Historically, the month of May has been the most turbulent of the Spring Session calendar months. Legislators in both chambers are busy ushering individual bills through the legislative process while simultaneously ramping up budget conversations. With the end of Session, there also comes a flurry of major issues coming to a head, last-minute items being considered, and, of course, new or enhanced revenue items popping up. This End of Session, we anticipate further discussions on new revenue proposals, tech regulation—especially on data privacy, AI, and data centers, and potentially new employment law mandates.  

Threat of New or Increased Taxation Proposals 

 This year, the Illinois Revenue Alliance, a coalition which advocates for progressive revenue sources, unveiled their agenda which included four unique proposals (SB 3353, SB 3486, SB 3376, SB 3796). In early May, these bills received a subject matter hearing in the Senate Revenue committee with robust testimony and debate between members and witnesses. Ramiro Hernandez, Vice President of Public Policy & Strategy, for the IL Chamber led our efforts in providing testimony in strong opposition to these efforts. As internal discussions in the House and Senate regarding these potential revenue sources continue, we will continue to express our concerns with these onerous taxation proposals. 

The month of May also signifies the final phase of many ongoing conversations which have taken place throughout that Spring Session. Large national debates and movements, which manifest in the State legislature, are often the focus of these extended conversations. While this trend has stayed consistent throughout the years, it is often difficult to predict what product will surface after negotiations. This year, data privacy, AI regulation, and data center water and energy usage regulations have dominated extended conversations and negotiations throughout the General Assembly.  

Tech and Data Center Regulations 

Whether it be in a member-only working group or in a 10.5-hour subject matter hearing, discussions regarding these topics have received significant private and public attention and consideration. At the beginning of the month, the House Judiciary Civil Committee and the House Consumer Protection Committee held a joint subject matter hearing on several bills which were previously discussed in an internal AI working group (HB 4557, HB 4705, HB 5044, HB 5756). Andrew Cunningham, Senior Director of Government Relations for the IL Chamber, submitted written testimony in opposition to HB 5044.  The Senate, on the other hand, heard and advanced several legislative measures (SB 315, SB 316, SB 317, SB 340) that covered several aspects of AI and tech regulations, such as comprehensive data privacy, strenuous requirements for frontier AI models, chatbot regulations, and increased consumer protections laws on new tech tools.  

Additionally, the House Energy & Environment Committee held a subject matter hearing on the Power Act (HB 5513), which is an omnibus piece of legislation supported by the environmental community that contains several onerous regulations on the data center industry—ranging from new mandated costs to onerous water and energy use reporting requirements. The IL Chamber submitted testimony in opposition to the legislation expressing the Chamber’s strong opposition to such onerous regulations on an industry that has been a driver for Illinois’ economy.   

Employment and Other Industry Regulations 

The biggest outstanding item for employers for the remaining weeks of Spring Session are the status of the Agreed Bill Process and the negotiations on the varying workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance bills. 

If you have been receiving the Government Relations teams’ updates or participating in our weekly Session call, you are very aware by now that labor announced they would no longer be participating in the long-standing and successful Agreed Bill Process for either Workers’ Comp or Unemployment Insurance. Our Vice President of Government Relations, Jordan Ryan, has been closely monitoring these issues. You are also more than likely aware that the Illinois Chamber, along with the other Joint Employers, has been attempting to push all stakeholders back to the table on the Agreed Bill Process.  

While there is still a great deal of time left in Session, and two weeks can be an eternity in May, there is hope that some form of agreement can be reached by EoS, as there have been productive meetings taking place on WC and UI over the last few weeks. Now as to how closely this agreement will resemble the traditional Agreed Bill Process remains to be seen, but the IL Chamber Team will keep you updated as these negotiations progress.  

Other items of concern for employers include the advancement of HB 4725 (Hoffman/Aquino), the Attorney General’s Worker Protection Unit bill and the last-minute movement of SB 3777 (Johnson), disparate impact expansion, out of Senate Judiciary.  

