legislation

It's going to be a busy start to 2024 in Illinois as authorities begin to put into practice new laws that were passed this year. The new measures involve teen voting, book bans and distracted driving among many other issues.

The Illinois House passed a measure on Tuesday to hike the tobacco purchasing age to 21 from the current age of 18.

The bill Illinois Senator Carol Sente proposed to ban kids under the age of 12 from playing football has been agreed upon and passed by the house committee.

John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network The effort to allow the Mayor of Chicago to be recalled has the support of Gov. Bruce Rauner. Rauner says he’d sign the legislation introduced last month by State Reps. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) and Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), though he added that he’d prefer a statewide recall bill be considered by the General Assembly...

John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network Gov. Bruce Rauner’s amendatory vetoes on marijuana legislation may offer a glimpse into his administration’s pot policy. Rauner sent two bills dealing with marijuana back to legislators with recommended changes...

John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network A package of police reforms awaiting the governor's signature isn't meant to demonize the cops, according to supporters of the legislation. The changes include standards for how police-worn body cameras will be used, requiring independent investigations of officer-involved deaths, and providing annual training for officers on the use of force...

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Two Illinois lawmakers plan to propose bipartisan legislation Monday to combat growing heroin and prescription drug abuse. Democratic Rep. Lou Lang and Republican Rep. John Anthony say their bill follows a panel of lawmakers' meetings around the state to learn more about a rise in heroin use and its correlation to prescription drug abuse...

Dave Dahl -- Illinois Radio Network The sponsor of a bill which would change the way public schools are funded in Illinois is hoping to pick up where he left off last year. The last General Assembly adjourned with only the Senate having considered – and passed – a change to emphasize need in determining which school districts receive how much money...