Sen. Jil Tracy

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 555 honors Constance M. "Connie" Niemann, a Quincy, Illinois community volunteer and leader who died on December 26, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to her family and acknowledges her decades of service through organizations like the Quincy Symphony Women's Board and the establishment of the Connie Niemann Wheeler Scholarship Fund. This memorial resolution has no policy impact, as it solely commemorates her life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 551) honoring Matthew Lynn "Matt" Lakin of Bluffs, Illinois, who died on December 25, 2025. The resolution formally mourns his passing, recognizes his life and contributions - including his career in radio (notably with *The Redneck Breakfast Club* on WJVO), his role in founding the Jacksonville Roller Hockey League, and his dedication to his family and community - and extends condolences to his wife, parents, siblings, and others who knew him. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute from the Illinois Senate. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Senate on January 14, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 538) mourning the death of Donald E. "Don" McCleary, a Liberty, Illinois farmer and community leader who passed away on December 3, 2025. The resolution honors his life, including his 34 years on the Liberty School Board, his work with agricultural groups, and his service to churches and local organizations. It extends condolences to his family and recognizes his awards, such as Adams County Outstanding Young Farmer and the Liberty High School Friend of Liberty Award. The Illinois Senate formally adopted this memorial resolution on January 14, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 762 makes a technical amendment to the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act. Specifically, it modifies a section related to the short title of the Act, which is a minor, non-substantive change.

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Removes provision stating that no organization licensee conducting its race meeting in a county bordering the Mississippi River and having a population greater than 230,000 may be a host track for its race meeting. Makes changes in provisions regarding organizations that may not conduct a horse race meeting, the standardbred racetrack in Cook County, the application for an organization license, and wagering. Adds provisions concerning the standardbred racetrack in Macon County. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the assessed value of residential property in any general assessment year shall not exceed the assessed value of the property in the last general assessment year multiplied by one plus the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index during the 12-month calendar year immediately preceding the general assessment year for which the reassessment is conducted. Provides that the limitation does not apply if the increase in assessment is attributable to an addition, improvement, or modification to the property. Preempts the power of home rule units to tax. Effective immediately.

Reaffirms a dedication to supporting the efforts of small and midsize manufacturers across Illinois. Urges the small and the midsize manufacturing industries and other relevant stakeholders to form a task force to develop meaningful recommendations for addressing the needs of small and midsize manufacturers in Illinois. Reaffirms a commitment to championing initiatives that ensure the success of small and midsize manufacturers in Illinois.

Amends the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act. Provides that, for persons dying on or after January 1, 2026, the exclusion amount shall be the applicable exclusion amount calculated under Section 2010 of the Internal Revenue Code as that Section exists on the effective date of the amendatory Act, including the inflation adjustment and including any deceased spousal unused exclusion amount (currently, the exclusion amount for Illinois estate tax purposes is $4,000,000). Effective immediately.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 385 is a memorial resolution. It formally mourns the death of Arthur Eugene Wilson, a resident of Springfield.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Removes provisions prohibiting the construction of new nuclear power reactors with a nameplate capacity of more than 300 megawatts of electricity to be located within the State until the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security finds that the United States Government has identified and approved a demonstrable technology or means for the disposal of high level nuclear waste.