HB 4725, while in a substantially better place than as introduced due to significant intervention from employers lead by the Illinois Chamber, is primed for passage out of the Senate in the next week and will in all likelihood be signed into law by the Governor upon reaching his desk. This legislation will give the Illinois Attorney General unprecedented and unparalleled powers of enforcement on ALL employment statutes in the state. Though being touted as a tool to root out bad actors, the IL Chamber has serious concerns about the broad discretion and power given to the Office of the AG to use the Worker Protection Unit to investigate any claim, substantiated or otherwise. 

SB 3777 would not only create a state analog for disparate impact as currently interpreted by federal statue and, more importantly, case law, but also permit the IL Department of Human Rights and the courts to construe the policy as liberally as possible when considering disparate impact. This effectively creates a brand-new standard for employers and will require that all employment policies and practices be reconsidered, even if they have long been tested against federal standards for disparate impact. The IL Chamber will continue to work against the advancement of this piece of legislation.  

While bills in the House on these topics somewhat overlapped with the bills presented in the Senate, there were no pieces of legislation that have been considered by both chambers. With this lack of uniformity present, there are no guideposts as to what the opposite chambers may take up if their counterpart were to pass any substantive measure. It is evident that both the House and Senate have the appetite to act on these issues, but there is no shared roadmap.  As Illinois legislative session wraps up in the coming weeks, our team will be working tirelessly to make sure the voices of our valued members are heard. 

For more information on how to get involved with the Illinois Chamber or if you have any questions about the work our team is doing, please contact Cheryl Mezydlo, Director of Membership and Business Development for the Chamber at cmezydlo@ilchamber.org. 

Takeaways

• New amendments significantly restrict how employers draft employment, separation, and settlement agreements.
• Expanded leave laws require immediate policy and handbook updates.
• New AI restrictions directly impact recruiting, hiring, and other employment decisions, with notice and anti-discrimination requirements.

As 2025 draws to a close, employers should be aware of new Illinois employment laws going into effect in January 2026.

Below is a summary of the upcoming changes to Illinois law:

Amendment to Illinois Workplace Transparency Act

House Bill 3638 (Public Act 104-0320), signed by Governor JB Pritzker on August 15, 2025, amended the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act (“WTA”). Previously, the WTA prohibits, among other things, contracts or agreements that prevent employees from reporting unlawful workplace conduct. The updated law broadens that restriction, now forbidding any agreement that limits an employee’s ability to participate in concerted activities addressing workplace concerns.

The term “unlawful employment practice” has also been redefined. Instead of referring only to “unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation,” the statute now encompasses any act prohibited by the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and other applicable state or federal employment laws.

Further, under the Amended WTA, employment contracts can no longer include terms that: (i) shorten the statute of limitations for employee claims; (ii) apply the law of another state to claims involving Illinois employees, or (iii) require that claims be resolved outside Illinois.

Any clause attempting to do so is considered against public policy, void, and is severable from an otherwise valid agreement. The amendments also specify that when a separation or settlement agreement including confidentiality terms regarding unlawful employment practices, the consideration (compensation or benefit) for that confidentiality must be distinct from any consideration provided in exchange for releasing legal claims.

Lastly, confidentiality provisions related to unlawful employment practices can only be included if they reflect the employee’s documented preference. Employers are expressly barred from inserting language stating that confidentiality was the employee’s preference unless the employee has explicitly confirmed it.

Passage of Illinois Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act

Effective June 1, 2026, House Bill 2978 (Public Act 104-0259), known as the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act, creates new protections for Illinois employees whose newborns require care in a neonatal intensive care unit (“NICU”).

Under this law, Illinois workers are entitled to unpaid time off during the period their child is hospitalized in the NICU. Illinois employers with 16 to 50 employees must allow up to 10 days of leave, while employers with more than 50 employees must provide as many as 20 days of unpaid leave.

