Illinois Congressional Bills

in committee · Illinois · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4487: Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Specifically, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2026. The act requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register. The VA is authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Illinois · House May 11, 2026

HR 8730: Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and manufacture of vehicles and related technology from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to address national security concerns. The law defines prohibited items as connected vehicles, their software, and hardware components and sets different effective dates, with vehicle bans starting in 2027 and hardware restrictions beginning in 2030. A government official can grant exceptions for specific items after reviewing security risks and notifying Congress, while the agency must publish annual reports on enforcement actions and compliance.

Topics ✗ Technology ✗ Transportation

in committee · Illinois · House May 11, 2026

HR 7995: CONNECT Act

The CONNECT Act updates the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program to better support older youth who have experienced foster care at age 14 or older. It requires the program to help these young people build lasting relationships with mentors, peers, and family members to reduce isolation and create support networks. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services issue guidance within a year of enactment, outlining eligible services, best practices for mentoring, and standards for notifying eligible youth about available programs. These changes aim to ensure youth in foster care receive written information about their permanency plans and have access to peer support and referrals to help achieve their long-term goals.

in committee · Illinois · Senate May 11, 2026

S 3062: GUARD Act

The GUARD Act requires companies providing AI chatbots to verify users' ages using reliable methods (like government IDs, not just self-reported birth dates) and prohibits minors under 18 from accessing "AI companions" designed for emotional interaction. It mandates clear disclosures that chatbots are not human and cannot falsely claim to be licensed professionals (e.g., therapists), while banning features that solicit minors for explicit content or promote violence. Covered entities must implement secure age verification processes for all accounts, including periodic checks, and face civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation for noncompliance. The law directly affects tech companies operating AI chatbots in the U.S. and aims to reduce minors' exposure to harmful AI interactions.

Topics ✓ Technology

Josh Hawley (R) · 20 co-sponsors

in committee · Illinois · House May 11, 2026

HR 7655: Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act

This bill requires states to connect foster youth aged 18-21 who are pregnant or parenting with home visiting programs and support services under existing federal law. It mandates that states certify they have systems to inform these youth about evidence-based home visiting services and provide tailored case management to help them access resources. The law directly affects expectant and parenting foster youth in care by expanding access to health, parenting, and stability services. Key provisions amend federal law to ensure these youth receive coordinated support through state child welfare systems. The changes take effect one year after enactment for new service plans.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Illinois · House May 11, 2026

HR 7529: Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act

The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act amends the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program to require states to provide legal counseling access for youth aging out of foster care, directly affecting current and former foster youth aged 18-21 transitioning to adulthood. Key provisions mandate that states certify their case planning processes address legal barriers impacting housing, education, employment, and family connections - such as court records, custody issues, and family relationship recognition. This ensures foster care systems proactively help youth navigate legal challenges during their transition to independence. The law applies to state plans approved one year after enactment, requiring states to integrate legal support into their transition services. It does not change funding but adds specific requirements for how states must address legal obstacles for foster youth.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Housing

in committee · Illinois · House May 11, 2026

HR 7343: Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act

This bill expands education and job training support for youth who have been in foster care since age 14 or older. It allows funding for apprenticeships, GED programs, and remedial education to help them earn diplomas or enter postsecondary training. The changes lower the eligibility age from 16 to 14 and extend participation time for remedial education (up to 6 years). It directly affects foster youth transitioning to adulthood by broadening access to workforce preparation programs.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Illinois · House May 8, 2026

HR 8690: Pregnant Women in Custody Act

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act establishes new federal standards to protect the health and rights of pregnant women held in Bureau of Prisons facilities, immigration detention centers, and refugee shelters. It mandates comprehensive medical care, including mandatory pregnancy testing, access to contraception, and specialized dietary and housing accommodations tailored to pregnancy needs. A central provision prohibits the use of restrictive housing and physical restraints during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum recovery period, with limited exceptions only for immediate safety threats. The legislation also requires facilities to provide nursery programs allowing mothers and infants to remain together, offers education on parental rights, and mandates regular reporting on health outcomes and the use of restrictive measures.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing ✓ Immigration

in committee · Illinois · House May 7, 2026

HJRES 177: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Fair Credit Reporting; Name-Only Matching Procedures".

This bill instructs Congress to reject a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that sought to cancel an earlier regulation on how credit reporting agencies match names. By disapproving this withdrawal, the legislation effectively keeps the original "Name-Only Matching Procedures" rule in place, requiring agencies to continue using those specific methods for verifying consumer identities. The measure directly impacts credit reporting companies and financial institutions that rely on these identity verification standards. If passed, the rule attempting to change the matching process will have no legal effect, maintaining the status quo for name-based identity checks.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Illinois · House May 7, 2026

HRES 1270: Expressing support for the designation of July 15, 2026, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day".

This resolution expresses support for designating July 15, 2026, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day to raise public awareness about this aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. The bill honors patients and caregivers while encouraging greater understanding of the urgent medical needs associated with the disease, which currently has a low survival rate and limited treatment options. It also calls for increased collaboration among government, private, and nonprofit organizations to advance research and develop better therapies for those affected.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Roger Williams (R) · 29 co-sponsors

in committee · Illinois · House May 7, 2026

HRES 1269: Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Cinco de Mayo holiday.

This resolution formally acknowledges the cultural and historical importance of Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrated by Mexican and Mexican-American communities. It commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, where Mexican forces defeated the French army, symbolizing resilience and the pursuit of self-determination. The text highlights the holiday's role in honoring diverse contributions to the United States and strengthening ties between Mexico and the U.S. Ultimately, the House of Representatives is encouraged to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

in committee · Illinois · House May 7, 2026

HRES 1268: Recognizing the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color".

This House Resolution designates the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color. It formally acknowledges the unique health challenges and disparities faced by pregnant people of color during the postpartum period. The measure does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise awareness and encourage support for maternal health equity initiatives.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Illinois Congressional Bills

Bill results