This week, legislators will return to Springfield for the scheduled Veto Session, which will run from October 14 through 16 and resume from October 28 through 30. This period is traditionally set aside for lawmakers to review bills that were vetoed or amended by the Governor. It also serves as an opportunity to revisit legislation left unresolved during the spring session or to introduce new proposals before the end of the year.

Lawmakers could once again face several controversial proposals that were halted earlier this year but could be brought back up during the abbreviated fall session. Among such proposals is the Transit Bill, a billion-dollar bailout for Mayor Brandon Johnson that would have handed control of the regional transit board to Chicago while leaving suburban taxpayers to cover much of the cost. Lawmakers may also revisit a proposed $1.50 delivery tax on nearly every package delivered to Illinois homes, a new service tax on essentials such as haircuts and home repairs, and a so-called “mom and pop” tax on digital advertising that would have placed new burdens on family-run businesses trying to reach customers.

Republican lawmakers successfully blocked these measures during the spring session, but Senator XXXX warned that if they return and are forced through, they could drive up costs for families, threaten local jobs, and harm the small businesses that keep communities strong.

If lawmakers decide to introduce new bills or reconsider previously unpassed legislation during the Veto Session, they will need a three-fifths majority vote in both chambers for the measures to take immediate effect.