Amendment to Illinois Employee Blood and Organ Donation Leave Act

In August 2025, the Illinois Employee Blood and Organ Donation Leave Act was amended. House Bill 1616 (Public Act 104-0193) updates the Employee Blood and Organ Donation Leave Act to expand eligibility for organ donation leave. Under the new law, part-time employees can now take time off to donate an organ, a benefit that was previously available only to full-time workers. The amendment provides that for a part-time employee using leave to serve as an organ donor, the employer shall calculate the daily average pay the part-time employee received during his or her previous two months of employment and compensate the part-time employee in the amount of the daily average pay for the leave days used.

Amendment to Illinois Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act

In August 2025, the Illinois Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act was amended. Senate Bill 212 (Public Act 104-0076) updates the Illinois Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act to strengthen protections for breastfeeding employees. The revised law requires employers to provide nursing mothers reasonable break time that is fully paid at their regular rate of pay. It also makes clear that employers cannot require workers to use paid leave or reduce their pay for taking this break time.

Amendment to Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act

In August 2025, the Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act was amended. House Bill 1278 (Public Act 104-0171) updates the Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act to offer stronger protections for employees who document violent crimes. Under the amended law, an employer cannot fire, refuse to hire, discriminate against, or retaliate against a worker for using company-issued equipment to record a crime of violence, including domestic or sexual violence, against themselves or a family or household member.

The law also prohibits employers from taking away company-issued devices because an employee used them to capture or attempt to capture such incidents. Additionally, employers must provide employees with access to any photos or recordings of violent crimes stored on company equipment.

Amendment to Childcare Act of 1969

In August 2025, the Illinois Childcare Act of 1969 was amended. House Bill 3439 (Public Act 104-0307) updated the Illinois Child Care Act of 1969 to strengthen background check requirements for employees and volunteers. Under the new law, anyone working at a daycare center, daycare home, or group daycare home must complete a criminal background check every five years.

The amendment also creates a secure background check program run by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Through this program, daycare providers can hire an employee or volunteer on a probationary basis if the individual receives a qualifying result as determined by the Department.

Artificial Intelligence in Employment

Beginning in January 1, 2026, House Bill 3773 will amend portions of the Illinois Human Rights Act to prohibit employers from using artificial intelligence (“AI”) for many employment decisions including, “recruitment, hiring, promotion, renewal of employment, selection for training or apprenticeship, discharge, discipline, tenure, or the terms, privileges, or conditions of employment,” if such use discriminates employees on the basis of a protected class.

The statute amendment defines AI as a “machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments.”

The amended statute also makes it a civil rights violation for failing to notify employees of the employer’s use of AI and for using zip codes as a proxy for protected classes. The law also requires employers to provide notice to applicants and employees whenever AI is used in employment decisions.

The statute does not provide specifics on how notice to employees should be given. Dykema attorneys will monitor for additional guidance from the Illinois Department of Human Rights.

To learn more about any of the Illinois state law topics above and how they impact your business, or any other general questions, please contact the authors of this article, or your Dykema relationship attorney.

The Chamber certainly shares the Governor’s desire to build more housing, spur nuclear energy development to lower the cost of energy for consumers, and invest in vocational training programs. Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposal also relies on policies that could have negative impacts on business development, cost of living, and overall tax burden on Illinois job-creators. 

Today’s announcement that the State will be suspending the Data Center Investment Tax Credit, one of Illinois’ greatest economic development tools in recent history, risks accelerating the State’s negative economic outlook. Further, relying on flawed revenue and regulation proposals, such as the Net Operating Loss Deduction corporate tax change, the Social Media Platform Fee, the so-called “junk” fee ban, and misguided policy targeting our robust insurance industry, sends the wrong message to Illinois employers and the workers and communities they support. 

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce remains committed to working with the General Assembly, Governor’s Office, and willing partners to advance innovative solutions that prioritize economic growth, affordability, and fiscal stability.  

