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, landmark legislation that puts Illinois on a path toward a world-class transit system." He added: "The legislation secures long-term investments in Illinois infrastructure, implements an improved governance structure that holds transit agencies accountable to better service standards, and protects 15,000 current transit jobs held by hardworking Illinoisans in the transit industry."

Lewis noted that earlier versions of this legislation proposed new statewide taxes but those provisions were removed before passage: "While the final bill is not perfect, the version brought forward on Friday represents a substantial improvement and a meaningful step forward for our transit system and the communities it serves."

He explained further changes made through negotiations: "With more than $1 billion diverted from existing revenue streams that would have otherwise been passed on to taxpayers, Illinois will be able to stabilize its current transit operations. Equally important, it will fully fund paratransit for everyone in the Chicagoland region." The new NITA board will replace RTA’s board with expanded oversight powers starting June 1, 2026.

Senator Lewis also reported co-hosting a document shredding event and food drive with State Representative Amy Grant in Wheaton. Over three hundred people participated; donated items went to Milton Township Food Pantry.

As SNAP benefits may be affected by an ongoing federal government shutdown, Senator Lewis directed residents facing food insecurity toward resources available through the Illinois Department of Human Services.

On December 4th from 3-5 PM at Wheaton City Hall (303 W. Wesley Street), Senator Lewis will partner with Citizens Utility Board (CUB) for a free clinic focused on reducing household energy costs. Attendees can receive personalized consultations about their utility bills and learn about programs designed to help lower expenses. Registration details will soon be posted at the events page of Senator Lewis’ website.

Senator Lewis sponsored a Diwali celebration at the State Capitol alongside BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and several Hindu organizations from across Illinois. Diwali celebrates hope and renewal within Hindu tradition.

Regarding electric vehicle incentives, recent updates from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency have expanded eligibility criteria for rebates based on legislative changes made this year. Applications must now be submitted within six months after purchasing an eligible electric vehicle; low-income definitions have been revised; applicants must buy vehicles from licensed dealerships; ownership must be retained for one year; prior recipients are not eligible; only one rebate per individual is allowed. More information is available under the EV Rebate Act.

Additionally, Senator Lewis met with AP U.S. Government students from Addison Trail High School during their visit to Springfield last week.

Lewis has served as Republican State Senator representing Illinois’ 24th District since being elected in 2023.