City Cast Chicago logo
Display Ad: Children play near Chicago's Cloud Gate. "Big plans. Coming right up." with pizza graphic on left; "Enjoy Illinois. Meet in the middle." on right.

Local Civics: General Assembly Home Stretch

Posted on May 17, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

The sun sets over the Illinois State Capitol

Illinois State Capitol building (Patrick Emerson / Flickr)

Been caught up in Chicago politics and need a refresher on Springfield news before the legislative session ends Friday? We got you 👇

What’s on the table?

📜 Rideshare companies could become “common carriers” like taxis, meaning Uber and Lyft  — not just the driver — would be liable if a passenger was injured in the rideshare. 

📜 Salary transparency could become the norm in Illinois under a bill mandating job postings include pay ranges.

📜 Social media influencers under age 16 in the state might get a percentage of earnings under a new bill aimed at protecting “kidfluencers.”

📜 Native American history could be taught in Illinois schools as early as the 2024–25 school year.

📜 Human composting could be a green alternative to burials or cremations in Illinois. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy told the City Cast Chicago podcast why she plans to be composted after she dies.

What has a little more time?

📜 Budget talks continue as lawmakers negotiate the state’s 2024 fiscal plan, which isn’t technically due until July 1. But politicians know it’s easier to get votes before summer begins.

📜 The map for Chicago’s first elected school board is also due July 1. Early drafts faced criticism for not reflecting CPS’ racial makeup.

A couple days and a lot of bills

Share article

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.
Advertisement image

The latest in Chicago

Chicago's BestApril 24

Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town

The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic? And where can you find it around and th...

A self with memorabilia at the Chicago Magic Lounge.
Neighborhood GuidesApril 23

Where to Read in Chicago

It’s National Library Week through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an official crawl across Chicago...

A white building with pillars, on the street there are cars parked in front of it
Chicago, ExplainedApril 22

The End of an Era For Lincolnwood Town Center

Lincolnwood Town Center shuts down April 30 — depending who you ask. I went to the mall to check things out for myself.

Emmi Mack at Lincolnwood mall
Neighborhood GuidesApril 20

Celebrate 420 at These Chicago Dispensaries

It’s been a little over 6 years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. At the time, Gov. JB Pritzker called it the “most...

Three people standing in a room. In the back is art work. There are 4 paintings across, and 3 paintings down
Chicago, ExplainedApril 17

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

A security officer and his dog at a CTA Blue Line Station
Chicago's BestApril 15

Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities

As we mourn the Humboldt Park swan boats, there are still plenty of Chicago water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.

Swan boats dot the Humboldt Park lagoon on a sunny day. (Courtesy of J E Koonce / Flickr)
3 Questions WithApril 14

3 Questions With Chicago’s Poet Laureate

It’s National Poetry Month, and while you can find a variety of workshops and open mics in April, poets call Chicago home all year round.

A woman smiling while sitting. There is a potted plant in the back
Chicago HistoryApril 8

Who’s Preserving Chicago Family History?

If you are like me, all your family history lives within multiple photo albums and VHS tapes stored in your parents’ living room cabinets.

Group of adults and children sit in a circle around an infant lying down in a home