America’s 250th birthday is drawing national and international attention. In the midst of it all, Illinois has a powerful story to tell about our agriculture that feeds the world, our craftsmanship, manufacturing, and logistics networks, our creative entrepreneurs, and the generations of Illinoisians who have struggled to make good on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence for everyone in our country: equal rights, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Illinois America 250 Commission is looking beyond parades and  fireworks to make the most of this anniversary. We, and hundreds of our nonprofit, tourism, and municipal partners throughout the state, are using this once-in-a-lifetime anniversary to organize an inclusive, hyper-local statewide effort that uplifts under-told stories, builds pride of place, and spotlights for the nation how Illinoisians bring the ideals of Declaration of Independence to life. 

Across Illinois, many municipalities are already thinking strategically to ensure America’s 250th becomes a catalyst for connection, growth, and civic pride.

Rockford and Winnebago County are aligning riverfront development, arts festivals, and advanced manufacturing storytelling under a unified America 250 banner. They are bringing attention to their current story about innovation, not just their history

Quincy leaders are linking their region’s multi-generational heritage as a “helping community,” with walking tours, port history exhibits, and partnerships with local manufacturers whose businesses are modern extensions of that legacy.

Murphysboro is aligning forces with the John A. Logan Museum to provide multi-month series of experiences: a Daughters of the American Revolution exhibit, a ribbon cutting on a major new addition to the museum, a John A. Logan reenactment (complete with an ice cream social), and performances by the Murphysboro High School Band.

These communities are not simply hosting a celebratory event, they are scaffolding cultural development and business strategies onto the national anniversary. Of equal importance, they are fostering civic pride by centering local history and residents’ own stories.

Chambers play a key role in making Illinois’ America 250 celebration a success.

They can help bring sponsors to the table at community events, organize “shop local” campaigns, create directories for visitors, coordinate marketing efforts, engage volunteers, and ensure member businesses are prepared to capitalize on increased traffic.

Transformative events leave behind more than memories: they leave behind improved infrastructure, stronger partnerships, and enhanced reputation. If we organize with intention and coordinate  cross-sector partnerships, America’s 250th won’t just celebrate Illinois’ past, it will accelerate our future.

How Chambers Can Get Involved

Get connected
Become an official Illinois America 250 Community or Partner. You’ll gain access to planning calls, coordination support, and statewide visibility.

Align with local government
Encourage cities, villages, and towns to pass resolutions or adopt proclamations supporting the semiquincentennial. This builds civic momentum and formalizes local engagement.

Submit and promote events
Use the IL250.org calendar to list chamber-sponsored programs, workshops, public talks, and networking events tied to the anniversary to build enthusiasm and visibility.

Tie anniversary resources to member benefits
Use downloadable flyers, educational content, and passport promotions to boost member participation in heritage tourism and community service efforts. IL250.org provides downloadable toolkits, logos, and promotional materials that chambers can use immediately to promote local events and enhance communications.

Plug into IL America 250 programs

• Promote the IL America 250 – Passport to Illinois and highlight sites in your region.
• Celebrate volunteers by being an active participant of Illinois: United in Service.
• Capture members’ stories as part of IL Voices 250.
  • Conversations will be archived in the Library of Congress. (Forthcoming in March); Be part of the statewide read-along and organize a reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8th.

About Illinois Humanities

Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that spark conversation, foster reflection, build community, and strengthen civic engagement for everyone in Illinois. We provide free, high-quality humanities experience throughout Illinois, particularly for communities of color, individuals living on low incomes, counties and towns in rural areas, small arts and cultural organizations, and communities highly impacted by mass incarceration. Founded in 1974, we are the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities and supported by state, federal, and private funds.

Learn more at ilhumanities.org and on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn @ILHumanities.

