SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois lawmakers ended 2025 with two bills left on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk and several plans failing to cross the finish line during veto session. WAND News is breaking down what you can expect during the 2026 session.

Democrats and clean energy advocates are excited about a massive energy bill awaiting the governor's signature, but Republicans and manufacturers argue it could hurt family budgets.

The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act calls for Illinois to build three gigawatts of utility-scale battery storage. It will also bring more wind and solar projects online, invest in geothermal technology, lift the state's nuclear moratorium and help Illinois agencies better plan for energy demand spikes.

"We'll incentivize an estimated 1.8 gigawatts for virtual power plants, which is energy storage, demand response and other technology at homes and businesses," said Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea). "This will be about 5% of our peak load."

However, Republicans and many downstate Illinoisans are concerned that this change will raise energy rates even higher. The Illinois Manufacturers' Association said the legislation will leave businesses and families with a $7 billion bill to pay for battery storage.

"Rather than bailing out battery storage developers and their hedge fund owners, the bill should utilize the Illinois Finance Authority to fund these projects at below market rates so developers assume the risk, not everyday Illinoisans," said IMA President and CEO Mark Denzler.

The Illinois Power Agency told lawmakers and reporters in October that deploying three gigawatts of battery storage could save Ameren and ComEd customers $13.4 billion over 20 years.

Another plan set for final approval could automatically seal records for people convicted of nonviolent felonies. The proposal would allow felony convictions currently eligible for expungement to be automatically sealed by a circuit court judge or the Illinois State Police.

Lawmakers passed legislation in 2017 to allow certain offenders with nonviolent felony convictions to apply for expungement. Although each of the state's 102 counties has addressed the record sealing process differently.

Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) and Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) said it is past time for a streamlined process to open doors for job opportunities and allow 1.7 million Illinoisans who served time to rebuild their lives.

"This does not extend the amount of crimes that are currently able to be sealed by petition, so it allows us to deal with the backlog of cases," Sims said.

Still, some are concerned about how much this change will cost. Opponents said the first year of implementation will cost $5.6 million, with costs rising each subsequent year.

"Obviously, there is no appropriation attached to this yet, which means the locals will need to find the money for it," said Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). "I think that this is a potential for a local property tax increase."

The Illinois House failed to pass a bill to ban cell phones in classrooms last year, but the idea could return for a vote this spring. 

Sponsors hope to require school districts adopt policies to ensure students do not use their cell phones during instructional time. Each school district would need to allow for exceptions in cases of emergencies, such as school shootings. Teachers would be allowed to incorporate cell phones for educational purposes as well.

"The schools must allow exceptions for the management of a student's healthcare, to fulfill an IEP or a 504 plan, or when the device is used for translation services for students who are second language learners," said Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg). 

Democrats are also committed to lowering home insurance rates this year. Senators passed a bill in October to protect homeowners from excessive rate increases and ensure transparency for customers, but the plan failed to move in the House. 

Sponsors want insurance companies to give homeowners at least 60 days' notice before nonrenewal, changes in coverage, or premium increases of 10% or more.

"Increases like 27% in a single year ought to be reviewed by a state regulator, and that's all we're asking," Pritzker said.

Insurers would need to use credible Illinois-specific data to set rates, and the Illinois Department of Insurance would have the ability to review filings, issue orders and require rebates if the rates are found unfair.

Multiple Republican lawmakers claimed those changes could force insurers to leave the state. Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) said Illinois is the 13th best-priced market for insurance.

"This legislation destroys confidence insurance companies have in operating in Illinois because it calls into question the solvency and the creditworthiness of all 200 companies that will be offering this product in Illinois if this legislation passes," Plummer said.

Pritzker told reporters that Democrats may have to adjust parts of the reform plan to gain more support before session resumes later this month. 

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