The Floor Is Open: 2026 Floor Sessions Begin

Nicotine Stores Must Keep Distance From Schools

By Alex Dolgin

Note: A correction has been made regarding the quote by Senator Wallace.

SB 2393 was introduced on the Senate floor Friday night with the goal of restricting nicotine stores near schools.

The bill initially required new nicotine retailers to remain at least 100 feet from schools, while allowing existing businesses within that distance to remain through a grandfather clause.

Democratic senators argued that distance was too small and introduced an amendment increasing the restriction to 1,000 feet.

Sen. Adam Wallace (John A. Logan College) supported the measure. “This isn't partisan politics; this is common sense and basic human decency.” Wallace said.

Republican Sen. Angel Nunez (Roosevelt University) expressed mixed feelings.

“I don’t believe the government should impede these businesses, but I also believe we should keep our kids safe,” Nunez said. Sen. Tyson Thompson (McKendree University) also supported the bill. “The safety of our children always comes first before making a quick buck,” Thompson said.

Senate Republicans Fail to Revive Death Penalty

By Gabriel Gurrola

Senate Republicans attempted to revive capital punishment in Illinois during debate on SB 0299.

The proposal would have reinstated the death penalty nearly 15 years after Illinois abolished it in March 2011.

“We’re still talking about the death penalty,” Majority Leader Sen. Rafael Manzo Jr. (Purdue University Northwest) said.

Sen. Tyson Thompson (McKendree University) supported the bill. “Justice and peace are what we are fighting for,” Thompson said.

Minority Leader Sen. Sean O’Brien (Governors State University) added, “It’s time to bring it back.”

The proposal failed with 11 votes in favor, 28 opposed and four abstentions.

House Debates Public vs. Private Banking

By Gabriel Gurrola

Lawmakers debated public versus private banking during discussion of HB 3560, which would establish the Public Banking Option Act.

The legislation would create the Illinois Bank Account Board to help protect consumers who lack access to traditional banking services.

Democrats argued the bill would remove barriers such as identification requirements and protect consumers from predatory alternatives.

Republicans strongly opposed the proposal. Minority Leader Rep. Troy Robinson (John A. Logan College) argued the bill was politically motivated. “Stay with capitalism, down with socialism,” Robinson said.

Despite Republican opposition, the bill passed committee 6-3 and now moves to the House floor.

Not Our Sweet Tea!

By Destiny Thomas

The Illinois Caffeine Regulation Act would ban the sale of caffeinated beverages on publicly funded university campuses. Rep. Walsh argued caffeine sales contribute to addiction among students.

“Many institutions use the sale of energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages to get our students hooked for life,” Walsh said.

Democrats countered that caffeine consumption among adults is not a major concern. Democratic leader Rep. John Slater (Eastern Illinois University) concluded the debate with humor, referencing sweet tea and campus vending machines.

To fly or not to fly

By Destiny Thomas

The House floor addressed HB1160- the protect the flag act which discussed penalizing institutions which ban or remove the U.S. flag from display due to an official policy.

The provisions within this bill directly apply to institutions of higher education in Illinois which include public or private colleges, universities and similar post-secondary schools. Institutions like this could face ineligibility for state funding if they choose to ban the flag or remove it in accordance with an official policy. 

Schools would only regain their eligibility for funding after they fully restore the U.S. flag to all locations it had been removed, and reported restoration to the Illinois General Assembly and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. 

While this act directs institutions and not specific staff or students within, Democratic party leader Slater made points of the bills vague wording- what if the school banned the stickers of the flag? Would they be penalized and risk shutting down?

Democratic Rep Madelyn Gilbert painted a picture of what could happen- say a school did ban the flag and then reapplied within a few weeks… she asked the question that would spur the debate on “What public university would stay open another year (without state funding)?”

Republican Rep. Jones showed little concern for this question, pointing out the main argument of the republicans on the House floor Friday night “if a university decides to not display the American flag, they can also be prepared to lose American funding.”

In the end, the nays had it, failing in house as the last bill of the night.