About Illinois America 250 Commission

The official hub for Illinois America 250 can be found online at il250.org. There, Illinoisans can sign up to be a 250th partner; browse or submit events; access free educational and planning resources for schools, libraries, families and organizations; learn about or join local 250th communities and partners; and get updates on news and volunteer opportunities connected to Illinois America 250. Illinoisans who want to get involved in events near them can visit the community calendar at il250.org/events.

On February 27, 2026, the Illinois Chamber’s International Business Council convened global economists, diplomats, and business leaders at Instituto Cervantes of Chicago for the 2026 Global Trade Outlook, our annual event examining the forces reshaping international commerce. Hosted in partnership with Wintrust Financial, this year’s program opened with remarks from Manuel Valenzuela (Director, Instituto Cervantes), Peter A. Steinmeyer (Illinois Chamber Exec Board.), and Laura Ortega (Director, International Business Council), who introduced the theme “Global Trade at a Crossroad: Geopolitics, Fragmentation, and the Rise of AI” and underscored the Chamber’s role in connecting Illinois to global markets.

Keynote Highlights: A World of Shifting Rules, Not Shrinking Trade.

Dr. Phil Levy, Lead Economist at the World Bank, delivered a rigorous keynote outlining three forces defining today’s global landscape: intensifying geoeconomic, geopolitical, and policy fragmentation; rising uncertainty driven by tariff volatility and regulatory divergence; and resilient globalization despite growing barriers.

He noted that while global trade, FDI, and GDP have not collapsed amid turbulence, their underlying patterns are shifting. Global value chains continue to adapt, with multinational enterprises still accounting for a substantial share of world trading from 40% in 1990 to 64% in 2020.

However, Levy emphasized that policy fragmentation since the WTO’s Uruguay Round has weakened multilateralism, contributed to the rapid expansion of preferential trade agreements, and fueled a surge in trade‑restrictive measures, particularly among large, high‑income economies. The result is more frequent tariff shocks, reduced predictability, and delayed investment and supply‑chain reconfiguration as firms wait for clearer, more durable rules—suggesting that the full impact of recent tariff actions has yet to be realized.

Fireside Chat Insights

Following the keynote, Dr. Venkat Veeramani, Chief Economist at Wintrust Financial, moderated a fireside conversation that expanded to U.S. trade policy direction, tariff dynamics, shifting supply chains, the evolving role of the U.S. dollar amid de‑dollarization, and the influence of AI adoption on global investment patterns. The session underscored the interconnected nature of economic, technological, and policy forces, emphasizing that executives should prepare for policy‑driven volatility while leveraging productivity‑enhancing technologies to offset cost pressures and regulatory frictions.

Global Diplomatic Panel

Diplomatic leaders representing Mexico, ASEAN, the European Union, and Canada translated macro themes into regional strategies and concrete opportunities with Illinois. The panel moderated by Laura Ortega, explored topics such as nearshoring across North America, industrial policy and digital trade growth in Europe, ASEAN’s expanding role in supply‑chain diversification, and opportunities for deeper commercial partnerships across sectors.

Mexico: Nearshoring and USMCA Review

With U.S.–Midwest supply chains deeply interconnected, the discussion focused on nearshoring opportunities and the upcoming USMCA review, emphasizing the need to balance investment attraction with long‑term industrial, workforce, and energy strategies. Illinois stands to benefit from strengthened cross‑border supply chains in automotive/EV components, industrial machinery, food processing, and packaging, contingent on continued infrastructure upgrades and a clear, predictable regulatory framework.

Canada / Québec: Connectivity and Clean‑Energy Integration

Conversation highlighted how Canada and Québec are positioning for growth amid evolving U.S.–Canada policy alignment and potential USMCA outcomes. Priority areas include transportation corridors, clean‑energy integration, critical minerals, and cross‑border data flows supporting advanced manufacturing and AI. Illinois–Québec opportunities span battery supply chains, grid modernization, ag‑tech, and aerospace, enabled by regulatory coherence and practical approaches to economic‑security goals.

