Lake County Board Legislative Committee Meeting - May 5, 2026

The Lake County Board Legislative Committee convened at 1:00 p.m. on May 5, 2026, with six members present (a quorum). The meeting included updates on state and federal legislative matters, approval of recent minutes, discussion of e-bike regulation, data centers, the Build Act, and a closed session to review executive session minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting by voice vote (motion by Member Paul, second by Member Gina).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered for items not on the agenda.

Springfield Update (Derek)

Derek provided an update on the Illinois legislative session:

• State Budget: April revenues came in at 13.2% of state revenues (above the historical 11.5%), creating an estimated $800 million surplus. Three possible budget scenarios were outlined: surgical spending, restoring some of the governor's proposed $1.1 billion sequestration, or rolling funds into FY2028 to address unknown deficits.
• Pensions: A tier-two safe harbor solution is unlikely before May 31; discussions will continue into summer.
• E-bikes (SB336): The Secretary of State’s proposal would create a universal statewide standard for e-bikes. Current language removed local government authority to impose stricter rules, but Derek reported that language restoring local flexibility (e.g., for forest preserves, park districts) is expected to be added in the House. Several members (Chair Hart, Member Paul, Member Gina) discussed the tension between a single statewide standard and local control for safety, with Paul arguing for local discretion (e.g., speed limits on trails). Derek noted the county could choose not to implement additional regulations if permitted.
• Data Centers: No draft legislation is circulating; competing hearings in House and Senate. The Power Act (environmental lobby) had a 45-minute subject matter hearing but has not advanced.
• Build Act: The Senate held subject matter hearings; the Illinois Municipal League released a competing package. Local zoning control remains a key sticking point. Derek noted it is unclear which components will pass by May 31.
• RIFL Act: Both House and Senate bills remain in committee and did not move forward, but discussions will continue over the summer.
• Other Requests: Chair Wasik asked about PTAB public hearings, Route 53, and the Build Act. Derek indicated the legislative funnel is tight; few heavy substantive bills are expected before the May 31 adjournment, with a possible lame-duck session in January 2027.

Federal Update (Clayton)

Clayton provided a federal legislative update:

• Reconciliation 2.0: House and Senate leadership unveiled a $72 billion package funding ICE ($38B), Border Patrol ($32B), DHS Secretary discretion ($5B), and White House/Secret Service ($1B) with no pay-fors. It aims to fund these agencies for three years, bypassing future shutdowns.
• Reconciliation 3.0: Potential future package focusing on healthcare changes (ACA), tax cuts, and clean energy credit rescissions, but difficult to pass given narrow margins and election-year dynamics.
• President’s FY27 Budget: Proposed 10% cut to domestic spending, including halving EPA, 13% cut to HUD, elimination of CDBG, and two-thirds cut to SBA. Clayton noted these are often not adopted by appropriators.
• Appropriations: Oversight hearings underway; drafts expected soon; election-year dynamics may push major decisions until after November.
• Reauthorizations: Farm bill (House version passed), surface transportation (IIJA expires Sept.), and WERTA (water resources) are due. The White House seeks changes to SNAP and other programs.
• Housing: The 21st Century Road to Housing Act passed the Senate with bipartisan support; House passage uncertain.
• AI Regulation: Limited consensus; legislation focusing on children’s safety and deepfakes may move; Member Jess expressed interest given local incidents.
• Fraud Prevention: White House task force targeting Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs.
• Congressionally Directed Spending: A $5 million Des Plaines water reclamation facility was a win for the county.
• BEAD Program: Illinois is one of three states not yet approved for broadband funding (with Oklahoma and one other); approval expected within a month.
• ADA Regulations: DOJ postponed rule on website accessibility for local governments until next year.

NACO Resolutions (May)

May announced the upcoming NACO annual conference (late July) and the process for submitting policy resolutions. Member Clark expressed interest in resolutions on railway safety, election cybersecurity funding, digital literacy/affordable connectivity, and AI policy (preventing federal preemption of local AI rules). The committee agreed to review proposed resolutions at the June meeting before submission.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved (minutes).
• State Legislative Priorities: The committee noted the ongoing work on e-bikes, data centers, and the Build Act, with staff continuing to advocate for local control.
• Federal Priorities: Committee members will monitor appropriations and reauthorizations, particularly the farm bill, surface transportation, and housing bills.
• NACO Resolutions: Staff will bring draft resolutions for committee review in June.
• Closed Session: The committee entered executive session to review closed session minutes. Upon return, they voted to accept the state’s attorney’s recommendation that none of the items be released to the public (motion by Gina, second by Jessica; voice vote passed).