When lawmakers returned to Springfield for the fall Veto Session, only a handful of vetoes were up for potential consideration. However, the session agenda quickly shifted toward advancing new and previously introduced legislation, including several controversial measures that have far-reaching consequences for businesses and Illinoisans across the state.

Among the most debated measures were a sweeping public transit bailout for the City of Chicago that was rushed through with little to no time to review final bill language, a short-sighted tax plan known as “decoupling” that effectively raises taxes on Illinois job creators, an $8 billion energy rate hike, and a polarizing proposal to pave the way for physician-assisted suicide.

Senate Republicans criticized both the process and the priorities of the Majority Party. Senate Republicans argued that using Veto Session to push through major policy changes in the middle of the night, with little public input or debate, is irresponsible and dangerous. These measures will have lasting and permanent consequences for families, businesses, and communities across Illinois.

The Senate is not scheduled to return to the Capitol until mid-January for the start of the 2026 spring session.