European Union / Portugal: De‑Risking and Standards Leadership

Against continued geopolitical and energy pressures, the EU discussion centered on aligning industrial policy with open‑market commitments while pursuing calibrated de‑risking. Opportunities for Illinois and EU partners—including Portugal—lie in standards collaboration, clean‑tech and clean energy investments, medical devices and life sciences partnerships, and digital‑trade enablement. Illinois’ strengths in R&D, universities, and logistics position the state as a valuable partner in innovation consortia and deployment testbeds.

ASEAN / Philippines: Economic Security and Diversification

With the Philippines chairing ASEAN in 2026, priorities include strengthening economic security, improving infrastructure, and enhancing regulatory transparency to maintain strategic neutrality while deepening regional integration. For Illinois firms, growth areas include agriculture and food systems, cold‑chain logistics, industrial tech, health tech, and smart‑port solutions. ASEAN partners emphasized the need for capacity‑building, clearer market‑entry guidance, and pilot projects that generate demonstrable commercial outcomes.

This year’s Global Trade Outlook provided the nearly one hundred attendees with valuable insights and new connections. As Dr. Levy noted, trade and FDI remain resilient, but rapidly shifting rules are reshaping where and how firms invest. The prudent response is not retreat but strategic adaptation. Companies best positioned for success will embrace data‑driven decision‑making, invest in operational resilience, and strengthen international partnerships—especially at the sub‑regional level—to turn uncertainty into advantage. Looking ahead, the strong engagement and feedback from participants position this program to grow even further, with increased member support expected to solidify it as a flagship annual initiative of the Illinois Chamber.

President Lincoln’s wise words resonate deeply with the mission of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, where businesses collaborate to achieve together what they cannot accomplish alone.

Consider the diverse industries we represent: advanced technology, agriculture and food processing architecture and engineering, banking, energy generation and distribution, healthcare, insurance, law, Manufacturing, maritime, professional services, freight transportation, railroads, utilities and much more. The “Who’s Who” of the companies from these industries have proudly been members of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce since its inception in 1919. Beyond this, the Chamber is honored to be a partner organization for the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. We have members in every State House and Senate District, and every Congressional District, serving as the sounding board for our elected officials from Chicago to St. the Metro East to Cairo and everywhere in between.

People often ask how the Chamber can effectively represent such a dynamic network of businesses and Chamber leaders from all parts of the State. The answer lies in the diversity of our governing Board of Directors and our amazing, dedicated staff, whose sole mission is to wake up every day and provide value for our membership. Our staff works tirelessly throughout the year, especially during the Illinois General Assembly legislative session, evaluating over 5,000 pieces of legislation to assess their impact on business and the future viability of our economy.

Through our partnership with UnitedHealthcare, the Chamber is able to provide significant health insurance savings to our vast network of small businesses and local chambers of commerce, who in turn provide for their employees. We keep our members informed about the latest business topics and trends through webinars and in-person seminars. Our partnership with the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform includes an Amicus Brief Committee to support our members in their time of need in the courts. Additionally, our International Business Council membership provides access to a global network, helping our members create new markets and gain a competitive edge.

It is truly an honor for me to serve as the Chair and interim CEO and President of the Chamber. Working alongside our professional staff and dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, I am confident that there is nothing we cannot achieve together. I wish you all success as we continue our mission to make Illinois the best state in the union for doing business.

We are always looking to welcome new members into the Chamber Family. Please feel free to reach out, and we would be delighted to add more diversity to our fold.

The company, as a subsidiary of American Water, has the resources and expertise necessary to address critical issues facing the industry, like treating for contaminants of emerging concern, climate variability impacts, cyber-threats, emerging regulatory compliance, and removing lead service lines. And with water and wastewater systems aging nationwide, Illinois American Water is investing significant capital to address infrastructure and resiliency needs.

Since 2015, Illinois American Water has invested more than $2 billion in water and wastewater system improvements across its service territory. During 2025, approximately $280 million was directed to system upgrades, from new pipes to hydrants to technology. The company is planning $570 million in completed or planned investment through 2027, with $412 million in water system and $158 million in wastewater system improvements.

Much of this investment is directed toward critical improvements for acquired water and wastewater systems. For many smaller municipalities, infrastructure challenges that require significant capital investment are a burden, and often capital improvements are thereby delayed, increasing the scope and cost of needed improvements. This can negatively impact rates and affordability.

When Illinois American Water looks to purchase a system, they develop community partnerships and work with local governments and organizations to understand their needs and usage, explore available options for delivery and treatment, and assess the most cost effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution for addressing the communities urgent water and wastewater system infrastructure needs.  The company analyzes how an acquisition will affect affordability, including the impact of the acquisition on future and current customers. 

Since 2017, Illinois American Water has spent more than $269 million to purchase 21 water and wastewater systems under the Illinois System Viability Act, adding 96,000 connections in 28 communities across 30 counties.  One such system was owned by the Village of Ransom, which for years faced a drinking-water-quality crisis, as two groundwater wells that supplied the system showed high levels of radium, leading the U.S. EPA to issue a consent decree and forcing the Village to provide bottled water to residents. By selling to Illinois American Water, Ransom avoided the system investment costs required to meet stringent state and federal regulations.  Upon purchase, Illinois American Water invested $2 million to install 10 miles of water main and connect the Village to the nearby Streator service area.  Within the first year of ownership, Ransom residents and businesses gained access to clean, safe drinking water in compliance with EPA requirements, satisfying the consent decree, and ceasing distribution of bottled water. Despite required initial investments, Ransom residents saw costs decrease post-acquisition. Operational efficiencies gained by connecting to Illinois American Water’s larger service area meant customer bills declined by 15% for an average user.

Through thoughtful, sustained investment, the company protects the customers and communities that it serves, supports economic growth, and builds the resilient infrastructure needed to serve current and future generations.  With the help of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois American Water is active in the State Capitol supporting policies that help the water industry provide clean, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services for Illinoisans. Dane Thull, Director of Government Relations for Illinois American Water, serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Illinois American Water is a solutions provider for utilities and communities and welcomes the opportunity to learn about your community’s water and wastewater needs. Contact: Chris Guy, chris.guy@amwater.com.

A strong workers’ compensation defense strategy begins long before a claim is filed. After all, an unexpected claim can costly regardless of industry. Strategic and proactive measures to prevent accidents coupled with an understanding of how to manage the claims that do arise are indispensable tools for businesses.

In a recent webcast, two of our workers’ compensation attorneys shared their insights and best practices to help employers confidently manage claims and achieve favorable outcomes.

For the full, in-depth discussion that helps employers protect its workforce and bottom line, watch the full presentation recording on demand.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The burden of proof lies with the petitioner.

In Illinois, first and foremost, it is the petitioner’s burden to prove all elements of their claim in a workers’ compensation claim.

Understanding the legal framework can help employers prepare appropriate responses to claims.

Prompt, comprehensive recordkeeping is essential.

In many states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, there is no discovery process for workers’ compensation claims. By the time a case goes to trial, which may be years later, witnesses may no longer accurately remember critical details. Documenting as much as possible at the initial investigation of an accident is critical and may make the difference between an accident that is compensable and one that is not.

Accident prevention reduces risk and strengthens defense.

Employers can take preventative measures to minimize the number of workers’ compensation claims they face. At trial, these measures can improve outcome by demonstrating the employer’s due diligence. Effective prevention tools include consistent employee training, thorough employee handbooks and a signed acknowledgement, and up-to-date signage in the workplace.

Watch the full presentation here

Altorfer developed an optimized 15kV site power system and successfully procured the primary electrical equipment including six transformers, facilitating installation in alignment with the project’s 15-month startup schedule beginning March 2022, at a total cost of $8.5 million.

The microgrid includes (4) 1,475 kW fully autonomous packaged power systems interconnected to the Delavan facility via a collector bus as shown in Figure 1. Three (3) power systems are sufficient to meet the facility peak demand with one (1) spare unit for maintenance and reliability (n+1), shown in Figure 2. This also included a 2,000 kW diesel for emergency backup power and the Beacon Power 320 kW flywheel system.  The flywheel system is needed to correct facility load swings and power quality issues.

The proposed Microgrid would provide for:

• Islanding or power for the facilities served
• Resilient power supply
• Back-up power via extra engine
• Auto black start capability
• Microgrid controller to manage site demand, minimize system downtime, auto black start, and automatically optimize generator dispatch to minimize operating costs in real-time and to provide intelligent monitoring.

Power System Improvements: In 2024 Caterpillar launched a suite of new containerized power systems to significantly reduce power system costs, reduce lead times and footprint, lower emissions, provide fast start, and improve reliability. Facilities can now secure islanding power equipment within six months at significantly lower cost leveraging the Cat DG Compact. See Figure 3.

Grid Connect: When the local utility completes system upgrades needed to supply the required 3.600 kW peak facility demand, the site power system can be repurposed for Dispatchable Standby Power.  In this mode, the site power system, operating in parallel with grid power, is utilized to reduce grid power costs by 50%.  This is accomplished by dispatching the site generation to avoid all peak power costs.  This includes:

• Zero out and eliminate PJM ISO capacity and transmission charges.
• Reduce utility demand, distribution, and state regulatory charges.
• Reduce retail power costs by 60% through purchasing lower cost real-time with site generation to hedge price spikes.

The conference opened with Jordan Ryan of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and Jeffrey Risch of Amundsen Davis, LLC, who delivered a comprehensive overview of significant state-level case law developments, statutory changes, and shifting administrative agency priorities. Their session highlighted the most consequential legislation to emerge from the 2025 Illinois General Assembly, while also offering a forward-looking perspective on what employers could expect in 2026. Attendees gained valuable insight into the Illinois Chamber’s ongoing policy initiatives and advocacy efforts, helping them prepare for regulatory trends on the horizon.

One of the most relevant and timely sessions addressed the rising use of artificial intelligence in human resources. Beverly Alfon of Amundsen Davis, LLC presented a detailed discussion on how AI tools were increasingly being used in recruiting, hiring, and other employment-related activities. She examined the compliance, privacy, and discrimination risks associated with AI and contrasted them with the operational efficiencies the technology can provide. Her session helped employers better understand how to responsibly integrate AI while navigating emerging legal standards.

After the morning break and visits with exhibitors, Jeff Risch returned to the stage to review key federal-level legal developments. He summarized recent changes from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor, EEOC, and NLRB, focusing on how new rules and guidance affected wage-and-hour compliance, union-related activity, workplace accommodations, and broader employment practices. His presentation offered practical takeaways that employers could immediately apply within their organizations.

Following lunch, participants turned their attention to the One Big Beautiful Bill—one of the most significant legislative actions impacting Illinois employers this year. Rebecca Bush of Amundsen Davis, LLC explained the sweeping reforms brought by the law, which had been signed on July 4, 2025. She discussed several key provisions, including new tax deductions and credits related to overtime pay, tip income, and other compensation categories. Her overview helped businesses understand the financial implications of the bill and how to prepare for its phased implementation.

The conference continued with an important update from Jane Flanagan, Director of the Illinois Department of Labor, who discussed new laws the agency had been tasked with administering and enforcing. Her remarks shed light on the department’s enforcement priorities, compliance expectations, and regulatory focus areas for the coming year.

The event concluded with the interactive “Stump the Labor & Employment Law Counsel” session, featuring Jeffrey Risch, Beverly Alfon, and Rebecca Bush. Attendees had the opportunity to pose real-world questions and receive direct guidance from leading legal authorities, making it a practical and engaging end to a highly informative conference.